A Platform for Global Leadership
This year’s edition carried momentum and meaning. IFZA was honoured to welcome a series of distinguished leaders to its booth; reflecting the growing importance of Free Zones in national industrial goals while remaining globally connected.
Among the notable visits were H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who toured Make it in the Emirates alongside IHC CEO Syed Basar Shueb, underscoring the strategic significance of the platform and its participants.
Throughout the event, IFZA also welcomed His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, as well as H.E. Saad Al Hariri, former Prime Minister of Lebanon. Each visit reinforced that the UAE’s industrial future is inherently international and collaboration sits at its core.
Turning Vision into Action
MIITE 2026 was also about turning conversations into commitments. During the event, IFZA marked the signing of a strategic partnership with Peko, an all‑in‑one platform designed to simplify business operations for UAE SMEs. This partnership reflects a shared belief that ease of access, smarter tools and seamless integration are essential to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Another milestone followed with a partnership signed with Aleria, a subsidiary of IHC, aimed at advancing sovereign AI across global business ecosystems. This reinforced IFZA’s commitment to innovation as a driver of competitiveness and long‑term value.
Forward-Looking Conversations
A highlight was a fireside chat focused on the UAE–Turkey economic corridor, featuring IFZA’s Head of International Sales Fatih Sengün and Kanat Kutluk, President of the Turkish Business Council in Dubai & Northern Emirates. The discussion explored how evolving trade dynamics, strategic location, and regulatory agility are creating new pathways for Turkish businesses to scale globally from the UAE.
Similarly, in collaboration with the Mexican Business Council in the UAE, IFZA convened a high‑level panel examining the growing depth of Mexico–UAE economic relations. With contributions from H.E. Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba Góngora, alongside senior industry leaders. The session highlighted how shared industrial strengths and complementary markets are unlocking long‑term collaboration.
Adding to the forward-looking dialogue, a panel featuring Stravica Corporate Services and IFZA Director for Strategic Expansion, Patrick Kuehl, explored what founders, investors, and AI would build if they started a free zone from scratch, and what it takes to shape a truly future-ready business ecosystem in the UAE.
In partnership with the Italian Business Council – United Arab Emirates, IFZA also hosted a panel featuring Andrea Francesco Perini, Vice Chairman of the Italian Business Council, alongside Fatih Sengün, IFZA’s Head of International Sales. The discussion focused on connecting markets, strengthening trade, and shaping the next chapter of global business between Italy and the UAE.
Building What’s Next
The UAE’s industrial story is about capability, connection, and confidence on the global stage. For IFZA, participation in MIITE is part of a broader mission, to enable businesses to set up, scale in the UAE while remaining deeply connected to international markets. Building in the Emirates isn’t just about making products, it’s about making partnerships, pathways, and possibilities.
Choose the Right Setup for Your Business
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