World Autism Awareness Day 2025, a transformative movement celebrating neurodiversity, amplifies the voices of autistic individuals, families, and advocates to forge inclusive societies where differences are embraced as strengths. Under the theme “Beyond Awareness: Action for Acceptance,” the day highlights groundbreaking strides in education, employment, and technology that empower autistic individuals to thrive. Innovators showcase AI-driven communication tools, sensory-friendly workplace designs, and arts programs that channel unique perspectives into creative industries. Policymakers debate legislation for inclusive schooling and lifelong support systems, while self-advocates share lived experiences dismantling stereotypes about independence and capability. The event also addresses urgent gaps—reducing diagnostic disparities in marginalized communities, combating workplace discrimination, and integrating neurodiversity into climate action and tech innovation. World Autism Awareness Day 2025 is a call to move from passive tolerance to active empowerment, proving that when societies listen, adapt, and invest in autistic potential, they unlock not just individual futures, but collective progress. It honors those rewriting narratives, turning acceptance into opportunity, and building a world where every mind is valued as a vital thread in humanity’s tapestry.
World Autism Awareness Day 2025
Wednesday - April 02 2025 (9AM - 5PM UAE Time)
PREMIUM BREAKOUTS
FOCUS ON CFO DEVELOPMENT
Identify appropriate metrics for the CFO’s performance evaluation – resources &value additions alone or authenticity and how to grow into the future. Discuss challenges facing CFO’s as it supports ways to overcome.
CFO INNOVATION
Identify solutions for CFO based on innovations that will support success as entrepreneurs.
CREATING CFO OPPORTUNITIES
We bring opportunities in the market for CFO to give them business ideas and practical business plans required to get success.
CFO TRAINING, CONSULTING AND ADVISORY
Recognize CFO skills, identify area of improvements, learning opportunities to provide Women with comprehensive solutions.
FINANCE TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP
Learn how to create a cohesive and tailored technology roadmap across the finance function based on latest market innovations.
FINANCE ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
Design a future finance operating model that supports growth and innovation.
CFO DIALOGUE AND CONNECTIVITY
Facilitate dialogue between technology innovators, Consultants and regulators to unlock the keys to widespread adoption. Facilitate a two-way interaction to map out future needs and areas where technology has yet to offer a solution.
BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING
Facilitate dialogue between technology innovators, Consultants and regulators to unlock the keys to widespread adoption. Facilitate a two-way interaction to map out future needs and areas where technology has yet to offer a solution.
AUTONOMOUS FINANCE
CFOs will learn how to advance digital leadership to prepare for the future of the finance function where data and technology support real-time decision making.
DATA AND ANALYTICS
Discover the latest tools, techniques and technology innovations to unlock more value from data and analytics.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Utilize AI to unlock more value from finance data and processes.
DIGITAL GROWTH
Uncover how technology and digital will impact organizations going forward and how to align strategic growth goals to meet the board’s expectations.
TOPICS YOU WANT TO HEAR ABOUT, ISSUES AND CHALLENGES, & UNFORGETTABLE TAKEAWAYS.
This is an initiative of Berkeley Middle East which aims at the CFO learning and development; so they can create a difference in the world and contribute towards the society by utilizing their skills with lot of networking and relationship building opportunities.
Keynotes
Our keynotes will provide you access to the most impactful and powerful thought leaders on the program. Hear from high-profile thought leaders and Business Executives as they cover key business trends that are driving the future of work.
Breakfast Briefings
Our breakfast briefings are sessions which give you a chance to get a deeper perspective on a topic and also get the chance to get into debate on the topic. We’ve designed them to provide the chance for open and frank discussions about the current trends and challenges impacting the profession whilst enjoying delicious food in the company of industry colleagues.
Workshops
Choose from workshops; Transform which are carefully designed to provide tangible takeaways and practical toolkits that deliver value and impact in the post-pandemic world.
