Future Growth Nexus Summit 2026

The Future Growth Nexus Summit is a one-day, high-level summit delivered by Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) with Forbes Middle East, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority. Marking 30 years of DAFZ, it looks at how trade models, economic zones, logistics and digital commerce are changing, and at the policies that bring in investment and support cross-border growth.

Agenda themes

The programme runs from registration at 08:30 through keynotes and panels to a networking reception from 14:45, grouped into four themes.

• Future-ready logistics: resilience, adaptation and the new global trade reality
• Sustainability as strategy: a roadmap for net-zero trade
• The digital trade revolution: platforms, AI and blockchain for commerce
• Investment and innovation: powering the future of trade and logistics

Sessions include

Keynotes on smart trade policies for integrated economic zones and three decades of DAFZ, followed by panels.

• Redefining logistics for a secured future
• Streamlining the free zone model: from warehouses to air cargo
• Digital marketplaces as the new engine of cross-border commerce
• Predictive logistics and data-driven supply chains
• The new cost of trade: insurance, risk and pricing volatility
• Empowering SMEs and startups within integrated economic zones

Who attends

Government officials, free zone and economic zone leaders, logistics, aviation and cargo executives, trade platforms, investors and entrepreneurs. Confirmed speakers come from DIEZ, DAFZ, DP World, dnata, Maersk, DHL Supply Chain, FedEx, Airbus, GE Aerospace and Thales.

Tickets & passes

• Visitor Pass — Free: Complimentary; panel discussions, workshop area and exhibition area
• Delegate Pass — USD 200: Early-bird price (standard USD 400); premium seating, delegate lounge, networking with speakers and partners