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2/24/25, 10:45 AM UAE Leads in AI-Driven Trade Transformation at Plug and Play Summit - UPPERNEWS - UAE news, Dubai news, technology news

Credit: WAM

Dr. Al Zeyoudi pointed out the necessity for the international trading community to leverage the potential of startups
and unlock the value hindered by outdated systems and human-centric processes. He remarked that the UAE is
committed to leading this transformation, stating, “The UAE recognises that trade is undergoing a complete
transformation, driven by new technologies, automation, and digital innovation. It is vital we empower entrepreneurs
and startups to develop cutting-edge solutions that enable smarter, faster, and more inclusive global trade.”

He elaborated on the TradeTech Initiative, which was launched in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. This
initiative aims to accelerate the development of new solutions and includes the establishment of the TradeTech
Accelerator and a Regulatory Sandbox. Dr. Al Zeyoudi noted that these efforts could unlock new commercial
opportunities worldwide, thereby enhancing the UAE’s role in global trade.

The TradeTech Accelerator, developed alongside Plug and Play, has already started to deliver results. From an
extensive selection of 1,500 top-tier startups across the globe, 14 high-potential ventures have been identified that
focus on AI-driven logistics, blockchain trade finance, and digital supply-chain optimization. Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated that
these startups’ agility and creativity would not only improve supply chains but also reinforce the strength of the UAE’s
innovation ecosystem.

The summit featured various fireside chats and panel discussions, bringing together prominent figures from
technology, investment, and trade. These discussions explored the evolving role of AI in entrepreneurship, covering
diverse topics such as fintech trends, blockchain, and the transformative effects of AI on industries and human
capabilities.

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