Dubai: Dubai CommerCity, the region’s first free zone exclusively dedicated to digital commerce, has announced the agenda and speaker lineup for the upcoming WORLDEF Dubai 2026 forum, a global event focused on digital trade. The forum, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), is scheduled to take place from February 12th to 14th, 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum is organised by Dubai CommerCity in partnership with WORLDEF, an international platform supporting cross-border e-commerce and digital trade. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, will deliver the opening keynote, followed by addresses from Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, and Omar Nart, CEO of WORLDEF. The event is expected to attract over 150 speakers and more than 13,000 visitors from 80 countries, including government entities, institutions, and local and international companies in the digital trade ecosystem.
The forum will also host an exhibition with over 160 exhibitors and brands from sectors such as digital commerce, logistics, payments, and technology. Participants include companies like Temu, Zajel, Landmark Group, VTEX, Omniful, DHL, eBay, and Amazon Seller Society, alongside official participation from Dubai Customs and Emirates NBD.
On the sidelines, the Dune Initiative, organised by Oraseya Capital, DIEZ’s investment arm, will feature workshops and a startup competition, with a grant of AED100,000 awarded to the winning startup. This initiative aims to connect investors and innovators within the DIEZ ecosystem.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, which drew over 5,000 visitors from more than 40 countries, WORLDEF Dubai 2026 continues to position itself as a leading global platform for digital trade. The increased participation underscores growing international confidence in Dubai’s digital trade ecosystem, aligning with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
This year’s forum will emphasize startups with a dedicated Startup Zone hosting over 50 startups, fostering connections between innovators, investors, and industry leaders. Panel discussions on the first day will address topics such as digital trade policies, e-commerce integration with logistics and global trade, digital marketplace models, retail modernization in Gulf countries, and investment opportunities in digital startups across the Middle East and North Africa.
The second day will explore sustainability in digital trade growth, automation, artificial intelligence, data in supply chains, cybersecurity, the future of cashless payments, and cross-border digital trade over the next decade. Sessions will also cover conversational commerce, digital transformation in fashion retail, smart stores, ethics of artificial intelligence in commerce, digital marketing, omnichannel integration, and talent development in the digital economy.
The forum’s final day will be dedicated to visitors, allowing them to explore exhibition pavilions, engage with exhibitors, and discover the latest innovations, enhancing networking and commercial partnerships. Speakers will include senior executives and specialists from global companies and platforms, representing sectors such as e-commerce, logistics, payments, retail, and advanced technology, highlighting the forum’s international scope and industry depth.