SUPER INNOVATIONS FOR HUMANITY
The SuperBridge Summit 2024, was an event that brought together visionary leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from around the world to tackle the shared challenges of our time. With a focus on turning risks into rewards and leveraging disruptive technologies for growth, the summit served as a platform for fostering collaboration and driving positive change.
Under the theme ‘Innovate for Next Gen,’ SuperBridge Summit 2024 explored key topics shaping the future of the global economy, such as climate change, social inequality, and the impact of technology. Participants had the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, exchange ideas, and build partnerships to address these pressing issues.
The SuperBridge Summit 2024, with its theme ‘Innovate for Next Gen,’ delved into the diverse elements that shape the future of the global economy, focusing on five key topics: ‘Economic Powerhouse,’ ‘Technology and Industrial Transformation,’ ‘Leadership and Human Equity,’ ‘Life and Wellbeing,’ and ‘Wealth and Investment.’
The summit took place on 15-16 October 2024 at the elegant luxurious One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai, coinciding with GITEX Global. By bringing together a diverse group of next-generation leaders, the SuperBridge Summit 2024 seeks to create a united front in paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
SuperBridge Summit 2024 was transformative experience, where innovation and collaboration drove real-world solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
The summit’s theme reflected a forward-thinking and solution-oriented approach to addressing the world’s most urgent challenges. ‘Innovate’ underscores the importance of embracing new ideas and technologies to drive progress, while ‘Next Gen’ emphasizes the multifaceted aspects of global economic forces, technology, leadership, wellbeing, and investment that will define the future.
‘Economic Powerhouse’: This topic explores the dynamics and strategies that drive global economic growth, highlighting emerging economies and key industries.
‘Technology and Industrial Transformation’: Participants delved into the latest advancements in technology and their impact on industry and society, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital transformation.
‘Leadership and Human Equity’: The summit examined the importance of leadership and the promotion of equity and inclusion in creating a sustainable and prosperous future.
‘Life and Wellbeing’: This topic focused on enhancing life and wellbeing through innovation in areas such as healthcare, education, and urban development.
‘Wealth and Investment’: The summit explored the evolving landscape of wealth and investment, examining the role of venture capital, private equity, and sustainable investing in shaping the economy.
The SuperBridge Summit 2024 brought together over 70 distinguished speakers from various sectors, offering a dynamic platform to discuss and analyze critical topics that are shaping our world’s future. The summit’s diverse and influential lineup of speakers provided valuable insights on a range of subjects, fostering thought-provoking conversations and enabling attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the key forces driving global change.
The summit featured notable leaders, experts, and visionaries from industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and real estate, among others. These speakers shared their unique perspectives and expertise, contributing to an engaging and informative event that inspired attendees to explore innovative solutions and strategies for addressing global challenges.
Through panel discussions, keynotes, and networking opportunities, attendees engaged in thought-provoking conversations surrounding these critical topics, with the goal of fostering collaboration and generating innovative solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges.
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the SuperBridge Council have reaffirmed their dedication to reinforcing the Middle East’s prominence as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Middle East has emerged as a top-three destination for investors and industry leaders worldwide, thanks to its strategic location, pro-investor policies, and robust infrastructure. The region’s flourishing industrial sector is garnering global attention, resulting in increased Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) that bolster economic diversification.
In line with the UAE’s goal of increasing its industrial GDP, cultivating strategic public-private partnerships is crucial for harnessing the region’s natural and human resources. These collaborations will contribute to the development of a robust industrial economy, further solidifying the Middle East’s position as a thriving business hub.
As a key enabler of collaboration and innovation, the SuperBridge Summit 2024 is ideally positioned to play a significant role in achieving this vision. The summit will bring together influential leaders from various industries to share insights, foster partnerships, and explore new opportunities for growth.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and DWTC, said:”Hosting the SuperBridge Summit 2024 underscores our strategic role as a global nexus for innovation and cross-regional investments. Our advanced financial infrastructure, commitment to cutting-edge technologies, and visionary leadership align seamlessly with the summit’s focus on fostering the next generation of leaders.
