The United Arab Emirates’ economy continues to demonstrate robust and accelerating growth, fueled by a clear vision, flexible legislation and a competitive business environment, according to Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri. The positive economic trajectory positions the UAE as a key player in attracting global investment and fostering sustainable opportunities.
Economic Growth and Diversification
Forecasts indicate the national economy will grow by more than 5% this year, with non-oil sectors exceeding 5.5% growth and contributing 78% to the overall GDP. This reflects the resilience and diversification of the UAE’s economic drivers, Al Marri stated during remarks at the “Investopia – Partners” event.
This positive performance is attributed to the country’s strategic vision and continuous updates to economic legislation and policies. Over the past few years, more than 40 laws and regulations have been modernized to facilitate business practices and enhance investment competitiveness.
Growth in Registered Companies
The number of companies registered in the national economic registry has seen a significant increase, rising from approximately 650,000 five years ago to over 1.45 million currently. This surge underscores the UAE’s attractiveness to companies and investments from around the world, with projections estimating 2 million companies by 2031.
Al Marri emphasized that directives from the UAE’s leadership to enhance ease of doing business, particularly through the Companies Law, have solidified the Emirates’ position as a global hub for family-owned businesses that employ the country as a primary base for managing their investments and operations worldwide.
Investopia 2026 Focus
The fifth edition of “Investopia” is focused on the shifts in global investment, with the UAE becoming a major gateway for sustainable investment opportunities and external expansion. In 2024, the country attracted more than $45 billion in foreign direct investment.
“Investopia – Partners” announced the launch of “Investopia 2026” in Abu Dhabi, under the theme “Creating Opportunities in a New Economic Era,” scheduled for March 31 to April 2. The event aims to attract a broad range of leaders, ministers, government officials, entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers from across the globe.
During the event, Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, was appointed as Co-Chair of the Investopia Board of Trustees, and Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, was named President of Investopia. This restructuring reflects a new governance model for Investopia and aims to leverage strong Emirati expertise to enhance investment opportunities and expand into vital and advanced economic sectors, strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors and supporting the vision and objectives of Investopia.
New Leadership Appointments
Al Marri congratulated Al Suwaidi and Al Hawi on their new positions, affirming that the Ministry of Investment is a key partner in supporting Investopia’s global presence and fostering vital and productive partnerships with governments and business communities.
A New Chapter
“This day marks the beginning of a new chapter in the journey of Investopia, with its adoption as a joint platform between the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism,” said Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment and Co-Chair of the Investopia Board of Trustees. “Investopia has played a pivotal role in strengthening the investment ecosystem in the UAE and establishing it as a global platform for dialogue and partnership.”
He added, “Over the past years, it has brought together thousands of participants and contributed to the signing of more than forty partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding in new economy sectors, in addition to its role in connecting global capital with high-potential opportunities.”
“With this new strategic collaborative approach, our investment and economic priorities are more closely aligned, enhancing the UAE’s position as a leading global destination for investment and reinforcing Investopia’s role as a catalyst for global partnerships,” Al Suwaidi continued.
Al Marri stated, “The world is witnessing continuous shifts in capital flows and ongoing economic changes. Through Investopia, we are keen to continue anticipating future investment trends regionally and internationally, and to enhance the UAE’s attractiveness to investors and businesspeople by leveraging the country’s business environment and available investment enablers, solidifying the UAE’s position as a global destination for business and the new economy.”
Edge Group’s Perspective
Hamad Al Marri, Managing Director and CEO of Edge Group, noted that the economic growth experienced by the UAE and its increasing global presence are driven by leadership that recognizes the importance of international dialogue and strategic partnerships. “As a national player in advanced technology and defense industries, Edge benefits from platforms like Investopia, which provide stimulating business environments in key markets, enabling national entities to explore and enhance strategic investment opportunities both domestically and internationally, and to fully leverage the diversity of our solutions, production capabilities, and advanced systems.”
Investopia 2026 Tracks
“Investopia 2026” will focus on three main tracks: entrepreneurship and startups, the new economy and partnerships, and global capital and its flows. These tracks will be explored through interactive sessions, workshops, and forums covering innovation, artificial intelligence, impact financing, and future technologies. The event will also include business forums, roundtables, interactive programs like pitch competitions and cultural tours, and awards recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs and innovators shaping the next generation of global economic leaders.
Looking Ahead
The event featured a ministerial session discussing the new visions and directions of Investopia and its role in stimulating investment in vital and sustainable economic sectors, empowering entrepreneurs and startups, and fostering innovation. Another session highlighted Investopia’s role in attracting investors and capital, and its contribution to supporting the country’s vision for growing new economy sectors and providing an integrated business environment that supports the growth of startups and encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
