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Global events platforms have become more valuable, not less, as geopolitical uncertainty intensifies, and few partnerships illustrate that dynamic better than the one underpinning the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF). Karen Saltser, Bloomberg Media CEO, said: “This year has reinforced the importance of being flexible and thoughtful when operating global convenings in a fast-moving geopolitical environment. Our priority was making sure the forum continues to deliver the level of participation, access and conversation that people around the world now expect.” In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Saltser said the collaboration between Bloomberg Media and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has grown considerably in recent years, driven by the Middle East’s expanding role in the global economy. “QEF’s combination of both regional relevance and international reach has been especially important. Bloomberg Media brings a worldwide audience, editorial authority, and cross-platform amplification, while Qatar has continued positioning itself as a major hub for international business and diplomacy,” she emphasised. Together, she noted, that dynamic has allowed QEF to become “a meaningful forum for conversations that extend far beyond the region itself across business, policy, technology and investment.” Saltser said, “Looking ahead, I think the opportunity is to deepen that role. In periods of geopolitical uncertainty, there’s actually greater demand for trusted convening and direct dialogue. Business leaders and policymakers want spaces where they can engage seriously on the forces reshaping markets, trade, technology and geopolitics.” According to Saltser, this is also reflected in Bloomberg Media’s broader regional commitment. She pointed out that the company has invested in the Middle East for more than 15 years across journalism, television, live events, and partnerships, describing the Gulf as “one of the world’s most dynamic and influential economic regions.” “That conviction has not changed,” she pointed out. The QEF has grown into what Saltser described as “one of the most important global business gatherings in the region,” bringing together influential leaders at a moment when the world is seeking clarity, context and dialogue. She further stated that in uncertain periods, the demand for trusted information and high-quality convening becomes stronger, with leaders seeking credible journalism, meaningful conversations and direct engagement with those shaping markets and policy, areas where Bloomberg Media is differentiated “both editorially and through Bloomberg Live.” Asked how resilient events revenue amid the current global geopolitical and macroeconomic environment is, Saltser said: “We operate in a world where volatility is increasingly part of the operating environment, whether that’s geopolitical uncertainty, economic shifts or changes in how audiences engage with media. So flexibility and diversification are already built into how we run the business. “What gives us confidence is that demand for trusted, high-quality convening remains very strong. In many ways, it becomes even more valuable during uncertain periods because leaders are looking for credible information, meaningful dialogue and direct access to decision-makers. That’s one reason Bloomberg Live continues to grow.” She emphasised that Bloomberg Media’s events strategy is diversified across regions, industries and formats, from QEF and the New Economy Forum to Bloomberg Media Invest, Tech and Screentime, describing it as “a global portfolio for our audience and partners, rather than one focused on one specific market.” Bloomberg Media’s long-term strategy in the region, Saltser said, remains unchanged: continue investing in the Middle East, build platforms that connect regional and global audiences, and bring together Bloomberg Media’s journalism, data and convening power “in ways that help leaders make better decisions.” 

Resilience, adaptability and a strong sense of purpose defined Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)’s Class of 2026, as graduates were celebrated for overcoming challenges and preparing to address complex global issues. University leaders and faculty said the group showed strong resilience amid regional and global uncertainty, adding that they are well prepared to face an increasingly complex world. Logan Cochran, acting dean of the College of Public Policy, emphasised that the university’s mission extends beyond academic achievement. “The College of Public Policy is committed to supporting future leaders,” he said. “We want our graduates to bring not only knowledge and skills, but also ethics and principles, courage and humility... so they can respond to the rapidly changing challenges around the world and do so serving the greater good.” Cochran noted that the graduating semester had been particularly demanding. “Our students persevered... they were dedicated to their studies despite the challenges they faced,” he said, adding that graduates leave with “traits of resilience” that will guide them throughout their lives. Echoing this sentiment, Provost Prabhat Hajela described the cohort as “remarkable” in the face of adversity. “We are all aware of the problems that we have faced both regionally and globally over the last several months,” he said. “This cohort has demonstrated a resilience that is really remarkable... in spite of everything that’s going on.” Hajela underscored the importance of adaptability and critical thinking, noting that students have learned how to navigate uncertainty. “You now know how to think,” he told graduates. “Stay true to your values... go out and create momentum and bring change to the world.” He underlined the HBKU’s distinctive academic environment, describing it as “an ecosystem... unparalleled” with strong interdisciplinary opportunities and a focus on applying knowledge to real-world challenges. From a faculty perspective, Sultan Barakat stressed that continuous learning remains central to the university’s philosophy. “Hamad Bin Khalifa is a learning university; we’re continuously updating ourselves and striving for the best,” he said, noting that each cohort builds on the experience of the last. Barakat pointed to the broader context shaping this year’s graduates. “This year has been particularly challenging because of the geopolitics around us,” he said. “I’m very proud of what the students have been able to achieve under relatively difficult circumstances.” He outlined key lessons for graduates, including “the importance of remaining resilient” and “the importance of learning continuously”. He added that “there is no time where you can stop learning”. For students, the journey has been equally transformative. Aisha Muthanna al-Malsouk, who graduated with a Master’s degree in Public Policy, highlighted the importance of self-belief. “I would say believe in yourself, listen to the voice inside you, and just follow your dreams,” she said. “As long as you have a big goal, you will achieve it.” Reflecting on her experience, she described her orientation day as a defining moment. “It was that day when I was 100% sure that this is what I want to do,” al-Malsouk said.  

Growth has accelerated in Middle Eastern and North African countries this year despite global uncertainty and conflicts in the region, according to an IMF report published on Tuesday."Despite all the shocks we saw to trade with the tariff measures, geopolitical tension, the conflicts, the volatility in oil prices, we see that growth has been performing better than last year," Jihad Azour, IMF director for the Middle East and Central Asia, said in an interview with AFP."And it's not only in a group of countries, but I would say spread around the region," he added.The institution presented its latest regional report in Dubai on Tuesday, forecasting growth of 3.3 percent this year in the MENA region and 3.7 percent in 2026–0.7 and 0.3 percentage points higher, respectively, than its previous projections in May.The region's GDP grew by 2.1 percent in 2024.Gulf countries have particularly benefited from increased oil production, which offset falling prices, while others saw gains from rebounds in tourism, industry or agriculture, Azour explained.Despite the war in Gaza, "the region was able to withstand the big geopolitical shock of the last two years", including neighbouring countries such as Jordan and Egypt, Azour said.The current ceasefire in the Palestinian territory is "an important and welcome development", but it is still too early to know whether it will affect the region's economic outlook."The impact on the region hinges on how this stability will materialise into improvement in the overall risk profile for the region and also what we see of potential reconstruction or post-conflict in Syria, Lebanon and in Gaza, and also later in the West Bank," he explained.The immediate priority is to assess the damage in Gaza and the reconstruction needs, with support from the United Nations and the World Bank, Azour added.Financing needs will also be "immense" in other conflict-affected countries such as war-wracked Yemen and Sudan due to declining international aid, he added.