Economy Middle East Summit 2025
Bridging Sectors, Building Economic Growth
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EVENT OVERVIEW
In the presence of the H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the Economy Middle East Summit 2025, held on May 14, at ADGM, brought together top-tier speakers and experts from the private and public sectors to share insights on the theme “Bridging Sectors, Building Economic Growth”.
A comprehensive agenda broke down the key challenges and opportunities to accelerate economic growth, with a particular focus on the future economy, investment, trade, banking & finance, AI & technology, sustainability, and mobility.
Agenda
Last Year’s Summit08:30 Registration & Networking
09:00 Welcome Note
Salem Al Darei
CEO, ADGM Authority
09:30 Opening Remarks
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri
UAE Minister of Economy
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 explored the evolving contours of the global economy, offering insights into the near- and long-term economic outlook.
Panelists discussed shifts in global trade dynamics and their implications for growth, competitiveness, and resilience. The discussion spotlighted 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
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 explored the dynamic trade and equity opportunities emerging across key sectors. Panelists discussed 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
Alessandro Borgogna
Advisor – Cluster Planning & Development, ADIO
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 explored the forces reshaping the industry, from digital innovation and regulatory developments to shifting customer expectations and regional growth.
Panelists shared 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
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), discussed Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to enhance liveability, sustainability, and urban resilience through bold planning and smart investment. The session provided 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 explored the critical role of clean energy in driving a sustainable, resilient future economy. The discussion examined innovative approaches to decarbonizing power systems, enhancing water and energy efficiency, and building infrastructure that supports long-term environmental and economic goals. Panelists shared 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 explored 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
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
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
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
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