CoLabs
Our CoLabs focus on a key business challenge. You will be guided through the process in small peer groups using design thinking or agile learning methods. Get to the heart of the issue and develop deeper insights, reach conclusions and formulate recommendations for the future. Our CoLabs give you tangible takeaways to be able to implement immediately into your organisation.
Lightning Talks
Illuminate us but make it quick! True to its name a lightning talk is a very short presentation on a current topic in a quick, insightful and clear manner.
Thought Exchange Roundtables
Sharing experiences and knowledge are key elements. These roundtable discussions with small groups of peers give you the chance to share perspectives on hot topics and key challenges facing the profession. Have your say on the topics you want to discuss on the day!
InFocus Panels
Our expert panel made up of business thought leaders and executives will share their insights and pioneering research around the future of women. This interactive session looks beyond re-imaging how things are and towards innovating the endless possibilities of what they could be.
Exclusive Masterclass
A masterclass is a means to present a real-world account on a particular topic, situation or event. Led by a speaker with expert knowledge or skills in a particular area these sessions often provide best-practice advice or insight into new or innovative solutions that are forging new paths.
Awards, Certificates & Digital Badges
An exclusive, glamorous affair, where the winner will be recognised for their outstanding contributions.
EVENT BY
PARTNERS
KNOWLEDGE PARTNER
HOSTED BY
PAST CFO CONFERENCE
First-ever Women CFO Conference & Awards at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre on 25th November 2023. Women CFO Conference and Awards is a signature event gathering of Finance leaders, the opportunity to network and learn with best-in-class financial and business leaders. From talent matters to innovation strategies, ESG disclosures to cross-functional teams, hear how CFOs are forceful leaders for their organizations and industries. Today’s CFOs make decisions, convey those decisions with confidence, and manage with certainty, plan the ways the financial market has evolved, including the role of technology, the evolution of shareholders, and hard decisions, manage internal cyber security procedures and external data threats, shape strategies on how to manage with commitment and maintain calm through times of volatility, bearing the impact of strategic financial decisions.
WE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR THE CONFERENCE & AWARDS
Musa Shaikh
- Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Berkeley Middle East Holding
- Royal Family Investment Advisor
- Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director
Khulood Shaban
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Berkeley & Lords
09:00 AM – 09:55 AM (KSA Time)
REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST
09:55 AM – 10:00 AM (KSA Time)
Sponsor
Berkeleyme Investors Club
Berkeleyme Investors Club is a patent gold standard signature business club. We focus on both creating a global investors community and building a bridge to the skills and ideas of high level professionals with the aim to serve the international investment industry, in order to create value for the society. Read More..
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM (KSA Time):
OPENING REMARKS & INTRODUCTION
Host
Dr. Musa Shaikh
Berkeley Middle East Holding
Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Royal Family Investment Advisor
- Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director
Shaikh is a Certified Public Accountant, a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK, and a CGMA from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Associate member of the Institute of Financial Accountants, a fellow member of International Accountants. He is a Certified Internal Auditor from the Institue of Internal Audit, Florida, USA, a Certified Information System Auditor, and a Fellow Member of Securities and Investments from CISI, United Kingdom. He is a double graduate in law and business, LLB (Hons) from Buckinghamshire New University UK, a Master in Law from Kings College London, a Master in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, a Master in Public Administration from Chichester University, He is a Certified Project Management Professional from PMI, USA. He has amazing capabilities to innovate, equipped with deep knowledge of Artificial intelligence, system architecture, and data sciences. He is a certified Amazon AWS Data Analytics and certified Solutions Architecture Professional. He has more than 20 years of experience in leading financial strategies, planning & budgeting, corporate governance, FP&A, VC, Corporate finance, strategies for turnaround, Risk and compliance management, acquisitions for startups & large projects, financial modeling, due diligence, and advise on leading key business complex matters on a global scale.
