Global experts map future of investment, smart cities at Abu Dhabi's AIM Congress 2025

The AIM Congress 2025 concluded in Abu Dhabi earlier this week after three days of high-level discussions focused on reshaping global investment landscapes, smart city technologies, and international trade partnerships.
The event, which attracted more than 25,000 participants from 180 countries, highlighted the UAE's growing influence as a strategic investment hub and showcased emerging technologies transforming urban environments.
Smart city development emerged as a central theme of the congress, with panels exploring how artificial intelligence, 5G connectivity and renewable energy are creating more sustainable and resilient urban centres.
'Human-centric strategies must remain at the core of technological implementation,' said Akram Awad, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group, during a panel on smart cities. 'The Middle East has a unique opportunity to build cities that balance innovation with quality of life.'
The convergence of technologies supporting smart city development was a recurring theme, with Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), emphasising that 'renewable energy forms the backbone of truly sustainable urban environments.'
A separate panel explored how 5G technology is transforming urban governance and service delivery, with Jawad Abbassi, Head of MENA at GSMA, noting regional readiness for advanced telecommunications infrastructure.
Economic challenges
Zayed bin Aweidha, CEO of Abu Dhabi Investment Group (ADIG), warned of potential global economic turbulence during a Leaders' Panel on future manufacturing trends.
'Current economic indicators point to a potential economic crisis that may be more severe than the 2008 crisis, given that markets were in better shape at that time,' bin Aweidha said.
He noted that recent tariffs imposed by the US administration could exacerbate already challenging economic conditions, adding further pressure on the global economy.
Addressing the future of manufacturing, bin Aweidha explained that Industry 5.0 focuses on human-machine integration for sustainable productivity, while Industry 6.0 moves towards advanced AI and comprehensive digital transformation. However, he cautioned that achieving these advanced stages may prove difficult amid current financial pressures.
'In the event of another global economic crisis, many companies, especially those with uncollected debts, are likely to go bankrupt,' he warned.
Bin Aweidha also discussed corporate migration trends, noting that companies increasingly seek markets with lower operating costs, leading to movement from high-cost economic environments to more favourable ones.
Trade partnerships take centre stage
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, used the congress to outline the country's investment priorities and showcase its growing role as a global investment power.
'The UAE will continue to champion investment as an essential catalyst of development – where investment is geared towards expanding opportunities, unlocking potential, forging new industries, and driving prosperity,' Al Zeyoudi said in his opening remarks.
He highlighted the UAE's position as the 16th largest source of foreign investment globally, noting the country deployed $22.3 billion to international projects in 2023 alone. These investments span sectors from renewable energy to agriculture, with over $50 billion invested in clean energy projects across six continents.
The minister also participated in a roundtable on international trade agreements, where he emphasised the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership programme, which has concluded 27 deals, with eight already in force.
International engagement
The congress facilitated numerous bilateral discussions between UAE officials and international delegations. Al Zeyoudi held meetings with government representatives including Rustam Minnikhanov, Prime Minister of Tatarstan, and Hua Yuan, Vice Mayor of Shanghai, alongside trade ministers from across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, the Balkans and Oceania.
Interest from Indian businesses was particularly notable. Ali AlKaitoob, CEO of Investment and Promotion at Ajman Chamber, said: 'India remains one of our most significant trade and investment partners, particularly in light of the CEPA agreement signed with the UAE.'
He noted increasing interest from businesses looking to use the UAE as a gateway to India's market. 'We've seen growing interest from firms seeking to capitalise on the strategic advantages CEPA offers for expansion.'
Belarus also established a presence at the congress, with an exposition featuring the Free Economic Zones of Mogilev, Gomel-Raton, and Brest. The Belarusian delegation, which included National Bank Chairman Roman Golovchenko, showcased opportunities for creating production facilities in Belarus.
The event hosted specialised investment forums dedicated to various countries and regions, alongside a TradeTech Forum co-hosted with the World Economic Forum.
Diverse programme offerings
The congress featured eight main portfolios covering Foreign Direct Investment, Global Trade, Startups and Unicorns, Future Cities, Future Finance, Global Manufacturing, Digital Economy, and Entrepreneurs.
Pre-congress workshops addressed practical topics including municipal investment promotion, B2B sales strategies, market access for SMEs, and venture capital approaches. These sessions provided attendees with tangible tools for navigating the evolving investment landscape.
The AI World Championship, described as 'a unique competition format where artificial intelligence becomes not only a tool, but also the main driving force,' showcased AI solutions across sectors including healthcare, finance, and logistics.
Future outlook
As the congress concluded, it reinforced Abu Dhabi's position as a strategic hub for global investment conversations and highlighted the UAE's dual focus on inbound and outbound investment strategies.
The event's forward-looking agenda covered emerging investment trends including health equity challenges, local production enhancement, and the integration of artificial intelligence in city governance.
With participation from both established economic powers and developing markets, the AIM Congress 2025 demonstrated the increasingly interconnected nature of global investment landscapes and the central role the UAE is playing in facilitating cross-border economic collaboration.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Zawya

