Transformative
H.E. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori
Chairman of Dubai Chambers
H.E. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori
Chairman of Dubai Chambers
His Excellency Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori is the Chairman of Dubai Chambers and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce.In addition to his roles at Dubai Chambers, H.E. Al Mansoori serves as Chairman of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai, Chairman of the Postal Sector Regulation Committee, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Hosting the 28th UPU Congress in Dubai 2025 and member of board of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), Prior to joining Dubai Chambers, H.E. Al Mansoori held a number of key ministerial roles in the UAE government. Between 2008 and 2020, His Excellency served as Minister of the Economy. Previously, he held the posts of Minister of Governmental Sector Development and Minister of Transport and Communications.
Throughout his career, His Excellency has held senior leadership roles at high-profile public and private organisations, as well as driving the success of impactful national initiatives. He has served as Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, the UAE international Investors Council, the UAE SME Council, the Board of Directors of the Securities and Commodities Authority, and the Insurance Authority.
In addition, H.E. Al Mansoori held the post of Chairman at the Federal Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, and the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology. He has also served as a member of the Education and Human Resources Council, the Board of Directors of the Emirates Investment Authority, and the Ministerial Committee for Legislation.
H.E. Al Mansoori held the role of Deputy Director General of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 1996 and 1998. Other notable previous posts include Group Managing Director of Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, Vice President of Dubai Islamic Bank, and Chairman of Aman (Dubai Islamic Insurance Company).
His Excellency holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and management systems from Arizona State University, USA. He also gained a diploma in computer system analysis from the Institute of Computer Technology in Los Angeles, California.
Opening Remarks
09:05 – 09:20 / 20 May 2025
H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah
President & CEO Dubai Chambers
H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah
President & CEO Dubai Chambers
His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah is the President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, one of the largest economic development arms in Dubai. In his current role, he oversees the implementation of Dubai Chambers’ strategic initiatives and plans, which aim to improve the ease of doing business in Dubai, support businesses expanding globally, attract foreign companies and investment, and advance the digital economy.In addition to his current role at Dubai Chambers, His Excellency serves as a member of the board at the Dubai Free Zones Council and Emirati Human Resources Development Council and is a member of the University of Dubai Board of Trustees and a member of the board of Union Coop. Previously, he served as CEO of the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection for Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, where he was responsible for overseeing consumer protection, business protection, intellectual property protection, and commercial compliance.
His Excellency also held several other leadership positions at the Department of Economic Development, namely Deputy CEO of the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector, Deputy CEO of the Dubai Export Development Corporation, Executive Director of Corporate Quality and Excellence, and Deputy Director of the Information Technology Department at Dubai Land Department.
H.E. Lootah earned a bachelor’s degree in computer systems engineering from Arizona State University in the United States and an executive MBA in strategic management from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai.
Dubai’s D33 Strategy, Future of Investment and Unlocking Bilateral Opportunities
09:55 – 10:40 / 20 May 2025
H.E. Ahmed Alattar
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Federal Republic of Germany
H.E. Ahmed Alattar
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Federal Republic of Germany
Ahmed Alattar is the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Federal Republic of Germany. He began working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as an Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He then worked there as Deputy Director for European Affairs (2018-2020) and Chief of Staff to the Foreign Minister (2020-2022).He started his professional career in the energy company ADNOC. He then worked in a public foundation and founded various startups in London and Abu Dhabi. He studied engineering for his bachelor’s degree, completed a master’s degree in international security from University College London and an MBA from the Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) in France.
His hobbies are reading, travelling, learning languages and cycling. He speaks English, Arabic, Italian, Spanish and German
Welcome Address
09:20 – 09:30 / 20 May 2025
Mr. Abdulla Al Hashmi
Chief Operating Officer, Parks & Zones – DP World – GCC Region
Mr. Abdulla Al Hashmi
Chief Operating Officer, Parks & Zones – DP World – GCC Region
Abdulla Al Hashmi leads DP World’s Parks & Zones pillar in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. In this role, he oversees key assets including Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ), National Industries Park (NIP), Dubai Maritime City, the re-development of Mina Rashid and Jafza Enterprises.Joining DP World’s commercial department in 2010, Abdulla has held numerous leadership roles, playing a key part in positioning the business as a global smart trade enabler.
With more than 16 years of experience in finance and commerce, Abdulla has spearheaded the execution of large-scale mergers, acquisitions and greenfield deals. As a senior member of the Corporate Finance and Business Development team, he also informed investment strategies to support the group’s transformation from a port operator to a global trade enabler.
Abdulla previously held the position of Vice President of Business Intelligence, where he was responsible for implementing a data-driven approach to addressing supply chain disruptions, supporting DP World’s business growth and enhancing the trade competitiveness of Jebel Ali and Dubai.
A seasoned industry professional, Abdulla serves as Director on several DP World boards and other entities.
Edward Bell
Acting Chief Economist & Head of Research – Emirates NBD
Edward Bell
Acting Chief Economist & Head of Research – Emirates NBD
Edward Bell is the Acting Chief Economist and Group Head of Research at Emirates NBD, leading a team of economists and analysts delivering market intelligence and macroeconomic insights for the MENAT region. His expertise spans economic analysis, policy research, and financial markets, providing strategic guidance on key trends and risks shaping global and regional economies.Emirates NBD’s Research team has become a vital resource for wholesale banking clients, offering data-driven insights tailored to their industries, and future plans. By equipping businesses with macroeconomic research and market intelligence, the team helps clients navigate uncertainty, identify opportunities, and make informed financial decisions. Their insights also support Emirates NBD’s coverage teams, strengthening advisory capabilities with in-depth analysis across sectors.
