Hassan Al Hashemi joined Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2006 and is currently the Vice President of International Relations. As the principal liaison between governmental authorities and the private sector, Mr Al Hashemi’s department represents Dubai Chamber on the international arena and in turn is one of the organization’s most active departments.The Department’s main duties include negotiating cooperative agreements with foreign partners, organizing major events as well as high level business networking programs, representing the Chamber at local and international events, and organizing inbound and outbound delegations and trade missions.

Since 2012, Mr Al Hashemi has led the implementation of Dubai Chamber’s ProDubai initiative, which involves setting up a number of International Representative Offices in targeted locations around the world. He is also responsible for the promotion of Dubai Association Center, a first in the region that aims at attracting international business and professional bodies to Dubai.

Mr Al Hashemi holds a BA degree in Management and Marketing from the University of Dubai and is currently pursuing his Masters in Project Management at the British University in Dubai. He is also a graduate of the “Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development”, a selective and highly regarded program initiated by the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Mr Al Hashemi is a board member of ICC UAE along with other local and international business organizations. He is married and has three daughters.

He has been actively involved in trade finance for more than a quarter of a century and has delivered technical assistance for trade finance in more than 100 countries. Vincent’s primary activity is trade facilitation with the major Multilateral Development Banks and his recognized specialty is trade related dispute resolution where he often acts as Expert Witness in Trade Disputes and Legal Cases.Vincent also holds the positions of the Associate Director of the Institute of International Banking Law and Practice (IIBLP).

Adnan joined the National Bank of Fujairah as the Head of Finance in December 2005 before assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer in January 2010.

He was recently appointed as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the bank with his considerable experience with NBF and as a key member of the bank’s leadership team, driving several positive changes within NBF.

He brings with him over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, and in his current position, Adnan continues to handle responsibilities along with managing the key commercial areas of the bank’s business and strengthening the core credit processes of the bank.

Prior to this he was Senior Finance Manager at Standard Chartered Bank in Pakistan. He also headed the Finance division of Saudi ORIX Leasing Company.

Adnan has received the Executive MBA with distinction from London Business School. In addition, he is a fellow member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, UK and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Pakistan.

Amr is a seasoned banker and FinTech leader with profound expertise in Trade Finance, Cash Management, and Working Capital solutions. His multifaceted experience encompasses teams leadership, sales, product management, and solution structuring across Corporate, Financial Institutions (FI), and Sovereign Funds sectors.

In 1998, Amr embarked on his banking journey with Citibank, concluding in 2009 as the MENA Trade Sales Head. Among his myriad achievements at Citibank, he was thrice recognized within four years with the GTS Chairman club membership. Moreover, he secured multiple nominations as the top sales officer across EMEA.

Subsequently, Amr spent a transformative 12 years at JPMorgan, initially as the MENA Head of Trade Product Management. His trajectory saw him overseeing EMEA Traditional Trade before globally helming funded solutions within Core Trade. Throughout his tenure, Amr masterminded intricate solutions for diverse entities, from oil magnates in the Middle East to PoS companies in Latin America. He notably spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative to restructure all Trade Finance solutions, encompassing product standardization, agreement simplification, and sales training.

Transitioning into tech, Amr steered CEEMEA Working Capital Digital Solutions at Kyriba. He crafts the region’s strategic market direction, pinpoints opportunities, and aids Kyriba’s clientele in their digital metamorphosis.

Amr Currently looks after Transaction Banking for National Bank of Kuwait (“NBK”) UAE. In this role, Amr will lead the development and management of transaction services, including Trade Finance & Working Capital and Cash Management, aiming to enhance the bank’s service portfolio and foster business growth.

Beyond his corporate commitments, Amr serves on the board of ITFA Middle East. Here, he champions the proliferation of state-of-the-art trade finance solutions, elucidating digital trade’s virtues to regulators, banks, and corporations.

Since settling in Dubai in 2008, Amr has cultivated a robust network with premier enterprises and banks across MENA and further afield. He has frequently represented his affiliations at eminent forums, including regional GTR and global SIBOS events.

Drawing from his vast regional insights, Amr contributes articles to an e-magazine, shedding light on the Trade Finance landscape. A staunch advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, Amr’s personal passions lie in photography. He is also deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors.

Ana is a lead strategy consultant to Banks and Multilateral FIs including IFC, ADB and EBRD. Her global engagements span across Caucasus, CEE and Central Asia, in the domain of Global Banking, TSCF, Business transformation and Digitalization. In her 17+ years professional career, Ana held executive positions bridging multi-cultural stakeholders, with business development focus globally in the domain of Global Banking. She was previously EXCOM member at ICC BC and headed Trade & Structured Finance at Bank of Georgia. Ana currently is a Management Board Consultant – Strategic Business Development at Basisbank, Global MD at Trade Force Global.

Ana holds Masters in Banking & Finance from Tbilisi State University.

