Women CFO ABU DHABI Roundtable Conference and Awards 2026

Saturday - December 27, 2026 (10:00 AM - 2:30 PM UAE Time)

Musa Shaikh

HostBerkeley
H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al FalahiBerkeley & Lords10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Khulood Shaban2:30 PM

Overview

Women CFO Abu Dhabi Roundtable Conference and Awards 2026, 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.

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.

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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

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.

View the Conference Gallery

Board

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

Agenda

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

REGISTRATION & WELCOME BREAKFAST

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM

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.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Speaker:

H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al Falahi
RAK Chamber of Commerce
Board Member

  • RAK Insurance Company – Board Member
  • Emirates Sports & Cultural Club – Board Member
  • RAK SME Association – Member of the Board
  • RAK Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Committee​ – Chairman
  • Business Industrial Academic Council Committee HCT, UAE – Member
  • Computer Information Sciences Industrial Advisory Committee in HCT, RAK – Member
  • Women on Board Circle (2020) formed by Sh Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan – Member
  • Senior Branch Manager in one of the leading banks in UAE  with total 20 years experience in 3 main leading banks – Vice President

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM

11:30 AM – 11:45 AM

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM

12:00 PM – 12:15 PM

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM

12:30 PM – 12:45 PM

12:45 PM – 01:00 PM

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

LUNCH BREAK

02:00 PM – 02:15 PM

02:15 PM – 02:30 PM

02:30 PM – 02:45 PM

02:45 PM – 03:00 PM

03:00 PM – 03:15 PM

03:15 PM – 03:30 PM

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03:30 PM – 03:45 PM

03:45 PM – 04:00 PM

4:00 PM

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.

Expo

The CFO Expo Dubai 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 United Arab Emirates.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO BE A EXHIBITOR, REGISTER HERE:

Apply for Awards

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:

Delegate Registration

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 club@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:

Speaker Registration

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO BE A SPEAKER REGISTER HERE:

Contact Us

EVENT TEAM

Khulood Shaban

Group CFO & CEO

Imthiyas Hameed

Group Director Operations

Office: Berkeley Middle East, 25th floor, Sheikh Rashid Tower, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Mobile/ Whatsapp: +971 (0) 58 555 5657 / +971 (0) 58 545 5756

Email: club@berkeleyme.com

What You Need to Know About Us

Berkeleyme & MS Global Women Foundation aims at bringing change in women development. We are striving to create projects which will generate job opportunities for women, great access to health opportunities, and most important is education at the doorstep.

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Musa Shaikh