ABOUT THE EVENT
Dubai is no longer a future opportunity for tech startups. It is a current one.
For AI companies looking to operate beyond Europe, Dubai has become a key base for accessing new customers, partnerships and international markets from a single location.
To explore how this opportunity connects with Lisbon’s tech community, DMCC, in partnership with Unicorn Factory Lisboa, is hosting a live webinar on building tech opportunities between Dubai and Lisbon. The session is designed for founders and leadership teams considering international expansion and cross-border growth.
Participants will gain a clear view of how startups operate from Dubai, how DMCC supports international companies, and how European founders are building a presence beyond their home markets.
What to expect:
Whether you are exploring new markets or preparing your next stage of growth, this session offers timely insight into how startups from Lisbon are building international connections through Dubai.
WHERE
Online. Upon registration, you will receive details on how to join the Zoom webinar.
WHEN
11 March 2026
3:00PM - 4:00PM GST
11:00AM - 12:00PM WET
Senior Director, Tech Ecosystems,
DMCC
Belal Jassoma is the Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems at DMCC, the world’s leading business district and authority on international commodities trade and enterprise.
Belal joined DMCC in 2011 and has been instrumental in scaling up DMCC’s ecosystems and commercial offering, including new products, services and member engagement programmes. In his current capacity as Director for Ecosystems, Belal is responsible for developing key strategic relationships, partnerships and product functions as well as overseeing ecosystem development across several of DMCC’s industry verticals such as crypto, gaming, AI, energy and financial services.
Belal holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah and brings over 18 years of experience in real estate, investment, and government administration.
Manager – AI Centre,
DMCC
Salman Amiri serves as the Manager at DMCC’s AI Centre, the region’s leading hub for pragmatic Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation.
Salman leads strategic operations at DMCC's AI and robotics innovation hub, where he drives the development of specialized services, programs, and partnerships that foster ecosystem growth. His work focuses on building strategic relationships with government stakeholders and industry leaders while championing AI adoption initiatives across the organization.
Before joining DMCC in October 2024, Salman was an Autonomous Robotics Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute, where he specialized in guidance, navigation, and control systems. His background combines technical expertise in AI and robotics with operational leadership experience.
Salman holds a Master's degree in Intelligent Robotic Systems from the Universitat de Girona and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. As an Emirati national, he is committed to advancing the UAE's position as a global hub for technological innovation.
CTO and Co-Founder,
Akira Labs
Antonio Pellegrino is CTO and Co-Founder of Akira Labs with 15+ years of experience as a Senior Developer and Blockchain Engineer. He has helped architect and secure systems managing over $1B in DeFi assets and served as Lead AI Engineer in two ventures, specializing in scalable AI and blockchain infrastructure built forreal-world deployment.
Senior Manager - Corporate Sales,
DMCC
Mariam AlMaazmi joined DMCC in 2026 as Senior Manager, Corporate Sales and Business Development, where she leads international business engagement across Western Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In her role, she works closely with global companies, investors, and partners to support their expansion into Dubai and supports the organisation’s efforts to drive commercial growth, strengthen market relationships, and position DMCC as a gateway for international business.
With a strong background in global sales, ecosystem development, and strategic partnerships, Mariam has held roles across Dubai’s trade and real-estate sectors, including Dubai Design District and DP World. Her experience brings a global perspective combined with deep regional expertise in building high-impact commercial relationships.
| Welcome Address Belal Jassoma Senior Director, Tech Ecosystems, DMCC |
|
Uncover the Key to Global Success - DMCC Corporate Presentation |
|
DMCC Tech Ecosystems Presentation |
|
European Success Story |
|
Q & A |
For more information about this event