Business Clinic · RAK Entrepreneurs

Managing Your Business
in a Time of Uncertainty Fireside Panel Discussion with 5 Experienced Leaders

Many business owners are facing difficult times — financial pressures, operational challenges, and questions about sustainability. Five leaders who have been there share what they learned and what actually works.

Thursday 3 April 2026 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Cove Rotana, RAK AED 60 · Includes Refreshments In Person

Seats are limited. Secure yours before they go.

Business Clinic: Managing Your Business in a Time of Uncertainty – RAK Entrepreneurs event poster

What this session is

A structured fireside panel — not a lecture, not a sales event. Five leaders who have navigated real crises sit down to share candid lessons from the coalface of business uncertainty.

  • Real stories from leaders who have managed financial and operational crises
  • Practical strategies you can apply immediately — not motivational filler
  • A moderated Q&A where you can bring your own challenges to the room
  • In-person networking before and after the session
Financial resilience Crisis management Operational stability Audience Q&A Networking

What to expect

Actionable guidance for stabilising your business
🔥
Real crisis management insights — no theory
🤝
Supportive Q&A environment
Practical steps you can take immediately
Practical first. No sales pitches.

Panelists and MC

Five experts across advisory, technology, training, and digital strategy — each with lived experience navigating business uncertainty.

Panelist
Dr. Mohammad Barakat
CEO, Consilium Advisory
Panelist
Mujeeb ur Rehman
Founder & CEO, Scaling Business Solutions
Panelist
Dr. Hawa Charfaray
Program Development Director, Orbrix Training & Consultancy
Panelist
Andrew MacLachlan
CEO, CYBER WARDEN
Panelist
Kaan Bozoglu
Executive Director, Titan Digital Marketing
MC
Georgina Kelly
Founder, RAK Entrepreneurs

The session is moderated to keep discussions practical, candid, and focused on learnings you can act on.

Topics on the table

Financial and operational pressure

  • Cash flow management and liquidity crunches
  • Cost structures, overheads, and sustainable unit economics
  • Negotiating with suppliers, landlords, and lenders under stress
  • When to restructure versus when to hold the line

Leadership and team management

  • Keeping teams motivated through uncertainty
  • HR decisions during downturns — what is fair and what works
  • Culture, communication, and transparent leadership

Digital strategy and visibility

  • How to maintain or grow your online presence on a tight budget
  • Digital tools that save time and reduce operational costs
  • SEO and content strategy when ad spend is cut

Cyber risk and compliance

  • Vulnerabilities that grow during periods of cost-cutting
  • Regulatory obligations that do not pause during a downturn
  • Low-cost cyber hygiene every SME should maintain

Training and workforce capability

  • Upskilling teams without large training budgets
  • Retaining key people through development, not just salary
  • Identifying the skills gaps that cost the most in a crisis

Who should attend

  • Business owners facing financial pressure or operational disruption
  • Founders and entrepreneurs in early or growth stages navigating uncertainty
  • Managers responsible for keeping operations running under stress
  • Students and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to learn from lived experience

Event details

📅 Date: Thursday, 3 April 2026

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (UAE)

📍 Venue: Cove Rotana Hotel Resort
Diamond Meeting Room, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

💵 Entry: AED 60 — includes refreshments

🎤 Format: Fireside panel + audience Q&A

Session ground rules

  • Discussions stay practical and solution-focused.
  • Confidentiality applies — no identifiable client details.
  • No direct selling or solicitation during the session.
  • All questions are welcome — no challenge is too small.
Seats are limited. Early registration is recommended.

Session agenda

10:00 AM
Welcome and introductions – MC Georgina Kelly
10:10 AM
Panel segment opens: framing the uncertainty challenge
10:25 AM
Deep dive: financial resilience and operational stabilisation
10:50 AM
Deep dive: leadership, people, and culture under pressure
11:15 AM
Deep dive: digital strategy, cyber risk, and training
11:40 AM
Open audience Q&A – bring your challenges to the room
12:15 PM
Key takeaways and practical next steps
12:30 PM
Close and open networking
Add to Google Calendar UAE time shown. Google Calendar converts to your local time zone automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Who is this event for?

Business owners, founders, managers, and entrepreneurs navigating financial pressure, operational disruption, or uncertainty about the future. Students are also welcome.

Is this a lecture or a panel?

It is a fireside panel discussion — conversational, not scripted. The format allows for real exchanges between panelists and includes an open Q&A session.

Can I ask about my specific situation?

Yes. The Q&A is open and supportive. You are encouraged to bring real challenges from your own business.

What does the AED 60 cover?

Entry to the full 2.5-hour session plus refreshments throughout.

Is there networking time?

Yes. Being an in-person event, you can connect with panelists and attendees before the session begins and after it closes.

Will cases be discussed confidentially?

Yes. Ground rules are set at the start. No identifiable client or business information is shared without consent.

Is the event part of a series?

Yes. This is part of the Business Clinic programme hosted by RAK Entrepreneurs, focused on practical learning from experienced leaders.

Register for the event

Hosted by RAK Entrepreneurs. Secure your seat online or contact Georgina directly.

📍 Venue

Cove Rotana Hotel Resort
Diamond Meeting Room
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Organized by RAK Entrepreneurs. Kaan Bozoglu (Titan Digital Marketing) is a guest panelist. For event enquiries, contact RAK Entrepreneurs directly.