The Culture Counter

Gold stands as a cornerstone in the annals of currency, trade, and investment. Tracing its rich history unveils tales of civilizations, conquests, and economic transformations, showcasing its profound influence on human affairs. Today, amidst the complexities of modern finance, gold retains its allure as a strategic asset, sought after for its stability, diversification benefits, and hedge against economic uncertainties.

But how has this yellow metal sustained its value through time? And what does its future look like? This insightful discussion will explore The Royal Mint’s 1,100 year history and its venture into producing bespoke precious metals and the outlook for gold.

In recent years, there has been a notable resurgence of interest in plant-based remedies and traditional herbal medicine practices, driven in part by a societal shift towards holistic wellness intersecting with traditional knowledge and scientific advancements in the sector. But how can we navigate the integration of traditional plant-based medicine into modern healthcare systems? And how can we do it whilst respecting cultural heritage, indigenous rights and ensuring safety and efficacy for patients?

Moderator:
Shereen Al Mulla, cofounder Hikma Rituals & Master Herbalist

Panelists:
Mahdia El Jed, cofounder of Hikma Rituals
Ajmal Hasan,Head of Operations & Tourism Development
Abdullah Al Kaabi, Founder of ElBooma Films

Ahead of Art Dubai, Amelie von Wedel and Pernilla Holmes, Founder and Director of Wedel Art, art advisory firm and curators for The Arts Club London and Dubai,  lead a discussion on the most interesting works capturing the attention of the art world now. They will also share some tips & tricks on art collecting, alongside their unique insights into emerging movements in a fluctuating contemporary market.

A conversation with Dustee Jenkins, Chief Public Affairs Officer at Spotify, exploring the latest trends and innovations coming out of the audio space. Diving into what this exciting future of audio represents to Arab creators and how streaming platforms like Spotify drive their discovery across borders.

In conversation with Stavros Antypas, Cultural Programme Manager at The Arts Club Dubai.

Dive into the intricate world of financial movements, where we unravel the past, scrutinise the present, and peek into the future of venture capital trends. Offering valuable perspectives on the venture capital landscape, courtesy of our distinguished speakers: Philip Bahoshy, CEO & founder of MAGNiTT, and Noor Sweid, the astute Founder and Managing Partner at Global Ventures.

As we unravel these intricacies we can't help but wonder: What are your predictions for the venture capital landscape in 2024?

With the conclusion of COP28 and the emergence of practical resolutions, we've evolved from an unequivocal rejection of fossil fuels to a commitment for transitioning away, tripling renewable energy, and enhancing climate finance for the most vulnerable. In light of this newfound resolution, there's a growing expectation for fuel companies to embrace cleaner and more efficient production methods. What implications does this hold for the future? Does fossil fuel production indeed pose a hindrance to achieving ecological planetary goals?

Moderated by:
Amena Bakr Senior Energy Analyst, Energy Intelligence Group

Speakers:
H.E Sharif Salim Al-Olama Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs in the Ministry of Energy and Infastructure

Majid Jafar CEO, Crescent Petroleum Board Managing Director, Dana Gas

In 2021, Dubai’s Kitopi became a unicorn with a $415 million round led by SoftBank.

Founded in January 2018 by Mohamad Ballout (CEO & co-founder) and his friends Saman Darkan, Bader Ataya, and Andy Arenas, it is today the world’s leading managed cloud kitchen platform. 

But where does it all start? Whether from their parents’ garage, or from an enlightening conversation or from having been in the right place at the right time, some of the best founding stories begin like his. Join us  with Basel Mufta, general partner at Global Ventures, a Dubai-based, growth-stage venture capital firm, as he dives into the story behind this exciting Dubai-based startup with Mohamad Ballout, as he shares with us his journey as a young innovator.

A fireside chat with Award winning director, writer & poet Nujoom Al Ghanem

While AI presents innovative tools for artists and the potential to challenge traditional boundaries, it also raises questions about authenticity and human creativity. Can AI-generated art truly evoke the same emotional depth as human-created pieces, or is it merely an algorithmic imitation? In the pursuit of artistic evolution, is the fusion of AI and art a harmonious partnership or a discordant clash? Moreover, does the UAE, a technological innovative nation, hold the key to unlocking AI's full potential in the art industry?

Art for The Ocean: Creativity to Mobilize Change took place in the prolific art market of Dubai during COP 28 (the world’s largest annual climate gathering, hosting more than 100 Heads of State and over 35,000 participants). Bringing together artists, collectors, philanthropists, and ocean advocates alike to create a direct bridge between the art world’s capabilities and the ocean’s needs during that global climate event. Program partner Oceanic Global curated a diverse group of global stakeholders that explored the power of art to manifest solutions and mobilize momentum for ocean conservation.

Cosmic Sound Healer
Whaia

Sophia Li
Journalist & Climate Communicator UN HUman rights champion

Janet Bellotto
Artist & Zayed University Professor

Mohammed Kazem
Artist

Dave Erasmus
Chairman, AQoustics

Florencio Noteci
CCO PlentaryX & Advisor, the Reefline

Dubai's remarkable rise from the desert sands has been nothing short of extraordinary. The city has rapidly transformed into a global economic hub, renowned for its iconic skyscrapers, luxury developments, and visionary projects. However, this success story brings with it a profound responsibility - to shape a sustainable, environmentally conscious future for the generations to come.

This talk delves into the evolving landscape of the Dubai real estate market, where innovation and sustainability converge to redefine urban living. We will unravel the stories of green skyscrapers that touch the skies, sustainable communities that prioritise quality of life, and initiatives that aim to reduce the ecological footprint of this thriving metropolis.