NOVEMBER 2023 # 198 CEO MIDDLE EAST NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE #198 Arnaud Leclercq, Partner and Head of New Markets at Lombard Odier and Amer Malik, Head of Middle East International at the Swiss private bank, reveal the firm’s Middle East expansion plans CENTURIES IN THE MAKING UAEAED 20 KSASAR 20 BAHRAINBHD 2 KUWAITKWD 2 OMANOMR 2 QATAR QAR 204 CEOMIDDLE EASTNOVEMBER 2023 CONTENTS 10 COMMENT End-to-end specialist consultancy is redefining our approach to giga project management says Marco Fahd, Group Chairman and CEO of Versatile International 12 COMMENT As the world evolves, the UAE remains at the forefront of change, writes Veronica Cotdemiey, CEO of Citizenship Invest 16 WELLNESS As the nation and the fitness industry gears up for Dubai Fitness Challenge 2023, Oweis Zahran, Managing Director of OWS Capital reviews how this business is on the rise across the region 10 16 12 CEO Middle East meets Arnaud Leclercq, Private Holding Partner and Head of New Markets at Lombard Odier and Amer Malik, Head of Middle East International at the Swiss private bank, as the firm expands its Middle East hub COVER STORY 22NOVEMBER 2023 CEO MIDDLE EAST 5 CONTENTS 26 SUSTAINABILITY To motivate companies towards climate action, appeals to ethical consciousness and warnings about global climate risks alone may not suffice, says Yassin Nasri, Founder and CEO of ImpactGulf 28 SUSTAINABILITY The Don’t let the ABCs scare you – or detract from the importance of sustainability to bolstering your business and creating a lasting impact, says Zain Tarawneh, Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at Green Future Project 30 STARTUP The key to transformative change lies in building a fertile environment for the next generation of innovators, believes Mufazzal Kajiji, CEO of Zurich International Life in the Middle East 32 SUSTAINABILITY Food waste has a profoundly negative impact on our environment, finite natural resources, and even our economic well-being, writes Helen Onyeaka, Associate Professor at the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham 48 TIMEPIECES The Fifty Fathoms collection embodies Blancpain’s passion for the underwater world 50 FINAL THOUGHTS Cou One thing is certain – the host for COP29 will significantly influence the path of climate action and environmental diplomacy on the world stage, says Vineetha Sony, Head of Trade Services, Middle East at OCO Global 32 48 26 50 286CEO MIDDLE EAST NOVEMBER 2023 To receive your copy delivered directly to your door, subscribe online at www.itp.com/subscriptions The most important business people and CEOs talk to the most important magazine OCTOBER 2CTOBER 2023023 ###1971977199 UAEAED 20 KSASAR 20 BAHRAINBHD 2 KUWAITKWD 2 OMANOMR 2 QATAR QAR 20 Shaji UShaji Ul Mulk,l Mulk,ChairmChairmairmian, an, an, an, Mulk InMulk Internatiternational sional siats downs downownn to to to discuss his johis journey aurneys a leaa leader, der, der,, entrepreneur aurand visindonaryonary IIINNNNDDDDDUUUUUSSSSSSTTTTTRRRRRYYYY TTTTIIIITTTTAAAANNNNN The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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CEO ALIAKAWI CFO TOBY JAY SPENCER-DAVIES MANAGING DIRECTOR ALEX REEVE DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ANIL BHOYRUL EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR MATTHEW AMLÔT matthew.amlot@itp.com SUB EDITOR EDWARDLIAMZON SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER GERIBATARA SONNY DESIGNER MOHAMMED IRQSOSY ADVERTISING GROUP COMMERICAL DIRECTOR SARASWATI AGARWAL +971 4 444 3352 saraswati.agarwal@itp.com SENIOR COMMERCIAL MANAGER SAMIR GLOR + 971 4 444 3320 samir.glor@itp.com SENIOR COMMERCIAL MANAGERR NEHASIKRI + 971 4 444 33553 neha.sikri@iittp.c.comm PO BOX 500024, DUBAI, UAE +971 4 4 44 3000 OFFICES IN ABU DHABI, DUBAI, LONDON, MUMBAI, RIYADH & GENEVA EVENTS & MARKETING DIRECTOR OF AWARDS & MARKETING DANIEL FEWTRELL +971 4 444 3684 daniel.fewtrell@itp.com SENIOR MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER ANTHONY CHANDRAN +971 4 444 3685 anthony.chandran@itp.com VIDEOGRAPHY MUHAMMAD KALEEM VIDEO EDITOR LIJU CHERUVATHUR PHOTOGRAPHY RAJESH RAGHAV PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER DENNY KOLLANNOOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR MANOJ MAHADEVAN SENIOR IMAGE EDITOR EMMALYN ROBLES DISTRIBUTION HEAD OF DISTRIBUTION AND NEWSTRADE ABDULRAHIM ALPARAMBIL DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR AVINASH PEREIRA CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE RAJESH PILLAI ITP LIVE GENERAL MANAGER AHMAD BASHOUR PUBLISHED BY AND © 2023 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. MEDIA SEPTEMBER 2023 #196 UAEUAEAEUAEUAEUAAED 20AEAED 20AEDAKSAKSASSAR 20SAR 20SAR2BAHRAINBAHRAINBAHAHRAINRABHD 2 BHD 