Economy Middle East
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Economy Middle East Summit 2025

Bridging Sectors, Building Economic Growth

  • May 14, 2025
  • ADGM, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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0 Top-tier speakers
0Delegates
0Media

  • IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

  • STRATEGIC PARTNERS

  • Official Media Partners

EVENT OVERVIEW

The Economy Middle East Summit 2025, in partnership with ADGM, will host the region’s leading decision-makers, including ministers, international entities, and regional industry leaders. This second edition builds on the last edition’s success, providing an unparalleled platform for high-impact discussions in Economics, Investment, Banking and Finance, AI & Technology, Sustainability and Mobility. With over 1,500 delegates expected, alongside regional and international media outlets and more than 30 top-tier speakers, the summit will be themed:

Bridging Sectors, Building Economic Growth 

08:30    Registration & Networking

09:00    Welcome Note

  • Salem Al Darei

    CEO, ADGM Authority
    A man in a white kandura and black ghutra smiles against a gray background.

    • 09:30    Opening Remarks

  • H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri

    UAE Minister of Economy
    Emirati man in traditional attire with a serious expression.

    • 09:55    Panel 1  

    The Future Economy: Innovations, Investments, and Policies for Sustained Growth

    As the global economic landscape is undergoing significant transformations, this panel explores the evolving contours of the global economy, offering insights into the near- and long-term economic outlook. Panelists will discuss shifts in global trade dynamics and their implications for growth, competitiveness, and resilience. The discussion will spotlight innovation and forward-thinking policies as powerful catalysts for sustainable development, while exploring how trends such as accelerating digital transformation and AI are shaping the future economic landscape.

    Speakers

  • Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin

    UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda

  • H.E. Rashed Al Blooshi

    Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development

  • Safaa El Tayeb El-Kogali

    Country Director for the GCC, World Bank

    • Moderator

  • Razan Salman

    Senior Economy & Government Reporter, CNN Business Arabic
    • Economic summit speakers audience.

    10:30    Honorary Keynote Address

  • H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan

    UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence

    • 10:40    Panel 2  

    The New Pulse of Investment: Trade and Equity Opportunities in a Growing UAE Economy

    As the UAE accelerates its transformation into a global investment powerhouse, this panel explores the dynamic trade and equity opportunities emerging across key sectors. Panelists will discuss how policy shifts, economic diversification, and strategic partnerships are reshaping the investment landscape and what this means for investors seeking long-term growth in the UAE and the region.

    Speakers

  • Mohamed Bardastani

    Chief Economist CEMEA, Visa

  • Mohammad Ali Al Kamali

    Chief Trade and Industrial Officer, Abu Dhabi Investment Office

  • Michael Katounas

    Chief Investment Officer, Multiply Group

    • Moderator

  • Lenah Hassaballah

    Editor, CNN Business Arabic

    • 11:15    Panel 3

    Evolving in Finance: Exploring Tomorrow's Financial Services Landscape

    As the financial services sector continues to evolve, this panel explores the forces reshaping the industry, from digital innovation and regulatory developments to shifting customer expectations and regional growth. Panelists will share insights on how institutions are adapting to change, embracing new opportunities, and shaping the future of finance across the region and beyond.

    Speakers

  • Jayesh Patel

    CEO, Wio Bank

  • Sunidhi Pasan

    Founder and Group CEO, Finstreet

  • Mary Anne Scicluna

    Senior Executive Director, FSRA, ADGM

    • Moderator

  • Bianca Leodari

    Partner, Financial Services, Bain & Company
    • Finance summit panel discussion.

    12:15      Fireside Chat  

    Shaping Cities for the Future: Enhancing Liveability in a Rapidly Growing Capital

    As Abu Dhabi continues its transformation into a globally competitive, people-centric capital, the pressure on infrastructure, services, and natural resources grows in tandem with the city’s remarkable expansion. In this fireside chat, H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), will discuss Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to enhance liveability, sustainability, and urban resilience through bold planning and smart investment. The session will provide insight into how Abu Dhabi is meeting future demands today, building a city where prosperity and quality of life go hand in hand.

