Edward Bell is the Acting Chief Economist and Group Head of Research at Emirates NBD, leading a team of economists and analysts delivering market intelligence and macroeconomic insights for the MENAT region. His expertise spans economic analysis, policy research, and financial markets, providing strategic guidance on key trends and risks shaping global and regional economies.
Emirates NBD’s Research team has become a vital resource for wholesale banking clients, offering data-driven insights tailored to their industries, and future plans. By equipping businesses with macroeconomic research and market intelligence, the team helps clients navigate uncertainty, identify opportunities, and make informed financial decisions. Their insights also support Emirates NBD’s coverage teams, strengthening advisory capabilities with in-depth analysis across sectors.
Previously, Edward served as Head of Market Economics at Emirates NBD, specializing in commodities, currencies, and interest rates. He has a background as a commodities analyst and Middle East-focused economist, with degrees from the University of London and the University of Toronto. Based in Dubai, he is a regular commentator on economic trends in global media and industry events.
For inquiries, he can be reached at edwardpb@emiratesnbd.com
“Meet Hariprasad Chede, the Chief Information Security Officer and Data Privacy Officer at the National Bank of Fujairah, UAE. With more than 20 years of experience, Hari is a powerhouse of expertise in safeguarding digital assets and sensitive data. He excels in areas like information security, digital trust, data privacy, fraud prevention, and guiding organizations through digital and change transformations, all while expertly managing risk.
Hari isn’t just experienced; he’s a highly respected thought leader in digital innovation and ensuring business resilience, evidenced by the numerous prestigious awards he’s received. His work includes groundbreaking solutions for secure customer identity, robust data protection, and advanced security architecture. Beyond his corporate role, Hari is passionate about ensuring digital innovation is used responsibly, partnering with educational institutions to empower the next generation of digital citizens. He holds top-tier certifications from ISACA, SANS, and (ISC)², solidifying his credentials in the field.”
Saket Saith is a seasoned professional at the forefront of digital transformation, specializing in the convergence of strategy and execution. Currently serving as the Group Chief Technology and Data Officer at RAKBANK, UAE, Saket has over 25 years of experience in leading technology and data initiatives, ensuring the delivery of innovative and customer-centric solutions. Prior to this, he held pivotal roles, including Chief Technology Officer at Barclays in the United Kingdom, and various leadership positions at DBS Bank in Singapore, where he played a crucial role in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, and IT Strategy. He is passionate about emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and big data, and how they can be leveraged to create value for customers, businesses, and society at large.
Saket’s career spans the globe, contributing significantly to the growth and innovation of renowned financial and technology organizations. His expertise encompasses enterprise architecture, IT business strategy, software engineering, and operating models. Saket holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Communications from Delhi College of Engineering.
Rasha Badawi boasts more than 25 years of experience in the industry and currently serves as Managing Director and CEO of Barclays Private Bank in the UAE.
Throughout her career, she has specialized in private banking, cultivating strong relationships with UHNWIs, family offices, institutional clients, royal and merchant families across the Middle East and beyond.
Since joining Barclays in 2011 as a Director and Senior Private Banker for the Qatar Market, she has continually accelerated her career, holding leadership positions such as Head of Qatar and Saudi Arabia before assuming her current role as CEO overseeing the Private Bank Franchise front-to-end for the region from the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Prior to joining Barclays, Rasha worked across multiple international financial institutions such as HSBC, Standard Chartered and Bank J Safra Sarasin assuming various leadership roles including the role of Head of Wealth Management.
Recognized as a Forbes Middle East top 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen in 2024, Rasha’s journey exemplifies leadership and innovation in the private banking sector. Her commitment to client experience and excellence matches her academic achievements, which includes a CeFA with distinction and bachelor’s degree in business Administration from the American University of Beirut.
Beyond the boardroom, Rasha is an avid traveller and culinary enthusiast, finding balance and inspiration in both professional and personal pursuits. As a proud Female Arab Leader, she is passionate about driving innovation, fostering growth, and empowering teams to achieve their highest potential in the ever-evolving landscape of Private Banking.
Haseeb Ansari is the Chief Compliance Officer at Emirates Islamic (part of the Emirates NBD Group) and has more than 28 years of international banking experience, which includes management of Regulatory and Financial Crime Compliance frameworks, as well as Governance and Operations. He has extensive experience in dealing with regulators, industry bodies, foreign correspondent banks and vendors. He has been an active member in the Compliance community and currently, he is the Vice Chairman of the UAE Banks Federation (UBF) Compliance Committee.