Berkeleyme & MS (Voice of Global Women) – A Social Enterprise
Berkeleyme & MS (Voice of Global Women) – A Social Enterprise, support women to get their basic rights from parliament, ensuring women have access to FREE education and Healthcare, Justice at the doorstep, physical protection & mental health, child care benefits, along with generating employment opportunities and developing as entrepreneurs. Read More..
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “AN ARAB WOMAN IN THE FINANCE SECTOR”
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “THE CFO’S ROLE IN A VOLATILE BANKING LANDSCAPE”
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “SUCCESSFUL M&A: MANAGING TRANSACTIONS AND MARKET CYCLESS”
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING – FUTURISTIC CFO”
Explore the world of Alternative Investments with CAIA Association passing CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) Certification examinations with Berkeleyme School of Management & Sciences
Whether you need a deep, practical understanding of the world of alternative investments, a solid introduction, or data science skills for the future in finance, the CAIA Association offers a program for you.
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “STEER YOUR FINANCIAL STRATEGY & PLANNING ROADMAP TO ACCELERATE TRANSFORMATION”
11:30 AM – 11:45 AM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “INTERNAL AUDITING – RISK & CHALLENGES”
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “ESG REPORTING AND THE CFO ROLE?”
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “BUSINESS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS – CHOICE FOR CFO”
12:15 PM – 12:30 PM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT – KPI FOR FINANCIAL LEADERS”
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM (KSA Time)
TEA BREAK & PRAYER TIME
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM (KSA Time)
PANEL TOPIC: “FINTECH”
Explore the opportunity to get the title of ACMA, CGMA with Berkeleyme School of Management & Sciences
As a senior finance executive, you would probably have gained vast work experience in finance and business functions, hence we would like to help you stay at the cutting edge of your profession.
Take the leap forward through the CIMA Fast-Track, Exclusively designed pathway for bright leaders like you. The CIMA Fast-Track Program will complement your experience and puts you on a fast track to gaining the globally trusted and highly valued Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA®) designation.
Pathway:
Under this fast track program, candidates will only take the Strategic Case Study exam of the CIMA qualification and completion of the exam will allow direct entry to CIMA membership and awarding of the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.
Take only one exam:
Just sit for ONE final exam (Strategic Case Study) of the CIMA qualification and you can apply for CIMA membership.
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “FINANCIAL AND ITS DEALINGS WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS – ORGANIZATION CHALLENGES”
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “FORENSIC ACCOUNTING & AUDITING – AN INTEGRATED APPROACH”
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “BUSINESS CONTINUITY – A CFO PERSPECTIVE”
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “CFO SUCCESSION PLANNING – A BACKUP PLAN”
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM (KSA Time)
TOPIC: “BALANCING RISKS, REWARDS, AND RESULTS”
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (KSA Time)
4:00 PM (KSA Time)
CLOSING REMARKS
Speaker
Khulood Shaban
Berkeley & Lords
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Khulood is a philanthropist, a business leader, successful business entrepreneur, and the most influence Arabic women in Gulf region. She is the CFO & CEO of Berkeley Middle East holding an American Emirati Joint venture conglomerate with a diversified portfolio. Khulood career is diversified over several roles including CEO, Director Finance, Financial Controller, & Chief Financial Officer based on decade of experience. Khulood core expertise to manage financial transactions for the whole group and in ongoing projects, arises through Merger or acquisitions, study the fundamental and technical feasibility, evaluate the investment risks by applying high level financial management tools for stakeholders keeping ERP, budgeting, variance reporting aligns with financial strategy of the shareholders. Her strengths are innovative & creativity toward a particular business venture, preparation of business plan, coordination with external auditors, lenders, regulatory authorities, compliances, meeting with investors for arranging of Funds, building a capital Structuring simple and complex, IPO’s securities, active management, & financial decision making.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (KSA Time)
The CFO Expo Riyadh 2024 is more than just a conference; it's a catalyst for professional growth and organizational success. Whether you're a seasoned CFO, finance executive, or aspiring financial leader, this event is your gateway to unparalleled learning, networking, and business opportunities. Our partners in real estate brought a great opportunity to explore the real estate investment options in the Saudi Arabia.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO BE A EXHIBITOR, REGISTER HERE:
WHY PARTICIPATE IN THE AWARDS?