  • H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa

    Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport

    • Moderator

  • Lubna Bouza

    Head of Business News, Sky News Arabia

    • 12:30   Panel 4

    Sustainability: Addressing Climate Change and Advancing Clean Energy for the Future Economy

    As the global community accelerates efforts to combat climate change, this panel explores the critical role of clean energy in driving a sustainable, resilient future economy. The discussion will examine innovative approaches to decarbonizing power systems, enhancing water and energy efficiency, and building infrastructure that supports long-term environmental and economic goals. Panelists will share insights on integrating sustainability into national development strategies and how public-private collaboration can advance the clean energy transition at scale.

    Speakers

  • Eng. Yousif Al Ali

    CEO, Etihad Water & Electricity

  • Khalid Bin Hadi

    Managing Director, Siemens Energy

    • Moderator

  • Dragos Fundulea

    Vice President, Sustainability, Kearney Middle East & Africa

    • 14:00     Panel 5 

    AI & Technology Bridging Sectors: How AI, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity and Cloud Solutions are Transforming the Business World

    As digital transformation accelerates, the fusion of AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions is reshaping industries and redefining how businesses operate and innovate. This panel explores how these technologies are breaking barriers between sectors, enabling smarter decision-making, enhancing resilience, and unlocking new opportunities for growth in an increasingly interconnected world.

    Speakers

  • H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti

    Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government

  • Hatem Dowidar

    Group CEO, e&

  • Naima Al Falasi

    Senior Vice President Portfolio Strategy, Mubadala

  • Lucky La Riccia

    Vice President & Head of Cloud Software & Services Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ericsson

    • Moderator

  • Dr. Mohammad Alhammouri

    Partner, Cybersecurity & Digital Trust, PwC
    • Future Tech Landscapes summit panelists.

    14:35    Motivational Keynote

    Cultivating a resilient and purpose-driven mindset in leadership

    True leadership begins when we stop seeing obstacles as roadblocks and start viewing them as opportunities to rise. Cultivating a resilient, purpose-driven mindset isn’t just about pushing through, it’s about leading with intention, inspiring others by how we respond, not just how we perform.

    Speaker

  • Nick Santonastasso

    Founder, Victorious International

    • 14:55 Panel 6

    Autonomous Mobility, Innovations, and Sustainability in Aviation and Automotive

    From smart airports to next-gen vehicles, innovation is accelerating across mobility sectors. This panel explores how cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices are reshaping the future of transportation, on the ground and in the air. Gaining insights into the UAE’s role as a hub for advanced mobility solutions and what lies ahead for investors and industry leaders.

    Speakers

  • Michael Stroband

    President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East

  • Omran Malek

    Head of SAVI, ADIO

    • Moderator

  • Alp Sarper

    Editor-at-large, Economy Middle East
    • Mobility summit panel discussion.

    15:25

    Recognition Ceremony: Honoring Visionary Leaders by Industry

    Economy Middle East will distribute the below recognition awards to distinguished companies and leaders by industry at the end of the panel discussions

    Award ceremony for economic development.Award ceremony at Exness.

    • Economy

      • Economic Policy Leadership
      • Private Sector Empowerment
      • Urban Transformation Excellence

    • Sustainability

      • Leader in Sustainability Impact
      • Innovator in Clean Energy Solutions
      • Pioneer in Green Hydrogen Solutions

    • Banking and Finance

      • Financial Centre of the Year
      • Innovator in Islamic Financial Solutions
      • Regional Investment Powerhouse

    • Healthcare

      • Pioneer in Healthcare Technology
      • Excellence in Medical Tourism
      • Innovative Healthcare Leadership

    • Investment

      • Global Investment Accelerator
      • Innovative Investment Holding

    • Startups/SMEs

      • Startup Ecosystem Enabler of the Year
      • SME Excellence in Innovation

    • Technology

      • Leadership in Cybersecurity
      • Telecom Service Provider of the Year
      • Technology Visionary Leadership

    • Mobility

      • Pioneer in Smart Mobility Innovation
      • Leader in Sustainable Automotive Excellence

    • IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

    • STRATEGIC PARTNERS

    • Official Media Partners

    Economy Middle East
    Summit 2025

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