His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama

Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications – UAE

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama was appointed as Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in October 2017, and then was appointed as Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications in July 2020.

His responsibilities include enhancing the government performance levels by investing in the latest technologies and tools of artificial intelligence and applying them in various sectors.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama is Spearheading UAE efforts to be positioned as a global leader in Digital economy, With the focus to enhance UAEs digital economy contribution to the GDP.

His Excellency is also focused on strengthening the UAE’s position as a global reference in remote work applications.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama is currently the Managing Director of the World Government Summit. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation and Deputy Managing Director of the Foundation. He is also Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.

Dr. Jean Fares

CEO of Investopia

Senior Advisor to the Minister UAE Ministry of Economy

Dr. Jean Fares is a seasoned economist and senior policy advisor with over 25 years of experience in multinational environments. He has held senior positions in Canada, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, building a reputation for innovative strategic thinking and deep knowledge of economic and government affairs. Dr. Fares is currently the Senior Advisor to the UAE Minister of Economy, providing policy advice and contributing to economic policy formulation. He is also the CEO of Investopia, a new investment platform launched by the UAE to support the flow of capital into the new economic sectors, to promote dialogue among global leaders, and to foster communities of investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers shaping the global investment ecosystem. Dr. Fares serves as independent director on multiple international boards and as an adjunct professor at Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi.

Frank Kane

Editor at Large, Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI)

Frank Kane is a renowned journalist and award-winning business commentator with decades of experience covering global markets. As Editor at Large for AGBI, he delivers sharp insights into the Middle East’s economic transformation and moderates high-level conversations with business leaders and policymakers. Frank was a popular guest at a recent IBN Business Breakfast, and we are delighted to welcome him back to continue the conversation.

Trevor McFarlane

CEO, EMIR (Emerging Markets Intelligence & Research)

Trevor McFarlane is the founder and CEO of EMIR and a long-standing supporter of the Irish Business Network. Under his leadership, EMIR has grown into one of the Gulf’s most respected intelligence platforms, convening senior executives across industries. Trevor provides critical insights into economic shifts, policy, and strategy shaping the future of emerging markets. His roundtables and advisory work have positioned EMIR as a trusted forum for collaboration, foresight, and decision-making.

Roberto Ordoñez

Senior Advisor, EMIR

Roberto Ordoñez is a negotiation and leadership expert with extensive experience in strategy, international business, and conflict resolution. He has advised senior executives, governments, and multinationals on high-stakes negotiations, guiding them toward sustainable agreements while preserving strong relationships. At the seminar, Roberto will share practical tips on negotiation—from preparation and trust-building to managing pressure and achieving win-win outcomes—that participants can apply both in business and everyday life.

John Hadden

CEO, Alshaya Group

John Hadden leads Alshaya Group, one of the Middle East’s largest retail operators, managing many of the world’s most recognized brands. At the seminar, he will discuss the long-awaited launch of Penneys (Primark) into the UAE, a milestone especially exciting for Irish expatriates. John will share insights into the journey behind this expansion, the opportunities it presents for consumers and retailers, and what it means for the region’s fast-evolving retail sector.

Caragh Curran

Managing Director, Sustainable Tourism Consultants

Caragh Curran is the MD of Sustainable Tourism Consultants, where she develops strategies that align profitability with environmental and social responsibility. At the seminar, Caragh will join the Entrepreneur Panel to share her journey of starting and running a business in the UAE. She will discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of innovation, and offer practical tips for others considering setting up their own ventures in the region.

Armin Moradi

CEO, Qashio

Armin Moradi is the co-founder and CEO of Qashio, one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing fintech companies revolutionizing spend management. With his Irish business partner, Lydia Foott, he has built Qashio into a leading force in the regional fintech space. At the seminar, Armin will join the Entrepreneur Panel to share the story of launching Qashio, discuss the challenges and opportunities of scaling a business in the UAE, and provide advice for future entrepreneurs.

Eoin Sherridan

Managing Director, Solas & Vice Chair, IBN

Eoin Sherridan is MD of Solas, which has worked with global brands such as Rolex, BMW, Dubai Airports, and Prada. With a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, he has also been a steadfast supporter of the Irish business community in Dubai. As Vice Chair of IBN, Eoin plays a key role in fostering collaboration and mentoring entrepreneurs. At the seminar, he will join the Entrepreneur Panel to share guidance on navigating the challenges of doing business in the UAE.

Simon Coveney

Former Irish Government Minister & Senior Advisor, EMIR

Simon Coveney has served Ireland at the highest levels of government, including as Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence. Now a Senior Advisor at EMIR, Simon brings unmatched geopolitical expertise to the Gulf business landscape. At the seminar, he will join Trevor McFarlane for a special sit-down conversation on the UAE–Ireland economic alliance: what it means for both nations and how businesses can best leverage this growing partnership.

Mohammad Faieq

Founder & CEO, Ibtikar Robotics

Mohammad Faieq is the founder of Ibtikar Robotics, a pioneering company advancing robotics and AI solutions across multiple industries. At the seminar, Mohammad will join the Entrepreneur Panel, sharing his journey of starting Ibtikar, the challenges he overcame, and where he sees AI heading in the coming years. He will highlight how AI can benefit businesses and society through automation, efficiency, and innovation.

Dr. Umair Qureshi

Consultant Physician, The Brain & Performance Centre

Dr. Qureshi is a Consultant Physician at The Brain & Performance Centre. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the prestigious University College London (UCL), with a subspecialty in family medicine and a special interest in acute and emergency medicine. With over 15 years of experience across public and private sectors in the UK and UAE, Dr. Qureshi has extensive clinical expertise in family medicine, sports performance, medical education, and healthcare information technology. Dr. Qureshi has been with The Brain & Performance Centre since its inception and, over the past four years, has developed and refined his skills in hyperbaric and performance medicine.