The German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK) successfully launched its new AHK CEO Luncheon series. The first meeting was hosted by PwC Middle East, bringing together more than 20 CEOs and senior executives from leading German companies for an exclusive exchange on the current economic and business environment in the UAE and the wider region.
Designed as an invitation-only platform for senior decision-makers, the AHK CEO Luncheon aims to foster open dialogue, peer-to-peer exchange and strategic discussions on the opportunities and challenges shaping the business landscape for German companies in the Gulf region.
The inaugural session was opened by Dr. Martin Henkelmann, CEO of the AHK, and Khaled Bin Braik, Markets Leader at PwC Middle East, who welcomed participants and set the stage for a candid discussion on current market developments.
The luncheon began with an overview of the economic outlook before turning to some of the most pressing issues facing businesses today. A key topic was the growing pressure on global supply chains, including rising transportation, insurance and raw material costs, as well as the impact of ongoing geopolitical developments on international trade and business operations.
Participants agreed that the current economic environment is affecting industries in different ways. While sectors such as retail, tourism and hospitality are facing increasing pressure and uncertainty, infrastructure-related industries continue to benefit from strong investment activity, large-scale development projects and long-term government strategies. The discussion also highlighted the importance of targeted policy measures and government support in helping businesses navigate challenging market conditions and maintain their competitiveness.
One of the most valuable aspects of the luncheon was the openness and trust among participants. The discussion provided a unique opportunity for CEOs and senior executives to exchange experiences, share perspectives and discuss common challenges in a confidential and constructive setting.
As economic conditions continue to evolve, platforms for executive dialogue and knowledge sharing are becoming increasingly important. The AHK CEO Luncheon is designed to address this need by creating a space where business leaders can engage in meaningful conversations, gain market insights and strengthen connections within the German business community in the UAE.
The AHK extends its sincere thanks to PwC Middle East for partnering on the inaugural edition and to all participating executives for their valuable contributions and active engagement.
The AHK CEO Luncheon will take place on a quarterly basis and will continue to serve as an exclusive platform for strategic exchange among senior business leaders, supporting the growth of the German business community and strengthening economic cooperation between Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
