Dubai, September 8 (WAM) - The AIM Investment Summit 2026, in its 15th edition, has confirmed the growing attractiveness of the UAE for global investments and its readiness to keep pace with changes in trade flows and supply chains at a time when capital priorities are increasingly directed towards advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability, and infrastructure, amid growing interest in long-term investments and strategic partnerships.

H.E. Fahad Al Qرقاوي, Assistant Minister for Foreign Trade, affirmed that the UAE continues to enhance its readiness and develop the business and investment environment, focusing on priority sectors including advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and logistics services.

Al Qرقاوي said in statements to WAM news agency on the sidelines of the summit that the holding of the summit with the strong return of exhibitions and conferences is an important indicator of market movements. He noted a thirst among the business community, investors, and visitors to return to negotiations, dialogues, and explore opportunities, both within and outside the country.

He added that international participation and the presence of delegations from different countries at the AIM Investment Summit reflect the importance of such an event in bringing governments, investors, and companies together to discuss challenges and opportunities. He noted that the UAE has solidified its presence on the global exhibitions and conferences map.

He explained that the discussions during the conference addressed a range of investment issues and challenges, including investing in basic infrastructure, AI-related infrastructure, determining investment priorities, as well as the role of family businesses and family offices in receiving investments and moving them from one region to another, among other various issues.

Al Qرقاوي affirmed that the United Arab Emirates is committed to attracting investments and investing in priority sectors, with advanced technologies and artificial intelligence at the forefront, along with infrastructure for logistics sectors, including ports, airports, and transport networks, given the country’s influential position in global trade movements.

He noted that the UAE views investment from a vision that goes beyond achieving profitability, to include creating a positive impact on the economy of the country receiving the investment while benefiting its national economy at the same time.

"In the United Arab Emirates, we advocated and emphasized the importance of being close to markets before the COVID-19 pandemic," he added. "After the pandemic, this approach has become a concern for global countries and companies, aiming to manufacture products near markets and reduce costs."

Dawood Al Shizawi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AIM Global Foundation, affirmed that the AIM Investment Summit 2026 contributes to achieving tangible and measurable business results within its three strategic axes. He noted that what sets this current cycle apart is the strategic depth of partnerships being built, as well as the focus on long-term investment commitments.

Shizawi said that the 15th edition of the summit witnessed the participation of eight presidents, leaders and prime ministers from countries, in addition to 21 ministers and deputy ministers and more than 900 global speakers within main, interactive and dialog sessions. The number of visitors on the first two days was 41,793 visitors from 196 countries.

He added that AIM Investment Summit is one of the most prominent global investment platforms, as it brings together world leaders, decision-makers, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators to discuss the future of international investment and its role in supporting sustainable economic growth. It seeks to enhance international cooperation and open new horizons for strategic partnerships between governments and the private sector.

Regarding the sectors attracting investors' attention during this edition, Shizawi said that digital transformations and investments driven by sustainability are gaining unprecedented interest from capital.

He added that the "Economies of the Future" pillar, which includes emerging technologies, green infrastructure and smart city development, is witnessing the most activity in terms of capital employment.

He noted that the real estate sector remains a key pillar, but investors are now evaluating real estate assets from the perspective of sustainability and innovation. Investment opportunities in emerging markets, especially in Africa and South Asia, are also attracting significant attention.

Shizawi emphasized that the data clearly reflects the state's strong attraction to investments, noting that FDI inflows to the UAE reached AED 177.3 billion in 2025, contributing to its advancement to ninth place globally, while the continuous growth of non-oil trade reinforces this momentum.

He said that AIM Summit is witnessing active interest from institutional capitals in the UAE as a strategic partner in shaping the next generation of growth.

He added that the advanced regulatory environment and economic diversity in the UAE provide an attractive investment value for institutional investors seeking long-term opportunities.

Regarding the role of artificial intelligence and the digital economy in investment decisions, Shizawi emphasized that AI and digital transformation have become an integral part of capital allocation strategies.