Dubai: In collaboration with the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026, Dubai Chambers and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted a roundtable aimed at exploring new pathways for revitalising the multilateral trading system, enhancing the global trade landscape, and anticipating emerging trends to facilitate international trade flows.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session brought together 32 senior officials and business leaders from across the Middle East. The discussions focused on introducing the ICC to new tools, products, services, and programmes that support cross-border trade and generate practical policy recommendations for governments to enhance trade flows across borders. Participants also explored strategies to build a more open and inclusive global trading system, improve access to international markets for businesses, and accelerate trade digitalisation efforts. The roundtable addressed ways to strengthen corporate compliance with regulatory frameworks.
During his opening remarks, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasized the need for constructive collaboration between public and private sectors to strengthen the multilateral trading system. He highlighted the importance of digital innovation and the removal of barriers to cross-border trade to create more inclusive and efficient pathways for global commerce, which drive sustainable economic growth and unlock new opportunities for businesses across the Middle East.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, delivered a keynote address during the session. He stated that strengthening economic cooperation with countries worldwide and developing international trade partnerships is crucial for achieving the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Lootah noted that D33 aims to double the value of Dubai's foreign trade to AED25.6 trillion by 2033, adding 400 cities to the emirate's foreign trade map, and launching economic corridors between Dubai and Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
Lootah emphasized that international cooperation is a strategic tool for the UAE and Dubai to sustain growth, strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the national economy, and create an enabling environment for global and regional companies to expand into new markets. He added that this approach supports shared growth and advances the principles of mutual benefit and inclusive development. He also highlighted that global trade data underlines the importance of Dubai's open and inclusive approach to foreign trade, with the value of Dubai's exports and re-exports growing by more than 88 percent between 2018 and 2024.
John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary General of ICC, remarked on the MENA region's unique position at the crossroads of global trade, investment, and supply chains. He emphasized the region's growing role in global commerce, digital infrastructure, and logistics, which allows it to act as a testing ground for practical initiatives that complement WTO reform and unlock new flows of trade and investment.
This year's WGS brings together more than 60 heads of state and government, over 500 ministers, and representatives from more than 150 governments. It also convenes over 80 international and regional organisations and global institutions, along with more than 700 CEOs of major global corporations, with total attendance exceeding 6,250 participants.
