DUBAI, 15th February, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, today met with Hiroshi Mikitani, Chairman and CEO of Rakuten Group, one of Japan’s largest technology conglomerates, on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2023.
Sheikh Hamdan discussed with the Rakuten Group CEO ways in which Dubai can support the conglomerate in expanding its business in the UAE and the wider region surrounding it.
The Crown Prince said that Dubai seeks to create a productive platform and supportive environment for global firms to tap the vast investment opportunities emerging from fast-growing markets in the region and beyond.
As part of the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 launched recently by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to double the size of Dubai's economy over the next decade, and consolidate its position among the top three global cities, the emirate seeks to generate new avenues for growth, development and innovation for companies seeking to expand their global reach.
Sheikh Hamdan said that establishing strong cooperation with leading technology companies will support Dubai’s efforts to achieve the aim of the D33 agenda to generate AED100 billion annually from digital transformation. In line with the leadership’s vision, Dubai seeks to build a vibrant ecosystem to turn Dubai into a hub for future-oriented technologies and breakthrough innovation.
"Partnerships are at the heart of Dubai’s ethos and the emirate will continue to establish strong ties with global companies to raise the competitiveness of the emirate’s technology industry, especially its digital sector,'' he added.
Centred around Japan’s largest online retail marketplace Rakuten Ichiba, the Rakuten Group’s businesses include financial services, digital content and messaging services, e-publishing, and a mobile carrier. With more than 28,000 employees worldwide, operating in 30 countries and regions, the Rakuten Group aims to double its turnover to US$78.9 billion by 2030.
The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council; Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Government Summit (WGS) Organisation; and Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Managing Director of the World Government Summit Organisation.