We acknowledge the dynamic individual’s who has made outstanding contribution to nation as well as to business community over the past year. We seek to appreciate the invaluable individuals who work in such high-pressure positions and deliver the best value, and make it prominent how you give benefit of your enterprise. To assist us in our search for the top minds, we invite you to make your voice heard via a nomination, so we can showcase those who strive to promote the growth and deserve to be commended.
RECOGNISE & MOTIVATE YOUR TEAMS
- Entering the Awards is a way to thank and honour valued employees and to show you care about the future of women development.
- Your award application helps reflect on the achievements, challenges and areas of improvement which is vital for any developing business.
- Being nominated, shortlisted or winning an award can help boost staff morale and improve motivation.
CELEBRATE IN STYLE
- The awards are an excellent opportunity to network virtually with hundreds of professionals, showcase your work and learn from others.
- Celebrate all the hard work and successes of the industry with awards.
AWARD TITLES
- Chief Financial Officer of the Year
- Financial Professional of the Year
- CFO of the Year | Lifetime Achievement
- CFO Innovator of the Year
- Excellence in Business CFO of the Year
- The Most Active CFO
- The Most Influential CFO
- The Most Supportive CFO
- The Most Networked CFO
- The Most Creative CFO
- The Most successful CFO in her industry (Multiple Awards)
- The Biggest Achiever CFO
- The Most Engaging CFO
- The most Empowering CFO
- The Most Inspiring CFO
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO NOMINATE FOR AWARDS, REGISTER HERE:
VIP Ticket
This ticket entitles you to:
- VIP Priority front-row seating to enhance your conference experience
- VIP Exclusive gifts, and a voucher from our event sponsors
- VIP Golden raffle tickets for our giveaways
Entry to the entire event including:
- Access to full days of presentations
- Access to the sponsor’s zone
- Access to the live demonstration & workshop zone
- Goodie bag from our event sponsors
- Refreshments and Lunch included
- Access to the conference networking
For more details: Send us an email at operations@berkeleyme.com with your Fullname, email address, and direct contact number.
General Ticket
This ticket entitles you to:
- Ordinary access to the conference is subject to space availability
- Entry only with a QR code from the organizer.
- Sitting at the back of the hall.
- No entry to VIP front-row seating to enhance your conference experience
- No entry to VIP Exclusive gifts, and a voucher from our event sponsors
- No entry to VIP Golden raffle tickets for our giveaways
- No access to the sponsor’s zone
- No access to the live demonstration & workshop zone
- No entry to Refreshments and Lunch
- Not allowed to exchange business cards
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO GET A GENERAL TICKET, REGISTER HERE:
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO BE A SPEAKER REGISTER HERE:
This is your chance to get your brand noticed, enhance your company image, increase your network and, of course, grow your business at this unique conference. The benefit will be getting great promotions and receiving some free tickets to the conference as part of the deal. We will have an excellent range of sponsorship opportunities available. If you are interested in discussing specific sponsorship opportunities, get in contact with us.
WHY YOU SHOULD SPONSOR?
POSITION YOUR BRAND AS A LEADER
Gain visibility as a key supporter of the event. Your sponsorship shows extended support and commitment to developing women entrepreneurship.
KEY BUSINESS CONNECTIONS “EVERYWHERE”
We invite high level strategic business community. As a sponsor for the event, you will have access to varied networking opportunities to take advantage of the boutique, lounge style connections for seamless networking.
AT OUR EVENTS, ITS SERIOUS BUSINESS
We put you directly in contact with the hard to reach, prequalified, 400+ authorities from the government, public sector and state owned private sector entities from all over the world.
