Sponsors and Partners

Established in 1974, Kuwait Financial Centre ‘Markaz’ is one of the leading asset management and investment banking institutions in the MENA region. Since inception, Markaz has attracted and retained a client base of government and private institutions, as well as family offices and high net worth individuals. The Company caters to its client base through the following products and services: • Asset Management Equity Mutual Funds - Fixed Income Mutual Funds Real Estate Mutual Funds - Private Equity Funds Portfolio Management - Market Maker • Investment Banking: Listings - Equity and Debt issuances Credit rating advisory - Restructuring Mergers and acquisitions - Advisor • Wealth Management: Discretionary Mandates Investment Advisory Mandates Wealth Planning • Real Estate: Middle East and North Africa - International • Research: Economic and Policy Research Consulting Services • Our Vision & Mission: Vision: Your partner in wealth creation. Mission: Offer best-in-class investment opportunities and tailored solution AWARDS Over the years, Markaz won more than 60 awards from prestigious financial institutions and publications. These awards reflect Markaz’s consistent performance and constant endeavour to achieve excellence in the asset management and investment banking fields. With commitment towards wealth creation and preservation for its clients, dedication in offering innovative financial solutions and professionalism in all that it offers, Markaz has proudly gained the trust of its clients and international experts, who remain a key priority to Markaz. Our awards include: - Best Asset Manager in Kuwait - Best Investment Bank in Kuwait - Most Innovative Investment Bank - Most Innovative Financial Institution in the Middle East - CSR Award – Middle East - Best MENA Real Estate Asset Manager - Best Equity House - Best Equities Manager - Asset Manager of the year - Best Fund (Mumtaz – Midaf) - Best Islamic Fund - Research Firm of the Year (Marmore)

UVA is a new ride-hailing app that operates in Saudi, Egypt and United Kingdom. UVA has over 180,000 vehicles on our network to date which is a massive achievement considering we soft-launched in 2021 through the pandemic. UVA has over 100,000 consumer downloads and has already achieved 80,000 completed rides across the three countries. UVA is growing from strength to strength, we have loyal drivers and loyal customers. The reason we have loyal drivers and loyal customers is that UVA invests in local people we always try and recruit within the areas UVA operates. BOOK with UVA today and support your local driver.

The Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is a non-profit and self-financed private organization with over 60,000 active registered members. In addition to being a representative and supporter of Kuwait’s business community, a significant role of the KCCI is to establish and bolster the private sector’s voice within Kuwait’s economic dialogue. The KCCI participates in this process by offering consultations, submitting market-friendly legislation, and identifying and conveying businesses’ interests, demands, and concerns. Ultimately, the KCCI seeks to empower and enable the Kuwaiti private sector’s development into Kuwait’s main driver of growth and prosperity. Furthermore, the KCCI helps establish and foster bridges of cooperation between Kuwaiti businesses and their global counterparts by building and promoting mutual business relations, attracting foreign direct investment, and marketing the Kuwaiti economy and its products regionally and internationally. These activities include bilateral commercial and economic delegations, participation in local or international business promoting functions, and the organization and sponsorship of conferences, forums, and seminars.

RAKEZ is a leading business and industrial powerhouse strategically located in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), connecting global investors to emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Presently, RAKEZ houses over 15,000 companies from more than 100 countries covering over 50 industries, making it one of the largest economic zones in the region. RAKEZ uniquely offers free zone and non-free zone entity formations, simplified processes and first-class services in one-stop shops, as well as a variety of facility choices such as shared workstations, offices, warehouses and land for development.

Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) is Sharjah’s investment promotion agency and a strategic partner for global investors looking to grow their business in the emirate. As the Sharjah FDI Office, we are committed to guiding foreign investors to the tremendous opportunity and potential Sharjah offers. Our vision is to inspire businesses by building on the strong foundations of Sharjah’s sustainable growth and economic diversification. Invest in Sharjah facilitates the investment process by fostering close collaboration between the public and private sector. By bringing investors and opportunities together, we fuel growth and prosperity, and we streamline an end-to-end solution to investing in the emirate. We offer investors: • Expert market knowledge and intelligence • Access to investment opportunities across a range of sectors and industries • Bespoke advice and step-by-step guidance • Aftercare services We are a passionate and ambitious team dedicated to opening doors and guiding your success. We are here and ready to support you to achieve your plans and ambitions in Sharjah and realise your investments in the emirate.

