GCC Forum 2025 | 29-31 January, Abu Dhabi
CONNECTING BUSINESS WITH CAPITAL IN THE GULF
Training. Networking. AI B2B Matchmaking
Simultaneous Interpretation*: Italian | French | Spanish
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar—are highly appealing regions for investment.
The Forum represents an unparalleled opportunity for European businesspeople and lawyers to obtain direct information, both online and in person, on the legal and business areas essential for entering the UAE market.
The GCC Forum PREMIUM Pass will provide exclusive access to a highly selective network of GCC influencers, from government officials to venture capitalists and investors. Additionally, the B2B Matchmaking will help you identify potential clients and business partners via AI.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
29-30 January 2025 | Working Sessions|ONLINE & BUSINESS PASS |Venue TBC
31 January 2025 | VIP Networking|PREMIUM PASS|Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
GCC Forum 2025
29-31 January, Abu Dhabi
CONNECTING BUSINESS WITH CAPITAL IN THE GULF
Training. Networking. AI B2B Matchmaking
Simultaneous Interpretation*: Italian | French | Spanish
Abu Dhabi, UAE
29-30 January 2025 | Working Sessions|ONLINE & BUSINESS PASS |Venue TBC
31 January 2025 | VIP Networking|PREMIUM PASS|Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
TARGET AUDIENCE
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar—are highly appealing regions for investment.
The Forum represents an unparalleled opportunity for European businesspeople and lawyers to obtain direct information, both online and in person, on the legal and business areas essential for entering the UAE market.
The GCC Forum PREMIUM Pass will provide exclusive access to a highly selective network of GCC influencers, from government officials to venture capitalists and investors. Additionally, the B2B Matchmaking will help you identify potential clients and business partners via AI.
WORKING SESSIONS
INTRODUCTION: Overview of the
Economic & Legal Perspective in the UAE
09:00-10:00|29 January|Wednesday
INVESTMENTS: Understanding the
Investment Ecosystem in the UAE
10:15-11:15|29 January|Wednesday
MARKETING: Navigating Regional
Marketing Dynamics & Client Acquisition
11:30-12:30|29 January|Wednesday
REAL ESTATE:
Investment Opportunities and Legal Insights
13:30-14:30|29 January|Wednesday
TAX:
Understanding Taxation in the UAE
14:45-15:45|29 January|Wednesday
FREE ECONOMIC ZONES:
Opportunities and Regulations
16:00-17:00|29 January|Wednesday
INHERITANCE:
Legal Considerations and Harmonization
09:00-10:00|30 January|Thursday
TRUST AND FIDUCIARY SERVICES: Managing Wealth and Estate Planning
10:15-11:15|30 January|Thursday
BANKRUPTCY: Understanding
Bankruptcy Proceedings in the UAE
11:30-12:30|30 January|Thursday
CRIMINAL LAW:
Economic Offences and Legal Reforms
13:30-14:30|30 January|Thursday
ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN JUDGMENTS:
Legal Framework and Procedures
14:45-15:45|30 January|Thursday
INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL
ARBITRATION: Navigating ICA in the UAE
16:00-17:00|30 January|Thursday
GCC Forum Format
WORKING SESSIONS
The UAE Speakers Team includes government officials, practicing attorneys, investment fund managers, tax specialists, and business representatives. The sessions are designed to provide participants with firsthand information and practical advice for European businesspeople and lawyers.
GCC Keynotes Speeches
ONLY WITH PREMIUM PASS: GCC Government officials will discuss the potential for economic growth, support from the government, and the expanding business and investment opportunities in different GCC countries.
ONLINE PARTICIPATION
The online format does not include simultaneous interpretation but provides online access to all working sessions in English.
IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION
For European businesspeople and lawyers interested in networking with potential partners or clients and exploring the opportunities the UAE offers in detail, we invite you to participate in person with a Business Pass or Premium Pass. An additional option of simultaneous interpretation in French, Italian, and Spanish is available for these passes.
SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION*
Simultaneous interpretation of the Working Sessions in Italian, French and Spanish ensures that non-native English speakers can grasp every detail and not miss any important elements. This option is only available for IN-PERSON participants, provided that the participant additionally selects the option of simultaneous interpretation in the respective language at the time of application.
