Join DMCC’s dedicated roadshow in Switzerland, designed for companies in the AI, gaming, and crypto sectors looking to expand into international markets.
As competition among global tech hubs increases, businesses are seeking destinations that offer regulatory clarity, strong infrastructure, and direct access to high-growth regions. Dubai continues to stand out – ranked among the world’s top cities for innovation, ease of doing business, and quality of life.
DMCC is home to over 25,000 member companies and serves as a thriving business district for tech-focused firms. With flexible setup options, dedicated support for tech industries, and world-class facilities, DMCC offers Swiss companies the structure and resources needed to establish and grow their operations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Spaces are limited – register now to secure your place.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
.png?width=79&name=MicrosoftTeams-image%20(35).png "MicrosoftTeams-image (35)")
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
DMCC
Ahmed Bin Sulayem is the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC and has driven its growth from a start-up of 28 member companies in 2003 to the world’s leading international business district in 2025 with over 25,000 member companies from 180 countries, employing over 80,000 people.
Tasked with enhancing commodity trade flows through Dubai, DMCC has introduced to the market a number of value-added products and services under Mr Bin Sulayem’s leadership. In 2023, DMCC was named ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by The Financial Times fDi Magazine, for a record ninth consecutive year.
Mr Bin Sulayem oversaw the exponential growth of the DMCC Free Zone master development in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a 200-hectare business and residential community in Dubai of over 100,000 people living and working in 87 towers. Mr Bin Sulayem also oversees the development of DMCC’s latest real estate project, the Uptown Dubai district.
Mr Bin Sulayem currently serves as the Chairman the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) and the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX).
The Kimberley Process officially appointed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the first and only Arab country to Chair the Kimberley Process (KP) in November 2015. Shortly after, the UAE Ministry of Economy officially appointed Mr Bin Sulayem as the UAE’s Chair of the KP for 2016. Mr Bin Sulayem was reappointed Chair of the KP for a historic second time in 2024, and has continued his leadership role with the position of Custodian Chair in 2025.
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Swiss Confederation,
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Bern
Her Excellency is the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Swiss confederation and presented her credentials to the president Mr. Ignazio Cassis on 28.06.2022.
From 2019 till end 2021 Her Excellency was appointed Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Dr. Alotaiba was also a Permanent Representative of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Prior to this, Her Excellency was Ambassador to the Principality of Andorra and to the Holy See from 2012 until 2019. As well, she was Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain from 2009 until 2019.
Her previous postings include Advisor to the Department of Planning and Economics in Abu Dhabi from 2007 to 2008. Prior to this, she was an Assistant, Resident Representative for Finance & Human Resources at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Abu Dhabi from 2006 until 2007. Dr. Alotaiba also held the position of Head of Information Technology at the International Women’s Forum in New York from 2002 until 2006.
Medals & Decorations
13 February 2019: Award “The Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit” awarded from H.M. Felipe VI / King of Spain in recognition as a UAE Ambassador to Spain and the first Arab Lady Ambassador for her role in strengthening the bilateral relations between UAE and Spain. This award is considered the highest honor for a foreign citizen and the last time awarded was 35 years ago
- Her Excellency holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from a Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Book Author and
International Ecosystem Advisor
Alexander E. Brunner (49) studied at the University of St. Gallen HSG in Switzerland before working internationally for many years in alternative investments and hedge funds.
He is the author of several reports and a book about crypto, blockchain, and Web3: “Crypto Nation Switzerland” (2019), the “Swiss Digital Asset and Wealth Management Report 2021”, the “Swiss Digital Asset Market Report 2022”, and the “Swiss Digital Asset Custody Report 2023.”
He is writing his next book about the Swiss AI ecosystem, based on 60 interviews with leading Swiss founders, executives, researchers, politicians, and investors.
Alexander is CEO of Brunner Digital, a Swiss-based advisory firm for international fintech, Web3, and AI companies entering the Swiss market. The company has clients from the US, the UK, the EU, Korea, Taiwan, and Switzerland and advises several governments on the Web3 ecosystem.
Alexander is a frequent international speaker and news commentator. From 2015 until 2022, he was a Member of Parliament in the City of Zurich. He was also a commander in the Swiss armed forces for 16 years.
Senior Director - Tech Ecosystems,
DMCC
Belal Jassoma is Director of Ecosystems at DMCC, the world’s leading business district and authority on international commodities trade and enterprise.
Belal joined DMCC in 2011 and has been instrumental in scaling up DMCC’s ecosystems and commercial offering, including new products, services and member engagement programmes. In his current capacity as Director for Ecosystems, Belal is responsible for developing key strategic relationships, partnerships and product functions as well as overseeing ecosystem development across several of DMCC’s industry verticals such as crypto, gaming, AI, energy and financial services.
