Dr. Ziad Nakat - Moderator Resident Representative at The World Bank Kuwait
Dr. Ziad Nakat - Moderator Resident Representative at The World Bank Kuwait Dr. Ziad Nakat has worked extensively on development issues, focusing primarily on infrastructure sectors. He has over 20 years’ experience in Infrastructure and Transport sectors of which 17 at the World Bank working on 40 countries in Eastern Europe, Central and Southern Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He is a recognized global expert on infrastructure finance, policy, and asset management; and was featured as an expert in reputable conferences, journals, and media outlets. Dr. Nakat joined the World Bank in 2006 as a Transport Specialist in the Infrastructure Vice Presidency. He has since held various positions in the headquarters in Washington DC, and in the field, delivering large and complex programs in the billions of dollars. His most recent assignment was as a Senior Transport Specialist in the Southern Africa Region.
Hamad Al-Sheikh Musaed Head of Business Development at Rasameel
Hamad Al-Sheikh Musaed Head of Business Development at Rasameel Hamad Al-Sheikh Musaed has been an integral part of Rasameel for almost 8 years, consistently demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to excellence. As the Head of Business Development, he has successfully served a diverse clientele, including high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and institutional investors. His responsibilities encompass mergers and acquisitions (M&A), advisory services, and asset restructuring. Prior to his current role, he held a position in Wealth Management. Hamad graduated from New Mexico State University with a double major in Finance and Banking. He began his career in the banking sector before transitioning to investments, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role at Rasameel.
Omar Amireh Chief Executive Officer at Citibank N.A., Kuwait Branch
Omar Amireh Chief Executive Officer at Citibank N.A., Kuwait Branch Omar Amireh has been with Citi for 19 years, joining in 2005 in Jordan within the Corporate and Investment Banking technology team. He later served in London, leading EMEA-wide teams in Treasury Services and Export & Agency Finance. Omar has been Citi Kuwait’s Chief Country Officer since July 2023 and Head of Corporate Banking in Kuwait since 2018. He holds an Executive MBA from Cass Business School, UK, and a BSc in Information Systems and Computer Science from Jordan University of Science and Technology.
Amit Arora Partner at EY
Amit Arora Partner at EY Amit Arora is a seasoned tax specialist with over 15 years of experience in corporate taxation. As a Partner at Ernst & Young (EY) for the past 11 years, he advises on international tax, cross-border structuring, compliance, and litigation. Amit is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and is recognized for his expertise in individual taxation, company law, and foreign exchange regulations. In addition to his role at EY, he serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors at AmCham Kuwait, where he fosters economic ties between Kuwait and the U.S. His strategic insights make him a leading figure in international tax advisory.
Ahmad M A Bastaki Executive Chairman at MABastaki Inc.
Ahmad M A Bastaki Executive Chairman at MABastaki Inc. Ahmad M. A. Bastaki is the Executive Chairman of MABastaki Inc. and serves as the Chair of AmCham Kuwait's Banking and Finance Focus Group, under which this event is organized. Previously, he spent over three decades at the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), most recently as Executive Director of Senior Management since 2006. Ahmad was instrumental in establishing KIA’s strategies and key multilateral organizations, including the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF) and the One Planet Sovereign Wealth Funds (OPSWF). In 2023, IFSWF recognized him for "outstanding leadership." MABastaki Inc., a 181-year-old family business, spans trade and real estate with offices in Kuwait, Dubai, and Florida.
Fadwa Darwish Secretary General at Union Investment Companies
Fadwa Darwish Secretary General at Union Investment Companies Fadwa Darwish is the Secretary General of the Union of Investment Companies (UIC). She has a strong background in investment management and expertise in Business Planning, Asset Management, Equities, and Capital Markets. She holds a Diploma in Financial Institution Management from UCLA, an MPhil (Distinction) in Finance from Exeter University, and a BSc in Business Administration/Economics from UAE University. She has held key roles, including Director of the Technical Support Department & Acting Director of the Investment Studies Center at UIC, Senior Advisor for Macroeconomic Analysis with the UNDP in Kuwait, and Financial Supervisor at the Central Bank of Lebanon. She has also lectured at The Lebanese University and Al-Jinan University and is an author, with publications including The Gulf Stock Exchange Crash – The Rise and Fall of The Souq Al-Manakh.
Eng Saheb Khajah Chairman at Al-Safat Investments Company
Eng Saheb Khajah Chairman at Al-Safat Investments Company Eng. Saheb Saleh Khajah is an accomplished leader in real estate investment and operations with an engineering background that enhances his strategic approach. With expertise in strategic planning, property acquisition, and operational efficiency, he has led projects that prioritize structural integrity and long-term financial performance. His commitment to value creation and sustainable growth is evident in his leadership roles, including Chairman at Al Safat Consultant, General Manager at Dar Al Safat General Trading, Head of Support Services at Al Safat Investment, and Vice Chairman and CEO at Carpet Industries Company.