Dubai Economy has hosted the 2nd Business Community Engagement, BCE, Forum under the theme ‘Enabling a Future-Ready Business Environment.’ The forum aimed to strengthen the partnership between Dubai Economy and the business community in the emirate, and particularly support businesses to be future-ready amidst the unstoppable global mega trends.

The forum - held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Group - brought together representatives of business councils and groups in Dubai and diplomatic delegations along with chief executives of major companies operating in the UAE on account of their vital role in promoting sustainable economic development and business competitiveness in the emirate.

Sami Al Qamzi, Director-General of Dubai Economy, said that the annual forum is a strategic event for Dubai Economy to position itself as a prime facilitator and enabler for businesses in all sectors to grow sustainably.

"The BCE initiative was launched in April 2016 to deepen the strategic engagement between the Department of Economic Development and the business groups, councils, associations and corporate sector. The theme of this 2nd Forum – ‘Enabling a future-ready business environment’ - is indeed timely and relevant. To be future-ready means to be prepared for new opportunities, growth, development and investments. The outcome is a better economy, an efficient business environment, an effective organisation and an advanced quality of life for all," Al Qamzi continued.

He added that Dubai has come a long way in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development based on innovation and high productivity, by building a diverse base of high value added economic activities, which has also enabled the national economy to grow and adjust to internal and external shocks.

"GDP growth in Dubai is expected to reach 3.2 percent this year, 3.5 percent in 2018, and 3.7 percent in 2019, supported by a stimulating business environment that is the best in the Arab world and 21st among 190 global economies, according to the latest Doing Business report of the World Bank. The UAE ranked first in the Arab world and 17th worldwide in the Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018, issued by the World Economic Forum. The country also ranked first in the region and 18th globally among the most competitive countries in the 2017 Competitiveness Index of the International Competitiveness Centre of the International Institute for Administrative Development," said Al Qamzi.

Al Qamzi also announced the launch of four initiatives aimed to empower the business community in Dubai - EngageDXB, an APP to connect the leadership of all Business Group Entities; the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award for Business Groups and Councils; Legal Status for Business Groups and Councils, and a Future Industry and Foresight initiative to serve as a resource for business groups.