02-06-2025

• Zawya

Brazil and IRENA to host first Global Energy Planning Summit

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The Government of Brazil and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will co-host the 1st Energy Planning Summit on 3–4 June 2025 at the BNDES Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. The event will mark the official launch of the Global Coalition for Energy Planning (GCEP), a landmark initiative emerging from Brazil's 2024 G20 Presidency to help close the investment gap in the clean energy transition through improved energy planning. The Summit and the Coalition will contribute to building momentum ahead of COP30 in Brazil and other key global milestones. 'Although significant investment opportunities exist in emerging markets and developing economies, perceived risks remain a key barrier to investment, particularly from private sources,' said IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera. 'Brazil has demonstrated how long-term energy planning, which incorporates investment-ready strategies, can help reduce those risks, attract private capital, scale up renewables, and strengthen local supply chains.' 'As GCEP Secretariat, IRENA will leverage its near-universal membership and extensive repository of best practices for renewable energy planning and modelling to support countries, particularly in the Global South, in developing energy strategies that align with national development and climate goals.' H.E. Alexandre Silveira, Brazil's Minister of Mines and Energy, said: 'Promoting a just and effective energy transition necessarily requires recognizing the leadership of developing countries. By advancing the Global Coalition for Energy Planning, Brazil reaffirms its commitment to multilateral dialogue and to strengthening tools that connect strategic planning, public policy, and financing mechanisms in support of a more inclusive and sustainable energy future.' This high-level event will bring together senior officials from energy planning and finance ministries in a structured dialogue to establish a new global platform for cooperation. Expected outcomes include agreement on priority workstreams, a roadmap for thematic coordination, and an initial mapping of partners ready to collaborate. By demonstrating how robust planning can reduce risks and unlock investment, the Summit aims to strengthen political commitment to use energy planning as a strategic tool to inform national and international development strategies. Founding members and partners will sign a Letter of Principles at the Summit, outlining the Coalition's shared vision and guiding priorities. Effective energy planning is central to ensure that energy policy meets national and regional energy needs. About the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) IRENA is the lead intergovernmental agency for the renewables-based energy transition in pursuit of a systemic change across the energy sectors. A global energy agency comprised of 169 countries and the EU, with 14 additional countries in accession, IRENA provides knowledge, technical assistance and capacity building, project and investment facilitation. The Agency enables international cooperation and partnerships to fight climate change and promote sustainable development, energy access, energy security and resilient economies and societies. Contact information: Nicole Bockstaller, Chief, Communications Officer, IRENA, nbockstaller@

