The iconic event celebrating the GCC business leadership, the TOP CEO Conference and Awards, is returning for its sixth edition on May 17 and 18, 2022, at Palazzo Versace, Dubai.
Following a two-year hiatus owing to COVID-19 restrictions, the awards and conference is returning to Dubai, after traveling to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Arab Women Forum, a platform to discuss achievements and share solutions for the women leaders of the region, is also making a comeback along with the TOP CEO Conference and Awards.
The event’s most unique aspect is the transparency and credibility of its TOP CEO awards that have won the hearts and respect of the GCC’s business community since 2013.
The TOP CEO awards are based on the rankings of all GCC-listed companies based on financial performance, size of a company, and corporate governance.
For the latter, the TOP CEO follows guidelines by the Dubai-based Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance, and there is no fee or nominations for the awards.
All companies listed on the seven GCC stock markets are evaluated. The ranking formula has been developed by the TOP CEO in partnership with INSEAD Business School and Hawkamah Institute has provided corporate governance guidelines since the event’s inception.
The results are audited by one of the Big Four. For the 2022 awards, KPMG is auditing the TOP CEO ranking. The companies are classified into 10 categories and the top 10 CEOs of companies in each category are recognized for their leadership, taking the total number of awards to 100.
The categories are: Banking; Energy & Utility; Financial Services & Investment; Insurance; Logistics & Industrials; Malls, Real Estate & Construction; Mining, Metals & Chemicals; Retail, FMCG & Consumer Care; Shariah-Compliant banks & Financial Services and Telecom, Tech & Media. Click here for the TOP CEO 2022 Shortlist in different categories.
The organizer of the TOP CEO “Special Edition”, Julien Hawari said: “Today, global market forces are coming together in the post-pandemic economies to rebuild communities and businesses, and our region is no different.”
He added: “The TOP CEO Conference and Awards highlight and recognize the resilience of GCC’s business leadership. The event is back in Dubai which is a hub of optimism, innovation, and progress amidst the challenges such as Covid-19.”
Organized by Special Edition LLC, the parent company of TRENDS – the international media on Arab affairs – the TOP CEO Conference and Awards target the region’s most affluent business leaders and thinkers – CEOs, senior government officials, and regional and international experts.
The two-day conference’s mission is to facilitate connections, generate growth opportunities, recognize the GCC’s most prominent executives, and allow participants to freely talk and exchange ideas in both on-and off-record sessions.
Conference Agenda for 2022 Organized under the theme of “The Great Business Reset”, the two-day thought leadership conference will witness government ministers and officials, C-suite executives, international experts, and regional analysts share ideas with hundreds of attendees.
The panel discussions and presentations would focus on the transformational changes in the GCC including accelerated technology adoption, startup emergence, megaprojects, inflation, IPOs, regional conflicts and uncertainty, labor markets, retail, metaverse, and blockchain revolution, among others.
Along with the TOP CEO conference, some sessions on May 17 are dedicated to the Arab Women Forum (AWF).
The forum, which was launched in Saudi Arabia in 2018, is a platform dedicated to promoting and supporting Arab Women’s growing contribution to the region’s economy and society.
Women CEOs, decision-makers, and business leaders will participate in panel discussions on various issues, including Arab Women’s Image, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs, the Workplace of Tomorrow, Women in Technology, Saudi Women Pioneers, and many others.
Click here to read all about the TOP CEO and Arab Women Forum.