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Under the theme “ Reimagining Economies: The Move Towards a Digital, Sustainable and Resilient Future. “

>> Economy Ministers: The launch of AIM digital edition is a new success story for the UAE that reflects its readiness to develop economic work according to innovative models

>> Bin Touq: The UAE has established its position as a leading global destination for qualitative projects and investment in the new economy sectors

>> Al Falasi: The event, in its virtual edition, is a greater opportunity for entrepreneurs to share knowledge and enhance access to global markets

>> Al-Zeyoudi: AIM will focus on discussing new methods of business sustainability, enhancing investment partnerships and increasing their diversification

Abu Dhabi, (,,, september2020) – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, The Annual Investment Meeting, organized by the UAE Ministry of Economy, scheduled to be held from 20th to 22nd October 2020, under the theme “ Reimagining Economies: The Move Towards a Digital, Sustainable and Resilient Future.”

As the very first digital edition of the Annual Investment Meeting, AIM Digital will be the first mega digital event in the region to surmount the COVID -19 pandemic that will set a new benchmark for future virtual events in the UAE. It will utilize digital technology to create, showcase, and facilitate new investment opportunities for investors from different parts of the world, providing boundless possibilities across diverse sectors leading towards economic recovery, transformation, and sustainability.

To continue AIM’s mission of creating a roadmap to build a resilient future for the global economy despite the current pandemic, the three-day digital event will support and strengthen the investment environment and generate the most attractive and secure investment projects and opportunities for investors.

In this regard, His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said: “The Annual Investment Meeting is an important global platform that brings together officials, experts, investors and major local, regional and international companies to exchange ideas and experiences and work together to develop the investment climate and link stakeholders to enhance development opportunities and come up with innovative solutions. The UAE has managed over the past years to consolidate its position as a pioneering and attractive investment destination for value-added projects, especially in the new economy sectors, and the country has also succeeded in developing its capabilities in planning and anticipating the future, and developing proactive solutions to enhance the resilience of its national economy in the face of global economic changes.

His Excellency added that the UAE government launched a comprehensive plan of 33 initiatives to support all economic sectors in the country and create a more flexible economic environment capable of generating diverse and sustainable opportunities, and encouraging investment in future sectors, especially digital transformation, advanced industries, applications of modern technology, research, development and innovation.” He said that the development of a digital model for a global platform for dialogue, such as the annual investment forum, is gaining great importance under the current circumstances and strengthens the country's ability to review its future vision and promote the opportunities offered in its priority sectors to attract and attract investments to it through innovative means.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises, said: “The UAE continues its pioneering role as a hub for trade, investment development and business activities, whether in its local markets or at the regional and global levels, and is confirmed today by launching the first digital version of the Investment Forum. Its ability to adapt to the changes in the economic landscape and find innovative solutions to various challenges, such as those that we are witnessing today as a result of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of adopting new methods in economic activity, stressing that the establishment of the forum hypothetically at this huge level with the participation of 170 countries represents a new success story that reflects the readiness of the country's economic and trade system to rapidly shift towards digital activities and adopt a more competitive, resilient and sustainable economic model.

Al Falasi added that the Annual Investment Meeting has provided over the past years a pioneering platform to support emerging companies and small and medium enterprises. His Excellency explained by saying: “We will work through this year's edition of AIM to continue supporting and encouraging entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises by providing them with vital channels for communication with their counterparts in other participating countries to acquire new ideas and knowledge, exchange experiences and attend relevant exhibitions, as well as to establish partnerships and open new markets for their products and services, and this would immediately reflect on their commercial success and their ability to continue and expand. ” stressing that the transition to the digital model this year It will allow for wider participation from different countries of the world and will thus increase opportunities for cooperation and growth for entrepreneurs.

“This year's Annual Investment Meeting, in its first digital edtion of its kind, is being held under unusual circumstances that the global economy is going through that requires intensifying dialogue and creating new links that support commercial and investment activities in various world markets.” He explained that the event will focus on discussing the countries and institutions efforts to provide new solutions and measures that support sustainability, business continuity and flexibility in facing various challenges. said His Excellency Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

His Excellency added: “Through this year's edition of AIM, we will make sure to allow businessmen and capital owners to meet and conclude strategic agreements and partnerships, and to open new and vital channels for work in various investment fields, explaining that the forum’s agenda for this year will be rich in sessions, dialogues and digital exhibitions. Over the course of three days, and expressing optimism that the outcomes of this session will contribute to creating more creative ideas, initiatives and qualitative projects that represent an added value to international efforts in enhancing the global economic climate and preparing it for the post-Covid-19 phase.