2 2 KUWAITKUWAITKUWAKWD 2KKWD 2WKWWOMANOMANOMANOMANOMR 2 OMR 2 OMR 2 QATARQATARARATAQAR20 QAR 20 QAR 2020QA Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, CEO and co-founder of Astra Tech, reveals how his firm is becoming the WeChat of the Middle East as it hits 150 million users ULTRA FAST50 TH FLOOR, THE PALM TOWER, PALM JUMEIRAH, DUBAI auraskypool.com | reservations@auraskypool.com THE WORLD’S HIGHEST 360° INFINITY POOL BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW AND ENJOY SPECTACULAR 360-DEGREE VIEWS OF DUBAI FROM AURA’S VANTAGE POINT! INSTAGRAM PAGEINSTAGRAM PAGEEDITOR’S LETTER 8 CEO MIDDLE EAST NOVEMBER 2023 due to the stability, lifestyle and economic diversification Dubai offers between East and West,” Malik explained to CEO Middle East. Under initiatives like Dubai 2033, the government is increasingly focused on environmental sustainability, innovation and developing a knowledge economy less reliant on oil through initiatives attracting foreign talent. Combined with the ongoing expansion of regulatory frameworks under the DIFC, Lombard Odier believes the UAE is positioned as a future economic leader bridging continents. Turn to page 22 for the full story. COP28 is fast approaching in the UAE, and sustainability has never been a more pressing priority for governments, corporations and individuals. On page 28 we explore some of the most important sustainability concepts and initiatives, from ESG to net zero targets. As the world works to transition to greener economies and curb emissions, 2023 has underscored the significant role the private sector must play going forward. The past 12 months have seen considerable economic turmoil globally, reinforcing the importance of learning from history. On page 34, we take a look back at the major economic events of 2023, from rising inflation to fluctuating currency exchange rates. Understanding what drove this volatility provides valuable insights that businesses can apply to navigate future challenges. While technology has undoubtedly dominated headlines this year, the healthcare industry has also experienced profound changes that will impact how we treat diseases and extend healthy lifespans. On page 36, stem cell research in particular emerges as revolutionising our approach to longevity. New cell therapies offer unprecedented promise for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. As the implications of these innovations take shape, attracting and retaining top talent will be paramount for the healthcare sector’s continued progress. On page 38, we discuss why diversity and inclusion must remain central to how organisations recruit, and the competitive edge it can provide. After all, it will take the brightest minds from all backgrounds working together to unlock healthcare’s full potential. Finally, on page 40 we explore how technology is redefining customer relationships in retail. Advanced data analytics and hyper-personalisation are empowering brands with unprecedented insights into customer preferences. Those who best leverage these tools to deliver tailored, meaningful experiences will emerge as long-term winners in this evolving landscape. With that I’ll let you get to reading. Until next time. Share your views on thought leadership and innovation by getting in touch: matthew.amlot@itp.com QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? MATTHEW AMLÔT Editor-in Chief @MatthewAmlot THE RACE TO NET ZERO H ello and Hello and welcome to the November issue of CEO Middle East. The end of 2023 is in the horizon, and this issue draws to a close, this issue focuses on reflecting on the major economic trends of the past year and how they will shape the future. From sustainability and climate policies to healthcare innovations and the evolving retail landscape, understanding the key developments of 2023 is essential for strategizing in the year ahead. This month we have featured two legends in the field of finance in Arnaud Leclercq, Partner and Head of New Markets at Lombard Odier and Amer Malik, Head of Middle East International at the Swiss private bank. These two reveal the bank’s plans behind expanding its operations in Dubai and the importance of the UAE as a hub for wealth and finance. “We are seeing unprecedented interest from international investors and young entrepreneurs relocating permanently HONOURING GREATNESS Thursday 25 th January 2024 Atlantis the Royal, Dubai, UAE SALES ENQUIRIES Andy Sulahian Group Commercial Director Tel: +971 4 444 3597 GSM: +971 52 384 6238 E-mail: andy.sulahian@itp.com EVENT ENQUIRIES Daniel Fewtrell Director of Awards & Marketing Tel: +971 4 444 3684 GSM: +971 50 276 5706 E-mail: daniel.fewtrell@itp.com Scan to visit website ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2024 Real Estate Partner Next >