2025 Program

*Please note, His Excellency will speak in Arabic. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided into English.

Amid geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions and shifting demand, energy security is paramount. Top energy executives explore the strategies, innovations and collaboration required to ensure resilient and affordable global energy supplies.

In a global economy where the rules keep changing, finance and economy ministers share how they’re staying ahead of the curve—and turning uncertainty into resilience and long-term growth.

Recent shifts in US commercial and foreign policy have upset decades of established practice and created a climate of profound instability across the globe. While the near future is unpredictable, many governments will need to make structural changes to their economies, boosting domestic demand and lowering intra-regional barriers to trade and investment. This roundtable will help participants understand the potential opportunities and challenges as Asia and the Middle East hedge their dependence on the US-led trade, finance and security order.

• Surendra Rosha, Co-Chief Executive, Asia & Middle East, HSBC
• Moderator: Erik Schatzker, Editorial Director, Bloomberg New Economy

Participation is by invitation only and conversation will be held under Chatham House Rule.

The Middle East is once again at the center of global geopolitical uncertainty. As regional tensions rise and alliances shift, we are entering uncharted territory with profound implications for global stability, markets and economic growth. General David Petraeus and former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy explore potential scenarios shaping the region and the world.

Volatility is the defining challenge of today’s markets. Leading central bankers and finance executives share insights on navigating uncertainty, managing risk and positioning themselves for success amid global economic uncertainty.

The QIA CEO joins us for his first live speaking engagement to share his global outlook.

Geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, trade tariffs and rapid technological disruption are reshaping the global business landscape. Success demands bold leadership, agility, and innovation. Global leaders identify the strategies for managing risk, seizing opportunities, and sustaining growth in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Amid an uncertain investment landscape and rapid advancements in AI, companies face critical decisions on R&D. Hosted by QRDI Council, this roundtable gathers C-suite executives to discuss talent, regulation, and geopolitical shifts, and will assess Qatar’s role in fostering an innovation hub that attracts investment and drives breakthroughs.

This session is sponsored by QRDI Council and is not Bloomberg editorial content. Participation is by invitation only and conversation will be held under Chatham House Rule.

Disruptive technology, evolving credit markets and shifting risk dynamics are transforming global banking. Bank CEOs reveal how they are harnessing innovation, adapting to changing consumer behaviors and capturing growth in an era of volatility.

Elon Musk joins us for a live virtual interview. We delve into Elon’s global influence spanning DOGE, Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, Neuralink and more.

Sponsored by Invest Qatar, QFC & QFZ

4:45 PM Qatar – Economic Diversification : The New Growth Opportunities

As GCC nations accelerate diversification beyond hydrocarbons, strategic shifts unlock fresh avenues for economic resilience. We explore regional initiatives, sectors attracting investment and opportunities shaping the Gulf’s future amid global market volatility.

• Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar)
• Abdoul Aziz Wane, Director, Regional Office, Riyadh, IMF
• Moderator: Joumanna Bercetche, Anchor, Bloomberg Television

5:00 PM Qatar – The Future of FDI & Shifting Supply Chains

Geopolitics and technological advancements are reshaping foreign direct investment (FDI) and global supply chains. How are companies and governments adapting their strategies? We find out.

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO, Qatar Free Zones Authority
• Se Chul Oh, President & CEO, Samsung C&T Corp.
• Moderator: Francine Lacqua, Anchor, Bloomberg Television

5:15 PM Qatar – Doing Business in Qatar: A Case Study

• Henk Jan Hoogendoorn, Chief Financial Services Sector Officer, Qatar Financial Centre 
• Michael Lints, Partner, Golden Gate Ventures

5:25 PM Qatar – Interactive Workshop: Doing Business in Qatar

6:00 PM Qatar – Breakout Concludes

Hosted by Bloomberg Economics

8:45 AM Qatar – Five Themes Driving the Middle East: From Oil to Instability

Middle East shifts loom large in 2025. Trump, oil risks and fragile recoveries could shake markets. We unpack five key themes and their impact on energy, debt and the region’s global role.

•  Ziad Daoud, Chief Emerging Markets Economist, Bloomberg Economics

9:00 AM Qatar-In Conversation with Dominic Raab

• Dominic Raab, Head of Global Affairs, Appian Capital Advisory LLP; Former Deputy Prime Minister, United Kingdom
• Moderator: Ziad Daoud, Chief Emerging Markets Economist, Bloomberg Economics

9:20 AM Qatar – Geopolitics & Economics in The Middle East: A 2025 Forecast

As a new U.S. administration takes charge, the Middle East confronts a volatile economic future marked by geopolitical upheaval and shifting alliances. Leading experts discuss the region’s risks and its impact on global markets.

