The Doers Forum, one of the largest platforms bringing together innovative startups, venture capital funds, and investors from Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, has opened in Dubai. This is the first time the event is being held in the region and will run for two days. Organized in collaboration with "The Doers Company" at the Dubai Silicon Oasis, the forum gathered over 2,500 participants and more than 150 speakers from around the world on its first day to exchange insights on the future of artificial intelligence, the digital economy, fintech, sustainability, and other key sectors. The opening ceremony was attended by UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Media Corporation, Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other dignitaries. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri emphasized that the UAE, under the wise leadership of its rulers, is committed to developing a world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem, which has led to the launch of several key initiatives, including the national campaign "UAE, the Global Capital of Entrepreneurship." He also noted that small and medium-sized enterprises constitute 95% of all companies in the country, and that the UAE has ranked first globally in the Global Entrepreneurship Index for four consecutive years. Dubai has established itself as a global hub for innovation and technology, fostering a policy focused on advancing AI, fintech, and smart city solutions. The Doers Forum provides a strategic platform for global leaders, startups, and investors to shape the future of technology and the digital economy in the region, as well as to explore the intersection of innovation, technology, and sustainable development. The event highlighted the convergence of AI and climate technologies, the rise of deep-tech projects, and the pivotal role of data infrastructure amid the rapid growth in demand for computing power. According to Stilianos Lambros, co-founder of "The Doers Company," the success of the forum's first day, which exceeded attendance expectations, confirms the strong interest from entrepreneurs and investors in the growth opportunities offered by the Dubai and UAE market. Yuri Levin, co-founder of Waze, shared his vision on the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing that it is not just about developing a product but about passion and commitment to making a real impact. He also described the reality of entrepreneurship as a journey filled with trials, repeated failures, and long periods of stagnation before achieving product-market fit. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, CEO of Dubai Media Incorporated, described the forum as a platform for shaping the future of entrepreneurship and the digital economy, aligning with the goals of Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate's economy by 2033. He also highlighted the crucial support of the country's leadership, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in building a knowledge and technology-driven economy.
