CXO Leadership Think Tank 2026

An exclusive, closed-door strategic dialogue for banking industry leaders

Tuesday, 12 May 2026 | Dubai, UAE

ABOUT THE THINK TANK

Held alongside the MENA Banking Excellence Awards, the MEED CXO Leadership Think Tank is an invitation-only roundtable created for the region’s most senior banking executives.

The session follows the Chatham House Rule, providing a confidential environment for candid, peer-level dialogue on the most urgent strategic challenges facing MENA banks—from navigating geopolitical headwinds to managing AI-enabled cyber risks and governance pressures.

What to Expect:

  • Peer-to-Peer Dialogue: No sales pitches, no powerpoints. Just open debate among C-level peers.
  • Strategic Focus: Discussions beyond operational issues and centred around the macro trends reshaping banking models. 
  • High-level Networking: Access to a select group of CEOs, CTOs, CROs, CDOs and strategy leaders shaping the future of MENA financial services.

2026 AGENDA

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Registration & Refreshments
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Opening Remarks
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Keynote Briefing: The Macro-Economic Outlook for 2026
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The Roundtable Debate
Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony

*Timings subject to change.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS

In 2025, the Think Tanks brought together senior executives from leading MENA banks for a candid, off-the-record exchange on strategy, technology and resilience. The session gathered CEOs, CTOs, CDOs, CROs and business heads from across the region’s most influential financial institutions.

Distinguished 2025 Speakers Included:

Adnan Anwar
CEO
National Bank of Fujairah
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Antoine Chemali
Chief Executive Officer, Wealth Management Middle (East)
BNP Paribas
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Christoph Koster
CEO
Ruya
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Dr. Abdulla Altaee
COO
United Arab Bank
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Dr. Fatma Al Suwaidi
Group Chief Risk Officer (GCRO)
Qatar National Bank (QNB)
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Dr. Jelena Janjusevic
Deputy Global Head of Accountancy, Economics and Finance, Edinburgh Business School
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
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Ed James
Head of Content & Research, Middle East & Africa
MEED
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Edward Bell
Acting Chief Economist & Head of Research, Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD
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Filippo Fioravanti
Managing Director & Partner, Milan
Boston Consulting Group
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Hariprasad Chede
Chief Information Security Officer and Data Privacy Officer
National Bank of Fujairah
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Haseeb Ansari
Chief Compliance Officer
Emirates Islamic
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Hazem Ayoub
Head of Investments - Private Banking
Mashreq
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Hussain Al Khalsan
Chief Information Security Officer
Zand Bank
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Jie Wang
Assistant General Manager
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Limited, Dubai (DIFC) Branch
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Matteo Coppola
Managing Director & Senior Partner
Boston Consulting Group
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Mohamed Moawad
Chief Credit Officer – CCO
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) Egypt
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Saket Saith
Group CTO
RAKBANK
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Somu Roy
Managing Director, UAE
Network International
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Vikrant Bhansali
Chief Executive Officer, UBA UAE
UBA Group
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Attendance is limited to C-Level executives (CEO, CTO, CDO, CRO) and Board Members of licensed financial institutions.

Vendor and sales representatives are not permitted unless they are an approved Knowledge Partner.

No. Participation is complimentary for approved banking executives, but seats are limited.

A moderated roundtable. No presentations, no product demos, no sales content.

Information from the discussion may be used, but the identity or affiliation of participants must not be revealed.

PARTICIPATION

Secure Your Seat at the Table

Attendance is by invitation only and strictly limited to C-level executives and Board Members.

Participation is complimentary but subject to approval.

Express your interest and/or reach out to Sarah Rizvi  and Feven Asseffa.

EXPRESS INTEREST