10-06 | Is Dubai Done? Voices from the Ground

Masterclass Details: Free for members and non-members Wednesday, 10 June 2026 12:00pm SGT/MYT/HKT Online via Zoom ————— The headlines have been loud. But are they telling the full story? As global uncertainty reshapes trade routes, capital flows, and business sentiment, Dubai finds itself at the centre of a familiar question — one it has answered before, and answered well. In this candid conversation, we go beyond the noise straight to the source: professionals and entrepreneurs who are living and building in Dubai right now. From the boom in financial services and tech to its cemented role as the world’s crossroads for talent and capital, Dubai isn’t just weathering the moment—it’s positioning itself to own what comes next. The city has a track record of turning turbulence into tailwinds, and those closest to the ground are seeing exactly that play out. Join us for an unfiltered, on-the-ground perspective on where the real opportunities lie, what’s quietly accelerating beneath the surface, and why the smartest money may still be betting on Dubai. About the Speakers: Mandira Rai Published Author/Writer Mandira Rai is a highly acclaimed travel writer, widely published internationally. Her previously published work has featured in leading newspapers and premium magazines across the globe, including Conde Nast Traveller, Robb Report Arabia, Travel & Leisure, Harper’s Bazaar, Outlook Traveller, Harper’s Bazaar Junior, JetWings, Today Newspaper Singapore, The New Paper, Prime Magazine, Travel & Hospitality, Singapore’s Child, Today’s Parents, Wine & Dine, Select, Today’s Parents, Asian Parent, The New Age Parents, Expat Living Singapore and Now Jakarta, amongst other publications. She has also authored Playing in Luxury, a lavishly illustrated coffee-table book on luxury family travel. The widely celebrated, and circulated book was released in Singapore by prestigious luggage Maison Rimowa, timed with their acquisition by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. Subsequently, the book was released by the Government of India at The Indian Luxury Summit. Playing in Luxury has been reviewed and featured in leading media worldwide, including the Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveler, Divia Thani. Additionally, the book has been placed in rooms and public spaces in the finest hotels across the world. Her expertise in the realm of luxury and her ability to capture the essence of high-end tourism experiences has established Mandira Rai as a formidable voice in contemporary travel literature. A writer with over 15 years of experience, Mandira Rai has written extensively on the arts, culture, lifestyle and travel, in addition to interviewing several luminous personalities. She currently resides in Dubai. Elika Tasker Energy Optimisation Coach Elika is an Energy Optimisation Coach, speaker and wellness consultant who works with founders, executives and leadership teams to help them perform at a high level without sacrificing their health or relationships. With over a decade of experience in coaching and advisory work across Asia and now UAE. Elika blends modern wellness science with systems such as Human Design to help leaders understand how to work with their natural energy. Her work focuses on improving clarity, resilience and sustainable performance by addressing the physical, mental and emotional factors that influence leadership and decision-making. Elika previously built and ran multiple businesses in Singapore, including a successful restaurant concept and a coaching practice supporting founders and high-performing professionals. She is also a speaker with the Asia Professional Speakers Singapore (APSS).