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The World Government Summit 2026 in Dubai featured a prominent dialogue session exploring whether a new global economic model is emerging. The discussion brought together His Excellency Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, focusing on joint investment projects and the transformation of the Dominican Republic into a key logistics hub in the Caribbean region.
The session, titled “Are We Witnessing a New Global Economic Model?” examined the economic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Dominican Republic. According to the discussion, the partnership with DP World serves as a centerpiece of bilateral investment relations between the two nations.
UAE Investment Drives Dominican Infrastructure Development
President Abinader praised the vital role that Emirati investments play in developing his country’s infrastructure. He described the partnership with DP World as a successful model of international cooperation that transcends geographical boundaries.
Additionally, the Dominican president emphasized that his country is working to modernize legal and legislative frameworks to facilitate foreign investment flows. The reforms particularly target the logistics services sector and free zone operations, according to his statements at the summit.
“The UAE is a strong partner for us, contributing to enhancing trade gateways in Latin America,” President Abinader said during the session. The remarks underscore the strategic importance of UAE-Dominican economic ties in the broader context of global trade patterns.
DP World Announces Major Investment Expansion
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem outlined DP World’s expansion plans in the Dominican Republic during the dialogue. He revealed that the global ports operator has invested more than $700 million in the Caribbean nation, with additional investments of similar value planned through what he described as an exemplary economic partnership.
The DP World CEO explained that the company aims to increase handling capacity in the Dominican Republic significantly. According to bin Sulayem, DP World has successfully reached a capacity of 3 million containers while integrating smart technological solutions to ensure smooth trade flow between the Americas and the rest of the world.
Strategic Position in Caribbean Logistics
The investment strategy reflects the Dominican Republic’s potential as a logistics center connecting North and South America. However, the success of this transformation depends on continued infrastructure development and regulatory improvements to attract international shipping lines.
Meanwhile, the partnership demonstrates how emerging economies can leverage strategic geographic positions through collaboration with established global operators. The Dominican Republic’s location in the Caribbean positions it as a natural gateway for trade routes connecting multiple continents.
Implications for Global Economic Model Shifts
The discussion at the World Government Summit highlighted broader questions about evolving international economic partnerships. In contrast to traditional North-South investment patterns, the UAE-Dominican collaboration represents South-South cooperation gaining momentum in global commerce.
Furthermore, the focus on logistics infrastructure investment aligns with global trends emphasizing supply chain resilience and diversification. The modernization of port facilities and free zones creates opportunities for countries to position themselves strategically in international trade networks.
The session participants emphasized that successful economic partnerships require more than capital investment. Legal framework modernization and technology integration emerged as critical factors in maximizing the benefits of cross-border economic cooperation.
While specific timelines for the planned investments were not disclosed during the session, both parties indicated ongoing commitment to expanding the partnership. The Dominican government has not confirmed exact dates for completing legislative reforms, though authorities indicated these remain a priority for facilitating continued foreign investment growth.
