Global Visionaries Converge at the Milken Institute 2025 Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi to Ignite Cross-Sector Collaboration on the World’s Pressing Challenges

From geopolitical volatility to rapid technological change, the high-impact, two-day Summit mobilizes influential voices to move ideas into action.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Milken Institute 2025 Middle East and Africa (MEA) Summit begins today with a welcome reception, bringing together an influential cross-section of global leaders to advance solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges. Running December 4–5 at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, the Summit convenes hundreds of business and philanthropic leaders, global health and finance experts, and senior policymakers under the theme “Progress with Purpose: Advancing Meaningful Partnerships.”

Over two days, participants will explore how innovation, strategic investment, and cross-sector collaboration can accelerate progress on pressing regional and global priorities—from technological transformation and climate resilience to shifting economic dynamics and sustainable growth.

Featured speakers include His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO, Mubadala Investment Company; Ben Black, CEO, US International Development Finance Corporation; Camila Cabello, singer and songwriter; Gstaad Guy, Founder, Poubel; Jessica Sibley, CEO, TIME; Kimbal Musk, Founder and CEO, Nova Sky Stories; Her Excellency Mariam Al Mheiri, Managing Director, 2PointZero; Matthew Whitaker, US Ambassador to NATO; His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Director General of the Prime Minister's Office, United Arab Emirates; Susie Wolff, Former Professional Racing Driver; and many other changemakers shaping the future of the region and beyond.

“Collaboration is essential to addressing the complex challenges we’re facing globally,” said Laura Deal Lacey, EVP, Milken Institute International. “This Summit connects business leaders and investors committed to advancing progress with purpose—turning shared ideas into actionable solutions that create lasting impact.”

Across more than 40 sessions, speakers will tackle issues reshaping societies and markets, including geopolitical instability, public health preparedness, climate adaptation, and emerging economic opportunities. Key panels include:

• The Great AI Adoption Race
• Navigating Crosscurrents: Global Macro and Investment Outlook
• FinTech Mega Trends: The Disruption Revolution Is Here
• Strategic Resources, Global Stakes: Critical Mineral Investments in a Changing World
• Precision for Better Health Outcomes
• Real Estate in a Repriced World
• Powering the Future: The Next Energy Era

A major Summit highlight is the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AI and Manufacturing pitch showcase, where 10 semi-finalists will present their ventures in a live, “Shark Tank”-style competition designed to elevate breakthrough innovations and attract strategic investment. Five finalists will be selected to receive a combined $150,000 in prize awards, advancing to compete for the $1 million grand prize at the 2026 Global Conference.

The 2025 MEA Summit builds on the Milken Institute’s long-standing commitment to driving practical, scalable solutions to global issues. By convening leaders across sectors and geographies, the Institute aims to expand economic opportunity, strengthen regional development, and accelerate innovation.

Participating organizations include Alterra, BAFTA, Bridgepoint, Diriyah, Eldridge, Etihad Airways, Fortress Investment Group LLC, Guggenheim Investments, Ma'aden, Mubadala Investment Company, Shell Foundation, and more.

Public sessions will be livestreamed, extending the Summit’s reach globally. The full agenda and livestream access are available on the Milken Institute website.

Sign up to receive the latest summit news in The Circuit’s special edition event newsletter.

For updates, follow Milken Institute on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, and Instagram using #MIGlobal.

About the Milken Institute

The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what’s pressing now and what’s coming next. For more information, visit www.milkeninstitute.org.