The League of Arab States is a regional organisation bringing together all Arab countries, with the purpose of promoting and strengthening cooperation among its member states. Also known simply as the Arab League, the organisation aims to strengthen ties between its member states, coordinate their policies and direct them towards a common good. The Arab League was formed in Cairo in 1945 and includes 22 member countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) represents and campaigns for business.     Our roots are local, but our reach is global.    We’re owned by, and work for, a network of Chambers of Commerce that champion and support our members all across the UK and in countries and markets around the world.     Our unique perspective gives us unparalleled insight into British and global business communities – every sector, every size, everywhere.     They trust us to be their advocates, and we’re passionate about helping them trade and grow.      Working together with Chambers, we drive change from the ground up – and our bottom line is helping companies, places and people achieve their potential.

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is London’s key hub for the business community, we support members’ businesses through a range of services, advocate on behalf of London’s business community in the most important forums of policy debate, and promote ‘Global London’ as the best city in the world to do business – whether that’s to trade, invest, learn, or find new commercial partners. We work to accelerate the growth of our members by providing valuable support, facilitating new business connections, and leveraging our network to generate greater shared prosperity for London.

The Arab International Women's Forum was founded in London in 2001 by Haifa Al Kaylani to support women's economic empowerment and leadership, and advance youth engagement in the MENA region and globally. From our base in London and from the heart of the MENA Region, AIWF convenes global and emerging leaders from government, public service, business, civil society, academia and media to create an Arab world where women are empowered to make a positive impact as equals and as leaders, in their communities, in grassroots advocacy, in parliament, in the economy, and in societal development overall. Working closely with our Global Partners, collaboratively with our international institutional partners, and across cultures with our global member base, AIWF facilitates multi-stakeholder dialogue and drives action to help women and young leaders unlock their full potential and exercise their agency in the MENA Region through education, economic empowerment, and leadership development. We work to: 01 Raise awareness and amplify emerging voices; 02 Shape an impactful agenda for women and youth; and 03 Drive collaborative action on development challenges.

BExA is an independent national trade association representing the interests of the export community. Our membership is drawn from a wide cross section of companies - Large and SME Exporters, Banks, Credit Insurers and Brokers, Legal firms, Financial Technology Providers, Alternative financiers and other service providers - giving us an excellent perspective of the issues that matter to UK exporters. BExA is a valued contributor to, and is engaged with, many Government departments and committees to drive export policy forward. These include the Department for International Trade, UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Parliamentary Select Committees. We have driven UKEF to improve its product range through our annual ECA benchmarking papers, which have become the go-to guide to determine how the UKEF product range compares to other ECAs around the world. In addition, BExA provides practical advice to our members on all export-related matters and great opportunities for networking with like-minded companies to drive exports towards the UK’s export challenge targets. For more information please visit www.bexa.co.uk.

The Arab Bankers’ Association (ABA) is a London-based not-for-profit professional organisation whose members work in banks and related industries in the Arab world and in the United Kingdom. Through its programmes and events, the ABA fosters improved relations, information sharing and understanding between Arab and British private and public financial sectors. The ABA was founded in London in 1980 and is the only professional body in the U.K. dedicated to representing and promoting the interests of Arab banks and financial professionals who work with Arab banks. The Association now boasts hundreds of members, both individual and corporate, based in the U.K., the Middle East and further afield. The ABA’s current Chief Executive Officer, George Kanaan, was appointed in 2009 (please refer to the “Home” page for George’s “Welcome” message). The board of directors comprises 12 members, all of whom are experience financial professionals with years of experience working with Arab banks and financial institutions. Abdulaziz Al-Khereiji, Chief Manager of Riyad Bank’s London branch, serves as Chairman of the Association.

The Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) promotes partnership and business between the UK and Saudi Arabia, enabling members access to the wide network available. The UK Secretariat of the Council (SBJBC UK) is a company limited by guarantee (not for profit), and an international affiliate of the British Chambers of Commerce. The Saudi Secretariat is based within the Council of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s export credit agency, established in 1919. We support UK exporters, international project sponsors and buyers of UK goods and services, working closely with private sector partners, including banks, to provide flexible, innovative, and competitive financing solutions. In 2020/21, we provided £12.3 bn in support and helped export to 77 countries. UKEF can support exports for any size of company and across all sectors, from capital goods to services and intangibles such as intellectual property. We have an international network of export finance representatives in key markets around the world including the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, with responsibility for developing commercial ties and matching local projects to UK businesses.

Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, part of the British Chambers of Commerce accredited network, is the voice of business in the Thames Valley. On behalf of micro to multinational organisations, we aim to drive better economic conditions and new opportunities for members and the wider community. Through our recognised centre of excellence for global trade and inward investment, we provide services that promote and create opportunities for the Thames Valley business community. We do this whilst protecting trade and the local/national economic environment. We offer local engagement, regional representation, and global opportunity.

Kantar Advisory Partners (KAP) is a consultancy offering a wide range of professional services, tailor-made to the needs of clients across a number of industries, including: the energy sector (oil and gas, power, renewables), development (water, natural resources, public services), infrastructure (transportation, buildings) and healthcare. KAP has an extensive network of experts and partners across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa, with more than 10 years experience in supporting the development of emerging markets economies. KAP services span across 4 key verticals: ● Strategic Advisory & Business Development ● Project Management ● Capital Raising ● Event organising and management KAP’s Clients range from government bodies, private sector players, including multinationals, as well as local and regional SMEs looking for growth opportunities in the EMEA and LatAm regions. Mohamad Kantar Director Tel: +44 (0) 740 242 4664 Email: mkantar@kantaradvisory.com www.kantaradvisory.com

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is the largest accredited chamber of commerce in the UK representing over 4,200 members of all sizes and sectors across the Greater Manchester area and beyond. The Chamber offers world class business support ranging from policy and representation, skills, Marketing and PR, International Trade and Customs Advisory services. We work with UK and overseas exporters and importers seeking to grow their international footprint offering them support in every stage of their internationalisation journey. For more information, please visit our website at www.gmchamber.co.uk .

The Mauritanian British Business Council (MBBC) is a trade association dedicated to promoting bilateral trade between Mauritania and the UK. Mauritania is a stable, rapidly developing country with the ambition, vision and the ability to develop into a significant presence in the global market. Since opening its UK embassy in 2013, Mauritania has been taking positive steps to extend its relationship with UK. There is a growing number of international partnership projects requiring UK investment and involvement, especially in the education, energy, financial services, fishing and shipping sectors.

The National was founded in 2008, setting a new standard for quality journalism in the Middle East.The National is committed to delivering quality journalism to its international audiences, offering readers six dedicated editions – UAE, US, UK, Gulf, Middle East North Africa and International - giving them a greater choice and accessibility in finding the news that matters most to them. With bureaux in London, Washington DC, Beirut and correspondents in key cities worldwide, The National has developed a reputation for providing in-depth coverage and a window into the region. The National has also been extensively awarded for its design, reporting, photography, and video work, while its indisputable reputation for excellence appeals to business leaders and decision makers. Publishing across all digital platforms, The National harnesses the latest multimedia tools – website, App, Videos, and podcasts - while continuing to produce a print edition 5 days a week in the United Arab Emirates. The National is owned by International Media Investments, a privately owned investment company focused on building a portfolio of quality media assets across the globe. The National can be found online at www.thenationalnews.com and online app stores at TheNationalNews. Content from The National can also be accessed on all major social media platforms: Twitter/ Facebook/ LinkedIn: @TheNationalNews Instagram: @TheNationalNews.com

Launched in the chaos of 2020, Investment Monitor cuts through the noise to provide clear-eyed commentary and in-depth analysis on cross-border investment. Companies need trusted data, information and intelligence to help make informed decisions on international expansion. This is truer than ever before, as the global economy goes through an epic transformation and as the operating environment for global businesses becomes increasingly complicated. Created by some of the world's leading experts on FDI, Investment Monitor is fast becoming an integral part of the strategic toolset of senior corporate decision-makers as they decide how to structure and run their global operations. It is free to read with no paywall or registration required, making it as easily accessible as it is valuable. Eye on FDI Newsletter: https://www.investmentmonitor.ai/all-newsletters

