H.E. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary General at Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)His Excellency Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi commenced his duties as Secretary General of the GCC on 1st February 2023.
His Excellency has a distinguished diplomatic career serving as Kuwait's Ambassador to the United States from 2022 to 2023, Head of Mission of Kuwait to the European Union, 2017 to 2022, Head of Mission of Kuwait to NATO, 2016 to 2022, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Belgium, 2016 to 2022, Kuwait’s Ambassador to South Korea, 2013 to 2016, Deputy Director, Department of the Undersecretary of the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2012 to 2013, among his various other posts.
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has headed numerous official Kuwaiti delegations to various official gatherings, international initiatives and forums and spoken at different conferences on trade related matters and strategic issues.
His Excellency was born on 22 February 1968, and obtained a Diploma in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Oxford in 1993, and a B.S. in Mass Communications from the University of Utah, USA, in 1991. He is proficient in Arabic and English. He is married with three children.
The Rt Hon Baroness Symons Of Vernham Dean
Chairman at ABCCThe Rt Hon Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean is a senior Labour member of the House of Lords and a business leader. Formerly Deputy Leader of the House of Lords, Baroness Symons was a Minister in the UK Government from 1997 until stepping down in 2005. Among her government posts she was Minister for the Middle East, Minister for International Trade, Minister for Defence Procurement, and the Prime Minister’s envoy to the Gulf.
A former General Secretary of the First Division Association (FDA), she was also an Equal Opportunities Commissioner and a governor of the London Business School and London School of Economics.
As well as working closely with DLA Piper as Head of Government Relations, Baroness Symons was formerly a non-executive director of British Airways and Manchester Airports Group and was on the advisory boards of several companies including those with strong Middle East links, and a number of not-for-profit organisations including the International Red Cross.
End of biog.
H.E Dr. Khaled Hanafy
Secretary General at Union Of Arab ChambersDr Khaled Hanafy is the “Secretary General of the Union of Arab Chambers” and Professor of Economics and International Business. He held several Governmental, academic, business and consultancy positions, most recent of “Minister of Supply and Internal Trade in Egypt”, “Chairman of Internal Trade Development Authority” and “Dean of College of International Transport & Logistics” in the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport.
He was awarded “The Best Minister” for two consecutive years according to top surveys, in recognition of developing a New Food Subsidy System serving more than 70 million Egyptians.
Dr Hanafy had a remarkable contribution in developing the Egyptian internal trade, through launching a number on initiatives that were reflected in developing internal trade and in making it more efficient. These initiatives include: “Egypt's Food Industries”, “Consumer Complexes E Linking Project”, “Gameeti Project”, “Internal Trade and Logistics Zones” and “Upgrade The Egyptian Storage Capacity”.
Dr Hanafy was the Chief Editor of the Economic constitution of Egypt. He was Chairman and board member of several holding companies in the private and governmental sectors. He participated in and headed a number of consultancy projects for the Arab League, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization, the United Nations, the International Labor Organization and the European Union. He was also an Economic Advisor for the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and provided consultancy services to several national & multinational organizations.
He holds a PhD degree in International Trade and a MSc degree in Regional Development. He also holds many diplomas in International Trade, & Business Administration from top American universities. On the academic level, Dr Hanafy is a Professor of Economics and International Business and has a wealth of profound publications.
Mr Bandar Reda
Secretary General & CEO of ABCCMr Bandar Ali Reda joined the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, on 1st March 2019, as Secretary General and CEO, becoming the fourth person to lead the Chamber since its foundation almost five decades ago.
As CEO, Mr Reda contributes his expertise by drawing on his wealth of experience as a diplomat and extensive time spent in the private sector to ensure the Chamber moves to the next level.
Mr Reda has a distinguished professional career of more than a decade in banking and corporate industry at SABB HSBC Saudi Arabia, prior to senior positions in the diplomatic service of his country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he served as Commercial Attaché in the UK & Europe, based in London, and in Italy and as part of the Saudi delegation to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris.
Mr Reda holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Orlando, USA. He has been an Executive Member of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, the Council of Saudi Chambers; a Member of the Business Youth Committee, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce; a Member of the Saudi Economy Association; and a Member of the Saudi Arabian legal accountants. Mr Reda has demonstrated his experience and abilities in his roles in both public and private sectors.
Since taking up his post, Mr Reda has successfully steered the Chamber throughout the difficult months of the pandemic and lockdown, a period which presented unprecedented challenges for international trade and the business community. Under Mr Bandar Reda’s guidance and leadership, the Chamber not only continued all its activities uninterrupted but extended its services during this period and has reinforced its reputation as the leading strategic business services organisation in the UK dedicated to strengthening Arab-British trade and building closer business co-operation.
Abdeslam El-Idrissi
Deputy CEO & SG of ABCCMr Abdeslam El-Idrissi is proud to have served the best part of over 36 years with the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, serving both as Director of Trade Services, Acting General Manager and now his present position as Deputy CEO and Secretary General. During this time, he has cultivated strong relationships with British Chambers, Government bodies, educational institutions, NGOs across both the Arab world and the UK regions, as well as the UK-Arab business communities as a whole.
