The International Institute for Strategic Studies’ (IISS) Geo-economics and Strategy Programme will bring together a diverse range of policymakers, experts, business executives and political leaders at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa from 7 to 8 September. The conference will focus on the ‘Business Opportunity and Political Risk in the Gulf and Middle East’.
Home to some the world’s most prosperous economies and rich in natural resources, the Gulf and Middle East play a vital role in the global economy. Delegates will examine the Gulf’s new economic horizons and models for development; energy and economic sustainability in the Middle East; and the economic policy lessons of the Middle East since 2011.
Commenting on the conference, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) Kamal bin Ahmed said: "The Gulf is increasingly playing an influential role in the regional and global economy beyond its traditional role as an energy producer. The economies of the GCC are now worth $1.6tn and continue to expand rapidly and play an important role in exporting capital and energy.
"This increased weight in international affairs means that events like this become more important and we are very pleased to be hosting today’s conference in Bahrain."
Participants from across the globe will travel to Bahrain for the conference. Key participants confirmed include the Minister of Transportation and the Bahrain EDB Acting Chief Executive, Ambassador (Retd) Talmiz Ahmad, Distinguished Fellow Observer Research Foundation; Ibrahim Dabdoub, Former Group Chief Executive Officer, National Bank of Kuwait; Kito De Boer, Director, McKinsey Middle East; Jamal Fakhro, Managing Partner, KPMG, Bahrain and Qatar; and Atul Punj, Chairman, Punj Lloyd.
Bahrain has played host to various events that aim to discuss issues of infrastructure, business fundamentals and Islamic finance regulations and trends. An example of this is the quarterly seminars and discussions organised by institutions such as the EDB, IISS and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF)