Global Economic Zones Leaders Summit 2025 Redefined the Future of Global Trade, Innovation, and Investment

Dubai, UAE | 24 April 2025 — The Global Economic Zones Leaders Summit (GEZS25), held at The H Dubai, brought together over 600 global delegates from more than 50 countries for a landmark gathering of ministers, ambassadors, economic zone authorities, investors, and industry leaders—all committed to shaping the next chapter of global trade, industrial development, and economic cooperation.

The summit, organized by Hazm Events, was not just a dialogue but a global convergence of public and private sector leaders — including the active participation of high-level entities like RCJY (Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu) Free Zones, various ministries of trade, economy, and investment, and ambassadors representing economic missions across the GCC, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Explored Strategic Themes for a Future-Ready Global Economy

GEZS25 delved deep into the transformational role of economic zones in advancing strategic priorities such as:

  • High-Growth Industries (Advanced Manufacturing, Cleantech, Aerospace, FinTech, AI, Logistics, and Life Sciences)
  • Sustainable Infrastructure and ESG Leadership
  • Smart Trade and Customs Modernization
  • Strategic Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Attraction
  • Workforce Development, Resilience, and Industry 4.0 Integration
  • Digital Economy & Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

Featured Tracks and Thought-Leadership Panels Included:

  • Policy Frameworks for Future-Ready Economies Featured Deputy Ministers and Legal Advisors discussing regulatory environments enabling high-growth sectors.
  • Economic Zones as Innovation Hubs Showcased how free zones were transforming into incubators for R&D, digital infrastructure, and next-gen technologies.
  • Global Supply Chain Resilience Took a critical look at how zones and logistics powerhouses addressed disruptions while enabling sustainability.
  • Chambers, Trade Authorities & Business Councils Highlighted how cross-border market access and institutional alignment were enabled through trade diplomacy.
  • Cleantech & Smart Cities Development Led by Masdar City and others, outlining frameworks for future-ready urban ecosystems and green industries.
  • U.S.–GCC Economic Alignment With AmCham Abu Dhabi, explored the evolving role of advocacy in strategic bilateral partnerships.

Voices from the Top

Distinguished speakers included:

  • H.E. Ismail Zabeeh, Minister of State, Maldives
  • Officials from UAE’s Ministry of Economy & Human Resources
  • Senior representatives from RCJY, DHL Global Forwarding, Emirates SkyCargo, Masdar City, EGA, and more
  • Presidents of business councils from Ukraine, Switzerland, India, and the UK

These sessions provided in-depth insights on investment trends, public-private synergies, and how economic zones were becoming accelerators for national economic transformation.

Why GEZS25 Mattered?

In a world where economic zones stood at the intersection of industrial strategy, sustainability, and globalization, GEZS25 served as a powerful platform for governments and investors to co-create the future of trade, innovation, and inclusive growth. Whether it was unlocking FDI pipelines, building climate-resilient infrastructure, or advancing regulatory reforms, GEZS25 positioned Dubai—and the broader MENA region—as a nexus for global economic collaboration.