The Future of Finance and Investment: Insights from the Gulf Business Panel, 2025

Image credit: Supplied/Gulf Business

On June 25, 2025, the Metropolitan Hotel in Dubai hosted a pivotal panel organized by Gulf Business, bringing together industry leaders to dissect the evolving landscape of finance and investment in the Middle East. The event stimulated engaging discussions that spanned several significant themes, including residence-by-investment programs, the UAE’s IPO outlook, and the broader impacts of the world’s largest generational wealth transfer.

Focus Areas of the Panel

The panel’s sessions were structured to provide attendees with a multifaceted understanding of the emerging financial trends reshaping the region. Key themes included:

• Growing Popularity of Golden Visas: An increasing number of individuals are opting for residence-by-investment programs, commonly known as “golden visas.” These programs have been pivotal in attracting high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to the UAE.

• UAE IPOs in 2025 and Beyond: Market dynamics suggest an optimistic outlook for initial public offerings. Experts discussed the essential components that determine the success of upcoming IPOs.

• Generational Wealth Transfer: With trillions of dollars poised to shift, strategies in wealth management are evolving. The discussion touched on how this transfer will influence investment approaches in the UAE and beyond.

With an impressive lineup of speakers, including Damian Hitchen (CEO of Saxo Bank MENA) and Yasmine Omari (head of wealth planning at Bank of Singapore), the event offered unique insights that are invaluable to investors and stakeholders.

Panel Discussion Highlights

Panel Discussion 1: Global Mobility & Residence by Investment

Topic: How geopolitical shifts are reshaping citizenship and relocation strategies.
Moderator: Claire Vuylsteke, Director, Orbcom

Key speakers included George Hojeige (Group CEO, Virtugroup) and Rahul Singh (Managing Director, Thrifty & Dollar Car Rental). Discussion points focused on:

• Investment Options for HNWIs: Various programs available for securing residency through investments in the UAE.

• Volatility in Global Mobility Trends: An exploration of how shifting geopolitics influence personal and capital security strategies.

Panel Discussion 2: UAE IPO Outlook

Topic: What’s next in UAE capital markets and how investors can benefit.
Moderator: Nigel Sillitoe, CEO of Insight Discovery

This discussion featured experts like Yogesh Khairajani (Global Market Strategist, Century Financial) and Muhammed Hassan (Capital Markets Leader at PwC). The topics covered included:

• Emerging Public Listings: Anticipating the next wave of IPOs and understanding the factors influencing market readiness.

• Macroeconomic Challenges: A look into how interest rates and global tariffs may impact investor sentiment.

Panel Discussion 3: Wealth Transfer and Investment Strategies

Topic: Capital’s profound shift and its effects on investment strategies.
Moderator: Karishma Hingorani, Founder & Podcaster, Karishma Konnect

Moderated by Karishma Hingorani, the discussion spotlighted speakers such as Damian Hitchen and Yasmine Omari. Key points included:

• Changing Investment Priorities: The implications of the wealth transfer on younger generations, especially digital natives.

• Focus on Succession Planning: The increasing significance of structured investment strategies to ensure financial sustainability across generations.

Business Exits Explored

George Hojeige cautioned that an exit isn’t just a financial transaction but a transformative event for any business. He emphasized the criticality of aligning visions with investors, referencing Microsoft’s failed acquisition of Nokia as a critical case study.

“Free money doesn’t exist,” he stated, advocating for a focus on partnership quality over mere financial investment.

The UAE’s Competitive Edge

As the UAE positions itself as a global hub for investment and lifestyle, its Golden Visa program has become a cornerstone strategy to attract international talent and capital. However, with global competition intensifying, the UAE must innovate to retain its status.

Dubai: A Family Office Destination

Dubai’s status as a hub for family offices is set against its strategic location and favorable regulations. Vishwajit Patil from Nuvama Private highlighted that families today look for stability and support systems when choosing relocation destinations. Factors such as education, healthcare, and the efficiency of the Golden Visa process enhance the UAE’s appeal.

The Rise of IPO-Focused Investment Funds

The introduction of IPO-focused funds in the UAE markets allows retail investors to gain diversified exposure to new listings, lowering the risks associated with oversubscribed IPOs.

“These funds enable investors to benefit from expert selection in a crowded market,” said Yogesh Khairajani. This trend appears to simplify the investment landscape and democratize access to promising opportunities.

Structural Shifts in Family Investment Strategies

Yasmine Omari discussed how many families are moving toward sophisticated, institutional-style investing, steering away from traditional models of reinvestment. Internal investment teams and dedicated governance structures are becoming prevalent.

“The dynamics of investment have shifted profoundly as multiple generations become involved in decision-making,” Omari added, stressing the importance of robust governance.

The Gulf Business panel acted as a microcosm of the larger financial landscape, reflecting the UAE’s strategies to maintain its competitive edge while adapting to evolving global trends. The conversations held here echo a larger narrative about the future of finance and investment in a rapidly changing world.