Khalid Sharaf

Khalid Sharaf serves as the Senior Director of Corporate Sales and Business Development at DMCC, the world’s leading business district and a global authority on commodities trade and enterprise.

In his role, Khalid leads the expansion of the organisation’s corporate sales strategies and business development initiatives. His work focuses on attracting global companies, strengthening DMCC’s international footprint, and driving strategic partnerships that reinforce DMCC’s position as the premier hub for trade, commodities and innovation.

Prior to joining DMCC, Khalid held several senior roles within the UAE Government. As Director of the UAE Government Leaders Programme at the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, he oversaw national leadership development initiatives and guided high-level engagements during the annual World Governments Summit in Dubai. He also held roles at Expo 2020 Dubai and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA).

He holds an Executive MBA from Georgetown University in Washington, DC; a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston; and a Higher Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai.

Dario Acconci

Dario Acconci is Head of Middle East and Asia at Hawksford, where he oversees the strategic direction of the firm’s regional offices and advises international businesses on expansion across Asia and the GCC. Based between Singapore and Dubai, Dario has over two decades of experience supporting foreign investment into China, Southeast Asia and the GCC, with a background in corporate and commercial law. He began his career in Hong Kong in 2003 and joined Hawksford following the successful growth and merger in 2018 of the regional corporate services firm he co founded. Dario works closely with multinational businesses to structure and establish operations across Asia and the Middle East, drawing on deep regional knowledge and extensive cross border experience.

Tommaso Barindelli

Tommaso Barindelli is Head of Business Development, UAE at Hawksford, where he leads the firm’s corporate services growth strategy in the region and advises international businesses on expansion into the Middle East and ASEAN. Based in Dubai, Tommaso has nearly a decade of experience supporting foreign investment into the UAE and Southeast Asia, with a focus on market entry strategy, FDI regulations, company formation and corporate governance.

Having lived and worked in both the UAE and Singapore, Tommaso brings strong cross-regional insight and operational experience. He has led delivery teams in Southeast Asia and works closely with founders, investors and multinational organisations to structure and establish operations across the GCC and ASEAN, translating commercial objectives into compliant and scalable solutions.

Patrick Ghata

Patrick Ghata is the Associate Director - Financial Services at DMCC, overseeing the development of DMCC’s financial products and online trade solutions. A trade finance specialist, he drives strategic campaigns to promote Dubai as a leading international Islamic finance hub.

In addition to managing conventional financial products, much of his work is focused on enhancing DMCC’s Islamic finance solutions, including Commodity Murabaha and Salam.

Previously, Patrick led DMCC Tradeflow, where he played a pivotal role in expanding its financial capabilities and strengthening its position in commodity trade finance. He was part of the team that launched the successful DMCC Warehouse Inspection and Ratings Programme in 2013, an assessment procedure that certifies the authenticity and safety of storage operators registered in the DMCC Tradeflow network.

With more than 16 years of experience in international finance and trade, Patrick has held a range of senior positions at DMCC since joining the organisation in 2013. He also oversees the energy sector at DMCC and has been instrumental in the growth of the Energy Club.

Patrick holds a BFA degree from the American University in Dubai.

Bassel Bitar

Bassel Bitar is the Senior Manager, Corporate Sales – Asia and Eastern Europe at DMCC, the world’s leading Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise.

Joining DMCC as a Team Leader in 2015, Bassel is responsible for promoting the benefits of doing business in Dubai and setting up companies in DMCC.

Prior to joining DMCC, Bassel held senior sales positions at both Etisalat Telecom and Emirates NBD in Dubai.

Bassel earned a Bachelor of Business administration degree in Hotel Management and tourism from the National American University in 2002.