AIM’s unique digital exhibition will be participated by Ministries and Government Departments, International and Regional Organisations, Investment Promotion Agencies, Special Economic Zones, Private Equities, Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, Banking & Financial Institutions, International Investment Institutions, Startups, Incubators and Special Programmes, SME Financing Institutions, Smart City Solution Providers, and Technology Providers, among others, from more than 170 countries, which means even more abundant opportunities for economic productivity and expansion.

“We are all aware that the global economy has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this global outbreak must not cause economic paralysis and impede recovery but must serve as a stimulus to persistently look for opportunities to surmount the challenges. Technology is one of the tools available to us that we need to take advantage of to fight the impact of pandemic, which is why AIM Digital was conceived. It is indeed a major initiative that brings innovation and investment opportunities together in one virtual platform for investors to fuel economic resilience and transformation” said Mr. Dawood Al Shezawi, the Head of the Organizing Committee of the Annual Investment Meeting.

Diverse topics have been meticulously discussed such as Economic Fallout of Covid 19 on Female Founders, Accelerating Technologies during Time of Crisis, Ensuring Food Security & Sustainability against Pandemic: Innovation and Business Opportunities of Agriculture in SMEs, Strengthening the Global Partnership in International Trade during Pandemic Crisis, Post-Pandemic Cities: What Will They Look Like, Business Opportunities of Agriculture in SMEs, The Vision From Investors in The Middle East, Urban Mobility: Road To Recovery And The Effectiveness Of Attracting FDI in The Times Of Crisis, Smart Cities Of The Future Workshop, Challenges For Agribusiness in Latin America And The Vision From Investors in The Middle East. Additionally, AIM Digital continues to offer interactive investment activities 365 days of the year to support the global investment community.

AIM Digital Features

Placing the spotlight on AIM’s six pillars – Foreign Direct Investment, Foreign Portfolio Investment, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Startups, Future Cities, and One Belt, One Road, AIM Digital will showcase different features that will extensively boost investment opportunities in various sectors.

Pre-Conference Workshop: Conducted by renowned industry experts from across the globe, this series of interactive professional coaching sessions have been tailor-made to enrich the experience of its participants and prepare them in finding lucrative opportunities for investment.

Conference: A platform where expert insights, best practices, and ideal investment policies are shared with participants. Leaders and specialists from the investment community will lead the virtual discussions to explore relevant topics about each of the six pillars of AIM.

Exhibition: Participated by the best local and international exhibitors across the globe, the Exhibition features different countries, smart city solution providers, startup companies, and SMEs, with the ultimate goal of achieving economic growth for their respective country and region.

Digital Country Presentation: It unveils the world’s best investment destinations by featuring every country’s key economic and investment environment features digitally. A platform for municipalities, cities, and countries to promote investment opportunities at their location and highlight the potential of their sector to prospective investors.

Startups Virtual Pitch Competition: An opportunity to present business ideas to a diverse array of global investors on the lookout for the next big thing. The winners of the start-up virtual pitch competition will compete for the National Champions League. Individual startups may register for the Global Technopreneurs.

Conglomerate Presentations: A virtual line up of Large Multi-Industry Groups keen on showcasing their investment roadmaps and key sectors of interest to an impressive panel of AIM investment promotion agencies, SMEs and government officials enthusiastic about making sustainable investments in their respective countries.

Awards: Recognizing the outstanding contributions of Investment Promotion Agencies, SMEs and Start-ups in bolstering and securing investment for a particular location. Awards will be presented to various investments made to regions and countries that have resulted in significant economic growth.

Investors' Hub: Held within a digitally secured environment, a virtual meeting where top investors will have an audience with official government representatives to cultivate the formation of investment partnerships and collaboration.

Regional Focus Sessions: Centered on three regional conversations that examine the economic landscapes of Africa, Asia and Latin America, the discussions will be an informed exploration of the regions' risks, challenges and opportunities for growth that are waiting to be harnessed through regional cooperation.

Made in Series: This viable digital feature is open to all SMEs who wish to showcase their local products and services to an international platform. Being a part of the series could help the participating country to promote their locally manufactured products or services, present value proposition to a focus global audience, and network with potential global partners for future collaboration.