Ana is a lead strategy consultant to Banks, Corporates and Multilateral FIs including IFC, ADB and EBRD. Her global engagements span across Caucasus, CEE, Central and South Asia, in the domain of Trade Finance, SCF, FI/Correspondent Banking, Business transformation and Digitalization.

In her 17+ years professional career, Ana held executive positions bridging multi-cultural stakeholders, with a focus on developing and expanding business with market players globally in the domain of Global Banking. Ana was an EXCOM member at Banking Commission, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Paris, Y2017-2021; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Documentary Credit World (DCW) USA since Y2019; Co-chair, Trade & Investment Commission, ICC Georgia since Y2020 and Advisor, Georgian Banking Association, since Y2021. Head of Trade and Structured Finance, Bank of Georgia, 2003-2020, and is currently Management Board Consultant – Strategic Business Development at Basisbank, Georgia since 2021, MD at Trade Force Global and Senior Consultant at Sumvit Insights, India since 2020.

Ana is an Honors graduate and holds Masters in Banking & Finance from Tbilisi State University.

23 years of accumulated experience in corporate finance, which out of it 16 years in Islamic Trade Finance.

Executive Master in International Trade from IE School of Global and Public Affairs.

Managed ITFC’s Trade Finance portfolio in the Middle East with total accumulated approvals volumes exceeding US$ 1 billion.

Tailored several financial solutions that were rewarded with international recognition awards from Islamic Finance News, Euromoney and Global Trade Review.

Developing Supplier’s Finance Scheme, a Shari’ah compliant alternative to conventional receivables financing.

Participated a key speaker and panellist in several Global and International forums and Seminars related to the International Trade and Islamic Finance, such as the Islamic Finance News / REDmoney events, FCI events, GTR MENA events, GTFS events and other events.

Member of a task-force formed by the Factors Chain International (“FCI”) – a Global Representative Body for Factoring and Financing of Open Account Domestic and International Trade Receivables, for the development of the General Rules for International Factoring Supplementary Agreement regulating the International Islamic Factoring transactions conducted by FCI network members.
A member of the Products Quality Assurance Committee formed by the Saudi Export Development Authority to review and assess the Saudi EXIM Bank Financing Products.

Certified Shariah Advisor & Auditor (CSAA) by AAOIFI, Credit Certification Program (Moody’s), Certified Islamic Banker by CIBAFI, Certified Lender Business Banker (CLBB) by the Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences (AABFS

Chris Southworth is Secretary General at the International Chamber of Commerce UK and a regular voice for business in the international media speaking on a wide range of business issues including trade, sustainability, international priorities and government policy.

He is Co-Chair of Commonwealth Legal Reform and Digitalisation programme launched by Commonwealth Trade Ministers in June 2023, a member of the Legal Reform Advisory Board at the ICC Digital Standards Initiative and co-founder of the UK Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation. He is also a member of the ICC World Council as well as the International Advisory Board of the Queen Mary-UNIDROIT Institute of Transnational Commercial Law.

Chris is a leading international expert on creating modern digital trade ecosystems and a regular speaker at international conferences and events. He is the founder of the ICC Digital Trade Roadmap, helped initiate the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 and helped secure the 2021 G7 Ministerial Commitment to remove legal barriers to handle commercial trade documents in digital form. He is also a leading industry adviser to the UK government on the digitalisation of trade and works closely with the Department for Business and Trade, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, Cabinet Office and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Prior to joining ICC, he was Executive Director for Global Partnerships, at the British Chambers of Commerce, Head of the International Chambers of Commerce Unit at UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and a Senior Policy Advisor to Lord Heseltine, former Deputy Prime Minister, for his independent review of UK competitiveness. In 2011 he was advisor to the Minister for Trade and Investment for the government review of mid-size businesses and consequent establishment of the mid-size business export programme. Former roles have encompassed deregulatory and social enterprise policy at the Department for Business.

Cian Ó Braonáin stands at the forefront of financial services innovation, having dedicated over twenty years to leading Publicis Sapient’s Product Management community. His primary focus lies in the Commercial and Retail Banking sectors, where he has directed complex digital transformation initiatives, yielding industry-defining innovations. Cian’s expertise has been instrumental in advancing the digital capabilities of major financial institutions across the globe with a focus in the middle east, including systemically important banks, exchanges, and market utilities.

With a strong foundation in technology, Cian excels in steering data-centric strategic transformations. His leadership has been key in enabling clients to seize the opportunities presented by modern technology, enhancing connections between banks and their customers through new, efficient channels that significantly lower operational costs.

Relevant experience

Strategic Innovation: Orchestrated the conception, development, and launch of digital challenger banks, revolutionizing customer experiences and unlocking profitable new market segments in Trade and working capital, commercial and retail sectors.

Compliance and Regulatory Leadership: Headed Publicis Sapient’s response to Basel and G20 regulatory frameworks, managing global banks’ regulatory programs and leading as an approved person for UK regulatory Section 166 audits.

