Abu Dhabi is set to host the fourth Skift Global Forum East (SGFE) later this year, as part of a new partnership formed between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Skift, the travel industry news and thought leadership platform.
The partnership, announced during ITB Berlin 2025, will reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global events destination. SGFE builds on the success of Skift Global Forum, an event held annually in New York, US. It plays a key role in driving innovation and thought leadership within the global travel industry.
As the newer sister event, SGFE will serve as the Middle East’s hub to shape the future of travel industry. The event will gather industry leaders and creative thinkers to analyze innovations, understand key drivers and explore growth opportunities across the Middle East and beyond.
Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry Director General Tourism Sector – DCT Abu Dhabi
“Hosting the Skift Global Forum East in Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to shaping the future of travel and tourism. The forum will foster meaningful connections among industry leaders, facilitating the exchange of valuable perspectives and the exploration of new growth opportunities within the Middle East region and beyond. The partnership between Skift and DCT Abu Dhabi underscores our belief in the power of partnerships to achieve shared objectives for the tourism sector and fuel progress for all stakeholders.”
Last year’s event gathered over 500 attendees from 32 countries in Dubai to discuss latest trends, from the rise of experiential travel to shifts in technology and AI.
Rafat Ali, CEO and Founder of Skift, added that, “We are thrilled to announce the 4th edition of Skift Global Forum East will take place in Abu Dhabi later this year, happening in Q4 2025. As the premier gathering of global CEOs and travel leaders, this event continues to shape the future of our industry through bold insights, expert speakers onstage, and invaluable networking. Abu Dhabi, with its dynamic blend of culture, innovation, and hospitality, serves as an excellent hub for this forum—bringing together visionaries from around the world to explore new frontiers in travel and hospitality. Thank you to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for their partnership.”
SGFE will also feature cutting-edge initiatives to drive revolutionary change within the sector, including Meet Generation Next, aimed at enhancing dialogue among established and emerging female leaders.
This aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision to transform the emirate’s socio-economic landscape and foster talent development. Strategic partnerships like this collaboration with Skift harness the power of events to promote sustainable growth and elevate Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.
