Overview of the Chapter:
GCC BDI plans to establish local membership chapters in across the GCC to enhance members' experience and engagement. These chapters will host events that focus on hot topics and discussions that are trending in local markets. The events will provide an opportunity for members to network, share their experiences, and learn from experts in the field of governance.
Benefits of the Membership Chapter:
Joining the local membership chapter provides numerous benefits to members. First and foremost, it enables members to connect with like-minded professionals who share their passion for effective governance.
Chapters will also provide an opportunity for members to engage with their local Chapter Advisory Board, a group of seasoned professionals and business leaders who provide guidance and support to GCC BDI Chapters in promoting effective governance practices in the region.
As a member of GCC BDI's Chapter, board directors in the region will have access to a wide range of networking opportunities and events that focus on hot topics and discussions that are trending in local markets. Members can engage with their peers, share their experiences, and learn from experts in the field of governance.
The events hosted by the local membership chapters are free for members and fellows, making them an accessible platform for learning and sharing knowledge. Associate members may receive limited invitations or pay a fee if they wish to attend certain events.
Objectives we need to achieve:
The objective of establishing local membership chapters is to create a platform for members to engage and connect at a local level. The events hosted by the chapters are designed to provide relevant information on governance practices and emerging trends in local markets. Through these events, members can gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in their respective industries and apply these learnings to their organizations.
UAE Chapter Launch:
The launch of the GCC BDI's UAE Chapter on 19 January 2023 was a resounding success, with an impressive turnout of members, prominent guest speakers, and the active participation of the Chapter Advisory Board. The event was a milestone for GCC BDI, marking the first of many efforts to promote effective governance practices in the region.
The UAE Chapter is a significant addition to GCC BDI's network, as it serves as a hub for board directors in the UAE to connect, network, and share their experiences. With its central location and strategic importance as a business hub in the GCC, the UAE Chapter provides a unique platform for members to engage in discussions and gain insights into the latest trends and best practices in governance.
At the launch event, His Excellency Mr. Adnan Amin, Chief Executive Officer of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), shared his insights on the importance of effective governance practices in addressing climate change and environmental sustainability. His participation in the launch event underscores the significance of the UAE Chapter and its potential impact in promoting sustainable business practices in the region.
The next UAE Membership Chapter in Dubai - 4 May 2023
Our next UAE Membership Chapter event is on 4 May in Dubai, and we are pleased to have Dr. Mervyn King as our special guest for this event. Dr Mervyn King is an internationally acclaimed expert in governance and sustainability, with a wealth of experience as a chairman, director and chief executive of several companies listed on the London, Luxembourg and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges. We believe that this event will provide a valuable opportunity for you to engage with Dr King and other board directors from across the UAE. Register your interest here.
GCC BDI to Launch Riyadh Membership Chapter: Laying the Foundation for Future Chapters in the Kingdom
GCC BDI is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Riyadh Membership Chapter. This new chapter will be strategic in laying the foundation for future membership chapters in the Kingdom. The launch is scheduled for 15 June, 2023, and will feature HE Dr. Fahad Toonsi as the keynote speaker.
Planning for the next chapter in Riyadh has been ongoing for some time. The decision to establish a membership chapter in the Kingdom was based on the growing demand for effective governance practices in the region. Riyadh was chosen as the location for the first membership chapter in the Kingdom due to its central location and importance as a business hub in the GCC.
The launch of the Riyadh Membership Chapter is a significant step for GCC BDI as it seeks to expand its reach and impact in the region. The chapter will serve as a model for future membership chapters in the Kingdom, providing a blueprint for best practices and effective governance in the region.
The keynote speaker for the launch, HE Dr. Fahad Toonsi, is a prominent figure in the Kingdom and a respected expert in the field of governance. His participation in the launch event highlights the importance of effective governance practices in the Kingdom and underscores the commitment of GCC BDI to promoting good governance practices in the region, please watch this space for further information.
Read the interviews of our eminent UAE Advisory Board Committee members shared their insights on the UAE Chapter
Dr. Waddah Al-Hashmi Ghanem, Chairperson, UAE Chapter Advisory Members
There is no doubt that in the past 15 years the GCC BDI has played a significant role in bringing greater awareness to the region with respect to good corporate governance practices and the value that governance and leadership on boards can bring to organizations. We have more that 2500 members today in the Institute and there has been much interest throughout the GCC. The members based in the KSA are also very active and constitute a large segment of the members. The UAE members are also a significant percentage, and the UAE chapter will further focus some of the activities in 2023 and beyond to support these members. The Chapter Advisory Board shall review all matters concerning the Chapter and makes recommendations on the Chapter and its activities aimed at the promotion and achievement of the strategic objectives set by GCC BDI.
Adam Malouf, Joint Vice Chairperson, UAE Chapter Advisory Members
The chapter is the living, breathing personification of the membership base, and it functions as the conduit which is very focused on understanding the changing needs of members, the challenges they face, and how they can capitalise on opportunities. Encapsulating this consolidated understanding is critical, which is fed into not only reshaping the substance and delivery of learning and development initiatives, but also into creating an ecosystem which allows for the efficient and timely exchange of ideas, experiences and learnings, which is manifested in workshops, seminars and events focused on discrete issues of direct and current relevance to members. The chapter is by members and for members, and they provide principal guidance and feedback on matters related to governance, regulation, operations of boards, emerging issues and anticipating future trends; this is then structured into cogent action points by the UAE Chapter Advisory Board, and channelled back to the GCC BDI team for further attention.