Main Conference Day 2 - GT (Gulf Time, GMT+04:00)
What investment strategies work best in different markets globally, and how should investors adapt their approach across regions rather than applying a single playbook? What lessons and best practices from developed markets can be applied to emerging markets, and vice-versa? How are emerging markets working together today, and what does a successful cross-market collaboration look like on the ground?
- Taimoor Labib - Founding Partner, Head of MENA & Chairman of Africa, Affirma Capital
- Nicolas Michelon - Managing Partner, Alagan Partners
As energy dynamics shift and supply chains realign, how is the India–GCC relationship evolving? Where does this create new investment angles? With India’s deep talent pool and mature tech ecosystems, how are investors identifying which capabilities truly drive competitive advantage? Highlighting some of the most compelling success stories and learnings from those who have leveraged this partnership effectively.
Having consistently demonstrated resilience through past cycles, what lessons from previous crises are shaping how it sustains momentum today, and how does it position itself in an increasingly eastward-shifting global order? As capital, talent and institutions continue to concentrate in the UAE, how is it strengthening its position as the region’s leading commercial hub? As the ecosystem matures, how are investors thinking about scaling from Dubai? Is it a destination market, or a launchpad for regional and global expansion?
As capital flows become increasingly shaped by geopolitics, regulation and strategic partnerships, the GCC is emerging as a central node connecting global markets. This session brings together a series of focused case studies exploring how investors are navigating and building across key corridors - from Türkiye and Central Asia to Europe and the United States.
Through short, insight-driven presentations, speakers will share real-world examples of cross-border investment, partnership structures and the practical realities of operating across these regions.
From formal agreements and evolving trade routes to shifting political dynamics and sector opportunities, the session will unpack what is actually driving capital movement today - and where the next opportunities lie.
Featuring:
- Türkiye & the GCC
- Central Asia & the GCC
- Europe & the GCC
- USA & the GCC
8 mins presentations each followed by 8 mins Q&A
- Ahmed Emre Büyükkılıç - UAE Representative, Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Investment and Finance Office
As Saudi accelerates its economic diversification, where are the most investable opportunities emerging? As regulation evolves and markets open further to foreign capital, how is the kingdom reshaping the investment landscape? What does this mean for access, competition and long-term returns?
Spaces are limited and only open to those who have pre-registered.
To enquire, please email Munazzah Siddique at munazzah.siddique@informa.com
As capital increasingly flows between the GCC and North Africa, where are the most compelling opportunities emerging, and what is driving that alignment today? As governments step in with reforms and incentives in countries including Egypt and Morrocco, how investable is the region today, and where are investors still seeing friction in practice? With North Africa exporting talent, IP and scalable business models into the GCC, how are investors identifying which companies can successfully bridge both markets? What does a credible exit pathway look like across North Africa, and how does GCC capital change that equation?
How are countries like Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain redefining their roles within the GCC investment landscape? Where are the most compelling opportunities emerging across these markets, and how visible are they to international investors? With capital becoming more selective and inward-focused, how are investors in these markets thinking about deployment - locally, regionally, and globally?
Gaming is no longer just entertainment. It is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers for venture-scale returns.
Across the Middle East and beyond, capital is flowing into gaming ecosystems, with sovereign-backed strategies, rapid company scaling, and breakout success stories reshaping how investors view the sector.
From early-stage studios to billion-dollar outcomes in a matter of months, gaming is producing a new generation of “hidden champions” and globally competitive platforms.
This session explores how gaming is evolving into a serious investment category, where value is being created, how regional hubs like the UAE are attracting talent and companies, and what recent success stories reveal about the speed and scalability of the sector.
Through real-world examples and founder-led insights, we examine what it takes to build, back and exit gaming ventures in today’s market, and why this space is moving from niche to necessity for forward-looking investors.
As China deepens its investment footprint across the GCC, from infrastructure to technology, what is underpinning this strategic shift, and where are investors seeing tangible results? With strong interest in Chinese technology, from AI to advanced manufacturing, how are GCC investors accessing these capabilities, and overcoming the risks and limitations? As the Middle East navigates relationships with both China and the US, how are investors managing this multi-alignment strategy - and what does it mean for long-term partnerships and capital flows?
What differentiates the tourism strategies of the Middle East compared to other markets? Where across the tourism value chain are investors seeing the most attractive returns? As geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts impact travel sentiment, how resilient is the tourism investment thesis, and where are investors seeing recovery or continued demand?