World-class calendar of business events includes three Global Business Forums

- Business Connect Centre and AI-powered B2B app will fuel business connectivity

- Programme to foster sustainable partnerships for a more resilient global economy

By ; Basel Khaled

Expo 2020 has announced the launch of Thrive Together – a dedicated, business-focused programme offering a range of curated networking, knowledge-sharing and thought-leadership events, as well as tailored products and services that will enable visitors and participants to explore new business opportunities, form impactful partnerships and collaborate towards sustained economic prosperity in the UAE, the region and beyond.

Nadia Verjee, Chief of Staff, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “As one of the first mega-events to take place since the beginning of the pandemic, Expo 2020 Dubai will be an important milestone for the global business community.

It represents an unprecedented opportunity for businesses of all sizes, including SMEs and start-ups, as well as international organisations and government entities from across the world to come together to foster a more diversified, equitable and resilient global economy, and enable robust business connectivity and sustainable economic growth. “Whether you are a homegrown UAE-based business looking to expand, a budding entrepreneur wanting to share your ideas and build your network, or an overseas company looking to enter some of the region’s high growth markets for the first time, Thrive Together will enable you to unlock new opportunities, as together we reach a critical juncture in reimagining the global economy.”

Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President, International Relations, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: ‘Dubai Chamber is committed to representing and supporting the interests of businesses in Dubai, while exploring new ways to meet the changing needs of the emirate’s fast-growing and dynamic business community as we navigate the pandemic era.

“As Expo’s Official Business Integrator, we are pleased to be part of the wide-ranging Thrive Together programme, which we believe will be a powerful catalyst for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, addressing key challenges affecting business growth, attracting international companies to Dubai and facilitating collaboration across sectors and geographies. This will create an immediate and long-lasting impact for Dubai, and ripple across the UAE, wider region and beyond.” Created specifically for the business community, both domestic and international, the Thrive Together programme will include a number of Thematic Business Forums, delivered in collaboration with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These events will highlight emerging business opportunities, cutting-edge technologies, and serve as a platform to connect, create and innovate.They will also accelerate private sector progress across current global challenges including climate change and biodiversity, space, and knowledge and learning. Three Global Business Forums (GBFs), including the first edition of Global Business Forum ASEAN, will take place at the world-class Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo 2020 Dubai. These GBFs will welcome prominent speakers, leading decision-makers and industry experts to explore business synergies and address obstacles to growth, driving trade and investment and fostering economic development. Meanwhile, Country Business Briefings will enable each of Expo’s participants to leverage the presence of their heads of state or government, as well as their business leaders, to showcase their country-specific business and investment opportunities to a global audience. Products and services offered as part of Thrive Together include an AI-powered app, facilitating meaningful B2B, B2G and G2G interactions across geographies and industries, suggesting potential matches for users based on their profiles, expertise, objectives and interaction patterns. An easily accessible Business Calendar will be updated daily ,and carry the latest information on inbound business delegations, and all business events taking place across the Expo site, including in DEC, International Participants’ pavilions, and the Expo 2020 Business Connect Centre. Sitting at the heart of the Expo site, adjacent to the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, the Business Connect Centre will house chambers of commerce and trade entities from across the region, representing more than one million companies, as well as investment houses and venture capitalists. In addition to the Expo 2020 tickets launched last month, an enhanced ticket package has been created with business-focused visitors in mind. The Premium Experience Season Pass will offer additional opportunities for networking and add-on services to assure a seamless visitor experience, including complimentary enhanced access to the Expo B2B App, a dedicated concierge, entry to an exclusive Premium Lounge, priority access to a number of networking and thought leadership events, including the ten Thematic Business Forums, guided tours and F&B discounts. Priced at AED 1,750, the Premium Experience ticket allows unlimited visits across the six months of the event, including fast track entry, and will shortly be available at www.expo2020dubai.com/tickets and through Expo’s network of business stakeholders. The programme builds on the UAE’s reputation for facilitating business and trade, with world-class infrastructure, business-friendly regulatory frameworks and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. It also leverages the connecting power of Expo 2020 Dubai, which will bring together 191 nations, as well as multilateral organisations, academic institutions and millions of visitors to inspire meaningful change and create a brighter future for all. Taking place across 182 consecutive days, Expo 2020 Dubai is dedicated to bringing together people, communities and nations to build bridges, inspire action and deliver real-life solutions to real-world challenges, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to building a cleaner, safer, healthier future for everyone.