Dubai sunset ©Patrick KouneDubai, an international capital of encounters and influence
Over the past few decades, Dubai has established itself as a destination where economic ambitions take on an international dimension. Its business districts, spectacular architecture, hotels, and event infrastructure testify to a development strategy based on openness, diversification, and the ability to bring together players from different continents.
In this particularly dynamic environment, major business events play a vital role. They contribute not only to local economic activity, but also to the international profile of the emirate, by attracting influential figures, investors, and companies seeking new markets.
It is within this context that the first edition of the RISE Summit 2026 is taking place. Scheduled for October 14th at the Dubai World Trade CentreThis one-day event aims to bring together more than 250 high-level decision-makers around a central question: how do major economic and geopolitical transformations influence investment and territorial development?
The unique aspect of this event lies in the diversity of the invited participants. Government representatives, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, private equity firms, developers, and executives of major groups will be able to share their perspectives in an environment conducive to discussion.
For participants, the benefits extend far beyond the content of the conferences. A summit of this nature offers the opportunity to meet, in one place and in a relatively short time, individuals who usually operate in different geographical or professional spheres. This concentration of skills and responsibilities is one of the main reasons why the RISE Summit is so attractive, and its first edition will aim to transform international exchanges into concrete opportunities for collaboration.
An event supported by leading figures
The value of an international event is also measured by the quality of its speakers. In this respect, the announced program brings together several prominent figures whose responsibilities allow for addressing economic issues from complementary perspectives.
Among the expected figures, Jose Manuel Barroso will occupy a central place. Former President of the European Commission and Chairman of International Advisors at Goldman SachsHe will be speaking at the Global Leaders Series on the redistribution of major capital flows around the world. His presentation, entitled "The Great Capital Shift," will analyze, in particular, the relationships between the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf countries, in a context where each region seeks to strengthen its economic attractiveness.
By his side, Ludovic Subran, Group Chief Investment Officer et Chief Economist of Allianzwill provide insights into the evolution of interest rates, inflation and risks that influence major investment decisions.
These two interventions illustrate the intellectual ambition of the summit: to offer an international reading of economic transformations, while providing participants with perspectives that can inform their own development strategies.
The program will also give significant space to institutional representatives of the United Arab Emirates, in particular Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, as well as Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Their presentations will explore the directions accompanying the diversification of the local economy and the ambitions of the D33 economic agenda, designed to support Dubai's future development.
The joint presence of public and private decision-makers is a major asset for this type of event. It fosters a better understanding of economic policies, business needs, and opportunities for cooperation between different markets.
Real estate and urban planning, at the heart of the transformations
Dubai's appeal lies largely in its ability to envision new neighborhoods, develop its infrastructure, and design world-class real estate projects. This dynamism will be prominently featured at the summit, with several influential leaders from the sector in attendance.
Among them, Mohamed Alabbar will present his vision for long-term real estate development. Founder and CEO ofEmaar Properties, a group associated with several iconic Dubai projects, will notably address how major developers can integrate their projects into sometimes uncertain economic cycles.
Khalid Al Malik, General Manager of Dubai Holding Real Estatewill also participate in discussions on future development plans for the metropolis.
The challenge now goes beyond simply constructing new buildings. Major international cities are seeking to design districts that combine residential spaces, mobility, economic activity, leisure, and quality of life. This evolution is of particular interest to players in the luxury real estate sector, for whom a property's value also depends on its surroundings, accessibility, and the daily experience it offers its residents.
The RISE Summit will address key issues in urban planning, transport development, and real estate regulation – all topics that contribute to defining a destination's competitiveness in the international market.
From this perspective, Dubai appears as a privileged territory for observation, whose urban planning and economic choices fuel reflections on the future of major metropolises.
Hospitality, tourism and experiences: the new drivers of attractiveness
Hospitality, tourism, and the experience economy have gradually acquired a strategic role in positioning international destinations. A city no longer seeks solely to attract businesses or real estate investments; it must also entice travelers, offer a distinctive cultural experience, and develop experiences that strengthen its identity.
The RISE Summit will bring together several leaders committed to this transformation, including Thomas Meier, General Manager of Jumeirah, and Fernando Eiroa, General Manager of Dubai Holding EntertainmentTheir interventions will examine how hospitality, leisure and tourism experiences can contribute to economic development and long-term value creation.
