Nahyan bin Mubarak opens IOD Global Convention in the UAE

Khaleej Times

25-04-2025

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated this morning the 12th edition of the Institute of Directors (IOD) Global Convention in the UAE, held under the theme: "Leadership for Business Excellence and Innovation". The prestigious event took place at Al Habtoor Palace in Dubai, drawing wide participation from senior government officials, business leaders, policymakers, experts, and academics from across the world.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of several high-profile dignitaries, including: Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai; Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security; Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the UAE; Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Economy; and Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, prominent Emirati businessman, as well as a distinguished gathering of board members, decision-makers, and business executives working in innovation, governance, and enterprise.
In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan stated: "It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 UAE Global Convention, which this year focuses on leadership for innovation and business excellence. I thank the Institute of Directors, India, for organizing this important annual event. I fully support the premise of this convention, which reflects the deep and expanding ties between the private sector, governments, and people of India and the UAE. I derive great pride and optimism from the special relationship between our two nations. As evidenced by this gathering, many dedicated individuals are part of this partnership, and we all play vital roles in strengthening and sustaining it."
He added: "The convention this year focuses on the global need for strong, effective, and credible leadership in business. It takes little more than a basic familiarity with organisational dynamics to appreciate the crucial value of wise leadership across all levels - from directors and executives to managers and beyond - and to understand the grave consequences of poor or incompetent leadership."
He emphasised: "The values that underpin great leadership are enduring. Successful leaders must possess integrity, transparency, self-motivation, a sound ethical compass, and a genuine sense of responsibility toward those affected by their actions. Leaders must also closely examine their organizations and carefully listen to how they are being perceived by employees and the public alike."
"It is the duty of leaders," he continued, "to set standards, serve as role models, and uphold accountability. They must be capable of identifying opportunities for change, mobilising resources, and - most importantly - inspiring others to share their vision of the future."
He further noted: "If these leadership traits are widely accepted, why then do we regularly witness major leadership failures in the business world? A closer reflection on these failures reveals four key elements that any successful leader must possess."
He explained, "First, a leader must have a strong understanding of the business culture and environment. I often illustrate this with an Arabic proverb: "He who does not know the falcon would cook it'."
"Second, leaders must accept reality while remaining open to change. As the 18th-century French artist Gustave Courbet said: 'By studying tradition, I managed to free myself from it.' This is a powerful approach to innovation and success."
"Third, leaders should recognise their role in enriching the societies they operate within. Social issues impact business operations, and socially responsible actions enhance both performance and societal well-being."
"Fourth, leaders must adopt a global perspective and understand how their organisations and countries fit into the global context. In the spirit of this convention, leadership is essential for fostering continued dialogue between businesses in India and the UAE, and for ensuring that our future success is built on innovation, knowledge creation, and advanced systems and technologies."
Concluding his speech, he said: "The UAE is home to many powerful examples of visionary leadership. Our greatest fortune lies in having wise and forward-thinking national leaders. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, with the strong support of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, exemplify this through their foresight and ability to shape the future."
"The UAE today stands as a pioneering nation - secure, prosperous, and future-oriented. In that spirit, I believe this convention too is a celebration of the future: the future of your organisations, of the UAE-India relationship, and of the global economy at large."
During the ceremony, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak awarded the IOD Distinguished Fellowship 2025 to Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Economy in recognition of their distinguished contributions to public leadership, governance, and service excellence.
The convention is a result of collaboration between the Institute of Directors, India and Tristar Group, UAE, and brings together over 500 senior executives, board members, policymakers, and subject matter experts to explore critical issues under the overarching theme:
"Boards in a Rapidly Changing World: Innovative Strategies for Resilience and Sustainability."
The opening session featured keynote contributions from renowned leaders, including: Lt-Gen Surinder Nath, president, IOD India; Nehal Vora, MD and CEO, Central Depository Services Ltd; Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India; Eugene Mayne, founder and group CEO, Tristar Group; Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, vice chairman, IOD; and Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE.
The four-day convention features expert panels addressing core topics such as artificial intelligence, climate change, ESG integration, stakeholder capitalism, board diversity, and geopolitical disruption. A dedicated UAE–India Investment and Cooperation Forum, hosted at the Consulate General of India in Dubai, will also strengthen bilateral economic ties and business diplomacy.
The event also included the presentation of the Golden Peacock Awards 2025, honoring exceptional achievements in leadership, governance, sustainability, and innovation.
The 2025 Tristar–IOD Global Convention in the UAE stands as a landmark event in the global governance calendar, reaffirming the collective commitment of governments and businesses to ethical leadership, inclusive development, and sustainable economic transformation in an interconnected world.