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The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development is organising the inaugural Al Ain Future Business Forum scheduled for September 28 and 29, 2026. The two-day event will be held at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region. This marks the first edition of the forum aimed at advancing the region’s economic agenda.
According to the forum website, the event seeks to shape the next phase of Al Ain’s economic growth through structured dialogue, increased confidence and concrete action. It will address four key themes covering capital investment and projects, production and manufacturing along with agriculture and logistics, enterprise growth with finance entrepreneurship and markets, and talent development with innovation and quality of life. The department has positioned the gathering as a flagship platform for stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable economic expansion.
Government leaders and policymakers will join local and international investors, family offices and business groups at the forum. Participants will also include small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, manufacturing firms, financial institutions as well as universities and research bodies. Representatives from the tourism, agriculture, technology and innovation sectors round out the expected attendee list.
Central Bank of the UAE projections show the national economy expanding by 5.2 percent in 2026 with the non-hydrocarbon sector growing 4.7 percent. A Ministry of Economy report highlighted that manufacturing activities posted 7.7 percent growth in the first quarter of 2025, outpacing other non-oil segments. These figures underscore the momentum in diversification efforts that the Al Ain forum intends to build upon.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development organises inaugural Al Ain Future Business Forum as part of ongoing initiatives to enhance public-private partnerships in the emirate. A related workshop titled Al Ain Horizons Towards the Future held in 2025 similarly focused on business environment improvements, the Abu Dhabi Media Office reported. Such events facilitate knowledge exchange among diverse economic participants in the region.
The forum website lists it as an opportunity for manufacturing companies and technology stakeholders to engage directly with policymakers on future opportunities in Al Ain. Al Ain serves as an important growth area within Abu Dhabi with strengths in agriculture and heritage tourism. Additional details on the programme are expected to be released in the coming weeks by the organising department.
