GREAT Futures Event Overview

In a momentous collaboration, the Government of Saudi Arabia and the UK Government join for GREAT Futures. Held in the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, this two-day event will spotlight excellence across key industries and sectors such as:

• Artificial Intelligence	• Education
• Clean Technology	• Architecture
• Luxury	• Creativity
• Fashion	• Construction

registration

We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional event.

speakers

H.E. Dr. Majid Al Kassabi

Minister of Commerce
Chairman of National Competitiveness Center

The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden

CBE, Deputy Prime Minister

H.E Dr. Eiman Al Mutairi

Vice Minister of Commerce KSA
NCC CEO

⁠

A distinguished gathering of over 10 ministers from both sides

AGENDA

Summary of the Activities

Tue, 14 May	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Venue, KAFD Conference Centre

08:30-09:30	Registration & and Reception
09:30 - 10:00	Opening Show	GREAT Futures Opening remarks
10:00-11:45	High-level panel and keynotes
11:45-13:00	Networking break, Exhibition and Experiences
13:00-15:35	Thought Leadership Stage Sessions	Roundtables, Workshops, 121s, Bilats (G2G / G2B / B2B)
18:00-21:00	Site Visits

Cultural Track

Visits to Diriyah Biennale, Al-Turaif District and Bujairi Terrace

Downtown Track

National Museum. Tour at Al-Zal Market and Almasmak Palace and Palace of the Governer Square

Tech and Innovation Track

Garage, King Salman Science Oasis, and KACST

Entertainment and Sport Track

Riyadh Boulevard City and Kingdom Arena

Tue, 15 May	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Venue, KAFD Conference Centre

08:30-09:30	Reception and Networking
09:30- 12:00	**Thought Leadership Stage Sessions**		Roundtables, Workshops, 121s, Bilats (G2G / G2B / B2B)	Networking, Lounges, Masterclasses, Demonstrations, Showcase, Entertainment
12:00-13:20	High-level panel and keynotes
13:20-15:10	Networking break, Exhibition and Experiences
15:10-15:30	GREAT Futures Closing Remarks
15:30-15:40	Closing show
18:00-21:00	Site Visits

Cultural Track

Visits to Diriyah Biennale, Al-Turaif District and Bujairi Terrace

Downtown Track

National Museum. Tour at Al-Zal Market and Almasmak Palace and Palace of the Governer Square

