Business

Macao to host exclusive wealth and investment summit in May

Published

1 year ago

April 29, 2025

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Asia’s role in shaping global investment trends will be in the spotlight next month as senior financial leaders, family offices, and institutional investors gather in Macao for the second edition of the BEYOND Wealth Summit.

The invitation-only event will be held on May 23–24 at The Venetian Macao, alongside the wider BEYOND Expo 2025, one of the region’s noted technology and innovation gatherings. More than 300 participants are expected to attend the event, including family offices, market experts, and financial executives from across Asia and beyond.

This year, the summit adds a new dimension with the Greenwich Economic Forum (GEF) joining as a co-host alongside the Asian Family Legacy Foundation (AFLF) and BEYOND Expo. GEF is known for its global investment forums featuring high-profile names from the finance world.

The 2025 agenda seeks to cover a wide range of topics, including multigenerational wealth planning, institutional investment strategies, global market outlooks, technology-driven innovation, and philanthropy.

Over the years, some of the world’s most influential establishments have participated in GEF, including Dalio Family Office and Philanthropies, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Australian Retirement Trust, HESTA (Australia), Tamasek, TIAA, GE Pension, IBM Retirement Trust, Rockefeller Foundation, Blue Pool Capital, Cornerstone Group Family Office, Quilvest (France), Declaration Partners, Howard Family Office, and The Li Family Office.

While the full speaker lineup has not yet been announced, previous GEF events have featured renowned figures such as Ray Dalio, Founder and CIO Mentor of Bridgewater Associates; Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of US Federal Reserve; Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA); Michael Spence, Nobel Laureate Economist; Nouriel Roubini, Economist and Professor at NYU Stern; Cathie Wood, Founder, CEO and CIO of ARK Invest; David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, among others.

Expert panels, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities

The forum will cover topics such as:

• The Future of Family Wealth

• Institutional Investing & Market Outlook

• Frontier Technology and Cutting-edge Innovation

• Global Asset Allocation

• Sustainable Impact and collaborative philanthropy

• Industry Spotlights

Shining the spotlight on wealth and finance

Jason Ho, co-founder of BEYOND Expo, said the summit reflects Asia’s increasing influence in the investment world. “This platform helps spotlight the region’s growing leadership in wealth and finance, while also fostering global connections,” he said.

Dr Gang Lu, also a co-founder of BEYOND Expo, added: “Investment strategies and wealth preservation are evolving quickly. Through this summit, we aim to shape conversations that will influence the next decade of decision-making.”

Michael Zhu, Chair of AFLF, noted that the event has become an important meeting point for families and institutions navigating the complexities of legacy and investment. “We’re building on last year’s momentum with broader participation and deeper discussions,” he said.

GEF co-founder Jim Aiello said the partnership opens new pathways into Asian markets. “Bringing the forum to Macao allows us to tap into the region’s most dynamic opportunities and expand the global investment dialogue.”

Registration for investors and industry professionals

While the BEYOND Wealth Summit is limited to guests by invitation only, the BEYOND Expo, which runs from May 21–24, offers open registration for investors and industry professionals. Events include panel sessions, networking lounges, gala dinners, and a charity golf tournament designed to encourage informal engagement among participants.

To register for the BEYOND Wealth Summit 2025: View the full schedule of BEYOND Wealth Summit speakers and events, and to request an invitation, please visit: www.beyondexpo.com/wealth-summit/.

To register for the Investor Pass at BEYOND Expo 2025, GPs and investors: Secure your Investor Pass now to take advantage of the early-bird offer. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and network with peers, LPs, and the broader tech and innovation community. Book your pass at www.beyondexpo.com/registration.

For more details or to register, visit www.beyondexpo.com.

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

New Dubai rule makes investor visas easier for property buyers

Published

4 days ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai has made it easier for property buyers to secure residency, after the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced new rules removing the minimum property value requirement for a two-year real estate investor visa.

Previously, investors needed to own property worth at least Dh750,000 to qualify. Under the updated system, buyers can now apply for the visa regardless of property value, as long as they are the sole owner.

For many UAE expats and first-time buyers, the move significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making it possible to invest in more affordable properties while still securing residency benefits.

Officials say the change is part of Dubai’s wider push to expand its investor base, boost property demand, and strengthen its position as a global real estate hub.

There are still some conditions for jointly owned properties. According to DLD’s Cube Centre, if two investors share ownership equally, each person’s stake must be at least Dh400,000 to qualify for the visa.

What it means for expats

For expats looking to put down roots in Dubai, the update creates more flexibility and accessibility, especially for those entering the market at lower price points. It also opens the door for a wider range of investors to benefit from property-linked residency.

The move is expected to increase market activity, encourage long-term investment, and support sustainable growth across Dubai’s real estate sector.

Business

Tourists in UAE can now get instant bank accounts: Here’s how

Published

4 days ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Tourists visiting the UAE can now open a bank account within minutes, thanks to a new digital initiative led by the Central Bank of the UAE in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

The service, called ‘Tourist Identity’, allows visitors to set up a fully digital bank account upon arrival, using a secure identity issued at entry and powered by biometric and facial recognition technology.

By linking the system to ADCB’s mobile app, travellers can open an account instantly, receive a digital debit card, and start making payments without paperwork or traditional documents.

For many visitors, especially business travellers, long-stay tourists, and frequent visitors, the move removes a key hurdle: access to local banking. Instead of relying on cash, users can pay digitally, manage expenses easily, and connect directly to the UAE’s financial system from day one.

Officials say the system is designed to deliver a secure and seamless experience, using advanced biometrics and AI to enable access to services without the need for physical documents.

What it means for visitors

For tourists, the new service means faster, safer, and more convenient access to money, making everyday transactions, from shopping to transport, simpler during their stay in the UAE.

The rollout also strengthens the country’s position as a tech-driven global destination, where travel and financial services are increasingly integrated into a seamless digital experience.

Business

Rupee hits record low: Should UAE residents send money now or wait?

Published

4 days ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The Indian rupee has fallen to a record low, offering UAE-based expats one of the most favourable exchange rates in recent months for sending money home.

The Indian rupee was trading at around Rs25.93 per dirham, according to XE, while weakening to 95.25 against the US dollar.

For Indian residents in the UAE, the shift means more rupees per dirham, making it an attractive time to remit funds for expenses such as school fees, family support, or loan payments back home.

A Dh1,000 transfer could fetch around Rs25,930 (before fees), prompting increased activity at exchange houses, where customers often wait for such rate movements to make larger transfers.

The Reserve Bank of India has taken steps to stabilise the currency, including dollar sales through state-run banks, though the impact has been limited as global pressures persist.

What it means for expats

For UAE-based expats, the current exchange rate makes this a strong window to send money, especially for large transfers like school fees, property payments, or savings.

If you’ve been waiting for a better rate, this could be a good time to act. However, currencies can remain volatile, and small gains can be offset by exchange house fees. Some residents prefer to split transfers (send part now, part later) to balance risk.