Leigh Gilmore
Doha, Qatar: As the world navigates seismic shifts in economic power, trade dynamics, and technological innovation, the Middle East has emerged as a central force in shaping the global agenda, an official noted.
Speaking ahead of the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), Leigh Gilmore, Global Head of Bloomberg Live Experiences, emphasised the region’s pivotal role in the evolving global economic landscape.
“The Middle East is no longer a peripheral player in global economic conversations. It’s at the centre of them,” Gilmore told The Peninsula.
Gilmore attributed this rise to strategic reforms, the growing influence of sovereign wealth funds, and the region’s increasingly active role in global financial flows. Qatar, in particular, is seizing the moment by hosting QEF, an event that aligns closely with the nation’s long-term development plan—Qatar National Vision 2030.
“Qatar’s role is amplified by hosting this Forum, which helps frame a regional narrative on energy, innovation, and trade,” she said. “The Forum also serves as a diplomatic and economic platform, promoting knowledge exchange, partnerships, and regional leadership in sustainable growth.”
As the world fragments into regional trading blocs, Gilmore highlighted the Middle East’s unique geographic and strategic position. “Sitting between East and West, the Middle East has a unique opportunity to help shape the next chapter of globalization,” Gilmore said.
Since its inception in 2020, QEF has become a premier platform for spotlighting major opportunities across sectors such as energy, AI, technology, investment, and sports. Gilmore credits the Forum’s success to the quality of its discourse and the global reach of Bloomberg’s editorial network.
“What truly makes QEF stand out is the caliber of the conversations we spark,” she noted. “Thanks to Bloomberg’s extensive editorial reach and a highly engaged, influential audience, we’ve consistently attracted top-tier speakers.”
This year’s Forum will reflect the rapidly shifting context of global trade, capital markets, and innovation.
“Global trade dynamics, capital flows, and technological disruption are creating both uncertainty and immense opportunity,” Gilmore stressed, explaining that leaders are looking for platforms where they can exchange ideas, clarify strategies, and tackle the unknowns. She said, “QEF is the ideal space for that kind of dialogue.
Among the new features at this year’s event is a reception celebrating Bloomberg’s New Voices initiative, designed to elevate underrepresented talent in business and finance through intensive media training. Since its launch in 2018, the program has expanded to 16 cities globally.
“We’re excited about it,” said Gilmore. “New Voices has helped broaden the range of perspectives in economic and financial discourse.”
Additionally, Bloomberg will unveil its ‘Africa Startups to Watch’ list live at QEF, spotlighting high-potential ventures and visionary founders from across the continent.
“These additions not only energize the programming but also reflect Bloomberg’s commitment to driving global conversations that capture the full breadth and dynamism of the world economy. Expect more examples of innovative programming in upcoming iterations of QEF,” Gilmore added. As QEF continues to grow in influence and scope, its role as a catalyst for global dialogue—and the Middle East’s role in that dialogue—appears more vital than ever.