Tech and Innovation Track

Garage, King Salman Science Oasis, and KACST

Entertainment and Sport Track

Riyadh Boulevard City and Kingdom Arena

Detailed Agenda | Tuesday 14 May

Time	Session Title	Objectives		Speakers
8:30 9:30	Registration and Reception
9:30 9:40	Opening show
9:40 9:45	Welcome & Message video
9:50 10:05	Fireside chat or key notes	TBC	Speakers: Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE, Deputy Prime Minister HE Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al Kasabi, Minister of Commerce
10:05	Short Video about Transformative Reforms and Achievements
10:15 10:20	Vision 2030 Transformative Reforms and Achievements	TBC	HE Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al Kasabi, Minister of Commerce
10:30 10:45	Investment Outlook across the Two Kingdoms	TBC	Moderator: TBC Attendees: H.E. Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment Lord Dominic Johnson OBE, Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade
10:55 11:50	Overveiling Tomorrow: Saudi Arabia's GIGA Projects as Catalysts for Vision 2030 60 mins		Attendees: Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Neom CEO (10-15) mins Red Sea (10-15) mins Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, Diriyah (10-15) mins Qiddiya (10-15) mins
12:00 12:20	Seeing things differently In conversation with UK Business Leader	Demonstrate the power of ‘seeing things differently’ through commercial creativity	Panelists: Thomas Heatherwick. CEB Dr. Munir Al-Dosouqi, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology Olayan AlWetaid, STC CEO
12:25 12:35	DCMS SoS TBC 15 mins		Panelists: Lucy Frazer, DCMS SoS, Minister for Tourism H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb
12:40 13:25	Lunch and Networking
13.30 14:10	How transformative change in the auto industry can open new opportunities.	A discussion that will explore the many opportunities for economic collaboration between KSA and the UK as the auto industry transitions into a new era of mobility. This panel will also discuss how innovation in the auto industry can create a landscape for cleaner transport.	Moderator: Andy Palmer, Former CEO of Aston Martin and COO of Nissan Attendees: UK speakers: James Eaton, CEO and Co-Founder, IONETIC; Claire Williams, former Deputy Team Principal, Williams F1; Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E CEO Lucid, CEO Ceer
14.20 14.45	Fireside chat - Esports	To explore the role that Esports is having as part of the Saudi 2030 Vision and internationally.	Moderator: TBC Speakers: Chester King President British Esports Federation. (Potential additional panel member Jasmine Skee, Guild Esports) HRH Prince Faisal Bin Sultan AI Saudi, Chairman of Saudi Sports Federation
14:45 15:30	Theatre, festivals and performing arts (potential for a short performance)	Session exploring how to create successful theatre and festivals; running a national entertainment institution; developing and experimenting with new ideas and productions; commercialisation and global collaboration and the importance of arts education.	Moderator: Nicholas Allott OBE, Non-Executive Vice Chairman, Cameron Mackintosh Speakers: Alexander Beard CBE, CEO, Royal Opera House, Francesca Hegyi OBE, Executive Director, Edinburgh Festival Elaine Bedell OBE, CEO, Southbank Centre Theatre and Performing Arts Commission, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, performing arts and festivals department

Time	Session Title	Objectives	Speakers
13:30 13:40	Keynote on Artificial Intelligence with HE Dr AlGhamdi, Saudi Data and AI Authority President "The transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in realizing the ambitious goals of Vision 2030"	SDAIA's strategic vision and initiatives in harnessing data and AI to drive economic diversification, societal well-being, and sustainable development across the Kingdom. Real-world examples of AI applications in key sectors like healthcare, energy, media, education, infrastructure, and smart cities, showcasing the tangible impact of these technologies. Opportunities for collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the international community.	HE Dr AlGhamdi, Saudi Data and AI Authority President
13:50 14:15	Artificial intelligence for societal good	A series of ted style talks exploring case studies that reveal opportunities for societal good in the application of AI.	Moderator: Deepti Velury, CEO, Tag (creative industries and AI); Speakers: Suggested case study: Education and AI; Ardaman, Alex Bombeck, CEO, North Highland, Co-CEO Dimension, Simon Windsor Saudi Company on AI CEO (suggested case study: TBD by SDAIA), Dr Jürgen Schmidhuber, Professor of Computer Science and Director of the KAUST AI Initiative (suggested case study:AI and environmental protection – KAUST-NEOM Coral Reef Restoration Project)
14:25 15:05	Emerging talent and Fashion Creativity (Showcasing up-and-coming UK and Saudi designers)	Caroline Rush of the British Fashion Council and Burak Cakmak of the Fashion Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture lead a conversation between a new generation of British and Saudi Fashion designers, exploring opportunities for creative collaboration and retail partnerships across Saudi Arabia and the UK.	Moderator: Caroline Rush Speakers: Burak Cakmak, CEO Saudi Fashion Commission, Foday Dumbaya, Menswear Designer, LABRUM London; Sohee Park (Miss Sohee), Womenswear designer & Founder of Miss Sohee, Honayda Serafi, Shahd AlShehail‎, Founder Abadia, Yahya Al-Bishri
15:15 15:40	Fireside chat - Sport	A discussion that will focus on the power of sport and how to establish a pipeline of success from grassroots community through to international elite level, as well as addressing women's sport.	Moderator: Louise Minchin Speakers: Amanda Staveley; Rio Ferdinand OBE; Claire Williams OBE, Former Deputy Team Principal, Williams F1 Racing Princess Delayel bint Nahar Al-Saud, Leader of the Saudi Games, Ministry of Sport Adwa Al Arifi, Saudi Football Federation, Saudi Pro League, Steven Gerrard (Al-Ettifaq)

