Dubai Rising: Global leaders to shape future business at Museum of the Future
Georgetown University, Dubai Media Council will host landmark business conference on Friday
DUBAI: Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, in collaboration with the Dubai Media Council, is set to host the highly anticipated conference, ‘Dubai Rising: Building Tomorrow’s Global Business Capital’, on 14 February at the Museum of the Future.
The event will bring together top officials, policymakers, business leaders, media professionals, and academic scholars from the UAE and the United States to discuss Dubai’s strategic vision for shaping the future of global commerce and sustainable economic growth.
Aligning with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the conference aims to reinforce Dubai’s role as a driving force for sustainable progress and prosperity worldwide.
Keynote addresses and discussions
The conference will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions from 25 distinguished speakers from both nations, who will examine the policies, investments, and technological advancements shaping Dubai’s business landscape over the next decade.
Mohammad Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, will deliver a keynote address titled The Blueprint for Sustainable Excellence, exploring the core pillars of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s GDP by 2033 and strengthen its status as a global financial and logistics powerhouse. Mohamed Alabbar, Founder and Chairman of Emaar Properties, will deliver the event’s closing remarks.
Commitment to knowledge sharing
Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating: “Our partnership with Georgetown University for this conference reflects the Dubai Media Council’s commitment, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, to fostering knowledge exchange, dialogue, and collaboration to advance excellence and innovation. This event provides a crucial platform for global thinkers and industry leaders to generate transformative ideas that align with Dubai’s leadership vision.”
Paul Almeida, Dean of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, underscored the event’s importance, noting: “We are honoured to bring together leading minds from the UAE, the United States, and beyond to discuss the future of global commerce and economic sustainability. Dubai has played a key role in supporting Georgetown University since we launched our EMBA programme at the DIFC Academy, and this conference aims to foster meaningful dialogue and strategic insights that will shape Dubai’s trajectory as a global business hub.”
Driving innovation
Ayesha bin Kalli, Project Management Expert at the Dubai Media Council, reaffirmed the Council’s mission: “This conference aligns with our vision of fostering dialogue to shape a new future for Dubai’s economic and business landscape. By engaging with international institutions and thought leaders, we aim to generate fresh perspectives that drive new cycles of progress and opportunity.”
Prashant Malaviya, Vice Dean of Programs at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, highlighted the institution’s role in talent development, stating: “The support of the Prime Minister's Office, the Dubai Media Council, the University Leadership Council, and the DIFC Authority has enabled Georgetown to play a pivotal role in nurturing the UAE’s growing talent pool. We take pride in shaping the next generation of business leaders and supporting Dubai’s ambitious economic vision.”
Exploring key economic themes
The conference will commence with a welcome address by Paul Almeida and Nehal Badri, followed by introductory remarks from Martina Strong, US Ambassador to the UAE. The agenda includes six key panel discussions addressing a diverse range of topics.
One of the sessions will focus on urban development and infrastructure investment, highlighting the significance of building physical, digital, and social frameworks that underpin Dubai’s economic growth. Another panel, led by the Dubai Media Council, will explore the role of Dubai’s creative economy in job creation, economic expansion, and global influence.
Other discussions will examine infrastructure investment challenges and opportunities over the next decade, with experts providing insights into financing models, sustainable growth initiatives, and Dubai’s evolving role as an international financial centre. Global business opportunities for Dubai will also be analysed, with industry leaders sharing perspectives on how the emirate is leveraging its strategic position to navigate economic shifts and regulatory changes.
AI’s transformative role
The impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on the business landscape will be a major focal point. Discussions will centre on AI-driven transformation in finance, logistics, media, and governance, as well as the role of fintech and digital innovation in unlocking new markets and business efficiencies.