Prior to joining Emirates Islamic, Haseeb was the Chief Compliance Officer at United Arab Bank and previously, he completed more than 9 years at Barclays Bank PLC, where his last assignment was the Regional Head of Compliance for the Middle East. He originally started his career at Citibank, managing a diverse spectrum of functional portfolios for over a decade.
Dr. Abdulla is a dynamic Emirati leader, serving as Chief Operating Officer at United Arab Bank since 2022. With two decades of cross-functional experience in banking and financial services, he possesses expertise across Operations, Branch Banking, Treasury, Retail, Corporate, Credit Administration, Strategy, and IT.
Previously, he held leadership roles at Al Masraf Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), and Emirates NBD. Throughout his career, he has led major transformation projects, driving sustainable growth through operational excellence and large-scale team management. Under his leadership, Al Masraf’s net profit grew from AED 250 Mn to AED 482 Mn, fueled by initiatives like Core Banking modernization and e2e digitization.
Dr. Abdulla holds an honorary doctorate from Glory International University and various certifications in Leadership & Management, Banking & Finance, and Project Management (PMP). In 2024, he obtained a Strategy Leadership Certificate from Said Business School, Oxford University.
A strong advocate of industry best practices, he actively participates in the Tafawouq Project and serves as Board Secretary of the Swift User Community at the UAE Banking Federation (UBF), contributing to National banking initiatives under the Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE). His leadership and contributions continue to enhance the banking sector in the UAE.
Chris has been building financial services and investment platforms for banks, governments and technology companies. He is currently serving as the CEO of ruya, the UAE’s digital-first Islamic community bank. Under his leadership, ruya is dedicated to creating a fairer and more sustainable world through ethical Islamic banking practices, exceptional customer service and active community engagement.
Before his role at ruya, Chris served as the Chief Operating Officer at a G42 joint venture, where he was responsible for building the business unit from its incubation phase. He also led the asset management of the group’s portfolio of operating businesses and developed its proprietary investment programme.
Prior to G42, Chris was a key member of the executive management team at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). His leadership and strategic vision were vital in positioning Abu Dhabi as a significant player on the global investment stage.
At Emirates NBD, Chris led award-winning strategy and customer experience teams across Private Banking, Asset Management and Retail Banking. His tenure saw Emirates NBD’s Private Banking business rise to prominence as the leading wealth management franchise in the region.
Chris’s career began at Roland Berger’s restructuring and turnaround practice as well as the corporate development and M&A team at a major renewable energy conglomerate.
Johnson has been with Walaa Insurance since 2007. He joined the Company as its first CFO, closely supporting the CEO of the Company in its initial phases including setting up accounting function, introducing necessary internal control and reporting procedures to facilitate compliance with all regulatory requirements necessary for obtaining operating licenses and approvals.
After a period of 5-years, appointed as CEO of Walaa towards the end of 2012 and since then, led the company through all its phases of growth, diversification, challenges and expansion. Led the team from front for doubling of the Paid-up Capital from SR 200m to SR 400m, with a premium. Instrumental in ‘turning-around’ the operations of the Company and establishing a surplus in shareholders’ equity as well as taking the company from the 24th position in 2010, with a GWP of 210m to the 5th largest Insurer is Saudi Arabia with a GWP of over SAR 3.5 billion. He led the growth momentum of the Company and has successfully completed the first merger in the KSA Insurance sector with speed and efficiency.
He is a member of the Insurance Executive Committee of Insurers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has been the Chairman of the Finance Sub-Committee for two consecutive terms.
He holds a Bachelor degree in Commerce, a qualified chartered accountant and is a Fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He has over 30 years’ experience in manufacturing, hospitality, Trading and Financial sectors.
www.walaa.com
Abdullah Alsalem is the IT director at Soudah Development company, with experience in various facets of business development, business process analysis, and providing need-based solutions. Has done projects in developing and implementing robust processes, road maps, and plans to optimize working efficiency and business performance. Instrumental in streamlining processes, achieving desired results, and uncovering areas for improvements. Previous experience in Albilad Bank, Alinma Bank, Modon, MOH. Previously worked in supporting urban planning projects with technology as well as smart city strategies and use cases.