Data Governance and Monetization: Instituted comprehensive data governance and monetization structures for numerous banks and directed data compliance for risk and data regulations.

Transformational Leadership: Oversaw the development of substantial trading platforms and risk management systems, including the specification of risk models and the attainment of capital adequacy regulatory waivers for Tier-1 banks.

Divesh Narwani is a seasoned Trade Finance banking professional with 15-plus years of experience across the Middle East and Africa. Specializing in operations, project management, risk assessment, and product management.

Previously held Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) accreditation, is a testimony of Divesh’s Trade Finance expertise and proficiency.

His notable achievements include spearheading proposals for the standardization of guarantee formats aligned with Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees 758 in the UAE and Bahrain. Divesh brings extensive knowledge and insights to the industry, his key focus remains large-scale commercialization of trade products, digitization, and sustainability.

Eman Al Madani serves as the Manager of the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) at Dubai Chambers, bringing over 17 years of diverse professional expertise to her role. With a robust background in environment, social and governance (ESG) practices, corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, and green building, Eman is a seasoned expert across various sectors.

At CRB, Eman is at the forefront of driving strategic initiatives aimed at advancing the circular and green economy. She passionately works diligently to embed the core values of economic, social, and environmental sustainability into the growth trajectories of businesses. Under her guidance, CRB has become a beacon of sustainable practices, fostering a culture of responsibility within the business community.

Eman’s academic journey reflects her dedication to her field. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental health from Zayed University, a master’s degree in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment from the British University in Dubai, and a master’s degree in International Business Law from Paris-Pantheon-Assas University. Her pursuit of excellence extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her status as an Associate Member of IEMA and her collection of international certifications in ESG and health, safety, and environmental management systems.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Eman is a published children’s book author and the co-founder of a startup dedicated to crafting sustainable play items for children. Eman’s artistic talents extend to henna artistry, which she seamlessly integrates into the design of her business products, infusing them with a personal touch rooted in tradition. Moreover, Eman’s diverse interests encompass expertise in personology and behavioural modification, reflecting her understanding of human behaviour and her commitment to personal development and growth. This unique blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, and expertise underscores Eman’s holistic approach to life and work, where sustainability, creativity, and personal development converge seamlessly, leaving a lasting impact on all she encounters.

A Georgian-Lebanese businessman based in Georgia since 1998; doing business in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa since the very early 1990’s, mainly in the trade of food products and commodities, investments in real estate, security, agrochemicals, insurance, hospitality business, and consulting.

Founder and President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia (1998-2007)
Co-founder and Chairman of the Georgian National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce.

Author of four books: “Life with Scorpions”, “Mirrors and Illusions”, “Utopias and Realities”, “Exploring Beyond Beliefs”.

CURRENT ROLES:
Chairman of the Regional Consultative Group of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) for North Africa, the Broader Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia since 2023.

• Special Representative of the Global Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce for the Caucasus and Central Asia (since 2021)
• External Advisor to Bain & Company (since 2020)
• Chairman of Channel Georgia Consulting (since 2016)
• Member of the Investor’s Council under the Prime Minister of Georgia (since 2015)
• Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Georgian Mines and Energy JSC (since 2012)
• Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce in Georgia (since 2008)
• Chairman of Agritechnics Holding (since 1998)

FORMER ROLES

• Advisor to Dhabi Group Georgia (2013-2014)
• Member of the Business Council of Georgia under the Chairman of Parliament (2010-2012)
• Co-Chairman of the Georgian Parliament Foreign Investment Advisory Board (2005-2009)
• Chairman Emeritus of the American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia (2006-2007)
• Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Georgian Rural Development Fund (2005-2006)
• Chairman of the Georgian Business Confederation (2000-2006)
• President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia (1999-2006)
• Member of the Business Council under the President of Georgia (2000-2003)
• Chairman of Agritechnics International (1985-1998)

Filipe has nineteen years of diverse IT experience spanning across sectors such as Banking, Health, and Utilities, with a thirteen-year focus in Trade Finance.

Currently serving as the Head of Professional Services and Innovation Lead for Chinasystems throughout Europe, Filipe has recently taken on the additional role of Global Fintechs Partner Manager.

He worked on the design and architecture of innovation and digital transformation initiatives at Chinasystems that yielded notable recognition, including winning the ICC Trade Tech Transformation Challenge at the Global Trade Facilitation Summit in Dubai last year. And was chosen by ICC UK, earning them a place among seven case studies featured in the “Digital Solutions to Handling Trade Documents” report unveiled at the ICC Digital Trade Conference in 2022.

Filipe is fueled by a passion for technology, he enjoys the process of re-engineering and optimizing workflows. Relishing in seamlessly connecting various technological components to craft comprehensive digital workflows.

Gwen Mwaba joined Afreximbank in May 2015. In her role as Director & Global Head, Trade Finance, she heads the Trade Finance business for Afreximbank and leads a team executing transactions in all Afreximbank member states across Africa.

