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Emerging market investments are shrinking. How will MENA countries hit FDI targets? 

MENASource May 11, 2022

Emerging market investments are shrinking. How will MENA countries hit FDI targets? 

By Amjad Ahmad

A US economic slowdown or a recession couldn’t come at a worse time for emerging markets, particularly those in MENA, where most are fighting chronic unemployment, slowing growth, and higher debt levels.

Economy & Business Middle East
Turkey and the UAE are getting close again. But why now?

MENASource Mar 7, 2022

Turkey and the UAE are getting close again. But why now?

By Amjad Ahmad, Defne Arslan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s February 14 visit to the UAE indicates that rapprochement is well underway. Strategic and economic factors are behind this shift and many benefits can come from closer ties.
Economy & Business Middle East
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are economic frenemies. And that’s a good thing.

MENASource Aug 2, 2021

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are economic frenemies. And that’s a good thing.

By Amjad Ahmad

Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have wisely made the economy the focal point of their strategies for the future, as evidenced by national policy changes and a reduction in foreign adventures. Ending the Qatar blockade, and opening a dialogue with adversarial neighbors like Iran and Turkey is linked to long-term economic ambitions.
Economy & Business Middle East

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New Atlanticist

Oct 18, 2023

Experts react: What did Biden achieve in his visit to Israel?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the implications of Biden’s visit for Israel and the wider region.

Conflict Crisis Management

empowerME Conversations

Oct 11, 2022

Economies in Transition: Middle East

By Atlantic Council

In Season 3, Episode 4 of empowerME Conversations podcast, host and Atlantic Council empowerME Chairman Amjad Ahmad speaks with International Monetary Fund's Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department Jihad Azour and guest co-host Atlantic Council's empowerME Director Racha Helwa to discuss the economy and market opportunities of the MENA region, women and youth empowerment, and the development of differing entrepreneurial ecosystems within the region.

Economy & Business Middle East

empowerME Conversations

Oct 4, 2022

Economies in Transition: Jordan

By Atlantic Council

In Season 3, Episode 3 of empowerME Conversations podcast, host and Atlantic Council empowerME Chairman Amjad Ahmad speaks with Jordan's Minister of Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship H.E. Ahmad Al-Hanandeh and guest co-host BeyondCapital Managing Director Tamer Al-Salah to discuss Jordan’s current economic situation, the pivotal role investors play in growing their entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the increasing involvement of women in the Jordanian economy.

Economy & Business Middle East
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Amjad Ahmad is chairman of the empowerME Initiative at the Atlantic Council and managing partner and emerging market advisor at 500 Global. Ahmad also serves on the board of directors of Amideast, Homzmart, Koita Foods, and Tapal Tea.

Ahmad has invested in emerging markets for over two decades, building two investment firms and providing over one billion dollars in venture and growth financing to companies in the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Turkey in sectors ranging from technology and education to healthcare and finance. Based in the Gulf for seventeen years before moving to Washington, DC, Ahmad has collaborated with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to build companies in the Middle East.

Ahmad holds a master’s degree in international affairs with a concentration in international finance and economics from Columbia University and is a graduate of the general management program at Harvard Business School.