Future Debates
At Capital Club - A forward-thinking global collective of business leaders and innovators who share a curiosity and possess the will and means to shape a better future for the region and beyond.
Inspired by Oxford and Harvard Debating Unions.
Controversial issues are addressed in a candid manner, testing our intellect and critical thinking. Two teams will compete, with the winner determined by a public Q&A and final voting.
The speakers are leading voices in the Business World
Past Debates:
• The Current Education System is not preparing our youth for the future!
• Days For Banks And Financial Institutions Are Numbered!
• To Crypto or Not To Crypto, Yet!!
Latest Debate
Women on Boards: Should we have Quotas?
Date and Time: 15th May, 2023 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
This topical and important debate will include talk about the necessity and effectiveness of implementing quotas for women on corporate boards!
FOR
• Increases women's representation on boards.
• Creates a level playing field.
• Brings diverse perspectives for better decision-making.
• Encourages cultural change.
• It has proven success in other countries.
AGAINST
• Undermines a merit based system.
• May cause resentment & bias towards women.
• May not address the root causes of gender inequality.
• May lead to tokenism.
• Companies may circumvent quotas.


Regina Von Flemming
Independent Director, MTS Mobile TeleSystems
Rekha Mehr MBE
Ventures Consultant & Board Member, Foresight Group
Mina Paul
Consultant, Russell Reynolds
Ayesha Sultan
Board Member, GCC Board Directors InstitutePrevious Debates
The Current Education System is not preparing our youth for the future!
Date and Time: 24th January, 2023 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
This topical and important debate will include talk about the tension between Traditional Educational Institutions and Challengers like New Age Institutions with Different Models and more!
FOR
• New Age Institutions are Flexible
• New Age Institutions provide a Customized learning experience
• New Age Institutions have a wide selection of courses
• New Age Institutions are time and cost-effective
AGAINST
• Traditional Institutions are a proven model
• Traditional Institutions provide a feeling of sociability and solidarity
• Traditional Institutions have schedule stiffness and are not customized
• Traditional Institutions have higher costs and time commitments

Raya Bidshahri
Founder & CEO, School of Humanity
Russell Cailey
Managing Director, THINK Learning Studio
James Batts
Principal, Scholars International Academy
Tanvir Shah
Instructor, Harvard UniversityDays For Banks And Financial Institutions Are Numbered!
Date and Time: 22nd May, 2022 from 6:30 PM to 8 PM
This topical and important debate will include all the various aspects of banks and fintechs and how it will impact us.
FOR
· Fintechs are Data-Driven and Digital
• Fintechs are Responsive and Efficient
• Fintechs have a Mobile-First Strategy
• Fintechs are Scalable and Agile
• Fintechs are focused on User Experience
AGAINST
• Banks are too big to fail, diversified
• Banks have significant financial resources
• Banks have strong ties with Regulators
• Banks are too engrained into society
• Banks have begun innovating

Olivier Crespin
CEO & Co-Founder, Zand
Nihal Abughattas
Senior Digital Financial Services Consultant & Resident Advisor, IFC
Vince Cook
CEO National Bank of Fujairah PJSC
Bhaskar Dasgupta
Head of Strategic Development-MENA, Apex Group LtdTO CRYPTO OR NOT TO CRYPTO, YET!!
Date and Time: 16th March, 2022 from 6:30 PM to 8 PM (Ended)
This topical and important debate will include all the aspects of crypto and how it will impact us.
FOR
· Popularity with the young generation
· Be an early mover, make money
· The upside returns are amazing
· Benefits of financial inclusion
· Many side benefits
AGAINST
· Wait for regulatory issues to be resolved
· Need critical mass for acceptance
· Need less volatility, too much risk
· Gold as a trusted physical reserve
· Need the market to mature

Jorge Sebastiao
CBO, Simba Storage
Saqr Ereiqat
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Crypto Oasis
Irina Heaver
Crypto Lawyer, Investor
Feroz Sanaulla
Partner (Head of Financial Services), Roland BergerJoin us at the debate!
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