Her expertise cuts across Receivables Financing, Pre-export and Pre-payment financing, Structured Trade and Commodity Financing and lending to Financial Institutions and Sovereigns.

Gwen has 25 years of banking experience in Oil & Gas, Telecoms, Hospitality, Mining, Health, Manufacturing and agri-business.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, she led the multi-disciplinary technical coordination team of the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Trust and structured the financing and co-led negotiations with covid-19 vaccine manufacturers.

Gwen is also a member of the International Trade & Forfaiting Association (ITFA) Multilaterals Advisory Panel.

Before joining Afreximbank, she worked for Standard Bank Plc in London.

Hani Idris have 49 years of retail and corporate banking experience in Kuwait, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, and UAE Dubai, out of which 20 years of professional experience in technology banking, , digital financial services, and Fintech. Hani worked for Bank of Kuwait and Middle East-Kuwait (BKME) 14 years, Housing Bank-Jordan (HBTF) 2 years, Jordan National bank-Jordan (Ahli) 11 years, Yemen Commercial bank-Yemen (YCB) 6 years, International Cards Company (ICC) 7 years, IDB Iraq 7 years, IDB UAE 2 years.

Key positions of Hani are: head of retail banking at BKME, DGM Ahli Bank, GM YCB Bank, Strategic Market Advisor for MasterCard international 1999 to 2003, Executive Consultant at ICC, the founder of Systems Company for Consultancy 2009, the Executive Consultant to the Chairman of International Development Bank IDB Iraq and Arab Payment Services- APS Iraq, member of Arab Banking Innovation and Digital Transformation Council at Union of Arab Banks. Hani won in June 2021 the BANKTECH AWARD as the Banking Personality of the Year 2021 and won in December 2021 the MENA FINTECH LEADER of the year 2021 by the FINTECH MENA COMMUNITY GROUP. From Feb 2022, Hani Idris is the Regional Manager / CEO of International Development Bank, IDB UAE Dubai.

Hussein stands as an accomplished expert in the realms of growth strategy and strategic partnerships, wielding an impressive portfolio of achievements that have spurred growth, innovation, and transformation across various sectors within the Arab world. His leadership across multiple projects has honed his ability to introduce and adeptly manage the implementation of new technologies, prioritizing education to ensure the efficient evolution of organizations.

In his role as the MENA Regional Manager at Farm To Plate, Hussein brings to bear his wealth of experience by offering unparalleled strategic guidance in the domains of innovation and technology. His influence extends across both public and private sectors throughout MENA countries. Notably, Hussein is part of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s (MOCCAE) National Farm Sustainability Initiative (NFSI) taskforce, a member of the esteemed Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry and UAE’s International Chambers of Commerce and has played a pivotal role in introducing Farm To Plate’s cutting-edge technological solutions to Governments and regional businesses.

Jamal Saleh joined UBF (UAE Banks Federation) in July 2018 and became UBF’s Director General on 1st January 2019. Prior to joining UBF, his last role after 29 years in banking was Head of Group Credit & Risk and Acting Regional Chief Risk Officer.

Jamal spent 29 years in banking (Conventional and Islamic) and covered Credit and Enterprise Risk Management (Credit, Market, Operational, Liquidity, ICAAP, and IT Risks). His first 10 years were in the USA in Private Banking and Credit and the last 19 were in the UAE in Corporate Banking, Credit, and Risk Management with three leading UAE banks. He has been leading SWIFT User Group (UAE) as its chairperson and UBF Secretariat as its Director General since 2018.

He served as PRMIA’s UAE Director General for 7 years and was concurrently Member on British University’s Advisory Board (Dubai).

Jamal graduated summa cum laude from New Jersey, USA, in Finance and Banking and holds several banking certifications.

He is a frequent TV quest on UAE and international business channels and newspapers as well as keynote speaker at a large number of regional and international forums in the UAE, MENA, Singapore, Europe, USA, etc., including 11 years at RiskMinds Geneva/Amsterdam and the Commonwealth of Nations at Westminster’s Central Hall in London.

Katerina Petrovska has over 20 years of experience in trade finance and she even got her Master’s thesis in Letters of Credits, first in the country.

She has been the Head of International Payment Operations at Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje, Macedonia for more than 17 years, managing both documentary business and cash management for corporates of many industries.

Katerina has also been part of a team initiative to organize a national platform for trade finance in the country and the region and continues in her efforts to do so. The trade finance team at Komercijalna Banka has a long standing tradition in producing talents of her caliber.

She is very much involved in researching, developing and supporting creative and innovative solutions for day to day bank operations.

Her latest endeavors include a tackle on fraud and what started as an attempt to protect her clients from fraudulent behavior, has now evolved in another team developing anti-fraud systemic solutions.

Khalid Al Ali is the Regional Director – Africa at Dubai International Chamber, where he manages a network of representative offices in Africa that implement the chamber’s strategy across target markets within the region.