SHOWCASE YOUR THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
We will present an ideal opportunity to show case your thought leadership amid the who’s who of Investment. begin new relationships or develop existing ones with public sector executives and business leaders, all under one roof.
PRINCIPAL FOCUS ON BUSINESS INTERACTIONS
You will have face to face dialogues and an opportunity to educate the investment fraternity on your investment offerings, discuss business opportunities and build lasting connections.
LIMITED COMPETITION
Unlike large scale events that include scores of service providers, we limit the competition by offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity, ensuring you get the recognition that you deserve.
STRENGTHEN BUSINESS TIES WITH THOSE OTHERWISE INACCESSIBLE CLIENTS
Bringing business to the forefront, during the ample networking opportunities, you have the ability to meet and build partnerships with topmost leaders from the government, semi-government and public sector companies.
CONFERENCE SPONSORS
CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES:
GOLD EXHIBITOR
USD 2,000
- Company acknowledgment on all official conference support signs, programs and on all marketing collateral
- Special recognition on the conference website
- Complimentary registration for 4 delegates
- Complimentary 3x2m shell scheme booth
- One set of promotional materials included in the registration material
- Option to brand specific portions of the meeting, including 2 of the following*:
- Welcome reception
- Refreshment break
- Lunch break
- Giveaway bags
PLATINUM EXHIBITOR
USD 5,000
- Company acknowledgment on all official conference support signs, programs, conference website, and on all marketing collateral
- Complimentary registration for 5 delegates
- Complimentary 6x2m shell scheme booth
- One set of promotional materials included in the registration material
- Your logo on all delegate badges
- Option to brand specific portions of the meeting, including 3 of the following*:
- Welcome reception
- Refreshment break
- Lunch break
- Giveaway bags
GIVEAWAY BAGS/ ACCESSORIES SPONSORSHIP
USD 1,500
- Banners to be displayed on the event day on front desk
- Verbal recognition at the podium with company Name and Representatives
- Company logo on event marketing materials, website and social media
- Recognition & Appreciation on Berkeley Middle East Investors Club Communications, website and after press release
- Company brochures Distribution at the event
- Soft-copies of event photos and videos focusing on the company and representative
- Opportunity to sponsor giveaway bags with company brochures and marketing materials
- Recognition for sponsorship with a special certificate from VVIP’s
BREAKFAST SPONSORSHIP
USD 2,000
- 1 Complimentary tickets with VIP seating close to the Chief Guest
- Banners to be displayed on the event day on front desk
- Verbal recognition at the podium with company Name and Representatives
- Company logo on event marketing materials, website and social media
- Recognition & Appreciation on Berkeley Middle East Investors Club Communications, website and after press release
- Company brochures Distribution at the event
- Soft-copies of event photos and videos focusing on the company and representative
- Opportunity to sponsor giveaway bags with company brochures and marketing materials
- Recognition for sponsorship with a special certificate from VVIP’s
LUNCHEON SPONSORSHIP
USD 4,000
- 2 Complimentary tickets with VIP seating close to the Chief Guest
- Banners to be displayed on the event day on front desk
- Verbal recognition at the podium with company Name and Representatives
- Company logo on event marketing materials, website and social media
- Recognition & Appreciation on Berkeley Middle East Investors Club Communications, website and after press release
- Company brochures Distribution at the event
- Soft-copies of event photos and videos focusing on the company and representative
- Opportunity to sponsor giveaway bags with company brochures and marketing materials
- Recognition for sponsorship with a special certificate from VVIP’s
SPEAKER PACKAGE
USD 5,000
- 2 Complimentary tickets with VIP seating close to the Chief Guest
- Banners to be displayed on the event day on front desk
- Verbal recognition at the podium with company Name and Representatives
- Company logo on event marketing materials, website and social media
- Recognition & Appreciation on Berkeley Middle East Investors Club Communications, website and after press release