Time	Session Title	Objectives	Speakers
13:30 14:10	Architecture and the built environment	A session to share experience of designing buildings to maximise community wellbeing and the UK's approach to creating sustainable urban spaces and buildings.	Moderator: Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick, CEO, RIBA Speakers: Thomas Heatherwick CBE; Amanda Levete CBE CEO Dr. Sumaya Al-Sulaiman, Architect Commission
14.20 14.45	Sustainable design, smart cities, and construction	A discussion that will communicate the Saudi vision for building the kingdom of tomorrow and the UK sharing its expertise and experience	Moderator: Catalina Valentino, CEO and Co- Founder, Elixer Speakers: Joseph Daniels, Elixr; Innovo Group, name TBC, CEO, SDAIA, DGDA/NEOM, Michael Dyke, Al Murraba, KAFD, Roger Wahl. CTO of Innovo , Ben Evans, Director London Design Festival
14.55 15.35	Fireside chat - with Founders Forum - Lessons in Disruption & Reinvention	A fireside chat that will explore the journey of pivoting from one industry to another, share insights on identifying market opportunities, and discuss strategies for successfully navigating disruption and reinvention as an entrepreneur.	Moderator: Carolyn Dawnson, CEO Founders Forum Speakers: Oliver Kent-Braham, Marshmallow; Michael Acton Smith, Calm, Oliver Kent-Braham, CEO and Co-Founder of Onfido
15:45 15:55	Founders Forum - The UK Playbook: Proven Strategies for Building a Thriving Tech Ecosystem 15 mins	In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, innovation has become the key driver of economic growth and social progress. Governments and venture capital firms play critical roles in fostering innovation, but their approaches and objectives often differ. This session explores the potential synergies between these two powerful forces and how they can work together to create thriving innovation ecosystems.	Moderator: Brent Hoberman, Founder, Founders Forum Speakers: Sriram Krishnan, a16z

Time	Session Title	Objectives	Speakers
13.30 13.40	In conversation with Ian Stuart and Lana Ghazzaoui (15 mins)	TBC	Ian Stuart, CEO, HSBC UK Bank plc
13.45 14.45	Future of Museums	A session on creating successful UK and Saudi partnership opportunities across the museum and arts sector, showcasing British culture and supporting and helping develop talent in Saudi.	Moderator: Suhair Khan, Technology Entrepreneur and Creative Leader Speakers: Timothy Marlow OBE, Design Museum, British Museum, Sir Ian Blatchford, Science Museum, Assistant Minister of Culture, Mona Khazindar, CEO Saudi Museum Commission, Stefano Carboni, CEO Saudi Museum Commission
14.35 14.45	Streamlining Service Trade	TBC	Moderator: TBC Speakers: WEF, OECD
14.55 15.20	Powering a greener future	A discussion that will seek to showcase UK and Saudi projects that are delivering a sustainable future through clean tech.	Moderator: TBC Speakers: Ian Brown, Head of banking UKIB; Chris Hulatt, Founder, Octopus Ventures Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, VP Sustainability and Innnovation, RaadAl-Saady, VP, Acwa Power
15.30 15.55	Savile Row to Saudi Arabia – The Impact of British Tailoring on the Global Stage 30 mins	An in conversation with one of the world's most influential fashion designers who will give their personal insight.	Moderator: Dylan Jones Speakers: Jason Gerrard, CEO, Gieves & Hawkes, Ozwald Boateng, Menswear Designer, Burak Cakmak, CEO, Saudi Fashion Commission, RAMZ, ASHI