In his current role, Khalid works to attract foreign companies and investors to Dubai by promoting the emirate as a preferred global business hub at international events and trade missions. He also focuses the efforts of regional offices to identify business opportunities for Chamber members and support Dubai-based companies with their entry into global markets.

As a veteran banker, Khalid comes with 22 years’ experience in the financial industry spanning consumer, wholesale and private banking. Previously, worked with several reputed banks in the UAE including HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Emirates NBD and Ajman Bank, where he developed customer and sales strategies, managed core teams and conducted analysis of key functions to ensure return on investment. He has also held several roles with the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), serving as Director of Client Relations and Director Registry Services.

He graduated from the distinguished Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government program and studied Business Administration at the University of Arkansas in the United States.

A Post Graduate in Business Administration and holds a PhD in Shipping. Dr. Krishna Prasad has 35 years’ experience in various facets of commercial shipping. He has hands-on experience in Shipbroking, Ship-operations and Ship Management. Presently, he is the Managing Director of Aster Marine Cargo Dubai, a company focusing on Shipbroking, Project Cargo Logistics and Consultancy.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, London. He is also Vice Chair of the Commission on Customs & Trade Facilitation of the International Chamber of Commerce UAE. He is the former Chairman of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Middle East Branch.

Dr. Krishna Prasad has presented papers in many renowned International Shipping Seminars and Conferences. He has also been a visiting faculty in many Institutes and Universities, in India and in Dubai. He is presently a Professor of Practice at AMET University, India. He also conducts corporate training programmes and has undertaken consultancy assignments to many companies in India, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

I have over 24 years of working experience as a sustainability professional with international experience. My areas of expertise include the development, maintenance, delivery, and quality control of a range of environmental and sustainability services. I have extensive knowledge on the environmental and climate regulations and policies and have managed various projects on climate risk identification, strategies for improving performance and personal effectiveness to instigate and lead change and lead organizations in the direction of low carbon economy.

I have a track record of encouraging collaboration, promoting teamwork underpinned by good communication and organizational skills valuing diversity and individuality. I have an innovative and flexible approach to challenges and always look for new ways of working to improve business services, products, and building positive relationships to all stakeholders. I embrace change positively, proactively respond to problems and identify opportunities and take ownership of any issues that arise. I am tenacious in my effort to maintain high professional standards at all times. On a personal basis, I am a friendly, approachable and professional person and have a proven record of excellent communication at all levels, which has led to significant repeat business and being a valued and respected staff member.

As an Independent Expert I have initiated and spearheaded the formation of a Climate Change Advisory Group to exchange international experience involving Climate Change professionals from different countries to create a system for experience and knowledge sharing.

The key activates are considered.

• Provide independent advice on setting and meeting carbon budgets and preparing for climate change.
• Monitor progress in reducing emissions and achieving carbon budgets and targets.
• Conduct independent analysis into climate change science, economics and policy.
• Engage with a wide range of organisations and individuals to share evidence and analysis.
• Providing education on climate change to business and the public.

Mahmood Al Bastaki is the General Manager of World Logistics Passport, a network of multilateral trade and world’s first logistics loyalty program present in 20 global hubs, and Chief Operating Officer of Digital Trade Solutions at DP World, the leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, enabling the flow of trade across the globe, with a portfolio of 295 businesses in 78 countries across six continents.

In his role, Albastaki leads the development and global rollout of DP World’s major trade facilitation solutions including -among others- CARGOES Customs, the full-fledged AI-based customs administration system enabling effective digital transformation of customs operations and community services; CARGOES Community, the leading logistics community system enabling seamless cargo flow at ports and throughout the trade supply chain; World Logistics Passport (WLP), the world’s first incentive-based loyalty program rewarding traders and freight forwarders for high trade; and DUBUY.com, the innovative B2B e-commerce marketplace connecting importers and exporters across borders with efficient fulfilment from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

Albastaki served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) before taking up his current position as the Chairman of the Board for Dubai Trade, the electronic single window that underpins Dubai’s position as a global base for trading across borders with seamless processes for government agencies and private sectors, by integrating the major stakeholders in trade and logistics operations such as DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Dubai Customs, Importers and Exporters, Shipping Lines and Agents, Clearing and Forwarding Agents, Hauliers, and Free Zone Licensees.

Al Bastaki is also the former acting Director of E-Services at Dubai E-Government (currently “Digital Dubai”) where he formulated the then E-government strategy. He managed critical projects such as the governmental Electronic payment Gateway “ePay”, unified contact center “AskDubai”, and web hosting and Management platform “eHost”.

He was appointed as an advisor for the Dubai Expo 2020 bid team. He was also a member of the Board of Directors in the International Chamber of Commerce – UAE and Chairman of the Customs & Trade Facilitation Commission; a Member of the UAE National Committee of World Trade Organization; and the president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport – UAE.

Albastaki is a winner of the 2013 “Accomplished Leader” category of Feigenbaum Leadership Excellence Award, organized by Hamdan Bin Mohammed E-University and voted as the “Popular CEO of the Year” at the 6th International Maritime Award in 2013. He was selected as one of the Government Technology Leaders by “The Who’s who of the Government Technology – Middle East” in 2006.

