London Business School Hosts MENA Leaders to Discuss AI, Investment, and the Digital Economy

London Business School (LBS) hosted its 23rd Annual MENA Conference at its London campus, bringing together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, and industry leaders to discuss the forces reshaping the Middle East and North Africa’s economic future.

Over the years, the conference has evolved into one of the region’s most recognised platforms for discussions around innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and economic transformation. This year’s edition focused heavily on the intersection of technology, capital, sustainability, and policy, reflecting the region’s growing role within the global digital economy.

“This year’s MENA Conference highlights how the region is positioning itself at the intersection of capital, innovation, and global economic transformation,” said Florin Vasvari, Executive Dean of Executive Education, Middle East, at London Business School.

The agenda explored themes including global capital flows, fintech, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, and the financing landscape surrounding the region’s technology ecosystem. Discussions also examined how regional markets are evolving to support stronger startup ecosystems, deeper capital markets, and long-term economic competitiveness.

Artificial intelligence emerged as one of the defining themes of the conference, with speakers discussing how regional organisations can build sustainable AI capabilities through investments in infrastructure, talent, data, and capital. Conversations also explored how fintech is reshaping financial infrastructure and improving access to digital financial services across the region.

Throughout the event, senior executives, policymakers, founders, and investors shared perspectives on the MENA region’s evolving role within global markets, as governments and businesses increasingly position technology and innovation at the centre of long-term economic diversification strategies.

The conference also highlighted London Business School’s growing regional engagement, following the opening of its executive office in Riyadh alongside its longstanding Dubai campus, strengthening its support for leadership development and executive education across the GCC.