Forum Programme
Forum Day One
Forum Day Two
Conversation with GCC Leaders
Participants will have the opportunity to listen and learn from a new era leaders on the massive
transformations, socio-economic trends witnessed i n the GCC. The interactive discussion will
highlight their perspectives on managing such complex challenges, and lessons learned.
Panellist
H.E. Helal Almarri (Director General - Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, UAE)
H.E. Mohammed Al-Jasser (Asst Minister - Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development, KSA)
H.E. Meshal Al Othman (Director General - Public Institution for Social Security, Kuwait)
H.E. Abdulla M. Alashram (Group CEO - Emirates Post Group)
Moderator
Maya Hojeij (Anchor - Asharq News with Bloomberg)
Are we getting it right?
GCC regional governments and business leaders are positioning their organizations to be key players in the emerging digital economy, with the aim to transform a region from digital adoption to digital disruption. However, there needs to be serious examination: how governments and businesses have performed so far, their plans for a future that is arriving faster than expected, and of trends such as blockchain, AI, the metaverse... both for the real impact and the pitfalls. The
discussion on this panel will revolve around the much needed planning and collaboration efforts
needed between different stakeholders in the GCC region on its path towards a successful digital
economy.
Panellist
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama (Minister of State of AI - Digital Economy, UAE)
Eng. Ahmed Bin Abdullah Alolala (Deputy CEO - Thiqah, KSA)
Shant Okanayan (Head of Global Business - ByteDance)
J.K. Khalil (General Manager MENA East - Mastercard)
Moderator
Hind AbuAlia (Board Member & Tech Sector Lead - HBS Club of the GCC)
Similar to any other region in the world, the customer, employee and investor expectations are changing in the GCC region. There is a major balancing act needed from today’s retail leaders in order to try and achieve organisations that are happy, while at the same time adapting to the changing ways and market trends. In an interesting panel, we will explore alongside top regional retailers about how they foresee the coming happiness economy and how they are investing and preparing for happiness within their value chains.
Panellist
Ralph Debbas (Chief Executive Officer - W Motors, UAE)
Ashish Panjabi (COO - Jacky’s Group, UAE)
Abdulaziz B. Al Loughani (Chairman and CEO - Floward, Kuwait)
Hala Matar Choufany (President - Middle East, Africa and South Asia - HVS)
Moderator
Rohit Dev (CEO and Co Founder - ideas91)
Faraz Khalid (CEO - Noon.com)
Rohit Dev (CEO and Co Founder - ideas91)
HBS Crossroads GCC Challenges focus session will be led by HBS sector leads, alumni CEOs and other delegates to address key challenges faced by the GCC today. Participants will get to analyze, discuss and derive actionable and impact-full initiatives that are connected and relevant to our every day lives.
The sessions will collect together delegates offering them opportunities to deep dive into key challenges discussed at the main programme, building upon the authentic and concrete observations to create further insights through reflection and sharing with peers.
These groups will be further split into smaller teams encouraged and mentored by a group of experts challenging them to come with the insightful solutions for the future challenges. They will apply their thinking to generate new ideas that open new erspectives and opportunities.
Key Challenges:
Emirates Post Group Company (EPGC)
Abdulla M. Alashram is the Group CEO for Emirates Post Group Company (EPG), headquartered in Dubai with operations across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He has full responsibility for executing the strategic direction and overseeing the management and operations of its subsidiaries, which include Emirates Post, United Fintech Solutions, which oversees Wall Street Exchange and Instant Cash, and Electronic Documents Centre.
Alashram also represents EPG as a member within the Universal Postal Union, the international organization and primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players.
Alashram joined EPG in 2001, and has been instrumental in the organization’s growth throughout, by leveraging stakeholder relationships and maximizing on margin enhancement. His focus continues to be on enabling success through enriching customer experiences and investing in industry advancements to deliver integrated and convenient solutions. At present, Alashram is spearheading the Group’s business through a positive transformation towards a more profitable future, seeking opportunities in an ever-changing landscape.
With a Marketing and Business Management Degree from Franklin University in Columbus Ohio, USA, he possesses a strong commitment for continuous learning and development. Alashram acquired multiple certifications from Harvard Business School in Leadership Development, Disruptive Innovation, and Corporate Governance over the past few years. He is also a member of Dubai YPO chapter, and is affiliated with various business networks, Boards, and advisory bodies across UAE, GCC and internationally.
