The discussions on the second day of Investopia 2024 in Abu Dhabi, held on February 28 and 29, focused on strategic priorities for global economic growth and sustainability. The event featured prominent speakers and panelists who discussed investment trends and opportunities in various sectors such as tourism, aviation, hospitality, family businesses, healthcare, financial technology, and capital markets.
The day comprised eight panel discussions and roundtables, bringing together investors, government officials, companies, and entrepreneurs interested in exploring investment opportunities in the new economy. Over 40 speakers, including economists, investment experts, and decision-makers, shared their insights and perspectives on the global investment landscape.
Strategic Priorities in a Shifting Global Landscape
The first session, titled “Strategic Priorities in a Shifting Global Landscape: A Policy Perspective,” examined major global shifts from geopolitical, economic, and environmental perspectives and how these changes impact the development priorities of countries worldwide. The session also discussed the importance of international cooperation in addressing common concerns such as energy challenges, climate change, and water and food security.
Participants emphasized the need for policy development and legislation to address economic challenges and provide tax incentives for economic activities and businesses. The session also explored the role of technology and digital solutions in developing infrastructure across sectors and accelerating economic diversification through expansion into new economic sectors.
Exploring opportunities in key economic sectors
The second session, “Evolving Landscape of Public Capital Markets in the Middle East,” explored opportunities and capabilities in key economic sectors of the region. It emphasized the importance of directing capital towards these opportunities to enhance economic development in the region.
Global tourism recovery
The third session, “Hospitality Unleashed: Charting New Paths in Tourism Investment,” focused on the recovery of global tourism after the Covid-19 pandemic. It highlighted trends and transformations in the sector, including the growth of domestic and sustainable tourism. The session also discussed how investors can capitalize on the changing demand and trends in tourism.
Exploring GenAI in the investment ecosystem
Additionally, a roundtable meeting in cooperation with Eros Investment, titled “Generative AI Redefining the Investment Ecosystem,” brought together investors, founders, and managers of major companies to discuss the potential of artificial intelligence and its optimization for business benefits. The meeting also explored the prospects for companies relying on advanced technologies.
Keynote speakers
Prominent speakers on the second day included government officials such as H.E. Dumitru Alaiba, deputy prime minister and minister of Economic Development and Digitization of the Government of Moldova; Simon Coveney, minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the Republic of Ireland; Simonas Satunas, deputy minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania; H.E. Wale Edun, minister of Finance and minister Coordinator for the Economy of Nigeria; and H.E. George Papanastasiou, minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry of Cyprus. Industry leaders like Aloki Batra, CEO of Five Hospitality and The Pacha Group; Antonio Gonzalez, founder and CEO of Sunset Hospitality Group; and Caroline Abramo, founder and CEO of Pana Low Carbon Economy (PLC), also shared their insights.
Future 100 initiative
Investopia 2024 also marked the launch of the second edition of the Future 100 initiative, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Economy and the Government Development & the Future Office aimed at fostering businesses operating in future economic sectors. The event provided a platform for these companies to connect with global investors and stay informed about the latest investment trends.
Investopia 2024 was held in partnership with Mubadala Investment Company, ADQ, Crypto.com, Standard Chartered, Citibank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates Development Bank, the global entrepreneurship and investment platform SALT, and the iConnections platform.
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