Al Ain Future Business Forum Agenda and Sessions

Main Forum Agenda

Day 1

Investing in Al Ain`s Future

09:00 – 10:00 — Registration, Networking & Experience Zone
10:00 – 10:20
Panel

Powering Al Ain`s Growth Through National Talent

Moderator:
Falah Al Harthi, Senior Specialist, Products Control, KEZAD
Speakers:
Mansoor Al Marar, VP – Industrial Business Development, KEZAD
Al Anood Al Afeefi, Executive Director, Economic Strategy Oversight Sector, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
10:20 – 10:30
Fireside Chat

Building Al Ain`s Next Industrial Story

Al Ain is building on an established industrial base to create greater value, capability and competitiveness. This session explores what the next stage of industrial development looks like for the city; from deeper local supply chains and advanced technologies to skilled talent and stronger connections to regional and global markets.

Moderator:
Razan Salman
Speaker:
Mohammed Ali Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer, Abu Dhabi Investment Office
10:30 – 10:40
Fireside Chat

Made in Al Ain: Advanced Manufacturing for Global Markets

Al Ain is already home to advanced manufacturing operations serving global customers. This session examines the industrial case for the emirate — capability, workforce, supply chain access and investor support — and what it takes to compete at international standard from an Al Ain base.

Moderator:
Razan Salman
Speaker:
Ms. Sara Al Memari, Chief Executive Officer, Strata
10:40 – 10:50
Fireside Chat

Building Resilience into Al Ain`s Future

How resilient infrastructure, satellite technologies, data and AI can help fast-growing regions anticipate risks, protect economic assets and support sustainable long-term development.

Moderator:
Waleed Hnaidi, CNBC Arabia
Speaker:
Edward Anderson, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, World Bank
11:20 – 11:25
Keynote

Building Al Ain: Urban Development and the Region`s Next Chapter

This keynote will outline how urban planning, infrastructure and connectivity are shaping Al Ain`s next phase of development. It will highlight how DMT is creating the conditions for economic growth, investment and business expansion, while ensuring that the region`s development continues to support quality of life and the evolving needs of its communities.

Speaker:
H.E. Mohamed Al Shorafa, Chairman, Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)
11:25 – 11:45
Panel

Al Ain`s Future Through People, Talent and Wellbeing

This leadership conversation brings together the Chairmen of the Department of Education and Knowledge and the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development to explore how education, skills development and community wellbeing are together preparing Al Ain`s people for the opportunities emerging from its evolving economy.

Moderator:
Razan Salman, CNBC Arabia
Speakers:
H.E. Mohamed Taj Eddine Ahmed Alqadi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
H.E. Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (ADDCD)
11:45 – 11:50
Keynote

Health and Life Sciences: A Dynamic New Sector in Al Ain

This keynote examines how Al Ain`s health and life sciences sector is taking shape, and what the region`s clinical base, research links and available land mean for the operators and investors looking to build within it as health becomes a new pillar of Al Ain`s economy.

Speaker:
H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
11:50 – 12:00
Fireside Chat

Innovation Oasis: Building Al Ain as a Global Center for AgriTech Innovation

This fireside chat will explore the role of innovation and advanced technologies in transforming the agricultural sector, including how technology, data and new solutions can improve productivity and resource efficiency. The discussion will also highlight how innovation can support a more sustainable and resilient agricultural ecosystem, strengthen food security, and enhance the competitiveness of agriculture in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Moderator:
Razan Salman
Speaker:
Dr Shamal Mohammed, CEO Innovation Oasis, Silal
12:00 – 12:20
Panel

Financing Al Ain`s Ambition: Banking, Capital Markets

This session brings together commercial banking and institutional finance perspectives to explore how the financial sector can support Al Ain`s growth. The conversation will examine financing for businesses and investment projects, what institutional investors look for when assessing new markets and opportunities, and how a stronger financial ecosystem can help attract capital and enable businesses to grow from Al Ain.

Moderator:
Mustafa Al Rawi, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Speakers:
Eng. Abdulla Al Shamsi, Group Chief Business Officer, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
Jack Keshishian, Head of Middle East and North Africa, State Street
12:20 – 12:25
Keynote

Competitive Economic Zones for Tomorrow`s Industries

This fireside chat brings together AD Ports Group`s Economic Cities and Free Zones Cluster to discuss what Al Ain`s economic zones offer investors today, and what it takes to build zones ready for the industries of the next decade.

Speaker:
Abdulla Al Hameli, Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Cities and Free Zones Cluster at AD Ports Group
12:30 – 13:00
Panel

Powering Progress: Energy and Infrastructure Behind Al Ain`s Economy

A future-ready energy sector and modern infrastructure network underpin every element of ADDED`s plan to enable investment across Al Ain. This session brings together the Department of Energy, the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre and ITC to examine how strategic energy planning and infrastructure delivery are converting Al Ain`s industrial and logistics strengths into measurable economic impact.