He is a graduate of the Global Business Consortium Program at London Business School; the Muhammed Bin Rashid Leadership Development Program; and the Dubai Leaders Program in association with Wharton Business School. He holds a bachelor’s of science in Electronics Engineering Technology from the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Oregon Graduate Institute.

Mohamed AbuHamra is the Chief Operating Officer of Digital Technology at DP World GCC.

AbuHamra plays a central role in transforming the landscape of trade, supply chains, and logistics through innovative digital technologies. His leadership in digitising cross-border trade and managing the Dubai Trade single window platform, which recorded over 32.6 million digital transactions in 2023, is pivotal to enhancing the efficiency and fluidity of global trade.

Since joining DP World in 2008, AbuHamra has held various leadership roles and now directly reports to the CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, Abdulla Bin Damithan. With vast expertise in the supply chain and logistics sector, AbuHamra actively advocates for, and implements, cutting-edge digital solutions that streamline operations and foster sustainable growth. This influence extends beyond DP World as he contributes to numerous boards and serves on the Dubai Future Foundation’s council on Artificial Intelligence, aiming to bolster Dubai’s stature as an AI-driven future global city.

AbuHamra’s educational pursuits in the UK, where he is advancing his doctorate research in AI and Big Data, are indicative of his commitment to leading-edge thinking. This further adds to his notable educational foundation including a master’s in International Business and a bachelor’s in Computing and Information Systems, both achieved with distinction from the University of Wollongong Dubai and the University of Dubai, respectively.

As a recognised leader in the supply chain and logistics sector, AbuHamra’s strategic decisions are backed by rigorous data analysis, ensuring tactical effectiveness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. His guidance of global, multicultural teams toward operational excellence has strengthened DP World’s digital capabilities and broadened the industry’s horizons in technological innovation.

AbuHamra’s practical leadership approach is characterised by active engagement and exemplification of the strategies he champions. His professional endeavours are matched by a commitment to positive social impact, particularly in his role as a cancer activist where he offers support to patient communities, reflecting a deep-seated dedication to societal advancement.

Mohamed Daoud is a Director and Industry Practice Lead for Moody’s Financial Crime Compliance across the Middle East and India. A strategic leader and seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in banking, finance, and corporate sectors across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, he spent the last 20 years assisting and counseling organizations fighting financial crimes in the Middle East and Africa. His extensive experience brings a unique and innovative perspective to managing regulatory/reputation risks in banking, finance, insurance, and other sectors like energy, mining, telecom, real estate, retail, and government.Mohamed is a Subject Matter Expert in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Combatting Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABC) programs. Through years of working with industry-leading firms, he has attained tremendous knowledge of regulations, requirements, processes, Fintech and Regtech solutions, and best practices across all sectors.

A sought-after speaker, Mohamed regularly collaborates on awareness workshops, forums, conferences, and webinars on ethics, corporate governance, financial crime compliance, anti-corruption programs, and cultural changes.

Throughout his career, he held several executive positions in prominent institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East, across retail, wholesale, and investment banking. Following his banking career, Mohamed held executive positions with leading global technology providers, focusing on intelligence gathering and risk/compliance data.

Mohamed joined Afreximbank, a multilateral DFI with Head Quarters in Cairo, Egypt as Head of North Africa and Non- Regionals coverage in March 2019. Prior to joining Afreximbank, Mohamed worked for 7 years at Barclays Africa from 2011 as regional Head of Sales with responsibilities for 7 of the 12 present countries of the Group in Africa.

Mohamed’s previous roles included working for Standard Bank of South Africa for 21 years; the last 2 years as Head of Institutional & Hedge Fund Sales, focusing on Middle Eastern and European Hedge Funds and Financial Institutions. With strong Middle East knowledge, Mohamed thereafter joined Standard Chartered Bank in August 2008 as Head of Financial Markets in Oman. He was on the Executive Committee as well a member of the Asset and Liability Management committee of Standard Chartered Bank, Oman where he spent 3 years building a formidable International Bank in the Sultanate.

He was also a Treasurer for ACI (The Financial Market Association) South Africa and Chairperson of the Transformation Committee for Standard Bank & finally a member of the Association of Black Investment and Securities Professionals.

Mohamed brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to an African Multilateral DFI that is committed to making a difference on the African Continent.

Nadia Abdul Aziz, is the Managing Director/Partner of UNASCO LLC, President of National Association of Freight and Logistics- NAFL (Fiata),Chairperson of WILAT-ME- Women in Logistics & Transport- Middle East (part of CILT, Chair of the ICC UAE Commission on Customs and Trade Facilitation Steering Committee, Vice President of FIATA extended Board .She is also in the Board of Governors for Al Noor Centre for children with special needs and a Board member of Dubai Land Transport Group.

