The Swiss Arab Network (SAN) and the Location Promotion Winterthur Region decided to create an annual Arab forum. This forum is to spotlight each year the business and culture side of another Arab country. High government officials, recognized organizations and experts in the field will share their insights. 2nd Arab Business and Culture Forum on the 4th of October 2016 was focused on Saudi Arabia in order to raise cultural awareness, share best practice as well as learn from failure experience, spotlight business trends and benefit from a high level business network.
The event took place at Club zur Geduld and started by guests networking round. The President of the Swiss Arab Network (SAN), Mounir Khouzami, warmly welcomed the guests and introduced them to the mayor of Winterthur Mr. Michael Künzle who as well welcomed the guests and opened up with a wonderful introduction of the city of Winterthur. Followed that welcome speeches given by Mr. Bahaa El Attar, secretary general of the Arab Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CASCI), and Mr. Mashhor Al-Ali, The Saudi Commercial Attaché Geneva.
A number of interesting speeches, presentations and networking and snack breaks took place during the event which ended with the guests enjoying a flying Arabic dinner.
Mr. Heinrich Schellenberg, the ambassador of Switzerland to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gave an interesting keynote speech where he talked about his positive experience in Saudi Arabia and stated a number of interesting facts about the country. Moreover, there was a special address by Mr. Osamah D.R.Alahmadi, counsellor – Chargé d’Affaires a.i., royal embassy of Saudi Arabia. Afterwards Mr. Mashhor Al-Ali presented the economic outlook and business opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, Mr. Dia-Eddine, Head of Centre Middle East & Africa Business at ZHAW, gave a very special presentation about business values, etiquette and culture in Saudi Arabia. Followed that practical insights into Saudi Arabia which was presented by team of the Saudi Commercial Attaché Geneva office. Mr. Nicolas Bremer, partner at Alexander & Partner, carried on presenting the legal framework and company forms in Saudi Arabia. Last but not least, the new era’s and a view of the next generation in Saudi Arabia were presented by the CEO of Swiss Hospitality company and executive director Saudi Arabia of SAN Mr. Salman Gasim.
Finally, thanks to sponsoring partner, knowledge partners, founding partners, media partner and supporting partners who all helped the Swiss Arab Network (SAN) to make this event successful. SAN succeeded in creating another bridge between the Arab world and Switzerland again by Saudi culture and business style to Swiss and European community through this event.
