Small and Medium Enterprises potentially hold the key to the economic development of the Middle East region. The SME sector in this region is on the stride of constant growth, thus linking this growth with global practices and techniques is crucial to boost the development of this sector.

Keeping this growth strategy in the forefront, the 5th edition of the Middle East SME Forum, will aim to showcase presentations, sessions and success stories dedicated to discussing the global SME scenario addressed by an exciting speaker line up from across the globe.

Being held on the 21st – 22nd October, 2014 at Dusit Thani, Abu Dhabi, this two day forum will gather regional policy makers, industry experts, successful entrepreneurs and business leaders to explore and find new opportunities and to analyze plausible solutions to the prevailing challenges faced by them.

With an entire session dedicated to the theme 'East meets West', innovative entrepreneurs will learn from best tools on SME development and financing. The informative session will cover new tools and techniques such as:
* SME Globalization
* New sources for SME funding and banking services
* Innovation and new relationship banking model
* The role of new technology, mobile and social media
* Adding value by use of big data analysis.
* Customer centricity and understanding SME customer needs

This session will be presented by John Kirkbright, Director at Efma Business Banking Advisory Council & CEO at K-Strat International, who will also moderate the panel discussion titled 'Strengthening the SME Eco-system'.

John Marks William, Head of Breakthrough Performance (SME) - Satander Corporate Bank will focus on the importance of partnering for SME performance, by elaborating on different ways in which government as well as private organizations need to work hand in hand to provide the environment for a successful SME contribution to the economy.

Supported by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, the 5th Annual Middle East SME Forum is a great opportunity for SME peers to come together and exchange viewpoints concerning the future prospects of this dynamic industry. National Bank of Abu Dhabi is the Lead Strategic Partner of this forum while Mashreq Business Banking is the Associate Sponsor and Lufthansa Group is the Official Airline Partner.

The forum is also supported by the AmCham-Abu Dhabi, British Business Group, The British Chamber for Business, French Business Group Abu Dhabi, The German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK), Swiss Business Councils (SBC), World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME), CEO Clubs Network, AllWorld Network, Arab Business Club, Egyptian Association for SMEs to name a few.