Dubai: Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce (HCC) have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen cooperation in future-facing sectors and establish a new innovation corridor between Dubai and Hamburg.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was signed during the Dubai Business Forum Germany in Hamburg, powered by Dubai Chambers, with the aim of connecting the two cities' innovation ecosystems; linking talent, research, and scalable enterprise across borders. The signing took place in the presence of Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Dubai Chambers, and Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, Director-General of the Dubai Chambers.
Under the partnership agreement, both entities will explore joint initiatives in areas such as future research, smart cities, sustainability, and emerging technologies including AI and mobility. The agreement also lays the groundwork for knowledge exchange between key R and D institutions, structured startup pathways, joint foresight efforts, and participation in flagship events like Dubai Future Forum and Hamburg's Future Economy Day.
Alia Al Mur, Chief of Transformation and Partnerships at DFF, stated that the partnership reinforces DFF's commitment to connecting Dubai's innovation ecosystem with global counterparts. Hamburg's research and industrial depth presents it as a natural partner for shared growth across future sectors. The partnership aims to enable stronger international scaleup collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the design of new models for public-private foresight.
Dr. Malte Heyne, Managing Director of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that Dubai is more than just a trading partner for Hamburg, describing it as a gateway to a dynamic growth region. The cooperation agreement aims to deepen innovation partnerships and leverage complementary ecosystem strengths for the benefit of both cities. The partnership builds on longstanding cooperation with Dubai Chambers for more intensive exchange, joint innovation projects, and sustainable economic cooperation.
The partnership marks a step forward in realizing the vision of a connected, collaborative global future shaped by open exchange, shared opportunity, and mutual commitment to long-term impact. DFF's participation at the Dubai Business Forum Germany in Hamburg also included meetings with German innovation stakeholders, discussions with the Hamburg AI Centre (ARIC), and the Hamburg AI Fund, a presentation on Sandbox Dubai, and a roundtable on Dubai and Hamburg's technology landscape.