Detailed Agenda | Wednesday 15 May

Time	Session Title	Objectives	Speakers
8:30 9:30	Registration and Reception
09:35 09:45	Keynote with HE Abdullah AlSwaha and Michelle Donelan	TBC	HE Abdullah AlSwaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science Innovation and Technology
9:55 10:25	Research and Innovation Collaboration for Global Challenges	A series of short ted talks that will demonstrate how we can work together to address global scientific challenges, in line with Vision 2030 ambitions.	Moderator: Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science Innovation and Technology Attendees: Vivienne Stern, Universities UK; UKRI HE Dr Mohammed Al-Otaibi, Acting Head of Research, Development and Innovation Authority, HE Dr Munir ElDesouki, President of King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technologies (KACST – national laboratories )
10.30 10:20	Keynote with Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel	TBC	HE Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel, Minister of Health
10.45 11.25	Delivering digital transformation in the healthcare sector (15 minute ted talk + 30 minute panel) 45 mins	Developing partnerships looking at digital health and investment. Via ted talk style format use case studies including: KSA's Seha Virtual Hospital to demonstrate how higher quality healthcare can be provided to secondary cities and rural areas.	Moderator: Lord Markham, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care Speakers: Professor Shafi Ahmed, Jacqui Rock, Chief Commercial Officer NHS HE AlAbdullaali, Assistant Minister of Health , Dr Abdulaziz Alhomod, Chief Medical Officer SEHA Hospital
12:40 13:25	Lunch and Networking
12.50 13.30	Video Games, Esports and Spatial Computing: the Future of Interactive Entertainment	Insight into how the gaming industry can be supported through collaborations, development of content, developing talent, innovative experiences and investment. Introduce UK gaming to the Saudi market and seek to develop joint initiatives.	Moderator: Ian Livingstone, CBE, Entrepreneur and investor Speakers: Phil Stuart, Founder of PRELOADED, Jude Ower, Founder and CEO of Playmob, Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Qiddiya (TBC)
13.40 14.20	Sounds of Partnership (Potential for a short performance)	Performance and discussion that will seek to create successful partnerships and opportunities between music creatives and businesses in the UK and Saudi, with a focus on nurturing and promoting home grown talent in country and on the world stage.	Moderator: Jonathan Shalit, Chairman, InterTalent Rights Group Speakers: Olly Bengough, British Entrepreneur, KOKO Vanessa Bosaen, President, Virgin Music UK, Jonathan Shalit OBE, Chairman, InterTalent Rights Group, YolanDa Brown, Chair of BPI Music Commission Hala Ali Alhedeithy

Time	Session Title	Objectives	Speakers
8:30 9:30	Registration and Reception
9.55 10:35	Financial services and the green transition	A discussion that will seek to highlight how the UK and Saudi Arabia area collaborating on green finance	Moderator: Brent Hoberman, Founder, Founders Forum Speakers: Jane Goodland, Director of Sustainability, London Stock Exchange, HSBC UK Bank plc, Fahad Al Saif, MD of Global Capital Finance, Sarah Al Suhaimi (Chair of Tadawul)
10.45 11.10	Fireside chat- Education	To shine a light on the challenges and opportunities in education.	Professor Steve Smith Minister AI Benyan, Minister for Education
11.20 12.00	Higher Education and Skills	A discussion that will examine education and talent, with a focus on creating a higher education structure to support young graduates and students from universities and through to life-long learning.	Moderator: TBC Speakers: Lord Bilimoria CBE DL, Chancellor, University of Birmingham, Professor Steve Smith, Vivienne Stern, Universities UK, Either Professor Irene Tracey, VC University of Oxford or Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Saïd Business School University of Oxford Dr Inas Bint Sulaiman Al-Issa, Director of Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University, KAUST
12:05 13:00	Lunch and Networking

