Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai is positioning itself as a prominent global innovation center with the hosting of the inaugural Middle East Doers Summit at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) on 26–27 November 2025. Previously branded as the Reflect Festival, this significant event aims to assemble over 3,000 attendees comprising founders, investors, and ecosystem operators to nurture cross-border synergies and financial opportunities.

Located at Dubai Digital Park within DSO, the summit boasts a dynamic program spread across three stages – Blackout, Plaza, and Dtec – featuring over 150 speakers across 10 topical sessions. Topics of discussion will include groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence, fintech, mobility, greentech, future cities, health, robotics, and public sector technology, along with insightful case studies emerging from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

This year’s summit presents a balanced demographic, with 50% founders, 20% investors, and 30% operators. The event aims to exceed traditional conference formats, offering interactive panels, fireside chats, workshops, and focused networking opportunities. Specially organized side events including investor meetups, innovation challenges, and mixers will promote valuable connections and deal-making endeavors, complemented by a matchmaking platform to facilitate targeted networking.

Opening the summit will be a keynote by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, followed by contributions from global influencers such as Dr Nicodemos Damianou from Cyprus, and Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).

On 25 November, DSO will host the vibrant “DSO Run,” combining fitness with networking, and setting an energetic atmosphere ahead of the two-day summit.

Prominent global companies including Delivery Hero, Waze, Workable, Airbus, Zoho, AWS, Google, META, and Oracle will be present alongside over 40 startups, showcasing innovative solutions and products through exhibit booths and demos. Participants can also indulge in a curated hospitality experience featuring pop-up food and beverage outlets throughout the venue.

The Doers Summit signifies Dubai’s inaugural engagement in hosting one of Europe’s preeminent startup and tech gatherings, establishing its stature as a regional powerhouse in innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.

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