Business Marketplace
ONLY WITH PREMIUM PASS: An exclusive VIP meeting zone will be available for representatives from government agencies, investment funds, family offices, and business executives keen on expanding into the GCC region.
Thematic Roundtables
ONLY WITH PREMIUM PASS: Each roundtable session will be facilitated by esteemed experts from the GCC countries. The topics will cover various aspects relevant to conducting business and investments issues within the GCC region.
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
European businesspeople and lawyers will engage in discussions on pertinent topics and establish professional connections utilizing the innovative AI B2B Matchmaking solution.
ACCOMODATION
For the convenience of in-person participants, a special rate for accommodation at the event hotel is available during the GCC Forum 2025.
AI B2B MATCHMAKING
The AI B2B Matchmaking system integrated into the GCC Forum App represents a groundbreaking networking solution. Prior to the event, participants answer a set of multiple-choice questions. These responses are then processed using AI algorithms to determine the percentage of potential collaboration with each participant.
AI B2B Matchmaking
GCC KEYNOTE SPEAKERS &
SPECIAL VIP GUESTS
The GCC Forum brings together an incredibly highly selective international mix of people—from Government Officials, Big Business Leaders, Startup Funders, Entrepreneurial Minds, Venture Capitalists, Investors, and High-Level Executives - to discuss and explore the potential of the GCC Market Heaven. The working language for these sessions is English.
HE Abdulla Al Saleh
Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy | UAE
His Excellency Abdulla Al Saleh is Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy. He is the Chairman of the Competition Committee, Vice Chairman of UAE CSR Fund, a board member of the UAE Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Council, and Member of the UAE Digital Economy Council, Member of the UAE Gender Balance Council.
HH Sheikha Alanoud H. Al-Thani
Chair, TenX Ventures | QATAR
Her Highness Alanoud bint Hamad Al-Thani is a dynamic businesswoman, seasoned investor, and influential independent board member. She currently chairs TenX Ventures, among other family owned businesses. Alanoud previously served as Deputy CEO and CBO at the Qatar Financial Center, where she was pivotal in positioning Doha as a leading global financial and commercial hub.
Osama Al Rahma
Head of Business Development at Emirates Investment Bank | UAE
Osama has contributed to the upscale of the standards in compliance and AML/ CFT within the remittance industry in UAE and globally for more than three decades. He has developed many innovative products and services that had an impact on the financial inclusion of the unbanked and underbanked segments.
Munthir Alansari
Principal Advisor, Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia | SAUDI ARABIA
Munthir Alansari is a visionary leader and strategist, certified as a tourism expert and consultant. He is a member of the Panel of Tourism Experts on Measuring Sustainable Tourism at the UN Tourism and serves as a Principal Consultant at the Ministry of Culture and General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia.
Khalid Chami
Group Chief Financial Officer, Ali & Sons Holding LLC | UAE
Over the past 17 years, Khalid has played a pivotal role in creating value and addressing strategic challenges within renowned Family Offices across the MENA region. His expertise encompasses diverse sectors, ranging from automotive industry leaders such as Porsche, Audi, Skoda, VW, and MG, to the construction sector.
Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri
CEO and Founder, Hanan Empire | UAE
Dr. Hanan is the CEO and Founder of Hanan Empire. She is a certified professional trainer and an awarding-winning mindset coach. Through Hanan Empire she changes people’s life everyday showing them the path to majestic life. She has 17+ years of professional experience in the government of Dubai in various areas including knowledge management, innovation and future shaping.
Dr. Munir Ahmad Ch.
CEO Royal Family Office of HH Sheikh Abdulhakim Al Maktoum | UAE
Dr. Munir is the Chairman of Aspire World Investments and CEO of the Royal Family Office of HH Sheikh Abdulhakim Al Maktoum. He also holds the position of Chairman at the NEXL Group and Savior Foundation. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors of Aspire World and advises various business organizations, including NBFIs and Investment Groups.