Dubai’s dedication to economic diversification, high living standards, and thriving business environment make it the perfect destination to inspire and connect global innovators.”
Dubai, in particular, has become a beacon of innovation and opportunity, attracting multinational corporations and fostering the growth of diverse industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and real estate. Ongoing efforts to drive innovation and create world-class infrastructure have further propelled the city’s status as a global startup hub.
As a result, the SuperBridge Summit 2024 is poised to serve as a major catalyst for the region’s continued success, fostering collaboration and driving innovation to support Dubai’s ambitions of becoming a global innovation nexus.
Shane Tedjarati, Co-founder of SuperBridge Council, said: “The UAE has maintained it top position in attracting Greenfield FDI projects for three consecutive years. These investments target prominent companies with extensive geographic coverage and diversified operations, showcasing dynamic global investment strategies. Cities such as Dubai are setting new benchmarks in innovation and investment standards by capitalising on their strategic location, progressive policies, and technological advancements.”
“The SuperBridge Summit 2024 is poised to convene visionary leaders, harnessing human equity to facilitate technological and industrial transformation in infrastructure. It will also act as a platform for pertinent discussions on groundbreaking technologies, sustainable practices, global competitiveness, as well as resilient economic and infrastructure solutions that can positively transform our cities and economies, while also empowering young entrepreneurs,” he added.
The welcome note was delivered by Vanessa Xu, Executive Chairman and CIO I VS PartnersCo-Founder I SuperBridge Council, Hong Kong S.A.R as she said, The Super Bridge Summit 2024, held in Dubai, acted as a pivotal platform for fostering global trade and investment, with a distinct focus on connecting the burgeoning markets of the Global South.
This inaugural event, associated with Gitex Global, convened industry leaders to explore innovative strategies across key sectors like technology, finance, and leadership. The summit’s agenda, encompassing themes of “Economic Powerhouse” and “Wealth and Investment,” underscored Dubai’s strategic role as a conduit for cross-regional collaboration. By prioritizing the engagement of young leaders, the Super Bridge Council aimed to cultivate future-oriented partnerships, solidifying Dubai’s position as a dynamic hub for innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Vanessa Xu, Executive Chairman & CIO of VS Partners and co-founder of the SuperBridge Council, added: “We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the second edition of the SuperBridge Summit, which represents a visionary and bold initiative made possible through our collaboration with DWTC. The resounding success of last year’s edition is a testament to the burgeoning economic prowess of the world’s east and south. Dubai has emerged as the epicentre of this transformation, leading the charge in diversity, global capital, innovation and trade flows. The summit serves as a hub for interdisciplinary and international partnerships, highlighting emerging talents poised to tackle global challenges directly.”
The welcome address by Hadi Badri – CEO of Economic Development, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, United Arab Emirate emphasized The SuperBridge Summit in Dubai aims to foster global connectivity and economic growth by serving as a hub for innovation and collaboration. Dubai’s ambitious 10-year plan, the Dubai economic agenda d33, seeks to double the size of its economy by 2033, establishing the city as a leading global business hub. This involves a focus on key sectors like finance, technology, trade, and tourism, with an emphasis on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and clean energy. Through strategic investments and collaborative efforts, the summit strives to shape a future where innovation, sustainability, and collaboration drive economic growth and prosperity for future generations.
In the first pane discussion – Ahead of the Curve: The Next Gen Economic Powerhouses’ Growth and Challenges, the speakers Takashi Maruyama Chief Investment Officer, Asset Management One Japan, Bharat Shah Executive Director Ask Group India, Zsuzsanna Hargitai Managing Director – SME Finance and Development European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) United Kingdom and moderated by Shane Tedjarati Chairman of VS Partners & Co-founder,SuperBridge CouncilHong Kong SAR on How can these dynamic economic powerhouses take the lead in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges before time runs out?
Below is the summary of the outcomes and opportunities discussed by each speaker at the SuperBridge Summit:
Takashi Maruyama (Japan) highlighted that Japan’s economic stagnation stems from insufficient capital input, not just demographics. Japan is now welcoming foreign investment and talent, offering stability amidst global transitions.
