It is amazing how much can change in a year. When I think back to where the treasury profession in the Middle East was just 12 months ago and compare it to now, the pace of change has been immense. And here in Dubai, we have been right at the heart of it.
With the ACT’s Middle East Treasury Summit (METS) beginning today (23 September 2025), I cannot help feeling this year’s event will be one of the most exciting yet. Not just because of the economic momentum in the region, but also because of the new opportunities to connect, learn and grow professionally.
One of the big developments is the ACT’s new affiliate membership. It is a new way for professionals to join the ACT and it is already adding real value. At METS, for example, there will be member-only networking receptions and special sessions where we can share best practice in a more focused setting.
In a market where many events do not require membership, this feels different: a chance to invest meaningfully in your connections, strengthen collective knowledge and contribute to the growth of the treasury community
The ACT is also rolling out its MicroCredentials training, which I think is a real step forward. These short, focused qualifications are perfect for those of us dealing with constant change, whether that is shifting trade corridors, new tariffs, cyber risks or the fast-moving world of digital assets. You can learn something relevant, apply it immediately and keep pace with what is happening without stepping away from your day job.
The UAE’s position as a bridge between East and West is becoming more important by the day as trade flows are redirected
Economically, Dubai is having its time in the sun. We have seen an incredible influx of people and capital over the past year, much of it driven by uncertainty elsewhere. Entrepreneurs, private equity leaders and high-net-worth individuals are setting up here, and that is creating opportunities we could not have seen a decade ago. The UAE’s position as a bridge between East and West is becoming more important by the day as trade flows are redirected.
Saudi Arabia is pushing ahead, too. Despite scaling back some of its huge projects amid falling oil prices, it is still hosting major international events, from the men’s football World Cup to global gaming tournaments, as part of its wider diversification strategy.
That’s what makes METS so exciting this year. It is not just a conference; it is a chance to get together with peers from across the region, talk openly about challenges and opportunities and learn from each other
That’s what makes METS so exciting this year. It is not just a conference; it is a chance to get together with peers from across the region, talk openly about challenges and opportunities and learn from each other. From AI and sustainable energy to manufacturing growth and supply chain shifts, the topics are as broad as they are relevant.
We will also be talking about diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, which are priorities that both the ACT and the UAE take seriously. The government here is actively promoting women in leadership and has even established ministries dedicated to happiness and wellbeing. This commitment is part of what makes the UAE a safe, clean and dynamic place to live and work.
Looking ahead, the UAE’s Vision 2031 and Dubai’s D33 plan aim to double the economy, put Dubai in the top three global business cities and cement its status as a global hub for capital and innovation. If we keep this momentum, I’m convinced we will not just be participating in the global economy, we will be shaping it. It is amazing how much can change in a year.
James Adams FCT is vice-president treasury at Chalhoub Group and chair of the ACT’s Middle East Advisory Panel in Dubai, UAE
This article first appeared in The Treasurer Issue 3, 2025