New Zealand Innovation Takes Centre Stage During UAE Ministerial Business Roundtable

The New Zealand Middle East Business Council (NZMEBC) was honoured to host His Excellency Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, United Arab Emirates Minister of State, together with His Excellency Ambassador Rashed Alqemzi and members of the UAE delegation for a high-level business roundtable in Auckland on 11 June.

The roundtable brought together some of New Zealand's leading innovators, technology companies and industry representatives to showcase the breadth of expertise emerging from New Zealand's rapidly evolving knowledge economy and to explore opportunities for collaboration with the UAE.

Opening the event, NZMEBC Chair Jude Hadfield welcomed the delegation and highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that it comes at a pivotal moment in the New Zealand-UAE relationship following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2025.

"CEPA provides a strong foundation, but our focus now is on building practical business partnerships, creating new opportunities and strengthening the economic ties between our two countries," Ms Hadfield said.

While Minister Al Hajeri's visit included engagement with New Zealand's agricultural sector at Fieldays, the Auckland roundtable showcased another side of New Zealand's economy – one increasingly recognised internationally for innovation, advanced technology, scientific excellence and the ability to develop solutions to complex global challenges.

Participating organisations represented sectors including deep technology investment, fusion energy, future energy industries, biotechnology and regenerative medicine, film and creative industries, and artificial intelligence-enabled learning platforms.

Presenting organisations included:

• Outset Ventures

• OpenStar Technologies

• Pure Elements Capital (PEC)

• Aroa Biosurgery

• New Zealand Film Commission and Screen Auckland

• V-Unite

Ms Hadfield noted that despite their diverse sectors, the companies around the table shared a common ambition – developing solutions that can scale globally and contribute to a more sustainable, productive and prosperous future.

Many of the opportunities being explored by these businesses align closely with the UAE's vision for economic diversification, advanced technology, healthcare innovation, workforce transformation, energy transition and future investment opportunities.

"The UAE has demonstrated remarkable leadership in creating an environment where international collaboration can flourish. As New Zealand businesses continue to expand their global reach, many increasingly view the UAE not only as an important market but also as a strategic gateway to the wider Gulf region and beyond," she said.

NZMEBC also acknowledged the ongoing support and leadership of His Excellency Ambassador Rashed Alqemzi in strengthening connections between the governments and business communities of New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

The roundtable provided an opportunity for open discussion between New Zealand business leaders and the UAE delegation, fostering new relationships and identifying areas for future collaboration under the framework of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

As New Zealand and the UAE continue to deepen their economic partnership, the discussions held during the roundtable reinforced the shared commitment of both nations to innovation, investment and building meaningful commercial relationships that deliver long-term benefits for businesses and communities in both countries.