Essam Al Tamimi
Chairman, Al Tamimi & Company | UAE
Essam Al Tamimi has over 35 years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution in the UAE and GCC counties. In 1989, he established what is now the largest firm in the Middle East & North Africa, Al Tamimi & Company. He has extensive experience in advising and assisting clients throughout the Arab region.
Aya Zaghnin
General Partner in the SWG PropTech / C-Tech Global Fund | SAUDI ARABIA
Aya Zaghnin is a dynamic professional with extensive experience in investment and consulting roles across various industries and regions. Currently serving as a General Partner at Startup Wise Guys and a Board Advisor at Presidio Advisors, she excels in strategic advisory and investment management.
Hamad AlAmmari
Executive Director, Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) | BAHRAIN
Hamad is the Executive Director at Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and advisor to the Chief Executive. Hamad works with governments, current investors, and prospective investors to support initiatives that enhance trade and business engagement between the rest of the Middle East and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Ahmed Abdulla Al Nowais
Director of Business Development, Al Nowais Group | UAE
Ahmed Abdulla is currently the business development director for Al Nowais Group. He is in charge of setting and developing goals for Al Nowais Group’s revenue growth. He works hard to research, plan, and implement new target market initiatives. He is will connected to with the government and semi-government.
Dr. Abdulrazzak Alwafi
President, Alwafi Group, Jeddah | SAUDI ARABIA
Dr. Abdulrazzak combines academic excellence with over 20 years of strategic leadership in family businesses. As a Strategic Thinker and Consultant, he specializes in planning and preparing the next generation for family business succession (Real-estate, construction & hospitality business).
Arda Atalay
Regional Director, LinkedIn | UAE
Arda is is the Regional Director at LinkedIn with over 27 years of experience in the technology sector. He leads a high-performing team of 50 professionals across 15 countries, focusing on delivering value and innovation to our customers and partners in the emerging markets.
Mohamed Abou Ismail
Senior Vice President, Project & Corporate Finance, Wholesale & Institutional Banking at Emirates Development Bank (EDB) | UAE
Mohamed is successful in extending investment solutions and advisory services for complex transactions. He is extremely adept at debt structuring, cross-selling banking products, establishing strong relations with C-Suite, leading business development, and deriving new revenue streams.
Agnès Lopez Cruz
Managing Director, CCI France UAE | UAE
Agnès is an International expert in Management, Communication and Business Development with over 20 years of experience in the UK, France and the UAE. As a corporate strategist she has delivered targeted results respecting budget and HR resources, she has been involved, high level, in several negotiations and lobbying projects.
Abdur Rahim Ghulam Nabi
Chief Advisor to Director General, Dubai Airport Freezone | UAE
Abdur Rahim is Chief Advisor at Dubai Airport Freezone. He has leveraged a successful career in financial leadership & developed expertise in crafting/leading prestigious city level/market leading initiatives around special economic zones, disruptive innovation, halal economy, business & digital transformations.
Abdulla Al Matrooshi
Specialist, Mubadala Investment Company | UAE
Abdulla is an Experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the management consulting industry. Skilled in Political Risk Analysis, Critical Thinking, and Public Speaking, he holds a MA in Contemporary History and Politics from Birkbeck, University of London.
Massimo Falcioni
Chief Competitiveness Officer, Abu Dhabi Investment Office | UAE
Massimo is an award-winning CEO with over 30 years of experience in both government and private sectors. He has been recognized as one of the Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East by Forbes in 2022 and ranked 13th in Forbes Middle East’s 2019 list of ‘Top 50 International CEOs Heading Local Companies.
Pietro Calvaruso
General Counsel, Mintlayer | Chief Legal Office, The Private Office | UAE
Pietro serve as an Advisor at The Private Office of H.E. Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Duaij bin Khalifa al Khalifa. He is the General Counsel at Mintlayer Institutional, a leading blockchain-based financial platform. He provides legal guidance on various aspects of corporate, tax, banking, and financial law.
Dr. Ekaterina Safonova
CEO, GCCForum | UAE
Dr. Ekaterina is a businesswoman with 18 years of experience. Based in France for two decades, she was an executive of high-level business events in 40 countries. Since 2023, based in Dubai, she specializes in investment promotion in the GCC. She is the author of AI Matchmaking App, the book "Intercultural Management," a lecturer, and a private pilot.
