The HBS Club of the Gulf Cooperation Council recently marked the grand opening of "The House"—a new permanent club headquarters and collaborative space located in Dubai and open to all HBS alumni living in or visiting the Gulf region.

According to club President Saleh Abdullah Lootah (GMP 10, 2011), the establishment of a physical space for the club was driven by a commitment to making a positive impact in the GCC region—which includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.

"We recognized the need for a dedicated space where our alumni can collaborate on initiatives that contribute to the development and growth of the region," says Lootah. "Dubai has emerged as a prominent hub for HBS alumni activities and reunions. Having a space in this vibrant city enables us to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for current and future alumni, and ensure that they have a place to connect, engage, and further their professional pursuits."

The House—which will soon have a dedicated staff—offers approximately 3,000 square feet of event and work space equipped with a range of amenities and state-of-the-art technology, and is located at the Park Hyatt Dubai Creek, Golf, and Yacht Club. "It epitomizes the city's modernity and grandeur and captures the essence of Harvard Business School through its elegant design," Lootah says.

More than 90 people attended the grand opening on May 23, including government dignitaries, local officials and regional business leaders, in addition to HBS alumni. The program featured inaugural remarks by His Excellency Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy. Other speakers included: Lootah; Zaher Al Munajjed (MBA 1982), Honorary Board Member of HBS Club of GCC; Stephanie Sinemale, Director of Corporate Relations, Middle East and Africa at HBS; Sarah Shaw, Lead of Athar Program, HBS Club of GCC; and moderator Keshia Pieters, Senior Policy and Strategy Manager, HBS Club of GCC.

As a hub for the 1,400 HBS alumni in the region, as well as the larger HBS community worldwide, Lootah says The House will be more than a place to meet; it will be a think tank fostering the exchange of cutting-edge ideas that will positively impact the region.

"The House will further enhance the HBS Crossroads initiative, which brings together global Harvard experts to focus on the challenges facing the GCC and the world, such as education, food security, health, and national development," he says. "Dubai and the UAE's commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration is attracting talented professionals and businesses from around the world. This new HBS headquarters will serve as a vital think tank to actively engage with government and non-governmental organizations to provide valuable insights, expertise, and perspectives to shape policies and strategies for economic growth and resilience. It not only serves as a physical location for HBS alumni, but also stands as a symbol of the HBS community's commitment to nurturing thought leaders and advancing policy discussions."

Expected activities at The House include networking sessions, workshops and seminars, panel discussions, a guest speaker series, mentoring programs, and alumni reunions.

Lootah says a core team of "passionate and committed alumni" played integral roles over the last two years to bring The House to fruition, with support and guidance from board members, local officials, and corporate sponsors. "The establishment of this new space for our alumni in the GCC region fills us with immense excitement and anticipation," he adds. "It will reinforce the strong bond that alumni share with each other and with HBS, creating a lasting and impactful connection that extends far beyond geographical boundaries. We are excited about the positive ripple effects this space will have on alumni success, career advancement, and the overall influence of the HBS community in the GCC region and beyond."

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