AKI Partners with the World Economic Forum to Champion Future-Ready Economies

In a move that underscores the growing influence of the private sector in shaping the global economic agenda, AKI has announced its official partnership with the World Economic Forum. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for the diversified Emirati business, positioning it at the heart of global conversations on sustainable growth, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.

At a time when economies worldwide are navigating rapid technological change, geopolitical shifts, and evolving societal expectations, partnerships that bridge public and private interests have never been more critical. AKI’s alignment with the World Economic Forum reflects a shared belief that long-term economic resilience can only be achieved through collective action and responsible leadership.

The official signing ceremony brought together Alexandre Raffoul, Member of the Executive Committee at the World Economic Forum, and Zaid S. Al Khayyat, Managing Director of AKI. The moment symbolized more than a formal agreement—it represented a commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and tangible impact across the markets AKI operates in.

“As a diversified Emirati business, we see the private sector not just as a driver of growth, but as a steward of long-term value,” Al Khayyat noted. “This partnership reinforces our responsibility to contribute to future-ready economies through innovation, ethical practices, and meaningful collaboration with global institutions.”

AKI’s participation in the World Economic Forum ecosystem enables the company to engage with policymakers, business leaders, and innovators from around the world—contributing regional perspectives to global discussions while also bringing international best practices back to the markets it serves. From sustainability and economic diversification to technology-driven transformation, the partnership opens the door for AKI to help shape solutions that extend beyond boardrooms and into real-world application.

For the UAE and the wider Middle East, such collaborations signal a broader shift in how regional businesses are positioning themselves on the global stage. Emirati companies are increasingly stepping into roles as conveners, collaborators, and contributors to global policy and economic dialogue—reflecting the region’s ambition to be a hub for innovation and sustainable development.

By partnering with the World Economic Forum, AKI is reinforcing the idea that economic growth and social progress are not mutually exclusive. Instead, when guided by purpose and partnership, they become mutually reinforcing forces.

As global challenges grow more complex, AKI’s involvement in meaningful, high-level conversations aims to help turn ideas into action—supporting economic models that are resilient, inclusive, and built for the long term. The partnership stands as a clear statement of intent: that responsible private-sector leadership has a critical role to play in shaping the future of the global economy.