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3/4/25, 10:33 AM First day of Investopia 2025 outlines features of global investment in new economy – UAE Business and Travel Insights – TotalUAE…
models, as well as enhancing economic openness, building partnerships, and enhancing economic resilience to
keep pace with ongoing economic developments.

The discussion sessions focused on vital topics, most notably investment opportunities in the new economy
sectors, especially artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Other topics related to the circular economy,
how to manage wealth and impact investment in the charitable sector, and examining transformations in the
global economy in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges, as well as mechanisms to enhance growth and
competitiveness in the financial services sector, were discussed.
Economic transformations and investment in the new economy

In detail, the first day’s agenda witnessed the first dialogue sessions entitled “Global trends shaping the new
economy”, in which Eric Robertson, Head of Global Research and Chief Strategy Officer at Standard Chartered,
participated; Dr. François Bourguignon, Honorary President of the Paris School of Economics, and Marc Antaki,
Vice President of Strategy and Risk at Mubadala, where the session discussed the impact of artificial intelligence
on global economic and investment trends and the impact of and geopolitical transformations. Participants
discussed the importance of technology and sustainability in shaping the future of the new economy, stressing
the importance of digital transformation in creating unique investment opportunities in the financial services
sector, especially with the development of blockchain technologies, digital payments and cryptocurrencies at a
faster pace than expected.

In another session titled “Capital for Good: The Future of Philanthropy”, the focus was on the importance of
looking at philanthropy more strategically and practically creating controlled and sustainable change rather than
temporary solutions, using innovative management methods supported by technology and data analysis.

The session was attended by Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and the UAE’s Special Envoy for Business
and Philanthropy; Tsitsi Masiyiwa, CEO and Co-Founder of Higher Life Foundation; Baroness Ariane de
Rothschild, CEO of the Edmond de Rothschild Group; and Alfonso Garcia Mora, Vice President for Europe,
Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Finance Corporation.

The participants discussed the importance of public-private sector collaboration to enhance the social impact of
philanthropic initiatives. The session addressed the challenges associated with measuring the effectiveness of
philanthropic and investment projects, emphasizing the need to set clear performance standards to ensure
tangible and measurable results. Speakers highlighted the role of impact investing in achieving social change,
noting the importance of adopting sustainable investment models that combine financial returns with positive
social impact, in addition to supporting entrepreneurship and social initiatives to promote sustainable
development.

In a related context, the third session discussed “Enhancing Growth in the Financial Services Sector”, during
which Emma Reynolds, MP, UK Treasury Secretary, delivered a keynote speech, highlighting the most
prominent trends and policies that affect the development of the financial sector globally, with a focus on the
role played by the United Kingdom in supporting financial markets and entrepreneurship. She reviewed the most
prominent economic transformations and their impact on the financial services sector, such as inflation, rising
interest rates, and changes in monetary policies. She focused on the potential for strengthening economic and
investment partnerships between the United Kingdom and the UAE to support sustainable growth in
international markets.

In her speech, Emma Reynolds explained that the financial sector is a fundamental pillar of the United
Kingdom’s economy, stressing the new Labour government’s commitment to maintaining the City of London as
a major global business hub.
Reynolds also stressed the depth of the historical relations and close cooperation between the United Kingdom

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