Global Financial Trends: A discussion with alumni and friends in Saudi Arabia

Miami Herbert Business School crossed time zones to join alumni in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to discuss global and regional financial trends.
Global Financial Trends: A discussion with alumni and friends in Saudi Arabia

Miami Herbert Business School crossed time zones to join alumni in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to discuss global and regional financial trends. Dr. Taghreed Alsaraj, event moderator, double Cane, and president of the alumni chapter in Saudi Arabia, gave participants a warm welcome and encouraged all UM graduates to get involved with their alma mater.

“Being involved in your alma mater, especially one like UM, provides amazing opportunities for personal and professional development, fosters alumni relationships and networking opportunities,” she said.

Dean John Quelch greeted participants highlighting the important leadership role carried out by the Saudi Arabia on many fronts including the regional economy, empowering women through its Vision 2030 goals, and coordinating a global response to the pandemic.

“During its G20 leadership, the Kingdom has been a stabilizing force throughout the region,” Quelch said.

Paulo Leme, finance professor and former President of Goldman Sachs in Brazil, began the panel discussion with a presentation on “Global Trends in Financial Markets.”  He emphasized the global tendency towards economic recovery and highlighted possible market reactions to the United States presidential elections.

Leme and Dean Quelch were joined by Miami Herbert alumnus, CEO of Al-Muhaidib Entertainment Ventures, Musaab Al-Muhaidib ’99, in a panel discussion where they spoke to regional financial tendencies, as well as specific sectors such as energy and each reflected on lessons learned from the pandemic. They also responded to questions on topics varying from digital currency in the U.S. to the value of young professionals earning a graduate degree in international business, data analytics and sustainable business.

More than 60 alumni and friends from different regions joined the discussion.

“Great to see UM covering different markets and showing geographical/geopolitical breadth via this event. I hope we can see additional events of this type in the near future.  Well done!” commented one of the participants.