Tom Standage is deputy editor of The Economist and editor of the yearly “The World in..” series. He is also responsible for the newspaper’s digital strategy and the development of new digital products, including Espresso and Economist Films. He joined The Economist as science correspondent in 1998 and was subsequently appointed technology editor, business editor and digital editor. He is the author of six history books, including “Writing on the Wall” (2013), “The Victorian Internet” (1998) and “A History of the World in 6 Glasses” (2005). He studied engineering and computing at Oxford University and has written for other publications including the New York Times, Daily Telegraph, Guardian and Wired, taking a particular interest in the internet’s cultural and historical significance.

Kate Barker is a globally recognised Chief Futurist, Future of Work expert, and an awarded authority in talent management, leadership development, and people/technology advancements. As an international advisor, Kate’s career spans three decades, working to advance Fortune 500 companies and Governments to have confidence in their future, to stay competitive and minimise risk.

She has garnered respect as the Chief Futurist for the $500bn Future-City, NEOM in Saudi Arabia, Strategic Advisor to His Highness & Prime Minister UAE and as Consulting Partner at PWC.

Tariq Qureishy is a futurist, global keynote speaker, corporate CEO, entrepreneur, finance, tech & media professional & humanitarian.

He is founder and CEO of Xponential & MAD Group, focused on future transformation and readiness, leadership for the future and optimising through innovation and an abundance mindset, both for companies and top executives.

Tariq has over 25 years in top leadership positions, as Regional Director EMEA, Dow Jones Markets, Publisher CEO, Times/Sunday Times, MEA, Advisor & Media Representative MEA, Bloomberg Media, and now as CEO of Xponential, a future foresight, transformation and leadership platform.

Ville Korpela is a professional futurist and venture capitalist. Ville is Executive Director at Impact Innovation Institute and MENA Venture Partner for Golden Arc Capital, a Silicon Valley based late stage venture capital firm.
Previously, Ville has been a Fellow at the Dubai Future Foundation. He is a member of the Councilors Program at the Atlantic Council and a regular contributor to Arabian Business, The National Interest and Politico Europe.

Robert is the Director of the Economist Corporate Network based in Dubai and covering the MENA region. Robert works closely with network members to help inform their business strategies through political, economic and operational insight and to connect them with their senior leadership peers.

Robert is a business journalist, editor and publisher with 25 years of experience covering a wide variety of sectors, including hospitality, retail, construction, energy and transport, and a particular interest in human capital management.

He is an accomplished event chairman, moderator and speaker.

Robert completed an MBA at the University of Leicester School of Business in 2012 and holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Nottingham.