MEA Business & MEA Finance Here to Stay Forum 2026

Leadership, Resilience and Business Opportunities

11 June 2026
The Ritz-Carlton JBR, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

200+ Senior Leaders from across the regional business community, including business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, technology companies, and regulators
20+ Thought Leaders, Innovators and Market Makers
4 In-depth & interactive sessions focused on resilience, leadership, and business growth in the region
5 Hours of structured peer interaction and high-value networking opportunities

Overview

The Here to Stay: MEA Business & MEA Finance Resilience and Leadership Forum has been developed in response to the current business environment, with a focus on practical strategies rather than theory. The event brings together companies that are actively operating, adapting, and growing in the region. Through focused panel discussions, it will address key areas including funding, technology, operations, and leadership, providing clear, real-world insight into how businesses can maintain stability and build for the future. This forum is designed for organisations that are committed to the region and focused on long-term growth.

The event has also been shaped and influenced by the recent MEA Business Here to Stay double front cover special issue, which featured 50 regional business leaders who are committed to the region and shared their future plans. To view the issue, please click here.

What to expect

Solid engagement opportunities with senior decision-makers to present solutions to today's key business, operational, and leadership challenges across multiple industries.
Exposure to a wide regional business community, with brand visibility across networking areas, panel discussions, and interactive forum sessions, including keynote presentations.
Opportunities to be recognised as a leading organisation supporting resilience, innovation, and long-term growth across the regional business landscape.

Who should attend?

Senior leaders form all business sectors
Business owners and founders
CEOs and senior executives
CFOs, CIOs, and COOs
SME leaders and growth-stage companies
Senior decision-makers across key industries

MEA Finance Summits, Forums and Conferences

The MEA Finance Conferences are known for bringing together over 500 regional banking, business, investment and technology leaders for a day of immersive discussion on the latest developments and most pressing issues being faced across the sectors of the banking industry and SME ecosystems in the Middle East and Africa. These one-day, exclusive gathering includes audience presentations and panel discussions, with an array of the region’s industry-leading experts, innovators and distinguished speakers who meet to discuss the future of SMEs and startups and the banking and finance innovation that will support them towards success

Provisional Agenda

Thursday, 11 June 2026

PANEL 1: The SME and Startup Journey - Funding, technology, insurance and successful scaling

Discussion points:

Accessing the Right Funding:
- How startups and SMEs can secure the bank support or investment needed to grow.
Technology:
- How to select the optimal technology for your specific needs and to help with scaling.
Got it Covered:
- How to correctly define your insurance needs to ensure the best tailored and cost effective cover.
The Business Support Ecosystem:
- How financial partners and free zones help small business owners move to the next level.
Managing Cash and Capital:
- Practical ways to maintain financial stability during uncertain market conditions.

PANEL 2: Smart Operations – Technology, Efficiency & Security

Discussion points:

Doing More with Less:
- Using digital tools and AI to reduce costs and increase output.
Protecting Your Business:
- Practical steps to safeguard company data and keep digital assets safe.
Maintaining Competitive Edge:
-Why staying up to date with technology is essential for long-term success.
Adapting to Change:
- How technology enables your team to stay productive even when external factors change.

PANEL 3: Trade, Infrastructure & Operational Strength

Discussion points:

Ensuring Operational Continuity:
- Managing supply chains and logistics to ensure goods and services reach customers without delay.
Investing in Long-Term Growth:
- The importance of developing physical assets such as offices, warehouses, and production facilities for continued success.
Building a Strong Foundation:
- How to create a business structure that can handle market shocks.
Strength through Partnerships:
- How large, established companies can work with smaller firms to keep the local economy strong.

PANEL 4: Leadership, Talent & Market Confidence

Discussion points:

Leading Through Uncertainty:
- How to maintain focus, motivation, and direction during challenging periods.
Attracting and Retaining Talent:
- Why talented staff want to work for companies that show a long-term commitment to the region.
The "Bounce Back" Mindset:
- Why the UAE has always come out stronger from past crises such as 2008 and COVID-19.
Creating a Positive Culture:
- Building a workplace where employees feel secure, engaged, and motivated to help the business thrive.

Speakers

TBA

MEA Business Awards 2026

The MEA Business Awards 2026 will take place in the early evening on June 11th at the same venue, following the Resilience and Leadership Forum. While the two are separate events, they are designed to complement each other, bringing together senior business leaders for both insight and recognition on the same day. The awards ceremony will celebrate outstanding achievements across a range of industries in the region and will include a networking reception and on-stage award presentations, providing winners with strong industry visibility. For full details on categories, nominations, and attendance, please visit the official awards website. www.mea-biz.com/awards/2026

About MEA Business & MEA Finance

MEA Business and MEA Finance are established platforms serving the region’s business, banking, and financial services sectors. Through a combination of publications, high-level events, and industry recognition programmes, we provide insight, connectivity, and visibility to organisations operating across the Middle East and Africa. Our platforms bring together senior decision-makers from banking, fintech, technology, aviation, logistics, real estate, and professional services, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and business growth.

Sponsors

TBA

11 June 2026
The Ritz-Carlton JBR, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

CONTACT US
Contact No. +971 50 100 5488
PO Box 487177
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
www.mea-finance.com