Building the Future Summit – 2nd Edition, 23-24 June 2026
2nd Edition · Abu Dhabi
- Date
- 23-24 June 2026
- Venue
- Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
- Format
- In person event
- Doors
- Registration and networking from 09:00
Overview
Overview
- Date
- 23-24 June 2026
- Venue
- Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
- Format
- In person event
- Doors
- Registration and networking from 09:00
The 2nd Edition of the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit, taking place on 23rd and 24th June at Conrad Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, will bring together industry leaders, investors, architects, and innovators to explore the trends and technologies shaping the next era of real estate. The summit will spotlight smart city innovation, sustainable urban planning, and new investment opportunities transforming the MENA market.
Through focused keynotes, expert panels, and interactive discussions, the event will inspire collaboration and forward-thinking solutions that redefine the future of urban development.
Stay tuned for more updates.
On stage
Speakers
Social Impact Guests
Social Impact Guests
Entertainment
Entertainment
Agenda · 23-24 June 2026
Building the Future Summit
Break
National Anthem
Opening Ceremony
Welcome Address by Khuloud Al Omian, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Middle East
Presenting Partner Welcome Speech
Ali Al GebelyFounder & Chairman, ONE Development & ONE Holding
Keynote Address by the Event Patron
H.E. Eng Sharif Salim Al OlamaUndersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs , UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Building the Future Narrative: How Media Shapes Nations, Cities, and Economies (Arabic)
A high-level conversation on how media and strategic communication have become core instruments of nation-building, shaping global perception, attracting investment, and strengthening economic competitiveness, while advancing the long-term vision of future-focused nations.
H.E. Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohamed Bin Butti Al HamedChairman of the National Media Authority
Budour MousaModeratorPresenter, Forbes Middle East
Securing the Energy Foundations of Tomorrow's Economy
A discussion on how forward-looking energy strategies are helping build resilient economies, support urban development, and meet the evolving demands of future generations.
H.E. Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Belajer Al RumaithiUndersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy
Laying the Foundations of Tomorrow: Infrastructure at the Heart of National Transformation (Arabic)
An exploration of how integrated infrastructure strategies are driving the UAE’s long-term ambitions, accelerating economic diversification, enhancing societal well-being, and boosting global competitiveness.
H.E. Eng. Mohamed Al MansooriUndersecretary of Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs (UAE)
Awards Ceremony
Official Group Picture
Powering the Next Horizon: The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 in Action
An insight into how the UAE is translating its long-term energy strategy into impactful outcomes by driving clean energy adoption, enhancing energy efficiency, and shaping a resilient, low-carbon economy for generations to come.
- H.E. Eng Sharif Salim Al OlamaUndersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs , UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Ramia FarrageModeratorSenior Presenter / Producer Forbes Middle East
Leadership, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Legacy and the Future of Urban Development
A discussion on visionary leadership, a founder’s mindset, and its role in driving the future of cities, real estate, and sustainable urban growth
Rizwan SajanFounder and Chairman, Danube Group
Sally MousaModeratorSenior Presenter Forbes Middle East
Forging Public-Private Partnerships to Enable Future-Ready Projects (Arabic)
A key discussion on the importance of strategic collaboration between government entities and private sector players to accelerate infrastructure development, foster innovation and efficiency, and deliver long-term value across key national projects.
Moderator: Dr. Hani Albadri, Professor, Senior Producer, Presenter, And Academic Media Lecturer
H.E. Eng. Eisa Mubarak Al MazroueiDirector General of Infrastructure Development Directorate, Department of Municipalities and Transport
Eng. Abdulla Al AbdouliGroup CEO, Marjan
Dr. Bahaa SalemGroup President, Al Salem Group
The Developer’s Edge: Elevating Skylines and Driving Urban Impact
A focused discussion on how innovative real estate development and strategic urban planning drive economic growth, shape vibrant cityscapes, and support the region’s long-term vision for prosperity and sustainability.
Carlos WakimCEO, Bloom Holding
Jayda ShoukryModeratorContent Producer Forbes Middle East
Integrated Living: Building Places that Connect, Empower, and Inspire
This session explores how mixed-use developments, inclusive design, and people-centric planning are shaping vibrant urban spaces that foster belonging, accessibility, and holistic well-being.
Capt Pradeep SinghChairman & Founder, Karma Developers
Stephen WhiteModeratorSenior Conference Manager , Forbes Middle East
Networking Lunch
City Icons in the Making: Designing Tomorrow’s Global Destinations
Learn how visionary urban planning, architectural innovation, and cultural storytelling are coming together to create cities that aren’t just livable but unforgettable. From tourism and lifestyle to sustainability and heritage, discover what it takes to build the region’s next iconic destinations.
H.E. Mansour Alharbi, Acting Executive Director of Activation & Development Control, Sector, Department of Municipalities and Transport
Amin Al ArrayedCEO, Naseej BSC (c)
Jonathan BrownChief Portfolio Officer, Miral
Israa IbrahimModeratorBusiness Presenter & Producer, Moniify (UAE)
Defining Ultra-Luxury: The Future of High-End Living
Explore how ultra-luxury real estate is evolving to meet the expectations of global high-net-worth buyers, from bespoke design and branded residences to privacy, exclusivity, and service excellence shaping the next era of high-end living.
Eng. Nour MorshedyOwner & CEO, Morshedy Group
Daniel HadiCEO - Middle East, Engel & Völkers
Hamdan Mohamed Al KaitoobSenior Vice President – Sales & Marketing ,Deyaar Development PJSC
Viwe KuneneModeratorPresenter Forbes Middle East
The Private Sector as a Pillar of Growth: Powering Innovation & Investment in the Region
Explore how the private sector drives regional growth by fostering innovation, attracting investment, empowering SMEs, and shaping supportive policy frameworks to build resilient, future-ready economies.
Saad Faruk ManiarCEO , Baker Tilly UAE
Gregg WelchSenior Vice President - Strategy, Growth and Business Development, Parsons
Bilal SabouniModeratorManaging Director - Head of MENAT, Guidepoint (UAE)
Investment Confidence in a Changing Market: Capital, Risk & Opportunity in Real Estate
As market dynamics shift, this session explores how investors are recalibrating risk, deploying capital, and identifying high-value opportunities across the real estate landscape to drive the next phase of growth.
Eng. Ahmed Abdalla Alhammadi, Director, Financial Sustainability & Investment Department, UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure
Thierry DelvauxCEO, Emirates REIT, Equitativa
Louis HardingCEO, betterhomes
Hisham DallyModeratorEY MENA Assurance Government & Infrastructure Leader, EY
Urban Futures: What Will Define the Next Decade of Development?
A forward-looking discussion exploring the key trends, technologies, and policies that will shape the next era of urban development, balancing innovation, sustainability, and evolving societal needs.
Moderator: Manika Dhama, Partner, Infrastructure & Real Estate, Deloitte Middle East
Naseibah AlmarzooqiDirector of Studies, Research & Development & Chief Innovation Officer, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Dr. Mohamed Walid LotfyChief Development Officer, Federal Engineering Consultants
Moderators
Moderators
Getting there
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.
Hosted at Conrad Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, the summit convenes leaders and decision-makers in a refined setting built for strategic dialogue and professional networking.
From previous editions