Attendance Fee: 700 CHF (3060 SAR) per person
For the third straight year, Switzerland’s universal private health insurance system was ranked first in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation, with a score of 66.49 in 2022. According to estimates from Switzerland Tourism, 35,000 patients with residences outside of Switzerland are admitted to Swiss hospitals each year. These international patients comprise around 2% of all hospital patients in Switzerland. According to the Federal Statistics Office, 36,000 foreign nationals sought medical care in Swiss hospitals and clinics in 2017. The GCC area is one of the primary sources of these overseas patients.
Questions to be discussed in the panel include: What are the key lessons to be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic? What collective efforts can be put forward to support better coordination and cooperation? How can one best improve pandemic preparedness and response? What steps should be taken to improve public health delivery and response capacity? What medium- to long-term recovery instruments should be considered?
The GCC states have invested heavily in its financial technology (fintech) in recent years. The number of fintech hubs in the GCC rose from one in 2018 to four in 2022: Fintech Saudi, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Bahrain Fintech Bay, and the FinTech Hive at the Dubai International Financial Centre. The Swiss Business Hub Middle East (SBHME), and the Swiss representation in the GCC states launched dialogue between companies and government authorities. The official Swiss organization for promoting exports and investments, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), is also represented by the Swiss Business Hub.
Questions to be discussed in the panel include: What are the key areas for Switzerland and the GCC states to emphasize and concentrate on? How can Switzerland enhance the GCC states’ fintech sector? Which Swiss financial institutions can partner with the GCC? What type of startups should the GCC and Switzerland prioritize?
The hospitality industry in the GCC is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% until 2026. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the number of hotels, serviced apartments, and alternative accommodations to meet the region’s growing demand as a tourist destination. The efforts also include the implementation of tourism-related policies, such as the creation of new visa categories and the broadening of beneficiary eligibility. Moreover, the number of overnight stays by visitors from the Gulf states in Switzerland grew by 82% between 2012 and 2018. There is projected to be a steady rise in the number of visitors arriving from the Gulf area for the next 20 years.
Questions to be discussed in the panel include: What is the current status of tourism between the GCC and Switzerland? How can the GCC and Switzerland advance these ties? What is the view from Switzerland and the GCC states regarding moving forward? How can the GCC and Switzerland enhance relations through cultural tourism?
Investment and cooperation are essential to addressing the current energy crisis, including relieving consumer pressure, achieving net zero, promoting economic recovery, and resolving the cost-of-living crisis. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), as part of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), holds discussions with major GCC donors, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, on various topics on sustainable development.
Questions to be discussed in the panel include: What are the primary areas to focus on regarding the energy transition? Where must the emphasis be placed in the short term? How can closer energy supply, development, and security partnerships be structured? What are the critical aspects of Switzerland’s and the GCC’s vision regarding the climate change agenda, and how can a workable action plan be developed?
Switzerland has ranked 1st place on the Global Innovation Index since 2011 due to its high levels of innovation, a well-educated workforce, and world- class scientific research institutions. Moreover, Switzerland invests almost 3.4% of its GDP in research and development, one of the highest percentages globally. The GCC states have also made innovation a significant pillar in their respective national visions and continuously strive to improve the quality of education and technological advancements.
Questions to be discussed in the panel include: How can digital innovation hubs be implemented in the GCC-Swiss context? How can the two sides cooperate on the development of needed infrastructure? How can digital skills be enhanced? What consideration must be given to digital protection? Where can cyber security collaboration be enhanced? How can overall innovation be better fostered between Switzerland and the GCC states? What tools are required in this regard? What is the Swiss role in encouraging innovation within the GCC states?
Switzerland already has strong trade and investment partnerships with the Gulf. However, the economic diversification of the GCC statesprovides additional opportunities for Swiss enterprises and companies in various sectors. As a result, frontiers have emerged in sectors such as real estate, telecommunications and data infrastructure, tourism, logistics, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and clean energy. Present opportunities, combined with the benefits of investing in this region, allow investors to secure their financial interests while, at the same time, mitigate investment risks.
Questions to be discussed in the panel include: What is the current status of the GCC-Swiss Trade and Investment Partnership? What current trends impact economic ties between Switzerland and the GCC states? What priority areas can be identified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic? How can investment opportunities be capitalized on?