Dubai 2017
It’s not often that a keynote speaker produces an audible gasp in an ACT conference audience. To have two successive speakers do it is pretty much unheard of. But if you want to create a buzz and a stir for an event that’s the way to do it and that’s what we had this morning! Our 8th ACT Middle East Annual Summit got off to a real flyer!
Dr. Sabah Hamad al-Sabah al-Binali, Investor & Entrepreneurial Leader and Mishal Kanoo, Chairman, The Kanoo Group had our delegates applauding, laughing and then seriously challenged on their world view as both speakers gave hard hitting and opinionated presentations on the state of well, pretty much everything.
Politics, economics, treasury and social behaviour received an equal blasting! Fabulous stuff and the precursor to a day packed with debate discussion and yet more evidence of the rising quality of the treasury profession in the Middle East.
Sydney wechuli @SydWechuli
Excellent keynote presentations to open the #meas17 @actupdate . looking forward to more content
For once the traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road played its part in getting everyone in on time, our speakers and panellists were raring to go and the delegates were ready to throw all sorts of questions for our expert panels to answer (or dodge!). And then the joy of the Middle East summit – coffee and pastries during the networking breaks! Hong Kong has its barbecued meats but the pastries are a siren call. Luckily your correspondent has some willpower…but only just!
There’s always a sense of community at this event and this year so far is no different.
Yet there’s more – a real sense that treasury is beginning to drive the agenda of business and growth .
The discussions are deeper, more searching and challenging and regional treasurers want more. More answers, more change, more recognition. It’s such a pleasure to see and hear the confidence and maturity. Day 2 looks ready to serve up more of the same!
