10th Indian Delegation to Dubai, Gitex & Expand North Star – World’s Largest Startup Investor Connect
Event

Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Business Summit Wraps Up with Strategic Focus on Future-Ready Sectors

Ras Al Khaimah, December 11: The second day of the Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Business Summit (RAKIS 2024) continued to shape the emirate’s economic future, featuring thought-provoking discussions and key insights from industry and policy makers. From public-private partnerships to sustainable energy and transformative innovations in maritime and aviation, Day 2 showcased a comprehensive vision for growth and progress.

The day commenced with the Official Keynotes, where strategic directions for economic growth and innovation were highlighted. Dr. Ahmed Rashed Al Shemeili, Acting Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber, set the tone with a compelling welcome address. Christoph Koster, CEO of Ruya Community Islamic Bank, presented groundbreaking insights into digital Islamic banking, emphasising its transformative potential for the business community, particularly in terms of offering new avenues for financing and enhancing digital financial solutions. Abdulla Alnuaimi, Acting Director of Government Communication at the Ajman Chamber, underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving national economic development. His address focused on how these collaborations are essential to accelerating economic growth and creating sustainable long-term progress.

The Make It in the Emirates session, organised by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, spotlighted the emirate’s commitment to industrial growth. This session featured an in-depth discussion about the “Make It in the Emirates” initiative designed to promote local manufacturing, foster innovation, and enhance the competitiveness of UAE industries. Experts explored the various support structures available for local and international businesses looking to invest in the UAE’s industrial sector, as well as how the initiative is driving the emirate’s economic diversification.

Another highlight was the session on Education and Healthcare Fusion, where the intersection of education and healthcare was explored as a key driver for Ras Al Khaimah’s economic future. Panelists discussed how advanced education systems, combined with cutting-edge healthcare initiatives, could foster innovation and create transformative opportunities. This fusion, they argued, will be pivotal in developing new sectors, enhancing skill sets, and improving the quality of life in Ras Al Khaimah. The discussion emphasised the importance of 21st-century skills in preparing the workforce to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals, engineers, and innovators in both education and healthcare.

Sustainability took center stage in the session titled Energising Ras Al Khaimah, with presentations outlining the emirate’s renewable energy strategies and discussing the UAE Investment Ecosystem. H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh spotlighted key milestones that have significantly bolstered the UAE’s economic growth and diversification. He also highlighted opportunities for local and international investors to tap into the landscape of diverse sectors. Other experts emphasised the emirate’s progress in reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy-efficient technologies.

The session on Maritime and Aviation Innovations explored the technological advancements reshaping these vital sectors. Roy Cummins, CEO of RAK Ports, shared the success story of the transformation of RAK Ports, showcasing the cutting-edge technologies being implemented to enhance logistics and trade connectivity. The presentation highlighted how Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location is enhancing its role in global trade, positioning it as a key player in both maritime and aviation sectors.

Towards the end of Day 2, Ras Al Khaimah’s booming real estate sector was discussed in detail. Industry experts explored current market trends, forecasting future demand and supply dynamics. The session delved into how the real estate market in Ras Al Khaimah is driven by strong investor confidence, government initiatives, and strategic developments. Panelists discussed how these factors are shaping the sector’s future and making it an attractive destination for both local and international real estate investments.

As the event concludes, setting the stage for bold strategies and forward-thinking initiatives, Ras Al Khaimah is positioned as a global hub for investment and innovation. With future editions on the horizon, the summit promises to deepen dialogue and unlock new opportunities across diverse sectors.

For further information, contact: press@valiantandcompany.com

by Vivek Kumar

W7Worldwide proudly announces that Abdulrahman Inayat has been recognized as PR Leader of the Year at the prestigious Athar Festival 2025, in a category presented in association with the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) — the global representative body for PR associations and consultancies. Representing the world’s leading PR consultancies and national associations across more than 80 countries, ICCO serves as the global voice of the public relations industry. This recognition underscores Inayat’s exceptional leadership and W7Worldwide’s continued contribution to advancing the communications landscape across Saudi Arabia, the MENA region, and international markets. “This achievement is not only personal; it reflects the collective dedication of our W7Worldwide team and the transformation we are witnessing across the Saudi communication landscape,” said Abdulrahman Inayat . “We are proud to contribute to shaping a globally competitive PR industry that mirrors Vision 2030’s ambition and creativity.” This honor adds to a recent series of distinctions recognizing Abdulrahman Inayat’s leadership in the communications sector. He was previously elected Chairman of the Regional Board of the International Public Relations Network (IPRN) for the Middle East and North Africa. He also made history as the youngest board member of PRCA MENA and was presented with the Outstanding Leadership Award, further underscoring his influence across the regional marketing and communications landscape. Meanwhile, W7Worldwide has received over 30 awards in recent years across local, regional, and global platforms, being recognized among the leading communications consultancies in the region. “Abdulrahman’s recognition as PR Leader of the Year exemplifies the excellence and ambition driving the Middle East’s creative marketing and communications community forward,” said Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Motivate Media Group and Festival Co-Founder. W7Worldwide has evolved into one of the region’s most respected homegrown communications consultancies, earning international acclaim for its strategic thinking, innovative storytelling, and deep cultural understanding. The agency continues to lead the way in positioning Saudi and MENA communications excellence on the global stage. About W7Worldwide W7Worldwide is a homegrown, award-winning communications consultancy known for its strategic insights, thought leadership, and culturally grounded storytelling. With a proven track record of partnering with more than 100 clients across diverse sectors, the firm has built deep expertise in reputation management and strategic communication, helping organizations strengthen trust and visibility. Operating across the MENA region and international markets, W7Worldwide continues to elevate Saudi communications leadership on the global stage.

