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5/10/24, 4:19 PM Economy Middle East Summit 2024 Highlights Economic Growth Prospects of MENA Region - Eye of Dubai
offering insights for exploring this evolving landscape. The session was moderated by Dr. Rawaa Harati, Founder & CEO, KINZ
consultancy.

The ‘Digital Frontiers in Finance: Exploring Tomorrow’s Financial Services Landscape,’ panel examined accelerating digital
transformation, embracing fintech innovations and navigating regulatory challenges. Speakers included Emmanuel Givanakis,
CEO of FSRA at ADGM, Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan, Damian Hitchen, CEO
of Saxo Bank MENA, and the moderator Jean Abou Assi, Partner leading digital financial services at PwC Middle East. They

also discussed future market trade, highlighting the interplay between innovation and regulation and shared insights on
adapting to an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

The session ‘Tourism: The Pillar of Economic Strength,’ was moderated by Sunil John, founder of Asdaa’ BCW and former CEO

of the MENA region for BCW. This discussion examined tourism as a key driver of economic growth, contributing to job
creation, infrastructure development and cultural exchange, including its effects on small businesses and regional investment.
Tourism serves as a double engine for the Gulf region, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation while fostering cultural

understanding, though growth must be balanced for environmental sustainability. Speakers included H.E. Saeed Ali Obaid Al
Fazari, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi; and Dr.
Saeeda Jaafar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager of the Visa Group in the GCC; and Haitham Mattar, President
of IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East and Africa.

Joe Chidiac, CEO and publisher of Economy Middle East, organized the summit. He said: "Bringing together visionary leaders,
distinguished ministers and industry experts, the Economy Middle East Summit 2024 served as a vibrant platform for
innovative thinking, revolutionary ideas and collaboration, all aimed at driving accelerated growth across the Middle East.”

The summit was held in partnership with ADGM, one of the world’s leading international financial centers. It was supported by
the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi and Visa, the leading global company in payment services. Strategic
partnerships included Alef Education and Standard Chartered.

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