13.05 13.45	Luxury 2030	A discussion that will seek to explore what the luxury sector will look like in 2030 - which brands will flourish and how to create those brands? The importance of knowing the luxury customer inside out and the growing role of new technology in creating brands and impact.	Moderator: Charlotte Keesing , Director Walpole Speakers: Michael Ward, CEO, Harrods; Anabela Chan, CEO and Creative Director, Anabela Chan Joaillerie; Coco Baraer Panazza, CEO, My Wardrobe HQ, Simon Holloway Dunhill Personage KSA, Mwaz CEO, CFR CEO, Kayanee, Asteri, Sarah AlRasheed, KAFD
13.55 14.20	Fireside chat - Christies Auction House and Hauser and Wirth	Insight into the interplay of art, culture, luxury and fashion in 2030.	Moderator: Suhair Khan Speakers: Ewan Venters OBE, Hauser and Wirth; Anthea Peers, President Christie's EMEA Ministry of Culture; Visual Arts Commission

Time	Session Title	Objectives	Speakers
8:30 9:55	Registration and Reception
9.55 10.00	A moderated discussion with Colm Lacy, COO, British Airways	TBC	Colm Lacy, Chief Commercial Officer at British Airways, Louise Minchin
10.10 10.20	Keynote speech with Princess Haifa Al Saud, Vice Minister	TBC	Princess Haifa Al Saud, Vice Minister Tourism
10.30 11.10	Tourism- promoting a country globally	A discussion exploring how to successfully promote a country globally as a visitor destination, shifting perceptions and boosting inbound visits and spend across the destination.	Moderator: Patricia Yates, CEO, Visit Britain Speakers: Martin Green, VP Global Live Events, Tait; Judith Owen MBE, CEO, Titanic Belfast; Hamish McVey, Director of Marketing and Onboard Product, BA Saudi Tourism Authority, Royal Commission for Al-Ula, Ministry of Sports
10.45 11.15	Focus on Newcastle upon Tyne: Building a Gateway to Saudi through innovative Trade and Investment	Drawing on the recent purchase of Newcastle United by PIF, which has already catapulted the football club to new levels of success, the panel will discuss how investment in sport can have a multiplier effect, opening up a unique opportunity between Saudi Arabia and the North East of England.	Moderator: Sarah Green Attendees: Becky Langley, Manager, Newcastle United Women's Football; Alison Gwynn CEO, Northeast Screen; Professor Katy Shaw, Northumbria University, Kate Nichols OBE, CEO, UK Hospitality
12:05 13:00	Lunch and Networking
13.05 13:45	Infrastructure Development	A session that will focus on creating and exploring UK and Saudi partnerships in the infrastructure sector, highlighting innovative and sustainable approaches to infrastructure development, city planning, community and wellbeing.	Moderator: Lord Lister, Saudi UK Joint Business Council Speakers: Mark Reynolds, CEO, MACE; Atkins Realis; Jamie Ritblat, CEO, Delancey, NEOM, Jayne McGivern, CEO, Riyadh Boulevard, Red Se, David King, OEB General Manger UK & Ireland Public Infrastructure, Bechtel
13.55 14.20	Education live lecture by business school	TBC	Renowned British business school.

Time	Session Title	Objectives	Speakers
14:50 15:15	In conversation with Simon Fuller	Shine a spotlight on the entertainment ambitions of the Saudi Government with one of the world's most successful entertainment and tv producers.	Moderator: Louise Minchin Panelists: Simon Fuller, British Entrepreneur, Artist Manager and TV Producer Jomana Al Rashed, CEO Red Sea Festival, Paul Pacifico, CEO, Music Commission; MBC Group; GCAM General Commission for Audiovisual Media
15.25 15:55	Fireside Chat Secretary of State DSIT Michelle Donelan and KSA Minister 30 mins	TBC	Secretary of State DSIT Michelle Donelan KSA TBC
16:00 16:05	CLOSING SHOW 10 mins
16:15 16:30	BBC Premiere

Participants

JOIN

- Location: Riyadh

- Venue: KAFD Convention Center and Financial Plaza

- Date: May 14 & 15, 2024

- Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, followed by site visits from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

contact US

Please do not hesitate to contact E-mail: events@ncc.gov.sa

with any questions or inquiries.