Takashi Maruyama (Japan) further elaborated:
Economic Shift:
* Maruyama’s point about Japan’s economic stagnation being tied to capital input is crucial. It moves beyond simplistic demographic explanations.
* This perspective highlights that Japan is actively seeking to revitalize its economy through strategic investment.
* The emphasis on welcoming foreign investment and talent signals a significant shift in Japan’s economic policy.
* In a world of global uncertainty, Japan is presenting itself as a place of economic stability. *
Investment Opportunities:
* This creates opportunities for investors looking for stable, long-term returns in a technologically advanced economy.
Bharat Shah (India): India is experiencing dramatic growth driven by reforms in infrastructure, digitization, and technology. India’s growth is predictable and resilient, boasting top-tier returns on equity, and is leading in green energy transition and alternative supply chains.
Barat Shah (India) further emphasized:
India’s Growth Trajectory:
* Shah painted a picture of India’s dynamic growth, emphasizing that it’s driven by concrete reforms, not just optimistic projections.
* The focus on infrastructure, digitization, and technology highlights the key sectors driving India’s economic expansion.
* The “predictable and resilient” nature of India’s growth is a strong selling point for investors.
* The high returns on equity, and the lead that india is taking in green energy, and alternative supply chains makes India a very attractive place for investment.
Investment Opportunities:
* This indicates strong potential for investments in various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Suzanna Hagai (Emerging Europe and Central Asia): Poland, Romania, and Serbia show strong growth potential, fueled by green tech investment. Uzbekistan is a noteworthy country in Central Asia, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan offering mineral wealth. Key investment opportunities lie in infrastructure, raw materials, and manufacturing.
Suzanna Hagai (Emerging Europe and Central Asia) highlighted:
Regional Potential:
* Hagai’s insights shed light on the often-overlooked growth potential of Emerging Europe and Central Asia.
* The identification of specific countries like Poland, Romania, Serbia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan provides valuable insights for investors.
* The emphasis on green tech investment highlights the region’s commitment to sustainable development.
* The mention of the mineral wealth of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, shows that there are raw material investment oppertunities.
Investment Opportunities:
* This opens up opportunities in infrastructure, raw materials, manufacturing, and the burgeoning green tech sector.
Key Takeaways:
* The speakers collectively presented a picture of diverse and promising investment opportunities across various regions.
* They emphasized that economic growth is being driven by strategic reforms, technological innovation, and a focus on sustainability.
* The SuperBridge Summit serves as a crucial platform for connecting investors with these emerging opportunities.
The fireside chat featuring Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group on Human Connection in the Digital Age, explored the theme of human connection in the digital age, with particular focus on the travel industry’s role in fostering meaningful interactions across cultures. This discussion, moderated by Mustafa Alwi from International Media Investments, produced several significant insights about travel trends, technology integration, and leadership.
The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a stark reminder of the importance of authentic human connections in a world increasingly dominated by virtual interactions. Despite the convenience and efficiency offered by digital tools, the human desire for genuine connection persists, transcending the limitations of technology.
Large-scale events such as the Olympic Games epitomize the power of human connection on a global scale, fostering a sense of unity and mutual understanding among diverse cultures. Similarly, travel plays a crucial role in promoting cross-cultural exchange and empathy, breaking down barriers between people from different backgrounds.
Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, emphasized travel as a bridge for human connection, rooted in Confucian philosophy that prioritizes experiential learning over theoretical knowledge. She highlighted how travel fosters cross-cultural understanding, breaking isolation by exposing individuals to diverse perspectives—a principle she personally applies through educational trips with her children to historical sites globally.
Technology Integration: While Trip.com leverages AI across customer service, content generation, and operational efficiency, it maintains human-centric practices, such as a 30-second response guarantee for support calls and rapid crisis management during disasters. AI tools like Trip Genie enhance itinerary planning, but the company balances automation with personalized care, particularly for business travelers and emergencies.