Nadia has more than 17 years of experience in Freight & Logistics sector. She has worked in her family business DULSCO LLC – one of the largest man power supply companies in the Gulf. Nadia has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing & Advertising and Master’s degree in Business Administration (American University in Dubai).

She helps the Al Noor Centre to raise funds for the school and assist with event organization .She mainly focusses on raising the freight /logistics industry standards in the country by offering professional training and in solving industry challenges and opening opportunity doors for the investors to the country in collaboration with government organizations.

• Business Relations (2007-2008)
• Customer Experience (2008-2012)
• Trade Facilitation (2012-2014)
• Global Markets & International Relations (2014-2023)

With this wealth of experience, Omar is now the Head of the Centre for Business Studies & Research, which is a part of the Business Advocacy Sector.
The Centre aims to leverage the latest data technologies to generate meaningful insights and opportunities to support Dubai Chambers in maintaining a favourable and competitive business environment in Dubai, as well continuing to champion the adoption of the best international sustainable business practices.

Pamela Mar is the Managing Director of the Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), based in Singapore. The DSI is a public private partnership backed by the ICC, Asian Development Bank, World Trade Organization, World Customs Organization and the Singapore government, that accelerates the digitalization of global trade in three areas: convergence on digital standards, legal and policy reform, and digital readiness across the public and private sectors.

Prior to joining the DSI, Pamela was Executive Vice President for Supply Chain Futures, and then EVP for Knowledge and Applications for the Fung Group, a Hong Kong based multinational supply chain manager where she was also the first Group head of Sustainability. She was named one of Asia’s ten A-list sustainability leaders in 2019, and is a recognized industry leader in this area. Prior to moving to Hong Kong, Pamela was based in Shenzhen, China, as a Director of Global Finance for TCL Multimedia Technology, the first major Chinese company to go global by buying a major foreign brand.

Prior to TCL, Pamela ran Greater China for the World Economic Forum, based in Geneva for five years. Pamela was born in New York and went to university in the USA, but has spent the majority of her life abroad. She speaks English, French and Chinese, and holds a Bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Yale University and an honors M.Sc from the London School of Economics.

Rudolf Putz is Head of EBRD’s Trade Facilitation Programme and has more than 30 years of experience in financing trade with Eastern Europe, the CIS and the southern and eastern Mediterranean.

He started his professional career in 1983 as Deputy Head of Commodity Trade Finance at Centro Internationale Handelsbank AG Vienna, a subsidiary of Raiffeisen Bank International.

In 1993 Rudolf Putz joined HELM AG Hamburg as Head of Structured Trade Finance and from 1996 to 1997 he was Deputy Head of Structured Trade Finance at Bank Austria International Trade Services Vienna, a subsidiary of Unicredit.

In 1997 he became Director Trade Finance at Deutsche Handelsbank AG Berlin, a subsidiary of Credit Lyonnais, and since 2000 he has been developing EBRD’s Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP).

Rudolf Putz holds a Doctor’s Degree from the Vienna University of Economics & Business Administration.

PANGEA-RISK is a specialist intelligence advisory that provides commercially relevant and actionable forecasts on country risk to support clients’ risk mitigation strategies and help identify new business opportunities. Robert founded Pangea-Risk in 2015 after pursuing a career in political risk forecasting at industry-leading firms in the UK and US.At Pangea-Risk, Robert leads a team of partners, researchers, and contributing analysts to produce commercially relevant and actionable analysis and forecasts on political, security, and economic risk across emerging markets with a focus on Africa and the Middle East. Robert also retains the lead on many consulting projects for blue chip corporations in a wide variety of sectors.

Robert is regularly invited to speak at major international conferences on topics such as metals and mining, trade and export finance, and global security matters. He frequently moderates ministerial panels and has interviewed multiple African heads of state and government during his career. Robert makes frequent appearances on televised media, as well as contributions to international print media. He has travelled extensively on the continent and calls Africa his ‘home’.

Robert Parson is a partner based in the London office and specialising in commodities and shipping.

Robert’s practice includes financing arrangements across the commodity and trade industry. He represents banks and non-bank financiers, funds, large and medium-sized commodity traders, producers, credit insurers and other participants in financing and monetising the international production, storage, movement and distribution of both raw materials and manufactured goods.

Robert advises regularly on structured trade and inventory finance and the use of financial instruments such as letters of credit, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other secure payment arrangements in international trade, as well as has expertise in related disputes.

Robert has an established reputation in the increasingly important field of digital trade, working on the establishment of digital platforms and the use and enforceability of electronic trade documents and payment instruments. He is also a regular speaker and writer on both digital trade and commodity and trade finance, and is the editor of the legal journal Finance and Credit Law.

Sumit is Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Fintech Innovations International (FII), the company that has launched TradeAssets, the first e-marketplace of its kind for banks. He has twenty-four years of experience as a global financial institutions specialist with expertise in trade finance and international payments. He started his career with Price Waterhouse, working on software and management consultancy projects before moving to banking, where he worked for American Express Bank in India, USA and the UAE. After 15 years with Amex, Sumit moved to Deutsche Bank for another 9 years, and was Managing Director responsible for banks and other financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa region.

