Main Conference Day 2 - GT (Gulf Time, GMT+04:00)
Why are investment players choosing the Middle East this year more than ever? How is the narrative shifting from ‘Silicon Valley playbook, GCC capital’ to one of mutual learning? How are structural differences between Western and Middle Eastern investment ecosystems shaping cross-border collaborations? What forms the foundation of a multi-decade relationship between global capital players and Middle Eastern partners?
- Taimoor Labib - Founding Partner, Head of MENA & Chairman of Africa, Affirma Capital
Why are businesses around the globe choosing the UAE? With much of the foundational infrastructure in place, has market maturity in the country reached a plateau – or opened the door to a new growth phase? Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’: how will D33’s goal to double Dubai’s GDP reshape the emirate’s economic landscape and partnerships? How does the introduction of the new Dirham symbol reflect the UAE’s strategic vision for the future of trade and digital finance?
- Ekaterina Chernova - Founder & Managing Partner, Octagon
The Saudi spotlight: what’s fuelling the gold rush? How is the country balancing openness to global capital with strategic alignment to national priorities? Where are the kingdom’s partnerships and alliances headed and what do they reveal about its core objectives? The new Riyal symbol: what does it reflect?
In an era of economic realignment, the Middle East is joining forces with some of the world’s most dynamic markets.
This session presents four compelling case studies, each spotlighting a different region’s exciting activities.
• Case study 1: North Africa-A successful deal journey-Top sectors-Cultural considerations-Risks and resolutions
• Case study 2: Central Asia-Key countries-Natural resource synergies-Sustainability-Infrastructure developments
• Case study 3: China-AI & tech-Clarity and vision through the political fog-New energy-Obstacles and solutions
• Case study 4: India-Digital developments-Responsible investment-Government deals-Future plans
8 mins presentations each followed by 8 mins Q&A
As capital flows realign across Europe, the Gulf and conflict affected regions, how is Türkiye positioning itself? What risks and rewards come with the geopolitical balancing act? As Turkish firms seek regional growth and stability, how is the Guld serving as a platform for capital access, market entry and cross-border partnerships?
From lab to launch: how can private markets effectively back the most promising ventures in the region and beyond? How can integrated facility strategies turn healthcare real estate costs into returns? As mental health demand rises in the Middle East and employers pivot toward wellbeing driven benefits, how can private capital accelerate platforms that serve the people? What business models will define scalable success in the next generation of the health industry?
- Aaron Weaver - Managing Partner, Apeiron Investment Group
Regional supply chain resilience: as food manufacturing proves non-cyclical and food security rises on national agendas, how can investors unlock long-term value? With younger consumers and wellness trends reshaping FMCG demands, what are private markets players doing to back the brands that stay agile in a crowded market? In an era of shifting brand loyalty, e-commerce dominance and geopolitical boycotts, how can regional F&B and consumer goods challengers seize market share – and what’s the private capital playbook for supporting them?
- Nader Amiri - General Partner, Homegrown Ventures
Vision 2030, Programme for Gaming 2033 and the gaming visa: how are Saudi Arabia and the UAE transforming into global gaming hubs through strategic investments and initiatives? What impact do high-profile events like the Esports World Cup have on the Middle East’s gaming landscape and investment opportunities? In what ways are forward thinking players leveraging AI to level up in the gaming arena?
From crypto-banking models to LPs using blockchain to facilitate trade, how close is the region to outweighing the noise and scepticism? AE Coin: why are investors preferring the newly approved AED stablecoin over single cryptocurrencies? Abu Dhabi & Binance deal: what does it signal for the region and the asset class’s present and future?
What will be the most investable themes emerging over the next five years from the region’s economic transformation? What new strategies will redefine liquidity for private capital investors moving forward? Which countries are poised to take the lead?
- Alexandre Alfonsi - Managing Partner, Alternal