Post-Pandemic Travel Dynamics: Demand has surpassed 2019 levels, but supply-side challenges persist, including visa delays, limited flight availability (~70-80% recovery), and staffing shortages. The UAE and Gulf nations excel due to visa-free policies, driving triple-digit growth for Trip.com in the region. China’s market segments show varied growth: domestic travel (2-3x GDP growth), outbound (30%+), international-to-international (50%+), and inbound (supported by relaxed visa rules).
Emerging Trends (“Three E’s”):
1. Entertainment-Driven Travel: Younger travelers prioritize events like concerts (e.g., Taylor Swift in Singapore) and F1 races.
2. Eco-Friendly Practices: Initiatives include promoting electric vehicles, newer aircraft, and solar-powered hotels (2,600+ participating hotels).
3. Elderly-Focused Tourism: Chinese retirees (50–60 years old), financially stable and culturally curious, drive demand for architecture and heritage tours.
Leadership and Gender Equity: As a rare female tech CEO, Sun advocates for workplace gender equality, citing Trip.com’s policies like post-birth financial support ($10,000/year) and $1 billion allocated to work-life balance programs. She noted generational progress in women’s roles—from homemakers to leaders—but highlighted persistent underrepresentation (10% of global leaders are women), posing the rhetorical question: “Would 50% female leadership create a better world?”.
Sun’s insights underscore **travel’s irreplaceable role in uniting people**, amplified by strategic tech adoption and inclusive policies addressing modern travelers’ evolving needs.
Sun traced the generational progression of women’s roles through her family history:
– Her grandmother’s generation was expected to stay home with children
– Her mother’s generation could work as “individual contributors” (her mother was a chemistry engineer)
– Her generation can lead large teams, but representation remains insufficient
She noted that only 10% of global presidents and prime ministers are women, and posed a thought-provoking question: “if 50% of the global leaders Global presidents and prime ministers are women will we have a better world?”
This fireside chat provided substantial insights into how Trip.com balances technology and human connection in the travel industry, current market dynamics, emerging trends, and leadership perspectives. Jane Sun’s philosophy that travel serves as a bridge for human connection underscores the enduring value of physical experiences in an increasingly digital world, while her company’s approach demonstrates how technology can enhance rather than replace meaningful human interactions.
For panel discussion on Asia For Global, brought together distinguished experts, the speakers – Timothy Chen General Partner ACHI Capital United States, Dr. Miniya Chatterji Chief Executive Officer Sustain Labs Paris United Arab Emirates, Dr. Karim El Solh Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Gulf Capital , United Arab Emirates, Dr. Karim Alwadi Co-Founder Beltway Group China/Syria, the panel emphasized on the remarkable growth and advancement of Asia have become one of the most prominent narratives of globalization, with the region emerging as a key player on the world stage. As Asian economies continue to expand, their impact on the global landscape becomes increasingly significant, fostering new opportunities and challenges for the international community.
The “Asia for Global” vision encapsulates the region’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the global economy, driven by scalable and innovative solutions from prominent Asian enterprises. CEOs from these companies discussed Asia’s rising economic influence and its implications for global development and are actively engaging in international forums to share their insights and strategies, demonstrating how Asia’s growth is transforming industries and markets worldwide.
This new era of Asian influence presents both opportunities and responsibilities for the region. On the one hand, Asian nations must capitalize on their strengths and competitive advantages to drive sustainable growth and foster greater collaboration with the rest of the world. On the other hand, they must also address pressing challenges such as income inequality, environmental sustainability, and geopolitical tensions to ensure their continued success.
Timothy Chen serves as co-founder and managing partner of AI Capital in the US. A self-described “industrialist turned private equity investor,” he formerly served as CEO of VCH China, one of the earliest semiconductor companies to introduce chip technologies to China.
Chen articulated his perspective on what he terms “geo-semiconductor realignment.” He emphasized that despite geopolitical tensions and attempts to bifurcate supply chains, semiconductors remain a global ecosystem that cannot be fully separated.
Chen noted that while headlines focus on advanced 3nm or 5nm technologies, these represent only a tiny fraction of the semiconductor market. He expressed confidence that the UAE has the necessary elements—vision, leadership, ability to attract talent, and government support—to develop a viable semiconductor ecosystem within a decade[. He stressed that semiconductor industry development is never natural but requires “force of will and leadership,” suggesting the UAE needs to identify and champion one company that can catalyze ecosystem growth similar to Sony (Japan), Samsung (Korea), or Huawei (China).
