With the 2020 American presidential elections now behind us, it is worth taking stock of the current legislative environment in Washington, and starting to consider the economic policies that are most likely to change in 2021, and which are likely to remain in place. As global growth has settled onto a lower trajectory, the urgency for coordinated action to boost global demand has never been greater. Coming on the heels of the U.S. election, this panel will examine the potential macro and market implications of the vote, and what policies should, and can, be implemented as part of any new administration’s immediate priorities.

• Should investors expect drastically different economies priorities out of the United States over the coming four years?
• How will a new administration’s priorities impact key business decisions and the outlook for financial markets?
• Where should policymakers focus their energies to attain the strongest short-term results?
• Have investors become too complacent with structurally lower interest rates, and how will we ever transition to a tighter monetary policy trajectory?

– Khatija Haque – Chief Economist & Head of Research, Emirates NBD

– Charles-Henry Monchau – CIO at Bank Syz (Switzerland)

– Dr. Ahmed Allam – Financial Expert at H.H The Ruler’s Court Government of Dubai

With many economies across the Middle East having recently experienced their most prolonged period of low growth in recent memory, efforts are underway at stimulating investment and boosting the near-term outlook. Yet with some of the region’s traditional drivers of economic activity looking increasingly fragile – including everything from lower oil prices to the persistent decline in the residential real estate market – the urgency to implement a new economic model appears to grow by the day. This panel will examine the long-term outlook for MENA, beyond the immediate concern of the short-term business cycle, and focus on the opportunities and challenges of shifting to a new development model.

• What are some of the most urgent reforms that should, and can, be implemented today?
• What sectors have the most long-term potential to boost job creation?
• Which non-GCC economies should serve as a role model for economic diversification?
• How does the GCC’s unique demographic and labor backdrop impact the paths of potential reform?

– Hasan Haider – Founder and Managing Partner of +VC