For players in the luxury hospitality sector, this topic is of particular importance. Competition between destinations is no longer solely based on comfort levels, the quality of amenities, or the prestige of a location. It now concerns the ability of an establishment and its surroundings to offer a cohesive, personalized, and memorable experience.
In the same spirit, Liam Findlay, General Manager of Miral Destinationswill focus on the evolution of economic models in the entertainment industry, particularly through immersive attractions, major international brands and large-scale tourist experiences.
These topics demonstrate that tourism, long perceived primarily as a consumer activity, is becoming a structuring element of urban and territorial strategies. Hotel complexes, leisure destinations, cultural infrastructure, and prestigious establishments contribute to building an international image, while also generating complementary activities in the areas of commerce, catering, transportation, and services.
For professionals in the luxury and... lifestyleAttending an event of this nature therefore allows one to better understand the major trends that will influence the evolution of premium destinations in the coming years.
A hub for networking and international opportunities
The attractiveness of a summit such as RISE rests on one often decisive dimension: the quality of the professional meetings it can promote.
In a context where companies are seeking to diversify their activities and develop international partnerships, having direct access to executives, investors, and institutional leaders is a significant advantage. This event aims precisely to facilitate these exchanges by bringing together, around a shared program, stakeholders from sectors that are usually complementary but sometimes quite different in their practices.
A property developer can thus engage in dialogue with a hotel operator, an institutional representative can meet with a partner specializing in infrastructure, while a tourism player can identify new opportunities for collaboration with investors or destination developers.
This diversity is helping to redefine the very concept of a trade show. The most attractive events are no longer limited to presenting products or showcasing trends; they are becoming relationship-building platforms where lasting networks are forged. The one-day format reinforces this ambition by prioritizing high-level exchanges and discussions focused on specific issues.
For international participants, the trip to Dubai can also be part of a broader approach to prospecting, economic discovery and developing business relationships in the Middle East.
It is naturally important to distinguish between potential opportunities and actual results: this first edition still needs to demonstrate its ability to generate tangible partnerships. Nevertheless, the quality of the speakers and the diversity of the organizations involved are strong arguments for attracting the attention of the relevant business communities.
Anticipating the major changes of tomorrow
While real estate, tourism, and hospitality feature prominently in the program, the RISE Summit 2026 will also address key technological and environmental challenges. Investments in digital infrastructure, data centers, and energy capacity will be the subject of specific discussions.
The development of artificial intelligence raises new questions regarding electricity needs, land availability, and the capacity of networks to support the proliferation of IT installations. Other discussions will focus on financing transport, energy, and communication infrastructure, in a context where needs often exceed the traditional capacity of public funding.
These various themes illustrate the organizers' desire to adopt a cross-cutting vision of economic development. The future of major international destinations will depend as much on their technological infrastructure and resilience as on their ability to attract visitors, investors, and businesses.
By bringing these topics together in a single event, the summit hopes to encourage reflection that transcends the usual boundaries between sectors of activity.
A first edition with international ambitions
For its first edition, the RISE Summit has a clearly defined positioning: to bring together decision-makers capable of influencing the evolution of territories and to offer a space for dialogue on major global economic transformations.
The summit has the support of several institutional and professional partners, including the Dubai Land Department and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, announced as strategic government partners.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, FIABCI Emirates, ValuStrat, AIA Middle East, and the Emirates Green Building Council are also among the event's partners. This pooling of expertise reflects the diversity of issues addressed, from real estate development to architecture and infrastructure sustainability. The event is organized within the inD ecosystem, a group specializing in B2B professional events in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. This experience provides a valuable asset for organizing an event aimed at a discerning international audience.
It now remains to be seen, beyond the announced participation, what the quality of the discussions and the concrete prospects will emerge from this first meeting will be.
At a time when major cities are competing to attract businesses, talent, and visitors, the RISE Summit demonstrates the evolution of economic events into platforms for influence and international cooperation. For Dubai, hosting such a summit represents a further opportunity to assert its role in discussions about the future of cities and major destinations.
For professionals in real estate, hospitality, tourism and lifestyleAbove all, it represents an opportunity to better understand the transformations shaping their environment. Because beyond economic decisions, these encounters also shape the experiences, living spaces, travels, and major architectural achievements of tomorrow.