- Company brochures Distribution at the event
- Soft-copies of event photos and videos focusing on the company and representative
- Opportunity to sponsor giveaway bags with company brochures and marketing materials
- Recognition for sponsorship with a special certificate from VVIP’s
AWARDS SPONSORSHIP
USD 7,000
- 4 Complimentary tickets with VIP seating close to the Chief Guest
- Banners to be displayed on the event day on the front desk
- Verbal recognition at the podium with Company Name and Representatives
- Company logo on event marketing materials, website, and social media
- Recognition & Appreciation on Berkeley Middle East Investors Club Communications, website and after press release
- Company brochures Distribution at the event
- Soft-copies of event photos and videos focusing on the company and representative
- Opportunity to speak at event on topics of interest suitable for company profile
- Recognition for sponsorship with a special certificate from VVIP’s
VENUE SPONSORSHIP
USD 12,000
- 5 Complimentary tickets with VIP seating close to the Chief Guest
- Banners to be displayed on the event day on the front desk
- Verbal recognition at the podium with Company Name and Representatives
- Company logo on event marketing materials, website, and social media
- Recognition & Appreciation on Berkeley Middle East Investors Club Communications, website and after press release
- Company brochures Distribution at the event
- Company brochure circulation to guests and VVIP’s
- Branded tables for company name to highlight the image and reputation of the company
- Exclusive Photo opportunity with VVIPs, Royals and Investors
- Soft-copies of event photos and videos focusing on the company and representative
- Opportunity to speak at event on topics of interest suitable for company profile
- Exhibition booth at the event for effective communication with attendees
- Company advertisement in the event program
- Opportunity to sponsor giveaway bags with company brochures and marketing materials
- Recognition for sponsorship with a special certificate from VVIP’s
CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP
USD 20,000
- Complimentary tickets with VIP seating close to the Chief Guest
- Banners to be displayed on the event day on the front desk
- Verbal recognition at the podium with Company Name and Representatives
- Company logo on event marketing materials, website, and social media
- Recognition & Appreciation on Berkeley Middle East Investors Club Communications, website and after press release
- Company brochures Distribution at the event
- Company brochure circulation to guests and VVIP’s
- Branded tables for company name to highlight the image and reputation of the company
- Exclusive Photo opportunity with VVIPs, Royals and Investors
- Soft-copies of event photos and videos focusing on the company and representative
- Opportunity to speak at event on topics of interest suitable for company profile
- Exhibition booth at the event for effective communication with attendees
- Company advertisement in the event program
- Opportunity to sponsor giveaway bags with company brochures and marketing materials
- Recognition for sponsorship with a special certificate from VVIP’s
- Opportunity to display promo video during event
- Opportunity to Meet Investors
- Opportunity to Meet Royal Family Representatives
- Arranging of one to one meetings with potential business opportunities organizations
TELL US YOUR GOALS
In today’s tech driven world stand out from your competitors:
For Thought-Leadership:
- Feature articles, spotlight interviews and opinion pieces
- Panel-discussions, online round-tables and speaking opportunities
- TV coverage
- Custom infographic creation and distribution
For Brand Awareness:
- Community advertising and sponsorship
- Newsletter and email banner sponsorship
- Targeted email and messaging
- Content syndication and sponsored social
For Lead generation:
- Custom whitepaper creation or distribution
- Report creation or distribution
- Dedicated webinar or Digital Week sponsorship
- Custom research and sponsored surveys
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO BE A SPONSOR, REGISTER HERE:
EVENT TEAM
Khulood Shaban
Group CFO & CEO
Aya Ahmed Osman
Relationship Department
Imthiyas Hameed
Group Director Operations
Office: Berkeley Middle East, 26th floor, Sheikh Rashid Tower, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Mobile/ Whatsapp: +971 (0) 55 200 5756 / +971 (0) 55 200 5636
Email: club@berkeleyme.com
