Al Ain Talks Agenda - DED Al Ain

Al Ain Talks Agenda

Day 1

23 September 2026

14:00 – 14:30
Panel

From Growth to Impact: Creating Value for People, Business and Society

Speaker:
Dr. Jorge Roman, Senior Corporate Excellence Expert, Excellence Team – DED
14:30 – 15:00
Workshop

Future-Ready Skills: Building Talent for Tomorrow

This workshop explores the essential skills people need to remain competitive and effective in the evolving workplace, including adaptability, critical thinking, communication, and digital and AI skills.

Speaker:
Ibrahim Alblooshi, DGE Mawaheb
15:00 – 15:30
Panel

Building a Business in Al Ain

A practical discussion on why Al Ain is emerging as a business hub, the opportunities available to startups, and lessons from founders supported through ADGM Academy programmes at MZN Hub.

Moderator:
Mohammed Alhajeri, ADGM Academy
Speakers:
Hamama Al Mansoori, ADGM Academy
Mohammed Saeed, ADGM Academy
Mohammed Al Blooshi, ADGM Academy
15:30 – 16:00
Workshop

How to Start Your Business

Speaker:
Dr. Helal Al Derei, Khalifa Fund
16:00 – 16:30
Workshop

Licensing and Customer Protection

Speakers:
Suhail Alsheebani, ADRA – DED
Hamad Al Hassani, ADRA – DED
16:30 – 17:00
Panel

Empowering Al Ain Youth to Shape the Future of Business

Moderator:
Musallem Al Derei, Al Ain Youth Council President
Speakers:
Omar Al Ali, ADDED Youth Council President
Saleh Al Marri, Business Success Story, Founder, Apres Group
Abdul Aziz Bader Al Khajeh, Business Success Story, Al Tawash Trading Company
Day 2

24 September 2026

14:00 – 14:30
Presentation / Recognition Ceremony

Sustainability Label Recognition Ceremony

An introduction to the Sustainability Label initiative, its objectives and benefits to the business community. The presentation explains how companies are assessed, the five recognition levels, what participation involves and how to apply, closing with a QR code linking directly to registration.

Speaker:
Mohamed Abdulla Al Mansoori, ADCCI
14:30 – 15:00
Workshop

Discover Social Entrepreneurship: Grow Your Business and Create Impact

An introductory session on social entrepreneurship, highlighting how entrepreneurs can create both business value and social impact, while exploring the support, opportunities, and services available through Athar+.

Speaker:
Abdulla Hamad Alderei, Ma'An
15:00 – 15:30
Workshop

Understanding Startup Valuation

This workshop introduces the financial foundations of startup valuation, covering essential accounting and financial statements, budgeting and cash-flow management, key financial KPIs, and common financial mistakes to avoid.

Speaker:
Meera Alshamsi, ADGM Academy
15:30 – 16:00
Workshop

Minor Entrepreneurs Workshop: Smart Money Moves for Young Entrepreneurs

This interactive session encourages young entrepreneurs to look beyond the business idea and focus on the decisions, habits, skills, relationships and digital tools that drive long-term success. Drawing on ADIB's experience across customer life stages, it explores how to use the UAE's digital ecosystem and make smarter choices that support personal and business growth.

Speaker:
Manal Meshal, ADIB
16:00 – 16:30
Workshop

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Think, Create, Grow

This workshop introduces the mindset and practical skills needed to identify opportunities and create value, covering problem-solving, risk and accountability, discovering opportunities, and turning ideas into value.

Speaker:
Ibrahim Alblooshi, DGE Mawaheb
16:30 – 17:00
Workshop

Skills for Future Jobs

Speaker:
Dr. Abdallah Ta'amneh, Assistant Professor of Management, Abu Dhabi University