Belal holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah and brings over 18 years of experience in real estate, investment, and government administration.
Director and Head of Compliance,
Swiss Group Advisory DMCC
Raffaele Delorenzi is a compliance and financial services expert specializing in AML, financial regulations, and investment advisory. As Head of Compliance at Swiss Group Advisory DMCC and Swiss Group Legal Ltd., he is on the Board of Swiss Group and oversees the regulatory compliance, and fiscal advisory functions of the group.
Raffaele grew up in the UAE, after which, relocated to Hong Kong where he held various directorships and board roles in prudentially regulated financial services, and other advisory functions, focusing on regulatory compliance, asset management and international business expansions. Raffaele then returned to the UAE years ago, now specializing on corporate governance, regulatory compliance matters, and fiscal considerations.
A Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and CFA Charterholder, Raffaele holds multiple compliance certifications and is a registered UAE Corporate Tax Agent. Fluent in Italian and English, he brings a global perspective to regulatory challenges.
Head Compliance,
Scale Compliance
I am Head Compliance at Scale Compliance, where I have been instrumental in shaping and leading the firm’s regulatory services for over four years. With more than 15 years of prior experience in the traditional financial sector - including roles in Swiss banking, fiduciary services, and the trust industry - I bring a deep understanding of both conventional finance and the evolving crypto landscape.
Currently serving as an outsourced Compliance Officer for multiple Swiss-based financial intermediaries active in the digital asset space, I advise on regulatory matters, ensure adherence to AML standards, and support licensing processes. In addition to managing daily compliance operations, I regularly conduct tailored compliance trainings and workshops for crypto service providers.
In addition to my practical experience, I have successfully completed the CAS Compliance at the University of Zurich, further strengthening my academic and professional background in regulatory affairs.
My unique combination of traditional finance expertise, deep knowledge of crypto compliance, and academic qualifications positions me at the forefront of regulatory innovation in Switzerland’s fast- moving digital asset sector.
UAE’s Crypto Lawyer,
Managing partner of NeosLegal
Irina Heaver is the managing partner of NeosLegal, the UAE’s first crypto-native law firm, and author of “The Founder’s Guide to the UAE Crypto Laws”. She advises on all aspects of VASP licensing and regulatory compliance across UAE regimes, including VARA, SCA, ADGM and DIFC.Since 2016, she has structured over 300 blockchain and Web3 projects, supporting exchanges, token issuers, DeFi platforms, and RWA tokenisation ventures.Irina works closely with regulators, contributing to the development of virtual asset laws, and is a trusted adviser to founders, VCs and institutions expanding into the UAE’s rapidly evolving crypto ecosystem.
Manager – Crypto Centre,
DMCC Ecosystems
Zaher El Orm is the Crypto Centre Manager at DMCC, where he leads the growth and development of the Web3 ecosystem. In this role, Zaher drives strategic initiatives that promote blockchain technology's adoption and practical application, ensuring that DMCC remains at the forefront of the industry. By partnering with top-tier industry players, he provides end-to-end solutions and support to entrepreneurs and companies looking to scale their crypto operations within a dynamic and rapidly evolving market.
Before joining DMCC, Zaher was an advisor to leading crypto ventures, guiding them through the complexities of blockchain adoption and implementation. His extensive experience in sales within the cybersecurity and Web3 sectors has equipped him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the digital economy.
Zaher holds an MBA from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, where he specialised in the intersection of blockchain technology and supply chain management. His academic and professional background, combined with his forward-thinking approach, positions him as a key influencer in the ongoing evolution of the blockchain landscape.
Treasurer,
Swiss Business Council UAE
Mr. Ali Kanani serves as the Treasurer of the Swiss Business Council UAE (SBC). Established in 1996, the SBC is a non-profit organisation licensed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the DMCC. Since its inception, the SBC has promoted the interests of companies and individuals fostering connections between the UAE and Switzerland. The Council works closely with the Swiss Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Swiss Consulate in Dubai, the Swiss Business Hub Middle East, Presence Switzerland, and UAE Government departments to strengthen bilateral ties and promote Switzerland in the region.
Ali is a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 20 years of business experience in the UAE. Since 2003, he has successfully led his family office, overseeing a diversified investment portfolio across real estate, finance, and manufacturing. His strategic foresight and deep understanding of regional and global markets have enabled him to consistently drive growth, innovation, and sustainable value creation. Renowned for his ability to navigate complex business environments, Ali brings both entrepreneurial spirit and financial acumen to his leadership roles