During the panel, Dr. Alwadi emphasized how East Asia and the Gulf region are rediscovering each other after decades of limited interaction. He noted that Chinese entrepreneurs often choose the UAE as their first step toward global expansion, with Emirates now representing nearly 40% of outbound Chinese entrepreneurial activity. He highlighted the growing trade relationship between China and the Arab world, which has exceeded $400 billion, making them each other’s largest growing trade partners.
Dr. Alwadi also discussed how China’s technical know-how can benefit the region at competitive prices, mentioning his work helping NEOM in Saudi Arabia with procurement from China. He observed that the Middle East has sent a clear message about maintaining autonomy rather than joining “big boys games,” preferring to engage commercially with global powers while maintaining their distinctive identity.
Dr. Chatterji highlighted how Asia’s long experience with challenges like soaring temperatures and water scarcity has fostered innovations that are increasingly relevant globally as climate change intensifies. She noted a significant shift in innovation flows, observing that while Asia previously adopted solutions from Europe, the region now develops bespoke technologies that address climate challenges more effectively.
In her assessment of the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, Dr. Chatterji praised the creation of conditions conducive to innovation but emphasized that the “next big step” must be nurturing these innovations—providing financial and intellectual capital to help promising ideas reach scale. She articulated that the distinction between “hard” and “soft” skills is increasingly blurred in today’s interconnected innovation landscape.
Dr. Karim El Solh is co-founder and CEO of Gulf Capital, one of the largest private equity firms in the Gulf region, managing over $2.4 billion in assets[1]. Under his leadership, Gulf Capital has pursued an Asia-focused strategy since its founding 18 years ago, establishing offices in Singapore with plans to expand into Hong Kong.
Dr. Solh described his firm’s investment approach across five sectors: technology, fintech, healthcare and health tech, business services, consumer products, and sustainability (encompassing water, environment, food security, energy transition, and renewables). He shared how Gulf Capital has executed 15 acquisitions across Asia, exemplifying his strategy of buying Gulf companies and expanding them into Asia, while also bringing Asian companies to the Gulf.
He provided a concrete example of this approach by describing how Gulf Capital acquired a 60% stake in one of the oldest water treatment and desalination businesses in the Gulf, then expanded it to India, Indonesia, and China, eventually becoming the market leader in Asia with China as its biggest market. Dr. Salah also mentioned how his company now looks eastward rather than westward for advanced technologies, citing their acquisition of Jida, the largest merchant acquiring payment company in the Gulf, which sources payment technology from China rather than the US due to superior technology at lower prices.
The panel collectively emphasized that despite headlines suggesting deglobalization and supply chain decoupling, actual business connectivity between Asia and other regions, particularly the Gulf, has never been stronger. They highlighted complementary strengths between East Asia’s technological capabilities and the Gulf’s strategic vision and capital, suggesting this partnership will continue to deepen through mutual investment, knowledge transfer, and adaptation of technologies to local contexts.
The rise of Asia has far-reaching implications for the global economy and international relations. As Asian enterprises take center stage, their innovative solutions and strategic vision will play a pivotal role in shaping a more interconnected and prosperous world.
The Key Takeaways from Panel Discussion: The Gulf’s Leap to a Global Innovation Center, The main insights shared by each speaker during a panel discussion about shifting from a resource-based economy to an innovation powerhouse, featuring executives from various industries and regions. The discussion highlighted strategies for building innovation ecosystems and the unique advantages of the Gulf region in this transition.
The Middle East is rapidly transforming from a resource-based economy to an innovation-driven powerhouse. This session delves into the factors driving this change, including the implementation of free-trade agreements, commitments to sustainability, and strategic collaborations that are propelling Gulf cities to the forefront of global innovation.
A key aspect of this shift is the collaboration between policymakers, businesses, academic institutions, and investors. This panel will explore how these stakeholders work together to create thriving innovation ecosystems and foster new opportunities across various industries. As the Gulf region continues to emerge as a global innovation hub, it presents an array of possibilities for businesses seeking growth and impact.
