Page 848 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2024

Murodali Alimardon, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, delivered a keynote speech on the National
Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan 2030. He emphasised the strategy's goal of enhancing
the standard of living for citizens through economic development. He also highlighted the country's key
economic enablers, such as infrastructure and natural resources, while addressing global advancements
in digital trade and Tajikistan’s readiness to forge strategic partnerships in this sector.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ and Chairman of the Board of Dubai CommerCity,
said that hosting the WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum, one of the leading events in digital commerce, reflects
Dubai CommerCity's commitment to advancing the sector's strategic role in driving non-oil economic
growth, in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Dr. Al Zarooni highlighted the remarkable interest from stakeholders across the digital commerce
landscape, as evidenced by the forum's strong participation and its distinguished lineup of speakers
representing leading global companies. He noted that this high level of engagement underscores Dubai’s
status as a global trade hub, its critical role in supporting the sector's anticipated growth, and its strategic
importance in the interconnected fields of global trade, logistics, and related services.

The Ambassador of Turkiye to the UAE, underscored the significance of the robust trade ties between the
UAE and Turkey, highlighting the UAE’s position as Turkey’s largest trading partner within the GCC. He
emphasised the importance of strengthening trade cooperation between the two nations, given their roles
as key regional business and aviation hubs.

Omar Nart, CEO of WORLDEF, said: “We gather in Dubai—a global hub of innovation and trade—to
shape the future of commerce. WORLDEF Dubai 2024 forum is a unique platform, bringing together leaders
and visionaries to discuss opportunities and challenges in a rapidly changing digital economy. This year’s
focus, ‘Driving Global Trade Through Partnerships and Innovation’, highlights the power of collaboration.
We thank Dubai CommerCity for the support and for hosting this important forum.”

The forum’s first day featured a fireside chat with Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of
Dubai Chambers, focusing on the digital economy and its critical role in driving economic growth. Lootah
discussed the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the digital economy’s contribution to
the nation’s GDP—from 9.7% in 2022 to 19.4% over the next decade.

He also highlighted initiatives launched by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy to support local
emerging technology companies, attract global enterprises, and establish a regulatory framework to
address challenges. These efforts aim to accelerate the growth of the digital economy and position Dubai
as a prime destination for digital businesses, contributing significant economic value to the region. Lootah
also expressed confidence in the sector’s future, noting that growth in the GCC and the UAE is currently
exceeding expectations, supported by strong economic indicators that signal sustained upward
momentum.