Ali Abouda

Ali is a Senior Executive and Corporate Strategist proven track record of steering financial resilience and sustainable growth in volatile geopolitical climates. Skilled with excellent leadership merges rigorous financial acumen with disruptive innovation—pioneering ESG frameworks, optimizing capital structures, and executing strategic acquisitions that redefine business operations across emerging markets. With more than 24 years of experience, Ali has Orchestrated an approach that balances futurist vision with operational excellence, turning market complexities into scalable opportunities. Ali is a Group CFO at Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC and leads the firm’s finance function & strategy. He has covered many finance projects in the Middles East, Europe and the UK. His sector expertise covers Oil & Gas, telecommunication, investment, maritime & transportation. Prior to joining GulfNav, Ali worked as a Finance Director for DP World-P&O Maritime Logistics and Topaz Energy & Marine. He spent more than a decade with Schamberger in various senior roles. Ali also assumed consulting roles with Deloitte & Touche & Arthur Andersen &Co.

Session Overview

Wednesday, 5 November

13:50

Maritime & Logistics ICC Hall B 13:50 - 14:30

Bridging the finance gap through global partnerships for maritime & logistics infrastructure

Maritime and logistics infrastructure plays a critical role in global energy security and economic prosperity, underpinning the seamless movement of goods, fuels, and resources that drive development worldwide. Yet, despite its critical importance, numerous infrastructure projects including ports, fleets, pipelines, and transport corridors face significant delays or stagnation, hampered by tightening capital availability and shifting investor priorities in an increasingly uncertain economic landscape.

Traditional lenders are cautious, creating a funding gap at a time when demand for efficient supply chains is surging, especially in emerging markets. Innovative financing models, combining sovereign wealth funds, development banks, export credit agencies, and private investors, are stepping in to bridge this gap. These collaborative solutions are already driving real results, from revitalised ports to integrated transport links, proving that critical infrastructure can thrive even in uncertain times. Unlocking these financing models is essential for a connected, resilient future.

Attendee insights:

Gain insights on the opportunities for cross-border cooperation, showing how alignment between policymakers, international financial institutions, and the private sector can lower barriers to investment for maritime & logistics infrastructure. In addition, understand how to tap into new pools of capital and de-risk projects, that can drive forward vital global logistics initiatives.