Moderator:
ElTayeb Abdelmagid, CNBC Arabia
Speakers:
H.E Eng. Ahmed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre
H.E. Khaled bin Hadi, Managing Director for the UAE Sub-region, Siemens Energy
13:00 – 13:10
Fireside Chat

Family Businesses Shaping Al Ain`s Next Chapter

Moderator:
Nouf Al Katheeri, Forbes Middle East
Speaker:
H.E. Maosud AlMasoud, Board member of Abu Dhabi Chamber and vice chairman of Abu Dhabi Family Business Council
13:10 – 13:20
Fireside Chat

Empowering the Private Sector to Shape Al Ain`s Future

This fireside chat brings together the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber to discuss the role of the private sector in Al Ain`s next chapter, and what businesses and investors need from the environment around them to invest and expand with confidence.

Moderator:
Nada Abdelsalam, CNBC Arabia
Speaker:
H.E. Ali Mohammad Al Marzooqi, The Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber
13:20 – 13:40
Panel

The Capabilities Behind Al Ain`s Future Businesses

This panel brings together Khalifa University and Khalifa Fund to examine the route from research and talent to financed enterprise — where technical knowledge and capability are produced, and how funding and support turn that capability into businesses that compete from Al Ain.

Moderator:
Waleed Hnaidi, CNBC Arabia
Speakers:
H.E. Prof Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University
H.E. Mouza Al Nasri, CEO, Khalifa Fund
13:40 – 13:50
Strategic Presentation

The Future of Agriculture and Investment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi - Al Ain Region

This presentation outlines the Agricultural Transformation Strategy in Al Ain region, highlighting how innovation, technology, sustainability and investment are being used to strengthen agricultural productivity and food security. It will also explore what this transformation means for Al Ain

Speaker:
H.E. Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Deputy Director General of Organizational and Administrative Affairs at Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority
13:45 – 13:50
Keynote

Safety and Security as an Enabler of Business Confidence

This keynote brings together the Director of Al Ain Police to discuss how safety and security underpin business confidence in the region, and the role Al Ain Police plays in supporting a stable environment for investment and enterprise.

Speaker:
Colonel Dr. Ali Salem Saeed Aleissaee
13:50 – 14:20 — Break
14:20 – 14:40
Panel

Legacy in Motion: Sustaining Family Business Success Across Generations

Family enterprises are a defining strength of Al Ain`s private sector. This panel brings together governance experts and business leaders to discuss succession planning, professionalisation and how ADDED is supporting family businesses to thrive across generations.

Moderator:
ElTayeb Abdelmagid, CNBC Arabia
Speakers:
Dr. Basma Sulaiman Alzamil, Senior Advisor, Family Business Governance at Lansberg Gersick Advisors LGA
H.E. Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Chairman of Al Fahim Family Council & Al Fahim Supervisory Board Member
14:40 – 15:20
Panel

Shared Investment, Shared Impact: Public-Private Partnerships in Al Ain

With ADDED positioning public-private collaboration as a core delivery model for Al Ain`s infrastructure and development pipeline, this panel explores how PPP structures are unlocking private capital and expertise for the emirate`s built environment.

Moderator:
Mustafa Al Rawi, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Speakers:
Eid Alobeidli, Director of Public - Private - Partnerships, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
Mr. Lukasz Wiecek, General Manager, Nojoom
Peter Lembrechts, General Manager, BESIX Middle East – Africa
Graeme Flaws, Chief Executive Officer, Khadamat
Live Activation 15:20 – 16:00

Opportunity in Al Ain: Procurement Pitching Sessions — Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities

Anchor entities present tangible procurement and localisation opportunities to Al Ain businesses, SMEs and suppliers, followed by targeted B2B matchmaking.

Moderator:
Nouf Al Katheeri: Forbes Middle East
Speakers:
Etihad Airways: Sultan Almheiri, Director of Supplier Relations and Local Content
Sharaka: Mohamed AlYafei, Section Head – Planning and Development Department, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Numou: Mohamed Al Binali, General Manager
EGA: Muhammad Majid, Associate Manager, Supplier Development
Aldar: Adham Al Blooshi, Director Tendering Buildings
TAQA: Butti Abdulla Al Shamsi, VP, Water and Corporate Services Procurement at TAQA Transmission
Zelo Finance: Dhanush Arjun, CEO and Co-founder
EDB: Mariam Al Nuaimi, Executive Vice President, Distribution & Servicing
Day 2

Building the Future Economy

09:30 – 10:00 — Registration & Networking
10:05 – 10:10
Keynote

Engineering Al Ain`s Industrial Future: Sanad`s Investment in Advanced Engineering

This keynote brings together Sanad`s Chief Executive Officer to discuss the company`s investment in advanced aerospace engineering in Al Ain, and what it means for the region`s industrial base, engineering talent and position in high-value manufacturing.

