- AIM Congress 2025 will solidify its role in shaping a sustainable global economy, observes His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
- Already, the annual forum has positioned itself as a hotbed for transformative ideas and partnerships; the bridge between emerging economies and global powerhouses.
- Key themes Foreign Direct Investment, Global Trade, Startups, Future Cities, Future Finance, Global Manufacturing, Digital Economy, and Entrepreneurship are tailored to resonate with the pulse of a rapidly evolving global economy.
In April next year, the bustling city of Abu Dhabi will once again take center stage as world business leaders and policymakers converge for the 14th edition of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress. Under the theme “The New Wave of a Globalized Investment Landscape: Towards a New Balanced World Structure,” this expo promises to reshape investment trends globally.
Hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), AIM Congress 2025 has over the years carved a niche for itself as a hotbed for transformative ideas and partnerships, building vital bridges between emerging economies and global powerhouses.
The visionaries behind AIM Congress
Presided over by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the AIM Congress is backed by a coalition of the UAE’s strategic ministries and global institutions.
While announcing the partners of the 14th edition of AIM Congress 2025, on Monday Dr. Al Zeyoudi said the UAE achieved a record 35 per cent growth in foreign direct investment inflows, surpassing AED112 billion (about $30.5 billion), according to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
This milestone, coupled with the leadership’s commitment to economic resilience, underscores why the UAE remains an investment magnet, he added. “AIM has evolved into a beacon of innovation and collaboration,” said Dr. Al Zeyoudi. “This year’s Congress will further solidify its role in shaping a balanced and sustainable global economy.”
He explained that the AIM Congress has become a vital global platform that brings together investors, policymakers, and business leaders to exchange insights, ideas, and experiences in shaping the future of investment.
Additionally, AIM Congress has succeeded in building long-term partnerships with more than 330 institutions from the public and private sectors, as well as international organizations, offering innovations and promising investment opportunities, thereby strengthening its position as a leading global event on investments.
Key themes of AIM Congress 2025
AIM Congress 2025 will focus on eight dynamic themes that reflect the pulse of a rapidly evolving global economy. According to Dawood Al Shezawi, President of AIM Global Foundation and Chairman of The Organizing Committee, the steering team is “focused on adding new themes that reflect global economic transformations and the priorities of the business community.”
This strategy will be critical in “ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable discussion that meets the aspirations of emerging economies and addresses the challenges and opportunities posed by the changing investment landscape,” added Dawood Al Shezawi.
Key themes of the upcoming congress are, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Global Trade, Startups and Unicorns, Future Cities, Future Finance, Global Manufacturing, Digital Economy, and Entrepreneurship.
Each category is intricately designed to spotlight the challenges and opportunities shaping the investment world, offering actionable solutions for sustainable development.
Global trade: Digitizing supply chains for transparency
Under the theme “Digitizing International Trade: Sustainability and Transparency of Global Supply Chains,” the April 7 to 9, 2025 forum will delve into how technology is revolutionizing global commerce.
The emphasis on digitization reflects a strategic pivot to address inefficiencies and promote sustainability in cross-border trade. With global trade facing unprecedented challenges, from geopolitical shifts to ballooning climate risks, this segment will explore how smart technology can foster economic resilience.
The spotlight will be on collaborative strategies to harness foreign direct investment (FDI) for strengthening supply chains, ensuring transparency, and driving sustainable growth.
Read also: AIM Congress 2025: Where delegates will have a front-row seat to the future of finance
Digital economy: A blueprint for inclusion and sustainability
The Digital Economy platform, titled “Embracing Digital Transformation,” is poised to see delegates, and exhibitors focus on the integration of cutting-edge digital technologies into every facet of global business.
As the number of IoT devices is projected to rise from 16 billion in 2023 to 39 billion by 2029, AIM Congress recognizes the urgent need for a robust digital ecosystem.
From enhancing smart city infrastructure to supporting data-driven decisions, this showcase will underscore the role of digital transformation in creating inclusive and secure economic growth. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and IoT will also take center stage, highlighting their potential to disrupt industries and improve connectivity.
Global manufacturing: Industry 4.0 meets 5.0
The transformation of manufacturing ecosystems will be a key agenda under the theme “From 4.0 to 5.0: Leveraging Industry & Bringing Advanced Factories to Life.” With the manufacturing market forecasted to hit $535.5 billion by 2030, discussions by investors, government representatives, and delegates will center on operational efficiency, sustainability, and product innovation.