Geoffroy Bunetel
Chief of Staff to the President, Chalhoub Group | UAE
Geoffroy has been introducing best practices of the private sector into public administration as a consultant, and promoting the luxury industry and renowned brands in the Middle East. Additionally, as Vice President of the French Business Council, he is dedicated to enhancing the French business community in the UAE and beyond.
Roisin White Barrett
Managing Director, Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) | UAE
Roisin serves as the Managing Director of the Clean Energy Business Council MENA, where she leads efforts to promote sustainable energy practices and the adoption of clean technologies across the region. With a rich background in international business development, Roisin has effectively facilitated the entry and growth of companies in overseas markets.
Richard Goblet
Managing Partner, MEA Globaleye Capital | UAE
Richard is an investment and M&A professional with a strong interest in emerging markets and innovation. He is currently serving as the Managing Partner MEA of a Swiss Family Office advisory arm to help family-owned groups from the Middle East & Africa transition to the next generation by supporting their vision through M&A operations.
The GCC Forum brings together an incredibly highly selective international mix of people-from government officials, big business leaders, startup funders, entrepreneurial minds, venture capitalists, investors, and high-level executives-to explore the potential of the GCC Market Heaven.
THEMATIC ROUNDTABLES
SESSIONS
This section operates in the format of SPEED BUSINESS DATING at round tables. Each table is facilitated by a moderator who specializes in a given topic. The moderator will present the topic for 15 minutes, after which each participant will have 1 minute to introduce themselves and express their interest in the topic. Participants with a PREMIUM PASS will have the opportunity to choose 2 topics from the list below for exclusive sessions. For other topics, there will be opportunities to discuss matters of interest at the BUSINESS MARKETPLACE Zone and via AI B2B Matchmaking. The working language for these sessions is English.
in the GCC
in the GCC
GCC Forum | Photo gallery
The GCC Forum brings together some of the most exclusive events in the GCC countries, specifically tailored for international lawyers and business representatives eager to explore this dynamic region.
SECURE YOUR PASS AT EARLY BIRD RATES
Online
- Online participation (29 & 30 January)
- AI B2B Matchmaking (LIMITED Access)
FREE PARTICIPATION WITH PROMO CODE
BUSINESS 29 & 30 JANUARY
- Includes all ONLINE PASS benefits, plus
- In-person participation (29 & 30 January)
- Lunch & Coffee Breaks (29 & 30 January)
- AI B2B Matchmaking (STANDARD Access)
- Networking with European Business & Lawyers
€980
Limited
availability
PREMIUM 29, 30 & 31 JANUARY
- Includes all BUSINESS PASS benefits, plus
- Priority Registration
- AI B2B Matchmaking (FULL Access)
- Networking with Government Officials, Business Leaders, Startup Funders, Entrepreneurial Minds, Venture Capitalists, Investors, and High-Level Executives from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait: 31 January
- Networking Lunch: 31 January
- Business Marketplace : 31 January
- Thematic Roundtables : 31 January
- GCC Keynotes Sessions: 31 January
€2840
Limited
availability
Online
FREE PARTICIPATION WITH PROMO CODE
- Online participation (29 & 30 January)
- AI B2B Matchmaking (LIMITED Access)
BUSINESS €980
29 & 30 JANUARY
Limited availability
- Includes all ONLINE PASS benefits, plus
- In-person participation (29 & 30 January)
- Lunch & Coffee Breaks (29 & 30 January)
- AI B2B Matchmaking (STANDARD Access)
- Networking with European Business & Lawyers
PREMIUM €2840
29, 30 & 31 JANUARY
Limited availability
- Includes all BUSINESS PASS benefits, plus
- Priority Registration
- AI B2B Matchmaking (FULL Access)
- Networking with Government Officials, Business Leaders, Startup Funders, Entrepreneurial Minds, Venture Capitalists, Investors, and High-Level Executives from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait: 31 January
- Networking Lunch: 31 January
- Business Marketplace : 31 January
- Thematic Roundtables : 31 January
- GCC Keynotes Sessions: 31 January
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