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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

Events

Public Event Wed, September 16, 2020 • 3:00 pm ET

A conversation with H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Mari, UAE Minister of Economy
Economy & Business Israel Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
Online Event Tue, November 17, 2020 • 7:30 am ET

A conversation with Careem Co-Founder and CEO Mudassir Sheikha
Economy & Business Entrepreneurship Middle East Technology & Innovation
Online Event Tue, February 9, 2021 • 8:00 am ET

Building a viable Middle East venture capital industry
Economy & Business Middle East
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empowerME Conversations

Sep 27, 2022

Economies in Transition: Egypt

By Atlantic Council

In Season 3, Episode 2 of empowerME Conversations podcast, host and Atlantic Council empowerME Chairman Amjad Ahmad speaks with Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation H.E. Rania Al-Mashat and guest co-host UPS President of International Public Affairs and Sustainability Penelope Naas to discuss Egypt hosting COP 27, increasing women in leadership positions, promoting inclusivity in the economy, energy transitions, and the continued development of Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Economy & Business Middle East

empowerME Conversations

Sep 20, 2022

Economies in Transition: Palestine

By Atlantic Council

In Season 3, Episode 1 of empowerME Conversations podcast, host and Atlantic Council empowerME Chairman Amjad Ahmad speaks with Palestine Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Empowerment H.E. Osama Al Saadawi and guest co-host Ibtikar Fund Managing General Partner Habib Hazzan about the challenges facing Palestine's entrepreneurial ecosystem, the private sector's role in promoting economic growth, and strategies to expose local entrepreneurs to global markets.

Economy & Business Middle East

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
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Amjad Ahmad was 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.