This theme will also explore the practical implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies, fostering resilience, and addressing consumer demands with greater speed and precision.
Startups, unicorns, and the future of entrepreneurship
As has been the tradition, the AIM Congress 2025 will shine a spotlight on startups and unicorns as engines of global economic growth. By offering platforms for networking, pitch competitions, and incubator programs, the Abu Dhabi-based showcase is positioning itself as the birthplace of tomorrow’s transformative businesses.
Partnerships for a globalized future
A defining hallmark of AIM Congress is its commitment to fostering partnerships. The 2025 edition will see the signing of memorandums of understanding with global institutions such as Siemens, UNIDO, and GSMA, underscoring its inclusive and forward-thinking ethos. These collaborations aim to promote economic development, innovation, and international cooperation across sectors.
Other activities and highlights
Beyond the discussions, AIM Congress 2025 will host a variety of interactive events, including: ministerial investment roundtables, startup pitch competitions, AIM Investment Awards, global forums on trade, finance, and tourism.
Key players, including representatives from the International Monetary Finance (IMF), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and IRENA, alongside global tech giants such as Huawei and Bayer, will share insights on navigating the challenges of the evolving international economy.
As the AIM Congress 2025 approaches, it promises to be more than just a gathering—it is a movement toward reshaping the global economic order. With its ambitious objectives, strategic collaborations, and commitment to inclusivity, AIM is set to chart a new path for investment and development, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a beacon of progress, business collaboration, and innovation.
For stakeholders across industries, AIM Congress 2025 offers not just a glimpse into the future, but a seat at the table where it is being shaped. Will you be there? Register here.
Key stakeholders and partners
At the Emirates News Agency theatre in Abu Dhabi on Monday, December 9th 2024, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi unveiled some of the partners of the 14th edition of AIM Congress 2025 along with a number of vital stakeholders, government officials, ambassadors, international organization representatives, and local and global media.
His Excellency Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, signed memoranda of understanding with partners of the AIM Congress 2025. This included the signing of a memorandum of understanding with The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, represented by His Excellency Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector. ADGM, the partner of Future Finance portfolio was represented by Abdulla Al Suwaidi, Chief Support Services Officer.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber, partner of global trade portfolio was represented by His Excellency Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman of and managing director. His Excellency Jamal Nasser Al Suwaidi, Acting Executive Director of the News Content Sector at WAM, signed as the official media partner.
Mr. Afif Barhoumi, Investment Promotion Expert, signed on behalf of The Investment Technology Promotion Office (ITPO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) – Bahrain. Helmut von Struve, CEO of Siemens in the UAE and Middle East, signed as a partner for the Global Manufacturing portfolio.
Joern Siegle, Vice president of FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH, signed as a partner for the future of finance portfolio. Holger Schlechter, CFO of IFZA, Regional Lead for Smart Cities Council in UAE, and Fayez Abu Fayez Abu Awad, Policy Director for MENA at the GSMA, signed as partners for the Future Cities portfolio. Bashar Kilani, Founder of AI360 Innovation, and Ilya Churakov, CEO of AI Alliance, signed as partners for the Digital Economy portfolio.
Additionally, Abdul Rahim Al Nuaimi, CEO of Marketing and Communications Department at Abu Dhabi Media, signed as a main media partner while Mazen Singer, Chief Strategy Officer at Nabd, signed as a digital media partner.
Al Shezawi added, “AIM Congress is proud of its partnership with a distinguished array of institutions, companies, and organizations from all over the world who share our vision of enhancing economic development and international cooperation.
“Through these ongoing and renewed partnerships, we will continue our collective efforts to facilitate communication and collaboration among all summit participants. We look forward to continuing this fruitful cooperation, contributing to stimulating growth and economic and investment development between the UAE and countries worldwide, to create a brighter future.”
AIM Congress 2025 aims to attract more than 25,000 prominent figures from 180 countries around the world, with the participation of 1,500 artificial intelligence companies and 500 startups. The event is expected to feature over 1,000 speakers in more than 350 discussion sessions.
Read also: AIM Congress 2025: The launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs and future unicorns
