Thought Leadership Circle: Urban Growth & Investments

Overview

The Thought Leadership Circle: Urban Growth & Investments explored the key drivers of Kuwait’s urban growth, fueled by real estate development, technological innovation, and strategic investments. The event delved into urban planning for population growth, the collaboration between the real estate and investment sectors, and how PPP/BOT projects could drive economic diversification. Additionally, discussions covered the evolving role of delivery services in response to shifting lifestyles, ESG trends, proptech, and the future of housing development, highlighting key opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation.

The Thought Leadership Circle series of events was designed to bring together influential companies from various sectors for intimate roundtable discussions at the Chairman’s Club in Kuwait. With 30 participants and 6-10 speakers from both the public and private sectors, the events offered deep insights into Kuwait’s evolving economic landscape. Participants had exclusive access to decision-makers while fostering valuable alliances, partnerships, and market development—all in support of Kuwait’s goal of becoming a dynamic business hub.

Speakers

HE Abdulatif Hamed Al-Mishari

Minister of State for Municipal Affairs & Minister of State for Housing Affairs, Kuwait

HE Abdulatif Hamed Al-Mishari

Minister of State for Municipal Affairs & Minister of State for Housing Affairs,
Kuwait

Abdulatif Hamed Al-Mishari holds a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in the same specialization from the University of Southern California. He has made several contributions to government projects and initiatives as an advisor to the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers. Al-Mishari is a member of the technical team of the Silk City Development Follow-up Agency and the technical team for Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway Investment Projects, Vice Chairman of the Population and Urban Development Committee, a member of the Vision Realization Committee for the Five Islands Development Project and the Supreme Committee (2014-2017), and part of the Housing Projects Coordination Committee (2015-2017).

Sheikh Ahmad Duaij Jaber Al Sabah

Chairman, Kuwait Banking Association

Sheikh Ahmad Duaij Jaber Al Sabah

Chairman,
Kuwait Banking Association

Sheikh Ahmad Duaij Jaber Al Sabah has been the Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait since April 1, 2018. In his capacity as Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait, he was nominated as Chairman of the Kuwait Banking Association effective from February 20, 2022 and became a member of the World Union of Arab Bankers in May 2022. He has also been a board member of the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies since April 2018. Furthermore, he held the position of board member at Kuwait Clearing Company, representing the Commercial Bank of Kuwait, from 2018 until 2019. He was recommended once again on May 11, 2022 as member of the board of directors of Kuwait Clearing Company. He previously held the position of Chairman of Al Tijari Financial Brokerage Company from 2014 until 2020. He graduated with an MBA from Maastricht School of Management in March 2008 after obtaining his bachelor’s degree in science with a major in finance from Bentley College, US, in May 2000.

Mohammed Yousef Mulla Yaqoub

Assistant Director General for Business Development, KDIPA

Mohammed Yousef Mulla Yaqoub

Assistant Director General for Business Development,
KDIPA

Mohammad Mulla Yaqoub has served as Deputy Director General for Business Development at the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) since March 2015, bringing over 18 years of local, regional, and international experience in business development. His responsibilities include shaping KDIPA's strategy, promoting Kuwait globally, and developing economic zones. Elected as Vice President of the WAIPA Steering Committee in 2023, he actively participates in international forums on investment and business climate. Previously, he held marketing and brand development roles at Zain Group, leading the transformation from MTC to MTC-Vodafone across the Middle East and Africa, showcasing his expertise in project management, team building, and fostering positive organizational culture.

Abdullah H. AlTerkait

Chairman, Union of Investment Companies (UIC)

Abdullah H. AlTerkait

Chairman,
Union of Investment Companies (UIC)

Zeyad Tareq Al Mukhaizeem

Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Al Safat Investment Company

Zeyad Tareq Al Mukhaizeem

Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Al Safat Investment Company

Ali H. Khalil

Chief Executive Officer, Markaz

Ali H. Khalil

Chief Executive Officer,
Markaz

Bader Al-Ghanim

Managing Director, Talabat

Bader Al-Ghanim

Managing Director,
Talabat

Dr. Bader Al Hashel

Chief Risk Officer, Boubyan Bank

Dr. Bader Al Hashel

Chief Risk Officer,
Boubyan Bank

Bader Alhashel has been the Chief Risk Officer since 2024 and has worked with Boubyan Bank since 2019 in the Risk Management Group. He carries more than 18 years of experience in finance. Prior to this, he served as an associate professor in Finance at Kuwait University, complemented by a fellowship at the London School of Economics, and has started his career in the investment industry. He holds a PhD in Finance and an MBA from Indiana University - Bloomington, along with a bachelor's in industrial engineering from Kuwait University with distinction and honors along with having attended executive training. Currently, he contributes to multiple boards in the financial and healthcare industries. A CFA charter holder, he has also worked as a consultant in the banking industry on risk management and as consultant for the government on academic regulation. Noteworthy contributions include research publications in leading international finance journals and having been honored with awards for teaching and research excellence.

Adel Al-Meshri

Board Member & Treasurer, Federation of Kuwaiti Engineering Offices & Consultant Houses

Adel Al-Meshri

Board Member & Treasurer,
Federation of Kuwaiti Engineering Offices & Consultant Houses

Mishary S. Al Muhailan

Deputy CEO, URC

Mishary S. Al Muhailan

Deputy CEO,
URC

Silvia Lambiase

Senior Country Editor, The Business Year

Silvia Lambiase

Senior Country Editor,
The Business Year

Silvia Lambiase is Senior Country Editor at The Business Year. She has wide-ranging experience working in economic analysis, media, business development, and marketing in various countries, including the UK, Nigeria, the UAE, Oman, and Kazakhstan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international economic relations from La Sapienza University of Rome and an MSc in economics and finance from the University of Liverpool.

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