Connecting Africa with the Arab World. Join TOP CEO’s, industry leaders, and innovators to unlock unparalleled business opportunities.
Africa Dubaï Business Summit is the premier gathering of leading CEOS, influential decisionmakers, high level executives, innovative startups, businessmen, well-known industrialists, crypto- entrepreneurs, diplomats, celebrities, humanitarians, financiers, chambers of commerce, SMES, senior level government officials, Ministers, tech gurus, multinationals, Middle East and Africa leaders along with other respected and award-winning captains of industry which will be held in Dubaï, United Arab Emirates on the 12 November – 13 November 2025 at the prestigious Atlantis The Palm
Hotel, Palm Jumeirah . This year’s summit themed “Connecting Africa with the Arab world” will explore renewed commitment by both public and private sector stakeholders to building a stronger Africa and Arab trade, investment and commercial ties. Discover a land of opportunities in Africa and the Middle East.
The ADBS Summit 2025 is a premier event dedicated to strengthening ties between Africa and the Arab world, focusing on key sectors such as real estate, fintech, AI, mining, agriculture, healthcare, and FMCG. The two-day conference will feature expert panel discussions, keynote addresses from industry leaders, and high-level networking opportunities, including the launch of the TOP CEO magazine. A startup challenge and business matchmaking sessions will facilitate valuable investor connections. The event will conclude with the prestigious ADBS Awards Gala, celebrating influential leaders and innovators, followed by a cultural evening of music, fashion, and charity auctions. The final day includes an exclusive guided tour of Madame Tussauds Dubai. For booking inquiries panelist and Guest speaker opportunities, please contact us at: tim@africadubai.com
Venue: Atlantis The Palm Hotel, Palm Jumeirah
Host prestigious business events at Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah — a luxurious venue offering 6,000 sq. ft. of premium space for over 350 guests. Ideal for exhibitions, networking, and corporate gatherings, this world-class location combines elegance, convenience, and global appeal in one of Dubai’s most iconic destinations.
Connect with top African & Arab leaders from 50+ countries and global investors across IT, real estate & more
Network with royal families, billionaires, and industry pioneers through the TOP CEO global organization.
We Proudly Present An Unparalleled Platform That Unites Africa And The Arab World, Fostering Strategic Connections And Groundbreaking Collaborations. Under The Esteemed Patronage Of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Suhail Maktoum, This Prestigious Event Brings Together Visionary Leaders, Top CEOs, Government Officials, And Influential Decision-Makers To Shape The Future Of Economic Growth And Cultural Synergy.
Join Us As We Unlock The Power Of Connection, Bridging Regions, Industries, And Cultures For A Future Defined By Cooperation And Mutual Success.
Africa Dubaï Business Summit(ADBS) is powered by AlMaktoum Investments which stands as a distinguished jewel in the crown of the esteemed AlMaktoum Family. This venture, a testament to our legacy, soars above the world’s most ambitious and innovative projects, embodying excellence and forward-thinking. As the vanguards of futuristic investments, we are visionaries and architects of tomorrow, dedicated to transforming the landscape of global industries with precision and unparalleled dedication.
We are masters of investment, turning dreams into reality and propelling businesses to unprecedented heights. Our comprehensive suite of investment services spans a vast array of opportunities, from the dynamic realms of commerce and industry to the vital sectors of oil and natural gas, sports development, water enterprises, healthcare, education, tourism, and retail trade. Each venture is managed with the utmost professionalism and expertise, ensuring exceptional outcomes for our partners and clients.
Our strategic partnerships with leading global investors and institutions enable us to forge valuable connections and provide unparalleled opportunities. At AlMaktoum Investments, we believe the sky is merely the beginning, as we set our sights on the universe. With our visionary approach, unmatched expertise, and unwavering commitment to success, we are poised to transform investments into grand masterpieces of prosperity, surpassing even the loftiest aspirations.
The Africa Dubai Business Summit (ADBS) will culminate in a prestigious awards ceremony, recognizing exceptional leaders and businesses from Africa and the Middle East. Honoring remarkable achievements, the awards include categories such as Best African CEO of the Year, Best Arabian CEO of the Year, Personality of the Year (Africa and Middle East), Best Women Leader in the Middle East, Young African Leader of the Year, Best Startup of Africa Award, Most Innovative Real Estate Developer of the Year, Family Business of the Year, and Disruptor of the Year.
The summit serves as an exclusive platform for fostering high-impact African and Arab connections. A symbol of wealth and economic promise, it blends the progressive spirit of the Middle East with Africa’s visionary ambitions. The voices of influential leaders will resonate through the ADBS platform, creating a powerful narrative of growth and collaboration, backed by renowned Arabian leaders.
Network with top CEOs, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world. Gain Dubai Royal Family support, meet 250+ delegates, 30 speakers, and 350+ affiliates. Pitch your startup and discover revenue-boosting ideas.
Set up your company with quick visa assistance, enjoy media coverage, networking lunches, and a gala awards night. Unwind afterward with local attractions and make it a memorable trip.