A Regional Force in Business Information and Conferencing Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Co. is one of the leading business and financial information provider in the Middle East and North Africa through its media, research, data and conferences platforms. With an aggregate GDP of more than $2.3 trillion and a population of more than 400 million, the MENA region is teeming with potential and opportunities on the back ongoing economic transformation and reforms that are driven by massive investment in infrastructure, clean energy, digital economy and a radical remaking of the legal ecosystem. Most countries are transiting toward a more diversified and sustainable economy. Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal media platforms include the print version of Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal magazine and the awalan.com digital portal that delivers timely economic, business and financial news and analysis on the region's economies. Awalan.com has been designed just to offer this crucial insight into the Arab economies and markets at this critical juncture of the region’s transformation. It offers timely news, analysis and data covering economic, fiscal and monetary policies; corporate developments; financial markets; family businesses; start-ups; mega projects; sustainability. And through our research unit we monitor business trends and provide outlook of companies, industries and emerging trends. Awalan.com news and analysis are sourced and edited by a core group of veteran journalists, analysts and correspondents covering the region, and backed by Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal group, the leading and oldest business and financial information provider in the Arab markets. Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal content is powered by a core team of seasoned analysts and researchers that cover a wide array of macroeconomic, fiscal, monetary and financial issues with authority. Services provided include countries, events, industry reports in addition to Indices and data. Over the past 40 years Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal has grown to become a leading force in providing business and financial information and in conference organization in the Middle East, Asia and Africa regions. The group’s consistent and seamless delivery has been acknowledged by governments, business organizations, industries as well as thousands of participants, partners, speakers and the media. The company has so far organized more than 350 major events in 25 countries in the Arab world, Asia, Europe and Africa in partnership with governments and the private sector. Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal experience has been encompassing all aspects of the conference business from thought leadership, concept and content development to agenda setting, speakers’ selection and engagement, mobilizing delegates, planning, marketing, communications, social media and seamless delivery of the event itself; Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal offers integrated and full-fledged solutions to a growing customer base across many countries.

UVA is a new ride-hailing app that operates in Saudi, Egypt and United Kingdom. UVA has over 180,000 vehicles on our network to date which is a massive achievement considering we soft-launched in 2021 through the pandemic. UVA has over 100,000 consumer downloads and has already achieved 80,000 completed rides across the three countries. UVA is growing from strength to strength, we have loyal drivers and loyal customers. The reason we have loyal drivers and loyal customers is that UVA invests in local people we always try and recruit within the areas UVA operates. BOOK with UVA today and support your local driver.

Al Akeel & Partners in affiliation with KFN Legal provides comprehensive legal advice to local and international clients in different areas of the law. Our lawyers are highly specialized in Corporate, Commercial and Litigation Laws.

AlSahl Group Holding (SGH) is one of Libya’s largest business conglomerates and a pioneer in many of its business sectors. The Group traces its roots back to the late 1950s when it was founded by Mr. AL Mahdi Gadad as the first locally owned olive and grains production company in the newly emerging and vitally important agribusiness sector of post-Second World War Libya that was undergoing reconstruction. “Our Group is active across a wide and growing cross-section of industries vital to Libya and regional development including investing, producing, importing, marketing, and distributing products and services in the agribusiness, industrial, healthcare, consumer and business services sectors, as well as in the real estate investment and construction sectors” said Chairman Dr. Abdulmagid Gadad. “We cater B2B, B2G, and B2C consumers in Libya, as well as in the rest of Africa and the Middle East” he added. Seeking Partnerships Building on its rich history of forming long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with leading international companies active in its varied business sectors, AlSahl Group is actively exploring strategic partnerships with international companies. “We are looking for partners capable of contributing to the fulfilment of the Group’s SGH Vision Transformation, which is aimed at evolving Libya into a 21st Century economy in the coming 5-years, while positioning the country as a gateway to the fast-growing consumer and industrial opportunities present in Africa and the Middle East” the Chairman concluded.