Governance in Tech - Pearl Initiative

Aligning expectations between investors and Tech firms on Corporate Governance capabilities

The rapid growth of the Gulf tech startup ecosystem, driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), underscores the need for robust governance frameworks. The Pearl Initiative’s Governance in Tech programme promotes innovative corporate governance practices for tech entities in the Gulf region to address the unique challenges posed by rapid technological progress. By raising awareness of effective governance, the programme supports the growth and long-term sustainability of tech companies, ensuring they thrive in a dynamic landscape.

Programme Objectives

The programme focuses on empowering tech companies to adapt corporate governance frameworks, based on their short, medium, and long-term needs. We provide practical tools, guidelines, and training to empower tech companies to forge governance frameworks that are agile and responsive to the evolving landscape, enabling them to thrive in this era of technological acceleration. The programme has the following objectives:

Raise awareness in the Gulf region about the crucial role and advantages of robust governance and accountability in the emerging technology sector.
Facilitate dialogue amongst diverse stakeholders in the regional tech landscape, including startups, multinational tech firms, investors, government entities, and regulators, to address key trends and governance-related issues.
Support organisations in implementing effective governance practices through facilitated discussions, training, and the provision of practical resources.
Establish a network of strategic partners, ecosystem collaborators, and experts to actively engage and facilitate discussions within the tech community.

For further information and partnership opportunities, please contact us at [email protected].

Programme Achievements

The Governance in Tech Programme has engaged a range of stakeholders across the Gulf region through dialogue, workshops, and expert roundtables. It has helped raise awareness about the importance of corporate governance in the technology sector and supported tech companies in understanding how to apply governance principles to their unique business models.

The programme continues to facilitate knowledge-sharing, strengthen accountability practices, and promote a culture of transparency. Through strategic partnerships, it is building momentum toward more resilient and well-governed tech ecosystems in the region.

“We are excited to join forces with the Pearl Initiative to host transformative roundtable discussions on the role of corporate governance in driving growth and profitability. Our shared vision is to empower FinTech companies in the Gulf, by enhancing their competitiveness and sustainability in the region. Through this partnership, we aim to bolster sustainable development and ensure the continued growth and success of fintech enterprises throughout the region.”

Mr. Hamza Alsaktawi

Head of Financial Inclusion, ICD, the IsDB Group

“As reflected in various studies, new businesses with good governance foster stability and trustworthiness and are deemed more profitable. Through collaborating with the Pearl Initiative, we hope that start-ups and SMEs across the country and the Gulf region will also be able to structure resilient and credible corporate governance.”