• Faisal Al-Nabhani, Managing Director & Country Lead, Oman & Qatar, State Street 
• Mahmoud Mohieldin, Former Minister of Investment, Egypt; Special Envoy, Financing Sustainable Development, United Nations 
• Alia Moubayed, Managing Director, MENA & Pakistan Chief Economist, Jefferies
• Moderator: Ziad Daoud, Chief Emerging Markets Economist, Bloomberg Economics

9:45 AM Qatar – Breakout Concludes

This session is sponsored by MCQ and is not Bloomberg editorial content. Participation is by invitation only.

Two of the world’s most notable investors share their overview on today’s volatile markets and tell us where the smart money is going.

We take the big picture view. AI, geopolitics, inflation, globalization, demographics and the energy transition. What’s the state of play in these huge shifts and how will global business look different in the next decade?

Top investors reveal the companies and sectors poised for breakout growth amid economic volatility and rapid technological transformation.

We hear from Donald Trump Jr. and Omeed Malik on their unique plans for investing in American industry and innovation.

Owning multiple teams across multiple sports is the trend that will drive the multi-trillion dollar global sports industry into the next decade. Big sports investors tell us what’s next.

This exclusive roundtable at the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, is the second installment of our Bloomberg CFO Briefing. We created this series to give chief financial officers from around the world an opportunity to share perspectives and learnings on key issues they confront performing one of the most demanding roles in the corporate world.

In Doha, we invite participants to discuss the challenge of business risk management at a time of geopolitical upheaval in the global economy. Specifically, we’ll explore how CFOs operating in different regions view the current landscape and see conditions evolving. Among the topics we hope to discuss are: trade policy, energy supplies, regulatory regimes, and market volatility.

Participation is by invitation only. Attendance is limited.

Utilities were already transforming the way they operate–from grid security and stability, to renewables and new gas infrastructure–then the AI driven data center boom came along. With power demand set to hit unprecedented levels globally, industry leaders tell us how they are transforming.

12:45 PM Qatar – Welcome Remarks

12:50 PM Qatar – What is Trumponomics for the Middle East? : A Special Podcast Taping

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has had wide-ranging ramifications for the Middle East, from his approach to the future of Gaza, to his attitude towards Iran, and his plans for shaking up the global energy markets. Will Washington remain a major partner for Gulf States on defense, technology and investments? How will Trump’s economic policies and plans shape the region’s future?

• Ziad Daoud, Chief Emerging Markets Economist, Bloomberg Economics
• Dina Esfandiary, Middle East Geoeconomics Lead, Bloomberg
• John Micklethwait, Editor-in-Chief, Bloomberg
• Moderator: Stephanie Flanders, Head of Economics & Government, Bloomberg

1:30 PM Qatar – Podcast Taping Concludes; Live Audience Q&A

1:45 PM Qatar – Breakout Concludes

As global markets fragment and capital flows face disruption, investor CEOs must pivot strategically and tactically. How can investment leaders reposition their businesses, manage client anxieties, embrace emerging opportunities and thrive despite rising geopolitical complexities and economic uncertainty?

As global real estate investments surge, regions like the Gulf are experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by major infrastructure projects, tourism, and a burgeoning expatriate population. We explore new consumer demands, identify the hot markets and pinpoint the trajectory of global real estate demand.

We talk luxury, sustainability, health tourism, Gulf competition and China. Join us as we discuss where global tourism is today and where it’s headed.

We find out how the State of Qatar is leveraging the FIFA World Cup experience to drive economic diversification, attract global mega events and position itself as a global hub for entertainment, sports and media investment.

From new regulations to billion-dollar bets, the digital asset space is as unpredictable as ever. We dive into what’s next for regulators, platforms and investors as we cover risk, regulation and where the smart money is headed.

For the first time at the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, New Voices will celebrate senior women in finance with a reception featuring Carmen Haddad, Vice Chair at Citi Private Bank and begin taking applications from women across the Middle East to take part in Bloomberg-funded media training. 

Bloomberg New Voices began in 2018 to raise the visibility of female experts and other underrepresented executives in global finance across our media platforms. Since then, more than 700 executives in 16 cities around the world have participated in the initiative and helped nearly quadruple the representation of external female experts on Bloomberg Television.

4:30 PM Qatar – Welcome Reception

5:00 PM Qatar – Welcome Remarks from Bloomberg

• John Micklethwait, Editor-in-Chief, Bloomberg

5:05 PM Qatar – Introduction to Bloomberg New Voices

• Laura Zelenko, Senior Executive Editor & New Voices Founder, Bloomberg News

5:10 PM Qatar – In Conversation With Carmen Haddad

• Carmen Haddad, Vice Chair, Citi Private Bank
• Moderator: Joumanna Bercetche, Anchor, Bloomberg Television

5:30 PM Qatar – Bloomberg New Voices Reception

6:30 PM Qatar – Close of Reception