Speaker:
Mansoor Janahi, CEO, Sanad
10:10 – 10:20
Fireside Chat

Unlocking Al Ain`s Next Phase of Growth

This fireside chat explores Al Ain`s next phase of economic growth and the investment opportunities emerging across the region. The discussion will look at how ADIO is working to attract new businesses and investors, support priority sectors, and strengthen Al Ain`s position as a competitive destination for investment and expansion.

Moderator:
Viwe Kunene, Forbes Middle East
Speaker:
Hashem Mohammed Alkaabi, Head of Al Ain Office, Abu Dhabi Investment Office
10:20 – 10:45
Panel

Smart Mobility: Advanced Technologies Reshaping How Al Ain Moves

As ADDED advances Al Ain`s positioning as a logistics and technology hub, this panel explores how autonomous systems, smart transport and advanced technologies are strengthening the emirate`s connectivity and competitiveness.

Moderator:
Mustafa Al Rawi, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Speakers:
Ali AlHashmi, Head of SAVI, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
Sean Teo, CEO, K2
Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD
10:45 – 10:55
Fireside Chat

One Talent System: How GovTalent and Mawaheb Are Building Al Ain`s Workforce

This fireside chat will explore how GovTalent and Mawaheb support Al Ain`s workforce development by building public sector capabilities, connecting Emirati talent with employment opportunities, and aligning talent development with the needs of key growth sectors. Together, these initiatives help create a future-ready workforce that drives sustainable economic growth and enhances Al Ain`s competitiveness.

Moderator:
Rula Al Tarawneh, CNBC Arabia
Speaker:
H.E. Dr. Khameis Al Abdouli, Executive Director, Program Delivery Sector, GovTalent, The Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi
10:55 – 11:35
Panel

Cultivating Al Ain: Innovation Across the Agrifood Value Chain

Drawing on Al Ain`s agricultural heritage and ADDED`s efforts to diversify the local economy, this panel brings together AgriTech innovators to discuss how food security, sustainability and technology are converging to build a resilient agrifood sector.

Moderator:
Waleed Hnaidi, CNBC Arabia
Speakers:
Fatima Al Dhaheri, Head of AGWA Cluster at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
Sky Kurtz, Founder & CEO, Pure Harvest Smart Farms
Prakash Govindan, Founder & CEO, Gradiant
11:35 – 11:45
Fireside Chat

Connecting Al Ain to Trade Through Dry Ports and Smarter Trade Corridors

This fireside chat brings together Abu Dhabi Customs to discuss how dry ports and smarter trade corridors are streamlining the movement of goods to and from Al Ain, and what faster, more efficient customs processes mean for businesses trading in and out of the region.

Moderator:
Shaima Elkot Erem, Business News
Speaker:
Abdullah Helal Mohammed Al Muhairi, Customs Center Manager, Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi Customs
11:45 – 12:15
Panel

The Franchise Route: How Brands Scale Beyond Their Home Market

The Emirates Franchise Association, an affiliate of Abu Dhabi Chamber, is organising a practical session aimed at promoting franchising as a sustainable pathway to business growth and a catalyst for private sector development. The session will explore the opportunities franchising offers for scaling businesses, entering new markets, and attracting established brands to emerging markets. The session will explore the Association`s role in promoting awareness of franchise business models and best practices, empowering business owners to understand the requirements for transforming their businesses into scalable franchise concepts, and encouraging local brands to adopt franchising as a vehicle for growth. It will also highlight efforts to attract franchise-ready brands to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, with a particular focus on Al Ain. In addition, the session will showcase the opportunities available to brands and entrepreneurs in Al Ain to leverage franchising for expansion, exchange knowledge and expertise, and build partnerships that contribute to a more dynamic business environment and strengthen the sector`s contribution to economic growth.

Moderator:
Rula Al Tarawneh, CNBC Arabia
Speakers:
H.E. Maher Taresh Alaleeli, Vice Chairman, Emirates Franchise Association
Jassim Mohammed Al Bastaki, Investment & Entrepreneurship Development Consultant
Adel Khadhraoui, Chief Service Officer, Just Group
12:15 – 12:45
Panel

From Excellence to Impact: What SKEA Awardees Do Differently

Businesses recognised by the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award share a discipline that is transferable: rigorous standards, measurable quality and management systems built to hold up under scrutiny. Winners set out what changed in their businesses, and what other Al Ain firms can take from it.

