Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that digital commerce has emerged as a strategic pillar of the UAE economy during the opening of the WORLDEF Dubai 2026 Forum on February 12, 2026, at Dubai CommerCity, according to the UAE Media Office. The three-day event, hosted for the second consecutive year under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, brought together more than 16,000 delegates from over 80 countries to examine advancements in cross-border e-commerce and technology-enabled trade. Organised by Dubai CommerCity in collaboration with WORLDEF, the forum featured discussions on how artificial intelligence and digital integration can strengthen global supply chains and economic connectivity.
The UAE Media Office reported that Sheikh Mansoor witnessed the announcement establishing the UAE’s first Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre within Dubai CommerCity by the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation. This centre aims to facilitate market access and investment for startups across the GCC while positioning Dubai as a launchpad for applied AI solutions focused on sustainable innovation. Sheikh Mansoor also observed the launch of an economic research paper by Dubai CommerCity that analyses the shift toward technology-enabled digital commerce ecosystems and explores enhanced economic ties with India following their 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
A joint initiative between Dubai CommerCity and Dubai Customs was unveiled at the forum to bolster digital trade cooperation through the ‘Shahin’ platform for tracking trucks and shipments along with smart electronic seals, the media office stated. The system enables 24-hour monitoring, real-time data exchange on goods and vehicles, and instant alerts for route deviations to enhance supply chain security and compliance. This integration across DIEZ free zones accelerates trade flows, improves operational efficiency and reinforces Dubai’s role as a hub for smart logistics according to officials present.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, stated in his opening address that Dubai has strengthened its position as a global hub for trade and digital commerce under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The minister noted that the UAE is advancing a data-driven economy supported by legislation for e-commerce and specialised free zones while building more than 40 new digital trade corridors through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements. Al Zeyoudi commended the new AI innovation centre as a reflection of the growing role of research in achieving national economic goals.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, emphasised that the forum advances the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by fostering global connectivity and positioning Dubai among the world’s top urban economies, the UAE Media Office reported. Discussions at the event underscored the impact of artificial intelligence, fintech and advanced logistics in reshaping global trade ecosystems. Al Zarooni highlighted Dubai CommerCity’s role as the region’s first free zone dedicated to digital trade in enabling seamless cross-border operations.
Omar Nart, Chief Executive Officer of WORLDEF, said in a statement carried by the media office, “The presence and participation of leading companies specializing in e commerce and related logistics sectors directly enabled strategic discussions throughout the forum, contributing to shaping the future direction of these industries and identifying emerging opportunities.” The inaugural edition of the forum had welcomed over 5,000 participants from more than 40 countries, reaffirming Dubai’s position as a catalyst for cross-border e-commerce according to event organisers. Her Excellency Amna Lootah, Director-General of Dubai CommerCity, noted that hosting the event supports the global digital commerce ecosystem and strengthens Dubai’s leadership in trade.
