Overview of the First Edition of the International Conference on Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Circular Economy

The inaugural International Conference on Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Circular Economy was held from November 4-5, 2024, at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) in the United Arab Emirates. Co-hosted by De Montfort University Dubai, the conference brought together leading academics, researchers, and professionals to discuss innovative approaches to business, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

 Day 1: November 4, 2024
The conference commenced with a registration session and welcoming speeches by distinguished leaders, including:
- Dr. David A. Schmidt, President, American University of Ras Al Khaimah.
- Prof. Joseph Wallis, Dean, School of Business, American University of Ras Al Khaimah.
- Dr. Tahseen Anwer Arshi, Associate Provost for Research Sustainability and Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, AURAK, and Conference Chair.

A brief presentation followed, introducing IEREK as a key collaborator, outlining its activities and contributions to academic and professional development.\

 Keynote Session and Workshop
The opening plenary session featured an inspiring keynote speech by Dr. Dima Jamali, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Canadian University Dubai and President of the Global Compact Network Lebanon. Her presentation, titled “University Best Practices in Entrepreneurial Education,” highlighted strategies for integrating entrepreneurship into academic curricula.

The day also included a thought-provoking workshop, “The Dual Lens: Exploring Authorial and Editorial Insights in Research,” presented by Bronwyn P. Wood, Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal Gender, Work & Organization (Scopus Q1).

 Parallel Sessions
After a networking lunch, three parallel sessions covered critical topics:
- Session 1: Sustainable Business, Economics, and Financial Management
Moderators: Dr. Abdelfatah Arman and Dr. Pranav Kumar.
- Session 2: Sustainable Business Models and Practices
Moderators: Dr. Mohamed Mahdi Abaker and Dr. Mohamad Kharseh.
- Session 3: Sustainable Growth and CSR Strategies: Tourism, SMEs, and Empowering Entrepreneurship
Moderators: Dr. Ruchi Aggarwal and Dr. Tariq Bhatti.

Authors presented their research both in-person and online, engaging with the audience in discussions and Q&A sessions. The day concluded with a Panel session summarizing key insights and feedback.

Day 2: November 5, 2024
The second day began with registration and a morning coffee, followed by a keynote speech delivered by Gary Smith, Head of the Incubation Centre at Amity University Dubai. His presentation emphasized strategies for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in academic settings.

 Parallel Sessions
Three additional parallel sessions explored diverse topics:
- Session 4: Environmental Responsibility in Business
Moderators: Dr. Roz-Ud-Din Nassar and Dr. Fathia Elmenghawi.
- Session 5: Leadership Development for Globalization and Emerging Markets
Moderators: Dr. Khalid Khan and Prof. Irshad Ahmad.
- Session 6: Social Responsibility and Community Engagement in Business
Moderators: Dr. Shagufta Waseem and Dr. Fatima Beena.

As with the first day, authors presented their findings and participated in interactive Q&A sessions.

 Closing Panel Session
The conference concluded with a final panel session, where participants reflected on the discussions and provided constructive feedback, emphasizing future collaboration and research directions.

The conference successfully fostered dialogue on innovative strategies for sustainable business and entrepreneurship, leaving attendees inspired to implement the ideas and solutions discussed.