The EurAsian Balkan Business Forum, held on September 25th, 2025 at the Wasl Ballroom, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre in Dubai, gathered more than 200 distinguished participants including government leaders, ambassadors, diplomats, business owners and professionals from over 30 countries.
The event was co-organized by EurAsia Gulf and the UAE–Croatia Business Club. This important milestone was also a proud moment for Croatia, as more than 40 Croatian business owners, all members of the UAE–Croatia Business Club, traveled exclusively to the UAE for this Forum. This was the largest Croatian business delegation ever to visit the Emirates.
Croatia in the spotlight
The UAE–Croatia Business Club placed Croatia firmly at the center of the conversation. The delegation received strong diplomatic support from H.E. Jasmin Devlić, Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in Dubai, whose presence underlined the importance of this historic event.
“Bringing such a large and diverse group of Croatian entrepreneurs to Dubai was not only a symbolic gesture but also a concrete step in building stronger economic bridges,” said Neven Roginić, Chairman of the UAE–Croatia Business Club. “The fact that more than 40 Croatian companies came exclusively for this Forum shows their readiness to expand internationally and confirms that the UAE recognizes Croatia as a serious and reliable partner.”
Opening session
The Forum opened with remarks by Aliona Zaleskaya, Board Director of EurAsia Gulf, who served as moderator, and Nawar Abdul Wahed, CEO of EurAsia Gulf.
The welcome address was delivered by Henrik Winther, Chairman of EurAsia Gulf, and Neven Roginić, Chairman of the UAE–Croatia Business Club.
Keynote speeches were delivered by H.E. Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council, H.E. Rauan Zhumabek, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UAE, and H.E. Abdulaziz Akkulov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the UAE.
Further interventions came from Goran Kovačević, Vice President of Business Development at Infinum d.o.o., H.E. Viorel Badea, Consul General of Romania, Hassan Al Shaqsi, Partner at Global Advocacy & Legal Counsel, Petra Radu, CEO of RERA Real Estate, and Sayyed Abbas Ali Shah, CEO of Adam Global.
Panel Discussion 1: Partnerships for Prosperity CEE, Balkans and UAE
Moderated by Neven Roginić, Chairman of the UAE–Croatia Business Club, the first panel featured Adel Alawadhi, Executive Chairman of The Corporate Group, Isidora Dabović, First Secretary of the Embassy of Montenegro in the UAE, Dr. Marko Selakovic, Chairman of the Serbian Business Council, and Genoveva Turcu, Chairperson of the Romania Dubai Business Council.
Special acknowledgment goes to Ambassador Aleksandar Moštrokol and the Embassy of Montenegro in the UAE for their support of Ms. Dabović’s participation.
“This panel was proof that when we sit at the same table, share our ideas and experiences, and look for common ground, opportunities multiply,” said Neven Roginić. “The UAE provides a neutral platform where countries of the Balkans, CEE, and Eurasia can come together and create something greater than the sum of its parts.”
Guest address
Roman Gromov, Representative of the Republic of Bashkortostan in the UAE, delivered a special guest speech highlighting economic ties.
Panel Discussion 2: Bridging Eurasia and the Gulf Business and Investment Dialogue
This discussion was moderated by Irina Ryzhakova, CEO of Make Fortune Business Solutions. The panel included Victor Haruta, Former Ambassador and Vice Chairman of EurAsia Gulf, Shahrukh Rakhimov, Director General of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan (UAE office), Alibek Almabekov, Chairman of the Qazaqstan Business Council, and Dr. Usama Al Malki, COO of EurAsia Gulf.
Guest speech
Dil Khan, Founder and CEO of Emirates Podcast, delivered a thought-provoking speech on the role of communications and media.
Panel Discussion 3: Crossroads of Innovation AI as a New Silk Road for Business
The third panel, moderated by Ida Pandur, CEO of Ripple Effect and Vice Chair of the Croatia–UAE Business Council, focused on the transformative role of artificial intelligence.
Panelists were Salim Al Shaami, Director of Government Relations and Digitization at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, Mahmood Abdulla, Global Emirati Voice and Advisor at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and Emir Kalem, Director UAE and Head of Customer Growth EMEA at Infobip.
Networking and closing
The Forum concluded with closing remarks from Neven Roginić, Chairman of the UAE–Croatia Business Club, and Victor Haruta, Vice Chairman of EurAsia Gulf.
“This Forum is only the beginning,” added Neven Roginić. “We are building a platform that will not only connect Croatia and the UAE, but also extend to the Balkans, Central Europe, and the entire Eurasian region. Our task is to ensure that these connections turn into real partnerships, investments, and long-term friendships.”
A milestone achieved
The UAE–Croatia Business Club extends deep appreciation to all its members, speakers, and partners for their contribution to the success of this Forum.
Special recognition is given to H.E. Jasmin Devlić, Consul General of Croatia in Dubai, for his unwavering support to the Croatian delegation, as well as to Ambassador Aleksandar Moštrokol and the Embassy of Montenegro in the UAE for their active role in ensuring the participation of Isidora Dabović.
The EurAsian Balkan Forum 2025 demonstrated the importance of building bridges between regions and confirmed Croatia’s growing role in strengthening cooperation with the UAE and beyond. This event was not only a milestone for the UAE–Croatia Business Club but also a signal of the many opportunities ahead. We extend our special thanks to our sponsors and partners, including Infinum, dnata, Lošinj Hotels & Villas, PERA Real Estate Equiti, Emirates Podcast, ADAM Global, and Renaissance Capital, whose support was essential for the successful realization of the Forum.