Dr. Abdullah Hans Doyer (Founder and CEO, Suit Group, Netherlands)
Building Global Technology Bridges
– Emphasized the need for “made in Dubai” and “designed in Dubai” innovations, noting that Dubai is currently strong as a trade center but needs to develop its own innovation capabilities.
– Proposed creating bridges between high technology from the Netherlands, talent from China, and opportunities in Dubai.
– Shared examples of collaborative networks, including “Brainport” in the Netherlands – a network of 100 high-tech companies supporting businesses in semiconductor, medical, and analytical industries.
Focus on Healthcare Innovation
– Highlighted developments in healthcare technology, including a disruptive invention where chips can detect health conditions through breath analysis via smartphone.
– Discussed the convergence of physical and digital healthcare solutions that will emerge in the next five years.
Ian Johnston (Chief Executive, Dubai Financial Services Authority)
DIFC as an Innovation Hub
– Explained how the Dubai International Financial Center was established as a separate legal jurisdiction with its own common law system, where UAE laws were disapplied.
– Highlighted the center’s growth to approximately 46,000 professionals, hosting 27 of the world’s 29 globally systemically important banks.
Balanced Regulation for Innovation
– Described the DFSA’s approach to regulation: implementing international standards while remaining balanced and proportionate to allow innovation to flourish.
– Detailed the Innovation Testing License established in 2017 (regulatory sandbox) to allow startups to test innovative financial products in a controlled environment.
– Outlined the progression of digital asset regulation, including investment token legislation (2021) and crypto token legislation (2022).
Global Standards Collaboration
– Stressed the importance of global cooperation and emerging international standards for digital assets.
– Noted that larger players increasingly want to operate in regulated environments to provide investors and customers with comfort.
TK Sultan (Vice Chairman, Agility Global, Kuwait)
Innovation as Business Imperative
– Explained how globalization and subsequent constraints (COVID-19, geopolitical issues) have made innovation not just desirable but essential for business survival.
– Described how over 3,000 new trade restrictions have been introduced since 2017, creating a complex environment that requires nimble, technology-enabled solutions.
Two-Pronged Innovation Approach
– Detailed their innovation strategy: managing innovation within large businesses for controlled implementation while also taking an “outside-in” approach to address local needs.
– Provided examples of innovation initiatives like “Hamula” (an Uber-like solution for freight) and “Shipa” (an e-commerce ecosystem enabling small and medium enterprises).
Sustainability with Industry Engagement
– Emphasized that effective sustainability solutions must engage the hydrocarbon industry rather than exclude it.
– Highlighted technologies that can use multiple fuel types, allowing current participation from oil and gas companies while enabling transition to greener alternatives.- Praised regional leadership that “walks the talk” on sustainability initiatives.
Dr. Kevin Lee (Moderator, Chairman of Moila Biotech, China)
Global Connections in Innovation
– Stressed the importance of building global connections for innovation, describing how innovation often involves connecting seemingly unrelated dots.
– Highlighted the rise of the bioeconomy alongside the digital economy, covering everything from pharmaceuticals to manufacturing and sustainability.Leveraging Comparative Advantages- Explained how complex businesses like biomanufacturing require global presence because different countries offer different advantages throughout the value chain.
– Noted the importance of intellectual property being able to move freely across borders to benefit humanity.
Professor Abdallah gave the concluding remarks –
Confidence as Key Driver
– Identified “confidence” as the defining characteristic of the UAE today
– “if there is one word that describes the UAE today, it is confidence”.- Stated that the UAE has never been as confident as it is now in its 50+ years of history.
– Emphasized that this confidence permeates citizens, experts, and leadership across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Conclusion
This panel discussion illuminated how the Gulf region is strategically positioning itself as a global innovation center through regulatory frameworks that balance oversight with growth, strategic international partnerships, and leveraging regional strengths. The speakers collectively emphasized that successful innovation requires global collaboration, localized problem-solving, and confidence in pursuing ambitious visions—all elements that are increasingly present in the region’s development strategy.