Some of the world’s most influential investors and leading family offices united in Dubai to share ideas about investing for a brighter future.
The 14th Global Family Office Investment Summit was hosted by Sir Anthony Ritossa with the honourable presence of His Excellency Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention at Ministry of Economy, UAE, and in the presence of His Excellency Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO, Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), UAE.
Held in line with new COVID-19 social distancing measures, a limited number of 250 elite family offices, Sheikhs, royal families, business owners, private investor companies and sovereign wealth funds attended the two-day event.
“I am so proud to be honouring the glowing strategic direction of the Ministry of Economy, UAE with H.E. Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade as well as holding the position of Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention at Ministry of Economy, UAE,” Sir Anthony Ritossa says. “The UAE is cementing its position as the leading business destination at regional and global levels attracting incoming business partnerships and foreign investments.
“H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi is devoted to attracting the best talents and competencies to serve the strategic direction of the UAE.”
Representing more than US$4.5 trillion in investor wealth, the leaders explored the theme of family offices uniting together and investing for a brighter future at the event held at the end of March. It’s also expected almost US$1 billion will be projected to new funding as a result of the event, according to the summit’s family office delegation and preliminary reports.
Among the delegates who travelled from all corners of the globe to meet at the business hub were His Excellency Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO, Dubai FDI; Mohammed Al Habtoor, vice-chairman and CEO of the Al Habtoor Group; H.R.H. Prince Juan Jorge de Bagration-Mukhrani of Georgia, Georgia; H.R.H Prince Michel de Yougoslavie, Grandson of King Umberto of Italy and Prince Paul of Yugoslavia;
Honorary Chairman Khalid Al Zayani, AlZayani Investments; Mohamed Al Ali, CEO, Al Ali Holdings AND our conference Grand Ambassador; Mohamed Jouan Salem Al Dhaheri; Dr. Adil Alzarooni; H.H. Sheikha Noora Al Khalifa; H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Hamadan Al Nahyan; H.H Ameer of Kuwait; Hamed AlHamed, Ahmed Elmetwally; His Excellency Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal; Nick Spanos; H.E. Zakyah Al Qaydi, The Majestic Group / Related to Private Office of Royal Family.; Queen Diambi Kabatusuila Tshiyoyo Muata; Kerry Adler; Skip Cooper.
Acting as a bridge between Middle East families and their European, US, Asian, Latin American and Israeli counterparts, the summit allowed for like-minded investors to network and discuss future growth ideas.
“As private-public sector leaders, our families understand the tremendous responsibility they jointly share and committed to two days of results-oriented discussions,” Sir Anthony says. “In the years ahead, those who wield economic power must do everything within their power to make our world a better place.”
Linking entrepreneurs and investors, the two worlds rely on each other – “entrepreneurs change the world, and financiers make it possible”.
One of the key trends explored at the summit was how family offices are moving away from passive investments by identifying funds able to manage volatility. Solar energy, cryptocurrency, digital assets, biodiversity, healthcare and biotech are among the growing sectors.
Many industry leaders also believe artificial intelligence and data harvesting are crucial emerging areas. Dubbed the “new oil”, good quality data is necessary to progress towards building intelligent solutions across all sectors.
Following active expansions, the UAE is cementing itself as a desirable location for global investment opportunities where US$70 million has been deployed to invest in start-ups.
The UAE has recorded strong regional growth, positioning itself as the world’s leading business hub attracting many global enterprises to open new headquarters.
The exclusive event follows its recent history-making summit. Sir Anthony Ritossa hosted one of the most significant family office gatherings to date by being the first to host a Post-COVID Investment Summit in Dubai and an Israeli Investment Delegation in the Middle East with more than 50 VIP Israeli guests.
“Great minds open the doors to new businesses, and I am honoured to have hosted such prestigious similar-minded thought leaders,” Sir Anthony said at the time.
