INSEAD holds inaugural ‘Global Business Leaders Conference’ in Abu Dhabi

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, INSEAD, the leading international business school, together with Injazat Data Systems, brought together senior executives from around the world and Global Executive MBA programme participants for the first ever ‘Global Business Leaders Conference’ on 23 October 2011. H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, opened the conference with a welcome speech on the vision of higher education and the role of international educational institutions in Abu Dhabi. 

‘The Global Business Leaders Conference was a unique opportunity for students, alumni, partners and senior executives to learn about and discuss the current and future economic and business developments in Abu Dhabi and the UAE,’ said Dipak C. Jain, Dean of INSEAD. ‘The region is poised for growth and needs outstanding leaders, such as the ones that joined us for this conference, to see this growth through.’

During four sessions, the conference explored various themes including the latest economic and social trends in the UAE and GCC; economic diversification and capability development in Abu Dhabi; investment in human capital, including education and talent development; and the business environment in the UAE. 

H.E. Mohammad Omar Abdullah, Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development, added: "I am delighted to see Abu Dhabi becoming a stop for talent from all over the world as they pursue their journeys for self-fulfillment and achievement.  Abu Dhabi prides itself for being home for people from over 175 nationalities; all living and working together in great harmony. It is thanks to the wisdom of our leaders and the ability of the Government to take a long-term perspective in developing policies and plans that put Abu Dhabi on the global map of talent”. 

Speakers for the half day event included Tim Fox, Chief Economist, Emirates NBD Bank; H.E. Fahad Al Raqbani, Director General, Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development; Khaled Salmeen, Executive Vice President, Industrial zone, Abu Dhabi Ports Authority; Dr. Rafic Maki, Executive Director, Planning & Strategic Affairs, Abu Dhabi Education Council; Chadi Moujaes, Partner, Booz; Sean Angle, Regional Head, Finance and Projects, DLA Piper Middle East ; and Anil Khurana, Partner, PwC. 

“INSEAD’s conference provided us with valuable global perspectives and validation on how to approach business and economic growth in the UAE and across the Gulf,” said Samir Abdullatif, Chief Strategy Officer (TBC) Injazat Data Systems. ‘By engaging with some of the world’s leading business minds, we are more confident that Injazat’s broader vision and capabilities are aligned with the development goals of Abu Dhabi in particular and the UAE in general’. 

In addition to the conference, all the participants of INSEAD’s Global Executive MBA were invited to a special module in Abu Dhabi from 23-29 October 2011. This included 120 senior executives from over 40 nationalities, many holding C-level and senior positions across all sectors and industries. INSEAD’s second GEMBA intake in the Middle East is 17% female, includes 17 nationalities, with an average age of 36 and 12 years work experience.