by Vivek Kumar

The inaugural edition of CARE (Climate Action, Renewable Energy & Sustainability) forum series by Trescon, is set to become the MENA region’s most influential platform for sustainability investment and climate innovation. The forum will unite regional and global leaders driving the Middle East’s clean energy transition. Co-located with DATE, a Digitization, AI & Emerging Tech Summit, CARE MENA will take place on 26-27 November at the iconic Madinat Jumeirah. “With the GCC committing billions to renewable infrastructure, CARE MENA offers a unique, action-oriented platform where capital meets climate ambition,” said Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO, Trescon. He continued, “From solar and hydrogen to green finance and industrial decarbonisation, the series will spotlight investable opportunities that support net-zero goals and drive regional climate action.” Talking about the series, Jens Y. Zimmermann, President, Orios Venture Partners, said, “Looking forward to CARE and learning more about new developments, trends & investment opportunities in climate & renewable energy.”  For start-ups, scale-ups and climate tech ventures, CARE MENA is a launchpad and a great opportunity to secure investments.  “I’m looking forward to CARE as a platform to uncover investment opportunities in climate tech and renewables,” said Kevin Holliday, CEO, Venturebeam. Ahmed Refaie, CEO & Global CIO, G.P.I. Global Partners Investments Limited said, “CARE gives an opportunity for climate finance and investment practicing professionals to deploy capital in an environmentally impactful and responsible way.” Whether seeking Series A investment, strategic partnerships or market access, participants will gain direct exposure to venture capital firms, institutional investors, family offices, and sovereign funds. Backed by some of the region’s most prominent investors — from the Royal Group and Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (Shurooq) to ARM Holding, Venturesouq, Plug and Play, and others — CARE MENA is set to spark high impact collaborations. Talking about the opportunities at CARE, Sofia Kostiunina, Managing Director, 100VP commented, “From the VC perspective, I see CARE as an excellent platform to identify breakthrough opportunities in renewable energy and climate tech.” Flagship initiatives include: CARE ESG Awards, hosted by Trescon and supported by ESG MENA, will also spotlight and celebrate the “Responsible Investor of the Year” and the “Young Sustainability Pioneer of the Year”. Sessions at the summit will explore regulatory reform, capital flows and technology deployment, with a sharp focus on commercial viability and regional scalability. With the help of its sponsors including Emtribe, Cero Hero, Enjazponic, S&P Global and others, CARE MENA will also feature investor roundtables, pitch sessions and partnership forums — ensuring that conversations lead to commitments. For founders, it’s a chance to pitch to decision-makers. For corporates, it’s a front-row seat to the next wave of green innovation. And for investors, it’s access to the region’s most promising ventures and infrastructure projects.

by Vivek Kumar

TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025, India’s largest deeptech summit, set the tonefor one of the nation’s most significant science and technology developments — the launch of the ₹1lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund by Prime Minister Narendra Modi atthe Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025. At the two-day TiEcon Delhi-NCR, a keynote fireside conversation titled “Quantum Leap: AcceleratingIndia’s Tech Sovereignty” brought together Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science& Technology (DST- GOI), and Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR. Thediscussion highlighted India’s focus on strengthening deep-tech capabilities through collaborativeR&D, private sector participation, and startup-led innovation – a vision that aligns closely with theobjectives of the newly launched RDI Fund. Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, GOI said, “India stands at adefining moment in its deep-tech journey. The Research, Development and Innovation Fund is afirst-of-its-kind initiative to empower corporates, industries, and startups across sunrise sectors suchas quantum, AI, semiconductors, biotech, and advanced manufacturing. With liberalized norms and atwo-tier fund management model, it aims to catalyse private sector R&D, promote IP creation withinIndia, and strengthen our path toward technological sovereignty. The government’s role is to enable,not control – fostering risk-taking and long-term R&D investment that builds India’s innovationstrength.” Sharing his perspective, Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR, said, “India’sambition to achieve tech sovereignty depends on uniting scientific excellence with entrepreneurialexecution. By deepening collaboration between academia, research, and startups, we can turncutting-edge discoveries into world-class products. TiE Delhi-NCR continues to be a catalyst for thisecosystem, connecting innovators, investors, and policymakers to drive India’s next wave oftechnological breakthroughs.”The session followed the inaugural keynote by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister ofCommerce and Industries, who emphasised the government’s vision to build a deep-tech ecosystempowered by innovation and youth engagement. Organised by TiE Delhi-NCR, TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025 brought together policymakers, investors,founders, and global thought leaders to discuss India’s next growth frontier in technology andentrepreneurship. For over 25 years, TiE Delhi-NCR has been a driving force in India’s innovationlandscape, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and investment that continue to shape the country’stransformation into a global innovation powerhouse.About TiE Delhi-NCR TiE Delhi-NCR is one of the most active and vibrant chapters of TiE Global, dedicated to fosteringentrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, and funding. With a legacy spanningover two decades, TiE Delhi-NCR continues to empower innovators and founders, driving India’stransformation into a global innovation powerhouse.