Imported Governance: Does the Western Model Fit the Middle East?

Impact Boards EM are hosting an exclusive, relaxed and intimate networking lunch and discussion on Wednesday 26 November 2025.

This event will take place at the Capital Club in Dubai at 12:00 UAE time. Due to limited spaces available, we encourage you to sign up quickly to secure your place.

As international investors, family businesses and sovereign funds across the Middle East modernise and open to global capital, board structures are rapidly evolving. Governance codes, often inspired by Anglo-American or OECD models, are being adopted across the region, promising transparency, accountability and independence.

But how well do these imported frameworks fit the region’s unique ownership structures, legal traditions and relationship-based business culture? Can concepts such as “independent oversight” or “shareholder primacy” truly take root in environments where family legacy, state strategy and social networks play such central roles?

This session will explore the tensions and opportunities that arise when Western governance principles meet Middle Eastern realities. It will unpack:

• How family-owned and state-linked companies interpret “independent” or “non-executive” roles

• The cultural nuances that shape influence, trust and decision-making in the boardroom

• How non-Middle Eastern directors can adapt their style – balancing candour with respect and challenge with diplomacy

• Whether hybrid governance models can emerge that blend global best practice with local authenticity

Finally, the discussion will touch on how international professionals can access board positions in the Middle East – understanding where opportunities arise (family groups, listed firms, state-owned enterprises, sovereign funds), how selection networks operate and what competencies regional boards most value from global talent.

For international board members, this session offers a pragmatic lens on what it really means to join a board in the region – not just by understanding the code, but by understanding the context and the pathways in.

The event will be moderated by Olga Pascault, Co-Founder & Chair – Impact Boards EM.

The speaker for the event will be Dr. Kaiser H. Naseem. With over 40 years of international experience in banking and finance (26 years with IFC/World Bank Group), He is a global thought leader, disruptor and innovator with an entrepreneurial flair, having conceptualised and developed new financial institutions and business models in challenging environments.

Dr. Naseem’s core focus as an international development banker has been on New Ventures, Project Finance, Digital Transformation, Strategy Formulation, MSME Banking, Sustainable Development/Finance, ESG/Climate Risk and Corporate Governance.

As a strategic thinker with strong ethical standards, focus on results, exceptional business acumen and broad experience on a global stage, he serves on the Board of Directors (BOD) of several international companies providing strategic advice and mentoring to senior management and business owners.

Dr Naseems's recognitions include:

• Honorary Doctorate in Development Finance and Economics - 2022

• Top 50 FINTECH Influencers in the Middle East – 2018

• Top 100 Global FINTECH Influencers for SDGs – 2019

• Global Leader in Development Finance – 2019

His linkedIn profile can be viewed here.

Expect insightful conversation, valuable connections and a relaxed setting to exchange experiences with fellow board professionals. Registration is complimentary for Directors' Circle & Chairs' Circle members only. For non-members, registration costs £90 per person (includes lunch and beverages). Please email us on info@iboardsem.com if you are interested or have any questions.