To this end, Mr El-Idrissi is in much demand across the regions as a keynote speaker and as one of the UK’s leading experts on UK-Arab trade relations.
He is also a key member of the Institute of Export where in the past he has held the position of Vice Chair of the Institute of Export, London Branch fo.r a period of 7 years
DP WORLD
DP World
Aleksandra Draskovic
Founder of Montenegro PropertiesAleksandra was appointed a Senior Adviser in the Secretariat General of Government of Montenegro in 2006, during her mandate she represented Montenegro at many international conferences, seminars and round tables. She chaired multi-disciplinary Government team that was consisted of Deputy Ministers for several years.
Aleksandra was a representative of International Centre for Migration Policy Development for Montenegro between 2006 and 2008.
After founding a real estate agency Montenegro Properties Ltd, she participated at many renowned real estate expos together with Montenegrin Government Investment Promotion Agency to promote investments in Montenegro, such as MIPIM Horizons, etc. She had a presentation about Montenegrin investment opportunities at Montenegro pavilion at EXPO 2020 in Dubai.
Aleksandra brings over 18 years of experience and expertise in the real estate sector, with a focus on high-end residential and mixed-use properties, foreign investment, and development. Montenegro Properties was chosen several times as the best agent, best marketing and best website in Montenegro by the The International Property Awards which recognizes excellence in the property industry worldwide, promotes an international standard and rewards the best estate agents globally. Judging was undertaken by a panel of over 70 experts from all over the world and chaired by two active members of the House of Lords: Lord Caithness and Lord Best. Montenegro Properties appeared in the official winners’ publication “World’s Best Europe 2019-2020”.
Andrew Elia
Managing Director of ArishiAndrew is a hard-wired technology expert who has helped hundreds of clients create seamless, trusted applications for the fintech, commercial and advertising sectors.
Understanding the power of agile development and secure, highly performant software, his company, Arishi delivers solutions that are practical, imaginative and robust, with the flexibility to adapt to changing regulatory conditions.
Combining enthusiasm, experience and humour, Andrew is an inspiring speaker on technology. He has written for magazines and spoken at conferences, on how startups should use technology, mobile payments and the sometimes awkward union between technology and business.
Andrew has delivered ground-breaking technology across a variety of areas within financial services and artificial intelligence that others couldn’t, wouldn’t (or just plain didn’t) develop, often years ahead of the competition.
Arishi has become highly regarded in industries across the globe, where split second improvements in performance, usability and visual appeal are becoming increasingly important – government, health, finance, fintech, advertising, and international business, to name a few. Arishi has delivered exceptionally performant digital projects for major clients in the Middle East and has now established an office in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
When he’s not immersed in the virtual world, or pursuing his passion for retro computers, Andrew enjoys spending as much time as possible with his family, who all enjoy exploring the GCC region.
Karim Fatehi MBE
CEO of London Chamber of Commerce and IndustryKarim Fatehi is the Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). He has served as an LCCI Board member since September 2022 and has been a member of the LCCI Council for seven years. Karim is a highly experienced business leader and has served as Managing Director of United Corporation, a globally approved Engineering Procurement Management company which he established in 1995, for over 25 years. The company has twice won the Queens Award for International Trade in 2007 and 2011. He is also an expert in international trade and is currently serving as an Expert Trade Advisory Group (ETAG) Member on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In 2012, he was awarded an MBE for his services to international trade.
Marco Forgione
Director General of The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT)Graduating from LSE with a degree in Geography, Marco was initially involved in a Parliamentary role within the Department of Environment & Urban Affairs. Marco took his experience and moved into the education sector helping transform the non-statutory funded provision at Canterbury College including apprenticeships and training programmes.
In 2008 Marco was appointed as CEO at the International Visual Communication Association, where he established the Association as a key partner for UK government leading trade missions to UAE, Qatar, China, Germany, and India. His next role was as Chief Executive at the British Antiques Dealers’ Association, representing world leading art and antiques dealers. He led the association through legal and regulatory changes and navigated the transition to online.
Marco’s combined knowledge of imports/exports together with his experience in education led Marco to the Institute of Export & International Trade, where he was appointed Director General in January 2020. The Institute has grown from a team of twelve to now over 160 international trade and customs experts, with membership growing from 2,000 to 7,000. IOE&IT is now a trusted partner for governments, international agencies, global businesses and MSMEs on every continent. In 2022 IOE&IT opened its first international office in Kenya with plans to further invest in support of AfCFTA and the global trade agenda.
KEZAD
KEZAD Group
Jed Mrabet
President at Tunisian British Chamber of CommerceJed Mrabet has been an Attorney at law at the Bar of Tunis since 2005 and a managing partner of Mrabet Avocats, a law firm founded in 1973 by the late attorney Kamel Mrabet. In 2018 he became Attorney before the Tunisian Supreme Court. Mr. Jed holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Sciences from University of Toulouse - France and a Master’s degree in Legal Sciences from the Carthage University: “Faculté des sciences juridiques, politiques et sociales de Tunis” – Tunisia.
