The University of Manchester Dubai said it brought students and alumni together with senior business leaders and economic experts at the Economist Enterprise Corporate Network (EICN) Annual Conference in late October to discuss how shifting global trade patterns are shaping strategy across the Middle East.
According to the university, the conference took place on October 29, 2026 at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, with The University of Manchester Dubai described as a sponsor. The event was held under the theme “A New Trade Geography: how the Middle East can shape the landscape”.
Focus on trade corridors, investment outlook
The University of Manchester Dubai said the programme examined the Middle East’s role in changing global supply chains, including trade corridors and investment flows. It added that sessions incorporated the Economist Intelligence Unit outlook for 2027 and beyond, with discussion areas including competitiveness, infrastructure, industrial development, and the region’s ability to attract capital and talent.
The university also framed the conference as part of its wider engagement with student and alumni development through industry interaction and continued professional learning. It said participants had opportunities to hear from executives across different industries and markets.
Speakers included executives from DHL, Siemens and CEVA Logistics
In its release, the university listed several speakers who took part in discussions, including Dr Nasser Saidi, Founder and President of Nasser Saidi & Associates and a former Minister of Economy & Trade and Minister of Industry of Lebanon; Tobias Maier, CEO for Middle East and Africa at DHL Global Forwarding; Helmut von Struve, CEO of Siemens UAE and the Middle East; and Sylvain Kluba, Chief Finance Officer for India, Middle East and Africa at CEVA Logistics.
Keynote on leadership and education
The university said the discussions also drew on experience from its alumni network, with Dr Ahmed Eissa, Group CEO of Saudi German Health UAE, delivering a keynote address. The university reported that Dr Eissa spoke about the UAE’s capacity to create opportunity amid global economic change and emphasised the role of continued education in a leadership career.
The release attributed to Dr Eissa the view that universities help professionals challenge established thinking and develop judgement needed to lead through uncertainty.
UAE trade growth and Dubai strategy cited
Alongside the conference agenda, the university referenced wider economic developments in the UAE. It said the country’s non-oil foreign trade reached AED 1.937 trillion in the first half of 2026, describing it as an increase of 13.1% compared with the same period in 2025.
The release also pointed to Dubai Economic Agenda D33, saying it aims to expand foreign trade and add 400 cities to the emirate’s trade network. The university said these priorities place international business development within Dubai’s long-term economic plan.
University links conference to leadership development
In comments attributed to Randa Bessiso, Founding Director and CEO of Middle East at The University of Manchester Dubai, the university said expanding trade relationships force businesses to make decisions about investment, operating models and capability building.
Bessiso said, according to the release, that such decisions require “sound commercial judgement” and an understanding of international markets, and that universities have a role in connecting academic knowledge with practical business demands. The university stated that supporting student participation reflected its commitment to professional learning and leadership capabilities aligned with UAE economic ambitions.
Conference part of ongoing business events
The University of Manchester Dubai said it runs masterclasses, career networking events and business forums throughout the year to connect students and alumni with academics, employers and senior executives. The release also stated that the university has sponsored earlier editions of the Economist Enterprise Corporate Network annual conference.