Al Etihad

29-05-2025

• Al Etihad

Tajikistan and UAE united in climate push as Dushanbe hosts glacier summit

29 May 2025 15:34 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Tajikistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Ashrafjon Gulov, said that the partnership between the UAE and Tajikistan is becoming a driving force for climate and water diplomacy, as Dushanbe is preparing to host a major international summit on glacier preservation.'When it comes to the water and climate partnership, Tajikistan and the UAE have a common vision in the international arena,' Gulov told Aletihad in an said that the UAE's growing role and experience in shaping global climate policies will be a key asset in achieving the goals of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration. The Declaration is set to launch during the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation, which kicked off in Dushanbe today and runs until June 1.'The UAE's enriched experience will significantly contribute to the advancement of the goals of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration, taking into account the country being recognised as a global partner in climate-forward policy, a host of COP28, and a significant global investor in sustainable energy.'Gulov also highlighted the Emirates Polar Programme, which supports scientific research and exploration to address global challenges, and the UAE's role as host of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), describing both as examples of the country's commitment to sustainability and shared vision has translated into a series of high-level engagements, with the Ambassador pointing out Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon's participation in COP28 in Dubai, the visit of UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna Al Dahak, to the Dushanbe Water Conference in June 2024, and the joint hosting of a High-Level Event on Glaciers' Preservation by both countries at COP29 in efforts will continue into this week's Dushanbe summit, held as part of the UN-declared International Year of Glaciers' Preservation. According to the Ambassador, the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation seeks to bring global attention to the urgent need to protect glaciers as essential sources of water, energy, and food security.'By raising the need for glacier preservation, the Conference aims to align glacier preservation efforts with global goals for water availability, energy, and food security,' Gulov explained, adding that it will also focus on mobilising financial and technical resources to support the resilience of mountain communities and the sustainability of ecosystems conference also marks a culmination of Tajikistan's long-running advocacy to put water and climate at the centre of international diplomacy. Ambassador Gulov recalled that President Emomali Rahmon has led several initiatives adopted by the UN between 1999 and 2025, including the International Year for Fresh Water, the Water for Life Decade, the International Year of Water Cooperation, and the current Water for Sustainable Development Decade. The country has also championed the Dushanbe Water Process and launched the UN Groups of Friends on Water and Glaciers, with the goal of building lasting international momentum and coalitions around the protection of these critical home to 60% of Central Asia's water resources, is already witnessing the impact of glacial retreat. Over 1,300 of the country's 14,000 glaciers have disappeared, while the iconic Fedchenko Glacier has shrunk by 44 square kilometres. According to UNEP, more than half of Central Asia's glaciers could vanish by 2050, putting over 64 million people at said the conference will focus not only on scientific solutions like glacier monitoring, remote sensing, and engineering, but also on practical adaptation measures, including sustainable water management and terrace farming.'Sustainable agriculture can help protect mountain ecosystems. Among other practices, terrace farming, tailored to mountainous terrain, improves water management, reduces soil erosion, and preserves cultural heritage. Sustainable agriculture and water management, agri-food systems can help adapt to the climate crisis and increase livelihood resilience.'According to Gulov, concrete outcomes of the conference will include the Dushanbe Declaration on Glaciers, the Dushanbe Appeal, the launch of a Glacier Preservation Coalition, and new public-private partnerships to support climate-resilient infrastructure. The results will be carried into COP30 and the UN High-Level Political on the outcomes of the summit, the UAE and Tajikistan plan to present a united front at COP30, the Ambassador said, calling for the integration of glacier preservation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), increased climate finance for glacier-dependent regions, and the formal recognition of cryosphere issues within UNFCCC processes.'By presenting a united front at COP30, the UAE and Tajikistan could elevate the discourse on glacier preservation, ensuring it becomes a central component of global climate action,' he added. The partnership is also looking beyond COP30. Tajikistan and the UAE are collaborating closely in preparation for the 3rd UN Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host with Senegal in 2026. Gulov said both countries intend to keep climate and water at the core of their joint diplomatic efforts.

Arabian Business

17-05-2025

• Arabian Business

UAE fintech sector to hit $6.43bn by 2030

The UAE is solidifying its position as a regional and global fintech hub, driven by forward-looking strategies, flexible regulatory frameworks, and strong support for innovation. The sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, spurred by government initiatives, evolving legislation, and rising investment and startup activity. Global confidence in the UAE's fintech ecosystem is reflected in international rankings and the country's leadership in financial digital transformation across the region. UAE fintech sector Abu Dhabi and Dubai have introduced clear regulatory structures through bodies such as Dubai's virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) – the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Initiatives like the Fintech Hive at DIFC and ADGM's Regulatory Laboratory have played a pivotal role in the sector's expansion. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the UAE's fintech market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.56 per cent from $3.56bn in 2025 to $6.43bn by 2030. Lukasz Rey, Managing Director and Partner, Middle East Head of Financial Institutions at the Boston Consulting Group, said that by 2028, the UAE's payment sector is projected to reach $27.3bn in revenues, with a CAGR of 7.8 per cent. Mohamed Fairooz, Middle East Lead at SC Ventures (Standard Chartered's innovation arm), said the UAE has become a regional leader in Fintech due to its advanced regulatory environment, digital infrastructure, and institutional support. He noted SC Ventures launched seven fintech startups in the UAE over the past year, creating more than 150 high-skilled jobs. This, he said, underscores investor confidence in the country's governance, data protection, and regulatory agility. Sabyasachi Goswami, CEO of Perfios, echoed the sentiment, crediting the UAE's progress to strong regulatory support—especially in areas such as open finance and financial inclusion. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by digital fraud and risk, but noted that the UAE has made significant strides in developing risk management solutions to keep pace with the rapid rise in digital transactions.