Event Profile

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CAIA Middle East
Future of Capital: Innovation & the Expansion of Alternatives in the Middle East

The Middle East is entering a new frontier in capital allocation. As Oman and the broader region accelerate their economic transformation, alternative investments, from private markets to real assets, complemented by a nascent local innovation ecosystem, are becoming central to how institutions and family offices build portfolios for the next decade.

This marks one of the first CAIA engagements in Muscat and reflects the growing community of members and industry partners across Oman. The event will open with a keynote on the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA), offering a holistic framework for understanding how modern portfolios must evolve amid complexity, uncertainty, and innovation. The keynote sets the stage for a panel discussion on the rapid rise of alternatives in the Middle East, exploring how investors are adopting new tools, new structures, and new sources of value to meet their long-term objectives.

Through global insights and local perspectives, we will examine how innovation and alternatives are reshaping asset management in Oman and the broader GCC region and what this means for the future of capital.

AGENDA
09:30 - Registrations and networking; refreshments will be served

10:30 - Welcome remarks by Ismail Al-Harthi, CAIA - Partner at Jasoor Ventures

10:40 - Keynote presentation by Laura Merlini, CAIA, CIFD - Managing Director EMEA at CAIA Association

10:55 - Panel discussion in collaboration with:

• Hamad Al-Wahaibi, CAIA, CFA - Head of Investment Unit at Social Protection Fund, Oman
• Aiham Al-Riyami, CFA - Senior Manager of Public Markets, Global Equity at Oman Investment Authority
• Abdullah Al-Shaksy - Co-Founder & CEO at Phaze Ventures
• Laura Merlini, CAIA, CIFD - Managing Director EMEA at CAIA Association

Moderator: 
Ramdas Rao, CFA, CAIA - President International at AirJoule Technologies (NASDAQ:AIRJ) and CAIA Middle East Chapter Executive

11:45 - Q&A

12:00 - Netwoking lunch

Important notes before the event:

• This event is organized by dedicated CAIA members, who generously volunteer their personal time. Should you decide to register, we greatly appreciate your commitment to attending.
• If you find that you are unable to attend, please inform us at least 48 hours before the event. Your timely cancellations enable us to offer your spot to someone on the waitlist and help minimize food and energy waste
• Kindly note that registrations must be completed in advance, as walk-ins will not be permitted. Given the event's limited capacity, we encourage you to register as early as possible to secure your spot. If the attendance limit is expanded, we will promptly notify you.
• Registering a guest is possible but complete guests details must be filled in.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
If you have questions or concerns regarding registration for this event, please contact CAIA EMEA Chapter Relations.