Middle East Corporate Finance event - Gulf Economic Horizons: Trade, Investment, and Transformation

Raed Safadi, Partner & Chief Economist, Whiteshield

Raed Safadi is a prominent authority in the field of development economics, possessing extensive experience in advising governments on economic policy and management. His association with Whiteshield follows a distinguished seven-year tenure (2015-2022) as Chief Economist at Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism. In his final two years in this role, he spearheaded the development of policy options and initiatives supporting post-Covid19 pandemic recovery plans. Additionally, Raedplayed a pivotal role in promoting the diversification and sustainable growth of Dubai, contributing to its transformation into a knowledge-based economy.

Commencing his career at the World Bank in Washington, Raedlater transitioned to the Organisationfor Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris. During his tenure from 2008 to 2015, he held various key positions, progressing from senior economist to principal economist, Head of Division, and finally, Deputy Director of the Trade & Agriculture Department and G20 Sherpa responsible for trade and agriculture. With a career spanning thirty years, Raed'sexpertise encompasses regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, China, and the G20. He has led high-level policy dialogues and provided advisory services to governments, UN agencies, the WTO, and regional development banks.

Simon Jon Williams, Chief Economist, MENA, HSBC

Simon Williams joined HSBC in 2006 as Chief Economist for MENA in Dubai, before moving to London in 2014. Simon returned to Dubai in 2023, where he continues to head the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEEMEA) region’s economics coverage and lead the bank’s macro research in the Middle East. Simon has more than 25 years' experience as a country analyst and economist for the emerging markets.

HE Dr Tariq Bin Hendi, Board Member & CEO, Astra Tech | Botim

His Excellency Dr Tariq Bin Hendi is a Board Member and the Chief Executive Officer of Astra Tech, the MENA region’s leading technology holding group, revolutionizing everyday digital services through its flagship platform, Botim. As a visionary leader at the helm of one of the region’s fastest-growing tech companies, Dr. Bin Hendi drives innovation across fintech, e-commerce, AI, and conversational commerce, positioning Astra Tech at the forefront of disruptive technology and user-centric solutions.

Previously, he served as the Chief Investment Officer at G42. Prior to G42, he was the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, where he was tasked with expanding private sector activity in the Emirate. He held leadership roles at various institutions, including Emirates NBD, Mubadala, and Citibank. He is also the Chairman of Edelman Middle East and sits on a number of boards including UAE University and 7X.

He holds a PhD in Economics from Imperial College London and graduate (Master’s) degrees from Columbia University and London Business School. He has an undergraduate degree in business management from Clayton State University. He is also a member of YPO.

Moderator: Salmaan Khawaja, Partner, Head of Financial Advisory Services, Grant Thornton

With over 20 years of experience, Salmaan has acted as lead financial advisor across a range of international transactions advising on all aspects of deals from strategy, bid tactics, negotiations, business plans, valuations and funding options including IPOs and debt/equity advisory. He advises corporates, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds and high net worth individuals across various sectors on both buy-side and sell-side mandates for cross-border and domestic M&A transactions for both private and publicly listed companies.