Moderator:
Mustafa Al Rawi, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Speakers:
Abdallah AbuEbeid, Co-Founder & CEO, VIAI
Dr. Mishal Al Qasimi, CEO, Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital
Gonzalo Alves Garcia, Operations Director, Gulf Extrusions Automotive & Industries
Alyaa Al Ghusain, Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award (SKEA) Board secretary
Sky Kurtz, Founder & CEO, Pure Harvest Smart Farms
12:45 – 13:05
Panel

Talent to Enterprise: Backing Al Ain`s Next Generation

With two founders now joining the ADGM Academy speaker, this session is no longer a talent-policy discussion — it is about what happens when training, financing and ambition meet. The Academy sets out how young Emiratis are being prepared; the founders set out what it actually took to build.

Moderator:
Waleed Hnaidi, CNBC Arabia
Speakers:
Mohammed Al Hajeri, Performance Specialist, ADGM Academy
Husain Mohammed Ali Husain Alhashmi, Founder, Jazaa
Mohammed Al Nasri, Founder, SouqView
13:05 – 13:30 — Break
13:30 – 13:50
Panel

Al Ain`s Innovation Engine: AI, Startups and Scaleups

Al Ain`s expanding innovation ecosystem — anchored by ADDED`s enabling policies and partners such as Hub71 — is giving rise to a new generation of technology ventures. This panel brings together founders and ecosystem builders to discuss what it takes to scale from idea to enterprise.

Moderator:
Suad Shamma, Hub71
Speakers:
Ali Al Saadi, Entrepreneurship Programs Department Director at Khalifa Fund
Hind AlJneibi, Founder, TAIA
Mohammed Al Mehrzi, Founder, Ain By Tyar
Dr Mariam Al Nuaimi, Startup Journey and Programs Lead, Hub71
13:50 – 14:10
Panel

The Oasis of Motion: How Al Ain`s Smart Mobility Ecosystem Drives Economic Prosperity

This panel brings together the Integrated Transport Centre to examine how Al Ain`s mobility infrastructure — road projects, an electric public bus fleet, smart traffic systems and autonomous vehicle services — is lowering logistics costs, improving connectivity for industry and tourism, and opening new investment opportunities across the region.

Moderator:
Rula Al Tarawneh, CNBC Arabia
Speakers:
Eng. Ahmed Al-Shaibani, Director of Integrated Planning Department, Integrated Transport Centre
Eng. Fatma Salem Al-Hantobi, Head of Transportation Services Planning Department (Autonomous Vehicles), Integrated Transport Centre
Eng. Ahmed Al Hosani, Head of Traffic Studies and Design Section, Integrated Transport Centre
Eng Mohammed Ali Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Al Ain Traffic System Management Section Head, Integrated Transport Centre
14:10 – 14:30
Panel

The Future of Agriculture and Investment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi - Al Ain Region

Moderator:
Shaima Elkot Erem, Business News
Speakers:
Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Mohammed, Specialist regulatory impact Assessment, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority
Khadeeja Adel AlZaabi, Strategic specialist, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority
Samer Muhammed Kirresh, Investment expert, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority
Wadha Saeed Al Nuaimi, Researcher, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority
14:30 – 14:50
Panel

From Local Business to Scale: What It Takes to Grow in a Digital Economy

This session brings together talabat and Elite Agro Farms to explore what businesses in Al Ain need to move from local growth to wider scale. The discussion will combine the perspective of a digital platform with that of a growing operating business, looking at how technology, data, logistics, operational excellence and customer insight can help businesses expand sustainably.

Moderator:
Waleed Hnaidi, CNBC Arabia
Speakers:
Alix de Zelicourt, General Manager, talabat UAE
Hassan Halawi, CEO, Elite Agro Farms
14:50 – 15:00
Panel

Built in Al Ain: Industry, Localisation and Supply Chains

This panel examines the industrial base being built in Al Ain — local manufacturing, supply chain localisation and the businesses anchoring the region`s industrial sector — and what it takes for more of that base to be sourced and supplied from within Al Ain.

Moderator:
Viwe Kunene, Forbes Middle East
Speakers:
Onoud Saleh Almarzooqi, Director of the Industrial Development Department at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
Alaa Bahjat Al Masadeh, Director- Projects & Technical Operations, Al Ain Cement Factory
Rashed Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, Vice President – Government & Farmer Relations, Agthia Group
Live Activation 15:10 – 15:50

Opportunity in Al Ain: Procurement Pitching Sessions

Anchor entities present tangible procurement and localisation opportunities to Al Ain businesses, SMEs and suppliers, followed by targeted B2B matchmaking

Moderator:
Viwe Kunene: Forbes Middle East
Speakers:
Etihad Airways: Sultan Almheiri, Director of Supplier Relations and Local Content
Numou: Mohamed Al Binali, General Manager
EGA: Muhammad Majid, Associate Manager, Supplier Development
Aldar: Adham Al Blooshi, Director, Tendering Buildings
TAQA: Aysha Alshamsi, VP Water & Corporate Services Procurement
Zelo Finance: Dhanush Arjun, CEO and Co-founder