Sumit has extensive experience in e-Products, primary and secondary trade finance, asset distribution, international payments and cash management. In over two decades in service, sales, product and relationship management in three continents, he has directly covered institutions and managed teams covering Asia, North America, Middle East and Africa. He has always executed growth strategies with consistent success, in difficult markets and under challenging circumstances. His venture into Fintech stems from a strong desire to create solutions that impact not just one organization or geography but the industry as a whole.

Sumit holds an MBA in Finance and a Master’s degree in International Management from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Urmish is a Chartered Accountant and Lawyer by qualification, with more than 15 years of experience in diverse fields of Sustainability Reporting, Business Transformation, Process Re-engineering and Assurance.

He is co-founder of Bon Conseil, a niche Sustainability Advisory firm, providing end-to-end sustainability services including formulation of sustainability strategies, creation of operational roadmaps, development of innovative sustainability initiatives and assisting multinational and SME entities in reporting under various global frameworks such as GRI, SASB, TCFD etc.

He was part of the Impact Management Project and Technical Working Group of European Financial Reporting Advisory Group, which is helping in digitisation and harmonisation of Sustainability Standards. He has been a member of the Technical Research Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Has co-authored books and articles on Digital Transformation of Business Reporting, XBRL and Integrated Reporting for IMA and XBRL International. He was a Major contributor in creation of the Tata Index for Sustainable Human Development Taxonomy which is World’s First XBRL Acknowledged Integrated Reporting Taxonomy in association with Tata Group and United Nations Development Program.

Having started his career in Big4, he specialises in creating logical structures out of unstructured data, conceptualising and operationalising strategies related to Sustainability and Risk Management.

He is a passionate speaker on emerging technological and business trends and has conducted workshops across various international forums. Being a keen observer and a curious learner, In his free time, he loves to dabble in spirituality and exploring the World.

Wayne is the former Head of Transaction Banking Solutions for Lloyds Bank and has over 30 years banking experience across multiple regions in both relationship and transaction banking.

He set up Atom Advisory in 2022 and advises clients (corporates, banks and technology firms) on a wide range of topics including strategy, commercialisation, operational frameworks and digitalisation across EMEA, US and APAC.

He is also currently Corporate Finance Advisor to ICC United Kingdom Corporate Trade Digitalisation Taskforce, helping to drive adoption of digital trade practices following legal reform in 2023.

Combining wide strategic, technical and commercial acumen, Wayne brings particular expertise on open account trade from buyer, seller, funder, insurer and technology perspectives.

Wayne is a frequent speaker and moderator at leading events, fora and conferences around the globe. He is based in the United Kingdom.

Zia Khaleeli has decades of experience of businesses in Pakistan.

After schooling and attending Oxford University in the UK, I returned to work in Pakistan as a professional at Pakistan’s largest gas field and in an international oil marketing company. Then I worked in the family business – soft drinks, entertainment and construction.

Subsequently, I set up and continue to run my own business of specialty industrial chemicals, with offices throughout Pakistan, and began representing international bulk commodity traders in Pakistan. Initially the products were iron ore and metallurgical coal to Pakistan Steel Mill and for the last 20 years petroleum products, LNG and ethanol exports.

More recently I developed Zephyr Power Ltd. 50 MW wind farm in partnership with British International Investment, FMO and local investors. In 2019 I handed over as CEO to my son Kumayl Khaleeli.

As of 2022, I have been working on developing Revive Environment, a carbon emission reduction project.

Since 2014 I am Chairman Environment and Energy Commission ICC Pakistan.

Previously, I was Chairman Oxford and Cambridge Society Karachi Education Trust (2000-2017).
Director State Bank of Pakistan and Director Federal Bank for Cooperatives (2001-2004).
Director A.C.E, Pakistan’s largest engineering consultants (2010-2018).

Zul has been with e& organization for 13+ years having a successful career in Finance and B2B functions. He was appointed as the CEO of our first fintech, haifin ( formally known as UAE Trade Connect) in 2020, where he developed and launched the country’s only bank-to-bank blockchain solution serving corporate banks, which has become the default Trade Finance platform of the UAE. Zul is responsible for all e&enterprise’s Fintech businesses, including Beehive Fintech, and customer facing finance programmes.Before joining e&, Zul was the founding CEO of a telecom company in Uganda which he took from licensing to launch, to success, and then achieved a successful exit for the shareholders. Prior to that, he was CFO for an LDI and Fiber operator in Pakistan. Earlier in his career, Zul has held various positions in IT, Telco, and Financial Services business in England and mainland Europe.

Zul is a UK-qualified FCCA and FCMA and also holds a post-graduate diploma in Strategy and Innovation from University of Oxford. Outside of his professional endeavors, Zul likes to play golf and scuba dive the deep blue.