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

  • Accessing the right funding and investment
  • Selecting optimal technology for growth
  • Structuring insurance and risk coverage
  • Leveraging ecosystem support (banks, free zones, partners)
  • Managing capital and cash flow in uncertain markets

  • Using AI and digital tools to drive efficiency
  • Protecting business data and digital assets
  • Maintaining competitive edge through innovation
  • Enabling teams to adapt in changing environments

  • Ensuring operational continuity and supply chain resilience
  • Investing in long-term physical and operational assets
  • Building strong business foundations
  • Leveraging partnerships for sustainable growth

  • Leading through uncertainty
  • Attracting and retaining top talent
  • Building resilience and a “bounce back” mindset
  • Creating a positive, high-performance culture

Speakers






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


EVENT PARTNER


FOR SPEAKING, SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITION ENQUIRIES:

Nap Estampador
+971 50 100 5488
nap.estampador@mea-finance.com

Andrew Cover
+971 50 931 3236
andrew.cover@mea-finance.com

Kenneth Mitchen
+971 55 289 1739
ken.mitchen@mea-finance.com

FOR SPEAKING & AGENDA ENQUIRIES:

Natasha Cristi
+971 50 303 4235
natasha@mea-finance.com

MEA Business & MEA Finance Here to Stay Forum 2026
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