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Event

Dubai to welcome 2,000+ global AI and tech leaders at the inaugural DATE MENA this November

Dubai is set to host one of the most anticipated tech events of the year as DATE (Digital Acceleration & Transformation Expo) makes its debut in the city on 26–27 November 2025, followed by DATE KSA on 8-9 December in Riyadh.

Part of the flagship DATE series by Trescon, a global business catalyst, the MENA edition will bring together 2,000+ decision-makers, 200+ investors, 60+ speakers, and 50+ tech companies for two days of dialogue, deal-making, and innovation. The event is co-located with Trescon’s CARE (Climate Action & Renewable Energy) series.

“Dubai is setting the pace for the next wave of tech-driven transformation and DATE MENA is at the heart of it,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder and Chairman, Trescon

Centred on the theme “Human Potential Meets Digital Possibilities,” the series will explore how emerging technologies can drive impact across sectors.

The recently concluded DATE Dialogues, held on 16 September at in5 Tech, Dubai, focused on MENA’s digital transformation and future-tech adoption strategies. Contributions from NVIDIA, Accenture, The Kanoo Group, and Magure highlighted the importance of collaboration and local expertise, setting the stage for DATE MENA.

Vladimir Arshinov, Group Chief Technology Officer, EMSTEEL, said: “DATE MENA provides an ideal platform to exchange insights with global leaders and demonstrate how human potential can truly meet digital possibilities — shaping the region’s digital future.”

DATE will also spotlight women in tech.

Alice Yammine Boueiz, Chief Executive Officer, Arab Hospitals Federation, added: “Emerging technologies are opening a new chapter for the MENA region, redefining healthcare and the way we serve our people. Through my role as CEO of the Arab Hospitals Federation, I am proud to bring this vision to DATE, where together we turn ambition into transformation.”

Prominent peakers include Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of AI, Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), UAE; Dr. Ayesha Bin Lootah, Assistant Vice President, VARA, UAE; H.E. Paul Dawalibi, CEO, RAK DAO, UAE; Dr. Sid Ahmed Benraouane, Advisor, Dubai Government, and others. 

Each edition of DATE will host the FutureTech World Cup, Innovation Programme, Launchpad, and Jobs initiative, connecting talent with companies shaping MENA’s digital-first economy.

Industry partners that have committed to showcase their projects/solutions during DATE MENA include Magure, EY, Demandify, KonfHub, Fia Ventures, Trescon Foundation, and others. View the full list of speakers here and the event agenda here.  

 “DATE is not a one-off event, it’s a catalyst,” said Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO, Trescon. “This platform is built for those who are serious about using technology to solve real problems. In Dubai, we’re creating the space where policy meets capital, and ideas become action.”

With Dubai advancing its D33 economic agenda and doubling down on AI-led innovation, DATE arrives at a pivotal moment for the region.

by Vivek Kumar

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by Vivek Kumar

The inaugural edition of CARE (Climate Action, Renewable Energy & Sustainability) forum series by Trescon, is set to become the MENA region’s most influential platform for sustainability investment and climate innovation. The forum will unite regional and global leaders driving the Middle East’s clean energy transition. Co-located with DATE, a Digitization, AI & Emerging Tech Summit, CARE MENA will take place on 26-27 November at the iconic Madinat Jumeirah. “With the GCC committing billions to renewable infrastructure, CARE MENA offers a unique, action-oriented platform where capital meets climate ambition,” said Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO, Trescon. He continued, “From solar and hydrogen to green finance and industrial decarbonisation, the series will spotlight investable opportunities that support net-zero goals and drive regional climate action.” Talking about the series, Jens Y. Zimmermann, President, Orios Venture Partners, said, “Looking forward to CARE and learning more about new developments, trends & investment opportunities in climate & renewable energy.”  For start-ups, scale-ups and climate tech ventures, CARE MENA is a launchpad and a great opportunity to secure investments.  “I’m looking forward to CARE as a platform to uncover investment opportunities in climate tech and renewables,” said Kevin Holliday, CEO, Venturebeam. Ahmed Refaie, CEO & Global CIO, G.P.I. Global Partners Investments Limited said, “CARE gives an opportunity for climate finance and investment practicing professionals to deploy capital in an environmentally impactful and responsible way.” Whether seeking Series A investment, strategic partnerships or market access, participants will gain direct exposure to venture capital firms, institutional investors, family offices, and sovereign funds. Backed by some of the region’s most prominent investors — from the Royal Group and Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (Shurooq) to ARM Holding, Venturesouq, Plug and Play, and others — CARE MENA is set to spark high impact collaborations. Talking about the opportunities at CARE, Sofia Kostiunina, Managing Director, 100VP commented, “From the VC perspective, I see CARE as an excellent platform to identify breakthrough opportunities in renewable energy and climate tech.” Flagship initiatives include: CARE ESG Awards, hosted by Trescon and supported by ESG MENA, will also spotlight and celebrate the “Responsible Investor of the Year” and the “Young Sustainability Pioneer of the Year”. Sessions at the summit will explore regulatory reform, capital flows and technology deployment, with a sharp focus on commercial viability and regional scalability. With the help of its sponsors including Emtribe, Cero Hero, Enjazponic, S&P Global and others, CARE MENA will also feature investor roundtables, pitch sessions and partnership forums — ensuring that conversations lead to commitments. For founders, it’s a chance to pitch to decision-makers. For corporates, it’s a front-row seat to the next wave of green innovation. And for investors, it’s access to the region’s most promising ventures and infrastructure projects.

by Vivek Kumar

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