Previously, Edward served as Head of Market Economics at Emirates NBD, specializing in commodities, currencies, and interest rates. He has a background as a commodities analyst and Middle East-focused economist, with degrees from the University of London and the University of Toronto. Based in Dubai, he is a regular commentator on economic trends in global media and industry events.
Dr. Hendrik Brandis
Co-founder and Partner at Earlybird Venture Capital
Dr. Hendrik Brandis
Co-founder and Partner at Earlybird Venture Capital
Dr. Hendrik Brandis is a Co-founder and Partner at Earlybird Venture Capital, focusing on DeepTech (including energy and spacetech) and Enterprise Software. With over 27 years of investment, operational, and entrepreneurial experience, Hendrik has played a pivotal role in supporting and scaling cutting-edge technology startups across Europe. As a board member of several Earlybird portfolio companies, including top players Isar Aerospace, eleQtron, Greenlyte, Onefootball, B2X Care Solutions, and Simscale, he actively guides pioneering ventures.Before co-founding Earlybird, Hendrik was a Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he led the firm’s SME company initiative and helped establish McKinsey New Venture. Earlier in his career, he gained hands-on entrepreneurial and engineering experience as a Project Manager at Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (now part of Airbus), specializing in the design and advanced manufacturing of composite aircraft structures.
Hendrik holds a Dipl.-Ing. (MSc equivalent) and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the Technical University of Munich. He has also served as a board member of the European Venture Capital Association (EVCA) and as Chairman of the EVCA Venture Capital Platform Council, shaping the European investment landscape.
Outside of venture capital, Hendrik is a passionate world-champion sailor.
Mohamed Sharaf
Chief Operating Officer – Dubai Economic Development Corporation
Mohamed Sharaf
Chief Operating Officer – Dubai Economic Development Corporation
Mohamed Sharaf is Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), a subsidiary of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).As the economic development arm of Dubai, DEDC’s mandate is in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities. Mohamed is responsible for promoting economic growth through attraction of Foreign Direct Investment and world class talent to the economy as envisioned under the D33 Agenda. Additionally, he has a focus on supporting the growth and expansion of Dubai based businesses locally and globally.
Prior to joining DET, Mohamed was COO and Managing Director of Dubai Holding Entertainment (DHE), where he led operations of Dubai’s largest and most diverse entertainment portfolio including Global Village, Ain Dubai, Coca-Cola Arena, Arabian Radio Network and The Green Planet. During his time with Dubai Holding, he led and managed the successful integration of Dubai Holding and Meraas’ entertainment portfolios to create DHE. He also oversaw the addition of Dubai’s leading theme park destination manager and operator, DXB Entertainment, to the DHE portfolio to form one of the region’s largest entertainment businesses.
Mohamed previously was the CEO of Arab Media Group, Dubai Holding’s media and entertainment focused vertical. He has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Malta Properties Company plc and Yvolv LLC, and served as a board member, committee member or board observer at numerous organisations locally and globally including Rove Hospitality, Rivoli Group, Ishraq Holding, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Travelodge, Doncasters, and StandardAero.
He began his career as an investment professional with Dubai International Capital (a Dubai Holding investment vehicle) managing a diverse portfolio with assets under management in excess of USD 3 billion invested in regional and global businesses across Europe and the Middle East.
Mohamed holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a minor in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Tufts University in Medford, MA, and a Master’s degree in Finance from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. He was one of the first students selected for the EDAAD scholarship program me initiated by The Executive Office of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Vice-President & Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
Alasdair Ross
Countries Editor for The Economist’s The World Ahead
Alasdair Ross
Countries Editor for The Economist’s The World Ahead
After completing a BA in psychology and travelling extensively in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Alasdair started his professional career as a foreign correspondent in Latin America for publications including The Daily Telegraph and The Independent.Returning to the UK to complete an MA in Economics at the University of London, Alasdair worked as an analyst and business consultant before joining The Economist Group in 2001. He developed the Risk Briefing service for The Economist Intelligence Unit, dedicated to measuring and analysing business risk in major markets around the world.
Alasdair later steered the Economist Intelligence Unit through the transition from print to online, developing and managing services on business risk, global affairs, economic forecasting and technology, and leading the company’s response to the threats and opportunities posed by AI.
Alasdair is now Countries Editor for The Economist’s The World Ahead and Head Tutor for The Economist’s Executive Education course on The New Global Order. He consults on global affairs and risk, covering macroeconomics, geopolitics and megatrends. He has conducted research for the World Bank, Unicef, Apple, Google, Huawei, the Gates Foundation, the Institute for Global Peace, the UK House of Lords and the Scottish Parliament, among others.
Walter Pasquarelli
Acting Chief Economist & Head of Research – Emirates NBD
Walter Pasquarelli
AI member at the OECD
Walter Pasquarelli is a globally recognized writer, speaker, and expert on AI strategy and synthetic reality. He has advised Fortune 100 executives, world leaders, and royalty on navigating the impact of generative technologies.Previously, Walter led AI thought leadership and advisory at The Economist Group, shaping global business and policy responses to AI. He also spearheaded the creation of the first global AI Index, benchmarking national readiness for emerging technologies. His strategic guidance has supported companies such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola, as well as governments across the UK, US, Canada, the European Commission, UAE, Colombia, India, Thailand, and Serbia.
A sought-after speaker, Walter has led panels at the World Economic Forum, hosted The Economist’s Data Dividend series, and delivered over 50 talks in 2024 on AI’s societal impact. He is recognized among the top 15 speakers on ethical AI worldwide.
Walter is an expert AI member at the OECD and an Affiliate Researcher at the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at Cambridge University