Investment Roundtables: The investment roundtable feature of AIM 2020 is a gathering of Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Heads of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), Investors and Decision Makers. The main objective of this feature is to facilitate a platform for government decision makers to discuss with investment companies to create a feasible investment model matching government and investor requirements. At the end of the sessions, a feasible investment model shall be developed.

Networking Features: A medium to strengthen business relationships and serve to the expansion of business portfolios. Vast features are conveniently available and accessible for ease of communication and networking on the platform.

The Annual Investment Meeting also plans to expand its footprint across the economic landscape as it gears up for its upcoming hybrid edition which will take place on March 21 – 23 followed by its Mega edition during EXPO2020, the World’s Greatest Show. The Hybrid Edition will be primed to feature massive investment opportunities from more than 170 countries, securing the highest return of investments for investors across the globe.

Furthermore, the Annual Investment Meeting is also delighted to launch its official e-magazine, Global Catalyst, which will serve as the global investment community’s no.1 digital source of the latest news, feature articles on trending topics, and critical analysis on fundamental issues affecting the investment environment, serving as a powerful catalyst for global economic growth. The Global Catalyst, is a quarterly digital publication that provides a captivating blend of news and features about the investment environment, as well as thorough analyses and research studies on major issues concerning the global economy. It also features success stories and in-depth interviews from prominent personalities in the global investment community to offer invaluable insights. In its first issue, Global Catalyst will give emphasis on its theme, “Rebooting the Future of Global Economy” which sparks the revitalising idea of starting anew, finding innovative methods and strategies, and building new perspectives in relation to the global economy.

Acknowledging the shift to the digital landscape and integrating technological advancements assists in developing smart, digital and sustainable nations as AIM Digital generates boundless possibilities towards economic recovery, transformation, and sustainability.

For more information on AIM Digital, visit www.aimcongress.com

About the Annual Investment Meeting

The Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) is an initiative of the UAE Ministry of Economy, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. AIM is the world’s leading investment platform with over 16,000 participants coming from more than 140 countries. Over 400 exhibitors and co-exhibitors, 60+ high-level dignitaries, 150+ investment specialists and experts have participated in AIM 2019.

The Annual Investment Meeting in partnership with their Sustainable Partner, Bedayat by Sustainable City presents the UAE Emirates Startup Roadshow to be held on 17^th and 20^th September, 2020.

Aligning with precautionary measures, smart solutions and a resilient environment, the UAE Emirates Startup Roadshow is all set to cover four emirates: Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah across an agile platform.

Two competitions will be hosted on one day beginning in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah following with Sharjah and Abu Dhabi respectively. The chosen winners will receive numerous benefits such as access to all the features of Digital AIM 2020 -- a special digital edition of The Annual Investment Meeting, this year.

In addition, the winners from all emirates will also be provided with a virtual exhibition kiosk, a viable chance at potential meeting with investors and access to participating at the AIM Global National Champions League 2020, for a prize of USD 50,000 (USD10,000 per winner)

 
In collaboration with the Annual Investment Meeting’s Sustainable Partner, Bedayat at the Sustainable City, an active initiative has been taken to organize mentoring sessions prior to the pitch competition and provide 4 winners from each emirate a tour at Sustainable City along with a workshop.

Mr. Karim El-Jisr, Chief Sustainability Officer at Diamond Developers and Executive Director for SEE Institute said, “The UAE Emirates Startup Roadshow is a smart initiative that provides the necessary resources for businesses to move to the next stage of growth by encouraging diversification, determination and efficiency.

Our Sustainable Partner, Bedayat at the Sustainable City is going to add an exceptional touch by organizing a mentoring session prior to the competition. This is indeed very special as UAE is the home base for AIM.”

UAE is home to various futuristic, smart and resilient projects, with potential start-ups gaining recognition round the clock.

In 2020, investments in Middle East start-ups are set to exceed $1bn.

In addition, the UAE has accounted for 60% of total funding across the Middle East and North Africa. MENA's startups have seen a steady increase in funding in Q1 2020. $277M was invested in 108 startup investment deals in MENA, an increase of 2% in total funding from Q1 2019 to Q1 2020 as derived from data platforms, MAGNiTT and SME10x.

The Annual Investment Meeting cordially invites all keen investors looking to expand their business portfolio across the emirates to participate in a ground-breaking experience - the UAE Emirates Startup Roadshow.

