Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC

Ahmed Bin Sulayem is the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC and has driven its growth from a start-up of 28 member companies in 2003 to the world’s leading free zone in 2023 with 24,000+ member companies from 180 countries, employing over 80,000 people.

Tasked with enhancing commodity trade flows through Dubai, DMCC has introduced to the market a number of value-added products and services under Mr Bin Sulayem’s leadership. In 2023, DMCC has been named the ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by The Financial Times fDi Magazine, for a record ninth consecutive year.

Mr Bin Sulayem oversaw the exponential growth of the DMCC Free Zone master development in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a 200-hectare business and residential community in Dubai of over 100,000 people living and working across 87 towers. Mr Bin Sulayem also oversees the development of DMCC’s latest real estate project; the much-anticipated Uptown Dubai district.

Mr Bin Sulayem currently serves as the Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX).

The Kimberley Process officially appointed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the first and only Arab country to Chair the Kimberley Process in November 2015. Shortly after, the UAE Ministry of Economy officially appointed Mr Bin Sulayem as the UAE’s Chair of the Kimberley Process for 2016.

H.H. Sheikh Khalid Saud AlQasimi, Deputy Chief of Mission at UAE Embassy in London, UK

Khalid Saud Al Qasimi is the UAE’s Deputy Head of Mission to the UK, appointed in October 2022.

Khalid spent five years working in the Office of the Foreign Minister, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He first joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in 2014 as the US Desk Officer. Before becoming a diplomat, Khalid was a private banker for four and a half years for Emirates NBD and Standard Chartered bank.

Khalid graduated from the American University of Sharjah in 2009 with a Bachelor Degree in Marketing and Management. Khalid also graduated from the UAE’s Defence College in 2021 with a Master’s Degree in Security and Strategy.

Michael Lawrence OBE, Chief Executive, Asia House

Michael Lawrence leads the Asia House team in delivering business and market intelligence to some of the world’s biggest companies and governments in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Michael was appointed Chief Executive in September 2012 after a distinguished career as a journalist, editor and executive in international media. He has developed Asia House into the premier UK-based institution on Asia and the Middle East, chairing high-level dialogues between senior political figures and multinational businesses.

Michael is in regular conversations with global leaders in foreign affairs, finance, trade, technology and national development, and can offer valuable perspectives on how to navigate the intersection between economic, security and political issues.

Prior to joining Asia House, Michael spent 18 years at Reuters (later Thomson Reuters), the international news and financial information organisation, where he held several senior positions including Global Editor (2006-2012).  In his roles at Reuters, Michael was on the frontline of all major international news events as they evolved over more than 30 years.

Michael was awarded an OBE in the King’s 2023 New Year Honours list for his services to international relations between the UK and Asia.

Amal Larhlid, Partner, PwC

With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of policy design and implementation, Amal specialises in helping clients achieve their policy and business objectives using innovative, cutting-edge AI solutions that align with sustainability goals. Her approach is grounded in creativity, adaptability, and collaboration, enabling her to deliver impactful results for a diverse range of clients.

As the host of the podcast "Green Intel: AI for Sustainability," she explores the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of sustainability through AI. Her goal is to provide insights and inspire action among professionals and organizations committed to making a difference.

She is also the author of “Become a Time Maverick: Wisdom from Life, Business, and Aviation,” where she shares lessons learned from a career dedicated to excellence and innovation. Her passion for aviation, where she has been recognized as an award-winning private pilot and sky artist, mirrors her commitment to precision and high standards.

Additionally, she is deeply involved in charity work, believing that giving back is crucial to both personal and professional fulfillment.

She is eager to connect with potential clients and innovative businesses in the sustainability and AI space who are looking to collaborate and drive meaningful impact.

Belal Jassoma, Director of Ecosystems, DMCC

Belal Jassoma is Director of Ecosystems at DMCC, the world’s leading business district and authority on international commodities trade and enterprise.

Belal joined DMCC in 2011 and has been instrumental in scaling up DMCC’s ecosystems and commercial offering, including new products, services and member engagement programmes. In his current capacity as Director for Ecosystems, Belal is responsible for developing key strategic relationships, partnerships and product functions as well as overseeing ecosystem development across several of DMCC’s industry verticals such as crypto, gaming, AI, energy and financial services.

Belal holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah and brings over 18 years of experience in real estate, investment, and government administration.

Christopher Meredith, Senior Vice President, Xsolla

25+ years experience in building-out businesses and creating scale across global operations with Warner Bros & Viacom, with international roles in Sales, Marketing, Data Management & Business Development.

Demonstrated accomplishments in start-up, established/mid-evolution organisations, corporates and Private Equity.

Specialities include: delivering growth & increased revenues in digital pure-play, interactive entertainment, e-sports and social media/content platforms; creative, strategic thinking + business advisor; digital transformation & technology platforms; start-up advisory mentoring & Board membership and Operational scale & business process management.