Tim Balgobin, Founder of Africa Dubaï Business Summit(ADBS) with Mr Khalaf UAE Billionaire founder of Al Habtoor group
Tim Balgobin with Hon Aplonia Munzverengwi, Minister Of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mashionland East Province, Republic of Zimbabwe
ADBS Women empowerment forum
International African and French Press along with Zimbabwe officials
Hon Minister Mmusi Kgafela, Minister of trade and industry, Botswana
Tim Balgobin, founder of ADBS with Mr Dashti Mohammed, owner of Burger King chain, Iraq
+250 VIP guests present at Al Habtoor palace for ADBS event including family offices, Financiers, Ministers, Multinationals, Banks & more
African woman delegate receiving an award from ADBS
ADBS Delegates from +43 African countries at Al Habtoor palace, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Palace owned by His Excellency Khalaf Al Habtoor)
Presentation of Airbus 320 and Airbus 340 in dealroom by European Private Jet company
Tim Balgobin, Founder of Africa Dubaï Business Summit(ADBS) along with Minister of Trade & Industry, Botswana and other VVIP delegates and senior staff from African countries
"It always seem impossible until it's done." Nelson Mandela
Tim Balgobin is an award-winning Royal family advisor, leader & corporate counselor on strategy, public relations, company setup, branding, marketing, real estate, investments and a renowed top professional in most high profile UAE 🇦🇪 Royal Office events. He is an influential business maverick featured several times on international press including Khaleej Times, Powers of Africa, recipient of the prestigious Times of India 40 under 40 (best advisor) and Lexpress Newspaper.
Tim holds an exclusive global network of ultra-high networth individuals with an impressive track record at his young age. His unmatched experience led him to advise the Al Qassimi- Royal family of Ras Al Khaimah, the Al-Mualla-Royal family of Umm Al Quwain(UAQ) & the Al-Maktoum Royal family of Dubaï. Tagged as a “superconnector” in the Middle East, the Royal advisor is also highly connected to the Hollywood & Bollywood industry where his services will be hired by influentual figures for positioning on social media, Pr, crisis management, influencer & viral marketing- Tim Balgobin is known to work in a “discrete & efficient” manner as the leading press in Africa reported.
Tim has closed more than Usd 500 million in real estate deals in between Africa & Dubaï along with his partners. He collaborates with leading branded residences such as Cavalli, Aston Martin, Fashion Tv, and Bentley homes. Moreover, he helps to support ethical gold trading by connecting artisan gold traders from Africa to Dubaï buyers and also involved with vanilla farmers from Madagascar 🇲🇬 by promoting this unique spice to the world.
Tim Balgobin supports with a number of charity initiatives in Africa & also helps governments on the Mother Continent on their tourism, branding & real estate strategy.
“Your network is your networth”- Join the ADBS summit today!
(ADBS) and CEO of MLE Strategies
Michel is a former editor of Forbes Afrique. He joined Forbes Afrique in July 2012 as editor-in-chief and became the managing editor in 2015. Under his editorial leadership, Forbes Afrique was launched in 2012 and has become the leading business media that reflects and symbolizes the emergence and dynamism of the African new generation of entrepreneurs.
He is the author of the book “Being a Billionaire in Africa Today” (Présence Africaine), which tells the stories of billionaires he interviewed and investigated during his 10 years as Forbes Afrique’s editor. Michel is renowned for his extensive knowledge of the world of wealth in Africa and is highly connected to the ultra-high-net-worth individuals on the Mother Continent.
Between 1999 and 2010, Michel Lobé Ewané was senior producer at BBC World Service in London. Before the BBC, he was a TV producer for the French international channel TV5 Monde in the 1990s.
He made his debut in the profession as a freelance journalist at Radio France Internationale, and then worked for Jeune Afrique and Le Monde Diplomatique — leading news and magazines in France.
In October 2021, he was appointed as Royal Advisor in the Private Office of the Sheikh of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Qassimi. At the same time, he was awarded The Leadership Excellence Award by Sheikh Al Qassimi of the United Arab Emirates.
Michel Lobé Ewané holds a master’s degree in Public Law from the University of Yaoundé, a Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (DEA) in Political Science from the University of Paris II Panthéon, and a DESS from the Institut Français de Presse (IFP – Paris II Assas).
Michel Lobé Ewané with Billionaires Tony Elumelu (left) from Nigeria and Mohammed Dewji (right) from Tanzania
Experience the vibrant charm of Dubai while attending the Africa Dubai Business Summit. Discover iconic landmarks, shopping destinations, and leisure spots just minutes away from the venue.
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks:
10 mins drive to Dubai Mall, 10 mins drive to International Airport, 12 mins drive to Burj Khalifa, 14 mins drive to Gold Souk, 19 mins drive to Mall of the Emirates, 20 mins drive to Palm Jumeirah, 20 mins drive to Dubai Miracle Garden, 20 mins drive to Burj Al Arab, 27 mins drive to Hindu Temple Jebel Ali (Energy Metro Station), Al Maktoum Stadium, Oud Metha Mosque, St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Al Nasr Leisure Land – Amusement & Theme Parks, Bur Dubai, Sports Complexes, Dubai Private Tours.
Make the most of your summit experience with a luxurious stay at one of these top-rated hotels, just minutes away from the event venue. Enjoy comfort, convenience, and world-class amenities.
A prominent global business leader, Mr. Walid Loukil brings decades of international trade expertise and diplomatic insight to the board. As the owner of Tradev Tunisia, he has built strong economic bridges across continents. His role as a board member at the prestigious Choiseul Institute reflects his commitment to policy, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
Mr Mourad Elamjad comes with an incredible experience and strategy management all over the African continent and known to work closely with Royal family offices of the Arab world.
Mr. Conor McKay is one of the most accomplished real estate brokers in the Middle East, having successfully brokered three of the top five most expensive villa sales in Dubai—including the record-breaking 1st, 2nd, and 4th highest sales. Since 2017, he has closed deals worth over USD $2.1 billion, showcasing his exceptional expertise in high-end property transactions. His excellence has been consistently recognized—he has been named “Top Agent” three times by the UAE’s leading property portal, PropertyFinder.ae. In 2024, Arabian Business listed him among the Top 30 Real Estate Legends in the region, and he has been featured in the prestigious Spears 500 list as one of the most recommended and influential real estate brokers in the Middle East for three consecutive years—2023, 2024, and 2025.
