Expert Connections initiative launched with Gulf tour in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh

Deutsche Bank Wealth Management has successfully launched its Expert Connections initiative, a new global platform designed to bring clients closer to the ideas, people, and opportunities shaping the future.

The inaugural edition of the event took place in Abu Dhabi and continued in Riyadh, where Deutsche Bank led a regional investor visit, bringing over 40 global clients to engage directly with senior policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the region.

Hosted by Deutsche Bank Wealth Management, Expert Connections is built on the belief that the most powerful investments are those made in relationships — in trust, in insight, and in shared ambition. It is designed to go beyond a typical client event, offering participants the chance to build meaningful dialogue and form lasting networks that transcend borders.

In Abu Dhabi, the tour began with an atmosphere of energy and curiosity. Partnering with Investopia, the agenda was structured around the U.A.E.’s evolving business environment and its positioning as a global hub for the new economy. Guests from Europe, Asia, and the U.S. joined regional counterparts for conversations on the U.A.E.’s national investment strategy, the country’s support for international business, investment opportunities in manufacturing, retail, tourism, and technology; the legal frameworks enabling business growth; and the role of family-owned enterprises in driving long-term sustainability and intergenerational success.

Abu Dhabi’s progressive outlook provided the perfect stage for what Claudio de Sanctis, Member of the Management Board and Head of the Private Bank, described as “a new kind of platform—one that aligns access and action.”

Riyadh brought a different kind of momentum. Held in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment and the “Invest Saudi” initiative, the two-day agenda focused on Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030 and the role of private capital in enabling that vision. The sessions covered sectors including clean energy, mining, tourism, real estate, and financial services, with direct engagement from Saudi ministers and senior leaders across government and industry.

In addition to sector-focused panels, the Riyadh agenda also addressed long-term investment themes for private clients, including sustainability, intergenerational wealth planning, and cross-border structuring—linking Deutsche Bank’s global expertise with the Kingdom’s local ambitions.

In his remarks, Deutsche Bank Chairman Alexander Wynaendts underscored the Bank’s commitment to Saudi Arabia and the relevance of its Global Hausbank strategy in connecting global capital to regional opportunity.

Jamal Al Kishi, CEO for the Middle East & Africa, highlighted Deutsche Bank’s nearly two-decade presence in the Kingdom and the pivotal role it has played in enabling key transactions and fostering strategic partnerships. “Our presence here is not just about conducting business,” he said, “it’s about building enduring relationships grounded in collaboration and shared aspirations.”

Reflecting on the event, Salman Mahdi, Global Vice Chairman – Private Bank, commented, “This event was not just insightful, but truly inspiring. It created the space for international investors to understand the region’s story—and more importantly, to see themselves as part of it.”

Claudio’s closing remarks in Riyadh echoed that sentiment. He praised the openness, diversity, and connectivity among the investor group, noting that early signs of collaboration were already emerging. Reflecting on the Kingdom, he spoke of a rare national momentum – of energy, talent, and coordinated ambition across all layers of society. “When 40 million people are passionate about their future and moving together with purpose,” he said, “there is real opportunity for those willing to engage.”

As Claudio closed, he left participants with a clear message: “I hope you leave with the desire to get to know this region better, and to be part of its journey. If we achieved that, then we’ve done something truly meaningful.”