He is responsible in Tunisia as well as throughout the MENA region for expanding the law firm as he has a dual training in French and Tunisian Law. In addition, he has been a counsel for numerous major companies such as in litigation, arbitration, M&A's operations, banking, aviation, media, IT and franchising matters.
Besides his distinguished professional career, Mr. Mrabet is the President of the Tunisian-British Chamber of Commerce. He is also an active member of multiple business Chambers, such as the Tunisian-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tunisian-French Chamber of Commerce.
Major General Paul Nanson CB CBE
Principal Defence Portfolio at London Strategy CentrePaul Nanson is a senior leader with extensive expertise based on operations, leadership development, training, and personnel management. A qualified coach, mentor and keynote speaker.
His current role is built on 34 years serving in the British Army, leading, and operating in a variety of roles and operational environments including Northern Ireland, both Gulf Wars, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His final post was Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he furthered the reach and reputation of the world’s premier Leadership Academy, including the development of leader selection; a through-life Leadership Development ‘Pipeline’ aimed at next-generation leaders; international leader development for officers from up to 80 countries; and a Commercial Leadership Development Programme designed to take military leadership into the civilian market.
With Commandant came the role of Director Leadership for the British Army. Over the 5 years he reinvigorated the Army’s study of leadership and leader development including the creation of the first Centre for Army Leadership and the writing of its first leadership doctrine. In 2022 he received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of Reading for his contribution to contemporary thinking about leadership and leadership development.
Paul is the author of “Stand Up Straight: 10 Life Lessons from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst”. The book is the first official self-improvement and leadership book from the British Army’s world-leading Sandhurst Academy.
Julia Onslow-Cole
Partner at FragomenJulia is a Partner at Fragomen focusing on Global Government and Talent Mobility Strategies and is recognised as world leader in providing strategic immigration advice to governments, individuals and the world’s leading organizations. Julia divides her time between London and the Middle East.
Before joining Fragomen, Julia was a Partner, Legal Markets Leader and Head of Global Immigration at PwC leading complex multi-jurisdictional client engagements and providing strategic global immigration advice.
Julia is the Chair of the Board of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and sits on the Board of the Dubai International Chamber .
Julia is the Chair of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute Charitable Trust and is on the board of the Permits Foundation.
In 2021, Julia was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Global Mobility Award by the Forum for Expatriate Management and was included on the Think Global People:40 Outstanding Global Women 2023 list.
Chapka Othman
CEO of Cambridge City CompanyChapka Othman, CEO of Cambridge City Company, is a successful business woman committed to raising the standards of both Education and welfare for all Youths in the Kurdistan region. She took the initiative to improve education in the area by developing her own company. At first it was a small project which consisted of a small nursery with just 20 students and 6 staff members. This small project is what we now know as Cambridge City Company. The project, led by Mrs. Othman was a first of its kind in Kurdistan as it was the first to bring Cambridge International Examinations to the region.
The company now comprises 5 Cambridge School branches with 4000 students and 300 staff members, the company also has amongst others, media production and book publishing departments and several office locations. Mrs. Othman takes a very active role in the running of all the schools and is currently a Principal of a campus that holds 1400 students aged 3-18.
Derek Redmond
Olympic Gold Medallist and Chairman at Right Brain ThinkingDerek Redmond is one of the UK’s most renowned athletes, celebrated globally for his resilience and determination. His iconic moment at the 1992 Olympic Games, where he defied injury to cross the finish line, has made him a lasting symbol of perseverance, even inspiring President Barack Obama to refer to him in his presidential speech. Derek’s journey transcends sports, offering valuable lessons in overcoming adversity and leading through challenges, making him highly relevant to businesses worldwide.
As Chairman of Right Brain Thinking International, Derek draws from his experience in elite athletics to drive organisational transformation, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, resilience, and leadership. His time as part of the 1991 World Champion 4x400-meter relay team highlights the power of teamwork and collaboration, lessons he now shares with corporate leaders and management alike. His expertise is particularly impactful for Middle East businesses, where resilience, adaptability, and inclusive leadership are key to success in a rapidly evolving market.
Derek believes that diversity is a catalyst for innovation and growth. He empowers organisations to unlock their potential by fostering inclusive cultures where differences are embraced, leading to high-performing teams. His insights resonate deeply with Middle Eastern corporations striving to lead with purpose and achieve sustainable success in today’s global economy.
Peter Thomas
Chief Clinical Information Officer and Director of Digital Development at Moorfields Private Eye HospitalPeter Thomas is the Chief Clinical Information Officer and Director of Digital Development at Moorfields Eye Hospitals. His primary interest is in digital transformation of clinical care, and creation of a hospital environment that can embed and sustain technologically enabled and automated services. To achieve this, he has recently founded the UK’s first Department of Digital Medicine. In 2022 he was named as “CCIO of the year” in the annual Digital Health Awards. By clinical training he is a paediatric ophthalmologist.
He is the digital/clinical lead for the NHSE eyecare transformation programme and sits on the NHSE Remote Monitoring Board. Prior to medicine Peter undertook his PhD in computational neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and spent time working in research and development at IBM.