Dubai
Dubai Denys Gromov/Pexels.com

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has announced that Dubai CommerCity - the first and leading free zone dedicated to digital commerce in the region - will host the WORLDEF Dubai 2024 forum on Dec. 4-5.

WORLDEF's organized event will focus on advancing digital commerce and supporting the global growth of cross-border e-commerce companies. It aims to promote collaboration, share knowledge, and explore emerging trends that will shape the future of the industry, WAM reported.

The forum will bring together attendees from 40 countries to explore innovations and emerging trends at both regional and global levels.

A key focus will be on growth opportunities linked to Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the city's economy by 2033 and position Dubai as a leading global hub for the digital economy and international trade.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ and Chairman of Dubai CommerCity, said that hosting this event shows the city's strategic commitment to strengthening its position as a global leader in trade and digital commerce. He added that this aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, highlighting Dubai's dedication to building an integrated ecosystem that enhances the sector's contribution to the non-oil economy.

The speaker emphasized their commitment to supporting both local and international digital commerce companies to improve their operations, drive growth, and expand regionally.

With the UAE's e-commerce market expected to reach AED70 billion by 2029, fueled by its strong logistical and digital infrastructure, the forum will highlight Dubai's impressive achievements in this sector.

WORLDEF CEO Omar Nart said that hosting this specialized forum in Dubai shows the city's importance in growing the digital commerce sector, both regionally and globally. He expressed pride in bringing the forum to Dubai, a city that leads in technological progress and plays a key role in shaping the future of digital commerce.

In 2023, global retail e-commerce sales were estimated at US$5.8 trillion. Sales are expected to grow by 39% in the coming years, with projections suggesting they will exceed US$8 trillion by 2027. Furthermore, the global B2C cross-border e-commerce market is predicted to reach US$7.9 trillion by 2030.