Under the theme, “Investing for the Future: Shaping the Global Investment Strategies”, government leaders and officials, economic experts, global investors, entrepreneurs from over 140 countries will convene and collaborate on improving investment dynamics at the 10th edition of AIM to be held on 24-26 March 2020 in Dubai.

15 December 2019, Dubai, UAE- UAE Ministry of Economy has launched the 10th edition of Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) which will be held on 24-26 March 2020 in Dubai. AIM is under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of

Dubai.

AIM has consistently provided a unique platform mostly for emerging economies to attract FDI. Now in its milestone edition, AIM is adhering to the call for a more extensive and inclusive economic growth and has added, aside from FDI, four more pillars- Small and Medium Enterprises, Foreign Portfolio Investment, Startups, and Future Cities. It will also hold One Belt, One Road which is an exclusive side event.

Praising the expanded network of AIM 2020, HE Abdullah Al Saleh, the UAE Ministry of Economy’s Undersecretary for Foreign Trade Affairs, said, “Attracting investments does not only link its spillovers to the local economy. It enables inclusive growth providing long-term benefits to host countries in terms of job creation, enhancement of skill base, transfer of technology and increase in competitiveness. With the addition of new pillars, AIM can exert stronger influence to achieve wider economic prosperity and improve domestic economic imperfections.”

Under the theme “Investing for the Future: Shaping the Global Investment Strategies”, AIM will traverse the shifting investment landscape at the global scale and assist world economies to attract investment. AIM’s flagship pillar, FDI, will link municipalities, cities and countries with quality FDIs that match the necessary condition of their market and their existing infrastructure. It will also unfold recent trends and foreseeable movement of FDIs to assist both governments and investors in gauging and reformulating their next plan.

AIM 2020 will also work toward narrowing the credit gap to benefit SMEs by providing a global platform to promote their products and services to genuine investors. While world economies are fuelled by SMEs which represent 90% of business and 50% of employment worldwide, 65 million SMEs in developing countries have to endure unmet financing need of $5.2 trillion every year, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC). SMEs that are recognized for integrating sustainable investing in their operations will gain distinct focus among impact investors anticipated at AIM. Impact or sustainable investing have gained popularity among investors who are keen in financing companies and organizations that address social and environmental concerns.

The rise of the global population of ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs), which is anticipated to increase by 22% over the next five years, will further boost the flow of foreign portfolio investments. AIM networking function dedicated to foreign portfolio investment will drive discussion between companies with tradable assets and wealth managers who are eager to capture market opportunities that ensure real returns. According to International Monetary Fund data, top destinations for foreign portfolio investment are Turkey, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Poland, Luxembourg, United States and the Republic of North Macedonia.

AIM 2020 will continue to support startups with expanded networking opportunities and focused discussions including mentoring sessions. A series of National Pitch Competitions will be held in 80 countries where top winners will be hosted in Dubai to compete in the Final AIM 2020 Startup Competition with cash awards amounting to USD50,000. Previously a co-located event, Startup, now an AIM pillar, will take a prominent position at AIM 2020 to further build on growing interest in funding which has reached $407 billion 2018, an increase of 23.3% from 2017. The top sectors for funding were software and SaaS, fintech, medtech, media and entertainment, health and wellness which represented

52.7% of total disclosed funding.

Funding remains the biggest challenge in implementing smart city solutions. AIM 2020 will seek to bridge the funding gap through its Future Cities pillar, aimed at linking project owners with legitimate investors. Future Cities will not only showcase projects, but assist project owners derive inspiration from success stories built on having successfully created close relationships with private partners.

AIM 2020 will also hold the second agenda of One Belt, One Road. OBOR will present investment opportunities across continents involving regional collaboration to modernize China’s ancient Silk Road trade route. Belt and Road Initiative spans across 70 countries with $1 trillion investment requirement and has been hailed as the most ambitious infrastructure initiative aimed at improving physical, trade, economic and digital connectivity across various sectors. AIM launched this exclusive side event last year and saw the participation of 200 project owners and investors from GCC.

AIM 2019 attracted 16,051 visitors from 143 countries as well as 150 FDI specialists and economic experts, 66 high-level dignitaries, 436 exhibitors and co-exhibitors and was covered by 256 local and international media.

For interest to attend or to exhibit, visit AIM 2020 website: www.aimcongress.com. You may also view event agenda and know about event features online.