The Middle East Association
Nicholas Hopton is Director General of the Middle East Association and a former British Ambassador, with a diplomatic career spanning Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. He brings deep regional expertise and decades of public service experience to the Roadshow's leadership.
Alongside his work at the MEA, Nicholas is a published author and commentator, writing on politics, culture and history for publications including the Times Literary Supplement.
AEI Saudi
Adam moved to Saudi Arabia from the UK in 2008, identifying the need for an independent platform to help foreign companies navigate the Kingdom's business landscape, co-founding AEI Saudi in 2012 after a career in the IT Security industry.
With over 20 years' experience, Adam's core expertise lies in Saudi business development. He has supported over 2,500 companies, predominantly from the UK, EU, and US, on their journey to enter, succeed and thrive in the Middle East. He also advises the MEA in the UK, providing commercial guidance and regional networks.
Department for Business & Trade
Callum is an International Markets Advisor with the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Riyadh, supporting UK companies pursuing opportunities across the Middle East and Pakistan.
Working closely with exporters, government stakeholders and in-market partners, he provides expert guidance on market entry, commercial strategy and business development. His experience spans international trade, commercial advisory, business consultancy and stakeholder engagement, helping businesses identify opportunities and achieve sustainable growth in overseas markets.
Smart Currency Business
Over a near 15-year career in risk management, Chris has helped protect British businesses through periods of significant uncertainty, from Brexit and Covid-19 to the current energy crisis. With GCC currencies pegged to the US Dollar, UK businesses trading across the Middle East carry a direct GBP/USD exposure that can quietly erode margins.
Chris works closely with Smart Currency Business's Middle East-facing clients to identify and reduce this risk. He is qualified with an Investment Advice Diploma and licensed to offer regulated advice to UK corporates.
About Smart Currency Business
The UK's largest privately-owned currency provider, with over 20 years' experience. As the official treasury management partner to the MEA, their regional specialists draw on deep knowledge of the GCC and wider MENA region's currency dynamics and payment complexities.
Global Diplomacy Institute
Hatice Beton is Co-Founder of the Global Diplomacy Institute (GDI), a strategic advisory firm helping governments, investors, international organisations, and businesses navigate complex geopolitical environments and build high-impact public-private partnerships.
She specialises in business diplomacy, investment strategy, and cross-sector collaboration. She also serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director of the G20 & G7 Health and Development Partnership, leading strategic advocacy convening more than 30 leading global health organisations. She holds an MSc in Comparative Political Economy from the London School of Economics.
Sovereign PPG
Jade is a Senior Sales Manager at Sovereign PPG, bringing over 10 years of experience across the UAE and wider GCC region. She specialises in building strong client relationships and delivering professional guidance tailored to each client's business requirements.
With extensive knowledge of Abu Dhabi's commercial landscape, Jade has supported the establishment of a wide range of SMEs and multinational companies across the Gulf. She holds a BA (Hons) in International Business Studies with Spanish.
About Sovereign PPG
The leading business formation and corporate services provider across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, and is a registered Corporate Services Provider in the DIFC and ADGM, with specialised expertise for regulated business structures.
UK Export Finance
Joseph Chakra is Regional Head – Middle East for Origination and Client Coverage at UK Export Finance (UKEF). Before joining UKEF, Joseph was leading an advisory firm supporting Gulf, MENAT and Asia-based clients on global transactions.
Joseph previously held various senior banking roles, including as CEO of a Saudi-based investment bank, following various banking roles in the US, Asia and the UK with major financial institutions.
Womble Bond Dickinson
Peter Snaith is a Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, one of the UK's leading transatlantic law firms. He brings extensive expertise in commercial and corporate law, with a particular focus on transactions and business relationships across the MENA region.
Joining the Regional Roadshow only — not speaking at the London event.
Government of Jordan
Dr Tareq Abu Ghazaleh was appointed Minister of Investment in August 2025, bringing over two decades of leadership across the private sector in multiple regions, alongside senior public service experience. Immediately prior to his appointment, he served as Director of Economic Policies in the Office of His Majesty King Abdullah II, leading the national initiatives behind Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision.
Joining us at the MEA's London event.
He is recognised as a leading authority on change management, with specialist expertise in strategy, IPO readiness and corporate governance. He holds a doctorate in industrial engineering from the University of Hertfordshire, UK.
Ministry of Investment, Jordan
H.E. Zaher Al Qatarneh has served as Secretary General of Jordan's Ministry of Investment since November 2021, and as Acting CEO of the Jordan Investment Fund since March 2022. He also sits on the Government Investments Management Company (GIMC) and Amman Vision Company.
He brings extensive experience in trade negotiation at the bilateral and multilateral level, including Free Trade Agreement and Dispute Settlement Protocol negotiations with the EU, and previously served as Economic Counselor at the Jordanian Permanent Mission in Geneva. He holds a master's degree in international law from the UK.