Arab Competition Forum 2026 Organizers
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the upcoming Arab Competition Forum in 2026.
The forum is organized by:
- The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
- The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
It will bring together over 100 officials and experts from Arab and international institutions interested in competition.
Here are the key points:
Purpose and Participants:
During the Arab Competition Forum, the UAE will showcase its pioneering experience in developing, regulating, and protecting competition.
The event provides a platform for participating countries to share their experiences in competition policy.
They can also exchange discussions and expertise related to competition cultures and policies in the region.
Economic Vitality Sessions:
Arab Competition Forum will include sessions on vital economic topics that contribute to enhancing competition.
It will also highlight the challenges of improving the competitive environment at both regional and global levels.
Arab Competition Forum Supports UAE Goals:
Hosting the Arab Competition Forum aligns with the UAE’s vision for 2031 and its economic principles.
The UAE aims to build a competitive, open economy that fosters a thriving business environment rich with opportunities and potential.
Collaboration and Awareness:
The Arab Competition Forum presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Arab countries in developing competition policies.
It allows for leveraging regional and global experiences in this field.
The UAE’s legislation related to competition, especially Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023 on competition regulation, plays a crucial role in enhancing and protecting competition. As it is combating monopolistic practices, and promoting economic competitiveness.
Benefits of Arab Competition Forum
The forum offers several benefits for businesses, policymakers, and the broader competition community in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Let’s explore how businesses can gain from this forum:
Knowledge-Sharing and Insights:
The forum provides a platform for high-level competition officials, policymakers, and regulators to share knowledge and insights related to competition policy and enforcement.
Businesses can learn about best practices, case studies, and successful approaches from other countries in the region.
Understanding Competition Policies:
Businesses can gain a deeper understanding of competition policies, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms.
This knowledge helps them navigate the competitive landscape more effectively and comply with relevant laws.
Networking Opportunities:
Arab Competition Forum brings together a diverse audience.
Including industry experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.
Businesses can network, establish connections, and explore potential collaborations or partnerships.
Market Insights and Trends:
Discussions during the Arab Competition Forum cover various economic topics.
Including mergers and acquisitions, market studies, and digital dominance.
Businesses can gain insights into market trends, emerging challenges, and opportunities.
Policy Advocacy and Influence:
Businesses can actively participate in discussions on competition policy frameworks, by engaging with policymakers and regulators.
They can advocate for policies that promote fair competition, protect consumers, and create a level playing field.
Regional Economic Growth:
Arab Competition Forum contributes to advancing economic growth in the Arab region.
Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Businesses can benefit indirectly from a more competitive and robust regional economy.
Awareness and Compliance:
Businesses can stay informed about legislative changes and updates related to competition.
Understanding competition laws helps them avoid anticompetitive practices and ensures compliance.
During His Excellency’s attendance at a youth session entitled “Emirati Student in Australia” .. #Sultan_AlNeyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, confirms: Communicating with young people sent to study abroad and listening to their opinions contributes to building an aware… pic.twitter.com/RtsDRsMtqS
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) August 7, 2024
Background:
In partnership with UNCTAD and OECD, ESCWA launched the first Arab Competition Forum in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2020.
The goal was to create an annual forum to share knowledge and experiences related to competition policies and enforcement in the region.
By hosting Arab Competition Forum, the UAE contributes to its own growth and development.
While fostering collaboration and awareness around competition policies.
