Breaking news

Doers Summit Expands To Dubai, Connecting Global Ecosystems

The Doers Company and Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) have signed a strategic agreement to host the first Middle East edition of Doers Summit at Dubai Silicon Oasis in November 2025, connecting Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.

Doers Summit Expands To Dubai, Connecting Global Ecosystems

A signing ceremony was held in Dubai, attended by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, and Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation & Technology at the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, underscoring government-level support for cross-border entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Hosting this renowned Summit with The Doers Company aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and our commitment to positioning Dubai as a global leader in economic and digital growth,” said Badr Buhannad, Deputy Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The Dubai edition aims to bring together over 3,000 participants, including startups, venture capital funds, and ecosystem leaders, catalysing cross-border collaboration and capital access while maintaining the Doers Summit’s experience-led format of high-impact networking, curated content, and actionable deal-making.

Reflect Festival Becomes Doers Summit: A Unified Vision for Global Doers

This expansion to Dubai comes at a pivotal moment for The Doers Company, as it unifies all its flagship events under a single global brand.

Since its inception in 2018, Reflect Festival has grown from a local gathering in Limassol into one of Europe’s leading technology and entrepreneurship events, welcoming over 50,000 founders, investors, and operators across Limassol, Athens, and city meetups throughout Europe. Now, Reflect Festival evolves into Doers Summit, aligning a vision to create a single, global gathering of doers that fosters meaningful connections and builds ecosystems where it matters most.

“Reflect Festival was close to many of us, but evolving it into Doers Summit was about clarity of purpose,” says Stylianos Lambrou, Co-founder and CEO of The Doers Company. “Now, we are building a global gathering that creates the partnerships and opportunities shaping what’s next.”

The move to Dubai marks a natural progression, connecting Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond while maintaining the experience-led approach that defines Doers Summit: curated content, high-impact networking, and real-world deal-making.

“This is more than scaling an event, it’s scaling a movement,” adds Dusan Duffek, Co-founder and Managing Partner at The Doers Company. “We’re creating moments of convergence where regions connect, ideas collide, and real deals happen.”

With Dubai, Athens, and Limassol now under the unified Doers Summit banner, The Doers Company is laying the groundwork for a truly global ecosystem where doers can continue to learn, connect, and build what’s next, together.

Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter