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The launch event was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority.

He placed the first order using the drone delivery system through the platform from the Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai (RIT-Dubai), one of the landing points within DSO’s drone delivery network. The order was successfully delivered from one of the take-off points in the community.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to developing advanced infrastructure and fostering an innovative environment to enhance smart logistics and cutting-edge air transport solutions, aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as a leader among future-ready cities.

His Highness said, “We continue to support projects that drive a diversified, flexible digital economy by leveraging advanced technology in Dubai and empowering the aviation and air transport sectors. Our strategy places a high priority on strengthening public-private partnerships to catalyse research and development (R&D), sustainable growth, and smart mobility. This aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai among the world’s top three urban economies.”

The two-day forum aims to provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and insights into emerging trends, such as digital commerce, AI, and sustainable logistics. It also offers a space for government officials, CEOs, and thought leaders to discuss investment opportunities and future innovations in the digital economy. The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Murodali Alimardon, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, as well as representatives from leading global companies.

In his address, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi emphasized the transformation e-commerce has brought to the global economy, forecasting a significant rise in global e-commerce sales. Murodali Alimardon highlighted Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy 2030 and the country’s readiness to engage in strategic partnerships in the digital trade sector.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ and Chairman of Dubai CommerCity, underlined the forum’s role in supporting Dubai's growth as a global trade hub and promoting the digital commerce sector’s strategic importance. Other notable speakers included Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President of Dubai Chambers, who discussed the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and its goals for expanding the digital economy’s contribution to the nation’s GDP.

WORLDEF CEO Omar Nart spoke about the forum’s focus on “Driving Global Trade Through Partnerships and Innovation,” while discussing the power of collaboration in shaping the future of digital commerce. The forum’s first day featured a fireside chat with Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, where the UAE’s initiatives to accelerate the growth of the digital economy were explored.