Economic Impact

Season 3, Episode 4 of Economic Impact: Conversations from Emirates Development Bank, filmed live at Make it in the Emirates 2025. Special guest: Ali Alshimmari, Board Member of Emerge — providing innovative solar solutions for commercial and industrial sites and powering the UAE’s renewable energy future.

Season 3, Episode 3 of Economic Impact: Conversations from Emirates Development Bank, filmed live at Make it in the Emirates 2025. Special guest: Her Excellency Najla Al Midfa, Managing Director of the Emirates Growth Fund — bridging the equity gap for growth-stage SMEs and fueling innovation across technology, healthcare, food security, and manufacturing in the UAE.

Season 3, Episode 2 of Economic Impact: Conversations from Emirates Development Bank, filmed live at Make it in the Emirates 2025. Special guest: Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO of RAK Ceramics — the world’s largest ceramics brand and a global example of “Made in the UAE” success.

Season 3, Episode 1 of Economic Impact: Conversations from Emirates Development Bank, filmed live at Make it in the Emirates 2025. Special guest: H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of Youth and the first Arab to perform a spacewalk.

In this episode of Economic Impact: Conversations from Emirates Development Bank, H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, sits down with Jimmy Grewal, Managing Director of Elcome International, to explore the company’s remarkable 55-year journey as a Dubai-grown leader in maritime technology. From its beginnings as a local service provider to becoming a global innovator, Elcome International has driven advancements in maritime systems integration, connectivity, and automation. Jimmy discusses the challenges of operating in a cyclical industry, the company’s diversification across sectors such as defense and energy, and its groundbreaking partnership with Starlink to revolutionize connectivity at sea and on land. He also shares Elcome's ambitious vision to expand global access to high-speed internet through community Wi-Fi initiatives, aiming to connect millions in underserved regions.

In this episode of Economic Impact: Conversations from Emirates Development Bank, His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, engages with Navin Narayan, CEO of Acme Intralog. Together, they explore Acme Intralog's transformation from a traditional engineering firm into a pioneering provider of robotics and automation solutions. Navin offers valuable insights into the company’s evolution, the challenges they’ve faced, and their ambitious vision for the future of manufacturing in the UAE and on a global scale.

In this episode of Economic Impact: Conversations from Emirates Development Bank, H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, is joined by Nick Cochrane-Dyet MBE, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi. The discussion explores the UAE-UK strategic economic ties, energy transition, education, and innovation opportunities. Nick underscores the role of collaboration and forward-thinking strategies in advancing national development goals. Key Highlights: - Nick's early life in the UAE and witnessing its transformative growth. - The evolving UK-UAE partnership and economic opportunities. - Key sectors for collaboration: energy, AI, education, and industrialization. - The role of SMEs and innovation in fostering economic development. - Visionary insights into AI, emerging industries, and future technologies. Tune in to learn how the UK and UAE are driving growth and innovation in key sectors.

In this episode of Economic Impact: Conversations from Emirates Development Bank, H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, sits down with Omar Al Shamsi, Founder and CEO of Watermelon Ecosystem. Omar Al Shamsi shares his remarkable journey from a distinguished career in banking and investments to leading Watermelon Ecosystem, an innovative platform revolutionizing the food and beverage sector. By addressing critical supply chain inefficiencies, Watermelon has quickly emerged as a transformative solution since its inception in 2022. Discover how the platform is enhancing food security in the UAE through a seamless, end-to-end ecosystem that connects suppliers, buyers, and enablers while optimizing logistics and cash flow management. This episode explores: - Al Shamsi's entrepreneurial leap from banking to technology. - Tackling inefficiencies in the food and beverage sector. - The role of logistics and technology in strengthening food security. - Collaborations with partners to empower farmers and businesses. Watermelon Ecosystem’s mission is simple yet transformative: to create a platform so efficient that it becomes the go-to solution for the food and beverage industry.

In this episode of Economic Impact: Conversations from Emirates Development Bank, His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank sits down with Hassan Halawy, General Manager of Elite Agro Projects, to explore the intersection of innovation and agriculture. Hassan shares insights into Elite Agro’s groundbreaking initiatives, including cultivating Arabica coffee in Dubai's desert, restoring indigenous wheat varieties, and implementing advanced technology for sustainable farming. Discover how the UAE is leveraging local resources, advanced engineering, and visionary leadership to tackle global food security challenges and foster green growth.

In this episode of "Economic Impact: Conversations from Emirates Development Bank", His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, engages in an insightful dialogue with Her Excellency Dr. Alanoud Alhaj, Assistant Undersecretary for the Green Development and Climate Change Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Dr. Alhaj shares her journey to becoming a leading expert in sustainable development, the UAE's pioneering climate initiatives, and insights into carbon credits, decarbonization, and the nation's roadmap to achieving climate ambitions. Join us to explore how the UAE is setting new global standards in addressing climate change and advancing green economic growth.

In this episode of Economic Impact, Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, shares his inspiring journey from starting his career at 18 to leading one of the UAE’s dynamic banks. Mustafa reveals the strategies behind Ajman Bank’s transformation, the pivotal role of SMEs in the economy, and how organizations thrive by fostering collaboration, innovation, and resilience. Tune in to explore the blueprint for sustainable growth and the leadership principles driving Ajman Bank’s success.

In this episode of Economic Impact Conversations, we sit down with Liz Beneski, the CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi (AmCham - Abu Dhabi). With 25 years of experience in the UAE, Liz offers a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges for American businesses looking to expand into Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We discuss AmCham's role in supporting US companies, the key industries attracting investment, and how the UAE government is actively encouraging partnerships. Liz also shares her personal journey and the valuable lessons she's learned while navigating the business landscape in the UAE. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of UAE-US business relations and discover how your company can leverage the immense potential of this growing market.

Welcome to Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi leads insightful discussions with change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi leads insightful discussions with change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi leads insightful discussions with change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to another episode of Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi leads insightful discussions with change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi leads insightful discussions with change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to another episode of Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi leads insightful discussions with change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi leads insightful discussions with change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to season two of Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi leads insightful discussions with change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

This is Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi speaks to change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi speaks to change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi speaks to change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

This is Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi speaks to change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to another episode of Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi speaks to change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

This is Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi speaks to change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

This is Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank, the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi speaks to change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Welcome to Economic Impact, conversations from Emirates Development Bank, the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. In each instalment CEO Ahmed Al Naqbi will be speaking to change-makers and thought-leaders in the UAE to learn how they’re contributing to the nation’s economy and realising the UAE’s economic ambitions.

Economic Impact is a series of conversations from Emirates Development Bank, the key financial engine for economic development and industrial advancement of the United Arab Emirates.