Main Conference Day 1Wednesday, 14 October 2026 - GT (Gulf Time, GMT+04:00)

In the wake of escalating geopolitical tensions, from US–Iran conflict to shifting Gulf rivalries, is this a prolonged period of structural instability or familiar cyclical disruption? What does a truly multipolar world look like in practice, and how are shifting power centres reshaping global influence? With US policy becoming increasingly unpredictable, from trade to foreign intervention, how should investors interpret and navigate the ripple effects globally? In what ways are macro forces, volatile inflation, interest rates, currency movements, and a weakening dollar, being driven by politics rather than pure economics? In a world of rising fragmentation and deglobalisation, how are alliances, trade corridors, and regional blocs evolving, and what does that mean for global stability?

How is the Middle East positioning itself within global portfolios, and what is driving sustained investor conviction in the region? Which asset classes and sectors are emerging as the strongest engines of growth today? How are firms navigating deployment, valuations, and execution in such a fast-moving and competitive market, while adapting strategies to capture long-term opportunities amid shifting macro conditions, geopolitical dynamics, and evolving investor expectations? How are fund managers distinguishing between short-term “hot capital” and more durable, long-term institutional commitments, and what does that mean for market resilience?

Private credit and family capital are reshaping global private markets, with Dubai increasingly positioned at the intersection of both. This session will explore what is driving the migration of family wealth and private-market firms to Dubai, how family offices are evolving into sophisticated institutional investors, and where private-credit opportunities are emerging across the GCC. The discussion will examine how this convergence could influence capital deployment, financing models and investment partnerships across the region.

India’s economic expansion and the deepening UAE–India relationship is creating an increasingly important corridor for capital, investment and wealth. As GIFT City develops as India’s international financial hub and DIFC strengthens its role as a gateway connecting Indian capital with the Middle East and global markets, new opportunities are emerging across private markets, family wealth, banking and cross-border investment. This session will examine how the GIFT–DIFC corridor can evolve from financial connectivity into a powerful investment ecosystem.

In a market shaped by geopolitical shocks, what does effective risk mitigation look like today, beyond traditional diversification? As industry risks become harder to predict, how are investors building portfolios that can withstand uncertainty rather than trying to forecast it? As AI becomes embedded across the ecosystem, how are investors preparing for if it goes wrong?

As GP-led secondaries move firmly into the mainstream, what does best practice look like in reality, and what lessons have emerged from experienced experts in the field? As the market evolves, how are direct secondaries and complementary structures developing alongside CVs, and where are investors finding the most compelling opportunities today? In a world of extended hold periods and ongoing liquidity needs, how is the secondaries ecosystem reshaping the relationship between GPs, LPs, and capital providers, and what will define the next phase of growth?

How have geopolitical disruptions, particularly around key routes like the Strait of Hormuz, reshaped food supply chains, input costs such as fertilisers, and ultimately global food prices? What does true food security look like today for the Middle East, and how are countries balancing import dependence with building domestic resilience? Where are the most compelling investment opportunities emerging across the food value chain in a more turbulent environment?

As sustainability narratives evolve globally, what is the reality on the ground? In an environment where returns are back in sharp focus, how is private capital demonstrating that impact strategies can deliver both competitive financial performance and meaningful social and environmental outcomes? Where are the most compelling opportunities emerging today across climate, natural capital and water security, particularly in regions like the Middle East where structural needs are accelerating investment demand? As the market matures, what will define credibility and success in impact investing, and how are leading firms positioning themselves for the next phase of development?

Where are the most compelling opportunities emerging across the healthcare value chain today? As healthcare demand rises globally due to demographic shifts, how are investors building platforms that can scale across regions while navigating regulation and local market dynamics? How is AI reshaping healthcare investing, from drug discovery to diagnostics and delivery, and where is it creating real, scalable value? What does it take to successfully invest in healthcare, and how are partnerships with operators and specialists shaping outcomes in practice?

How are geopolitical tensions and regional instability reshaping LP behaviour? As LPs become more deliberate and cautious, what has fundamentally changed in how capital is deployed, from commitment pacing to portfolio construction and diversification? With greater scrutiny on new commitments, how are LPs redefining manager selection, and what now separates those who secure capital from those who fall away? As capital becomes more strategic, how are LPs balancing financial returns with broader objectives, from reinforcing domestic markets to supporting long-term economic priorities?

What makes a GP truly stand out to family offices, and what are the common reasons they don’t proceed with an allocation? As single-family offices become more active and selective, what kind of access, flexibility and alignment do they expect from fund managers? With growing global ambition, where are single family offices deploying capital today, and how are regional priorities diverging?