RISE Summit 2026 in Dubai Examines Shifting Global Investment and UAE Economic Transformation

The RISE Summit 2026, themed 'Recharging Momentum in Global Economies', took place on October 14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event gathered a diverse group of investors, policymakers, developers, and industry decision-makers to look at the changing landscape of global investment and its ramifications for markets and various sectors worldwide.

A central focus of the summit was the UAE's broader economic transformation. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, articulated the nation's commitment to fostering a more productive economy, stating that the UAE anticipates a "different economy in 2027, a more productive economy."

Insights on Global Capital Shifts

The summit's Global Leaders Series featured discussions on the evolving investment environment. José Manuel Barroso, Chairman of International Advisors at Goldman Sachs and former President of the European Commission, highlighted how geopolitical and economic realignments are reshaping perceptions of safe and productive capital deployment, identifying emerging beneficiary markets.

Ludovic Subran, Group Chief Investment Officer and Chief Economist at Allianz, addressed the implications of changing interest rates for institutional investors, particularly in a higher-rate world. Barroso advised investors to adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape, emphasizing diversification across geographies and sectors, as well as in energy, infrastructure, technology, and defense.

"Global competition is going to continue. The US will remain the central part of the world economy because of the pre-eminence of the dollar, its advances in innovation and science and its geopolitical power. At the same time, global investors will not want to be so heavily exposed to the US, so there will be diversification. The Gulf has been wise in keeping its options open, using its centrality to play an articulation role between new destinations for investment."

Subran also noted the growing influence of AI investment and data-centre capital expenditure on economic momentum, while pointing to increased caution in the broader economy. He underscored the blurring lines between real estate, infrastructure, and technology, particularly in logistics and warehousing, which is creating "interesting opportunities for portfolio construction."

Dubai's Growth Trajectory and Economic Resilience

Dubai's own development journey was a significant discussion point. Mohamed Alabbar, Founder and Managing Director of Emaar Properties, spoke about the role of long-term vision in city-building and how major development can continue through market cycles. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), discussed the economic framework supporting Dubai's resilience and its next growth phase under the D33 Economic Agenda.

Kazim explained that the D33 strategy focuses on strengthening existing industries like logistics, manufacturing, financial services, and tourism. He emphasized that companies establish regional headquarters in Dubai not just for the local population but also for global market access, with tourism playing a crucial role in attracting long-term advocates for the city.