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For nearly three decades, John Schwartz has been embedded in the business and cultural fabric of the Middle East. Since his first visit in 1998, he has been captivated by the region's unique blend of progressive vision and deep-rooted traditions—a dynamic he has successfully navigated for himself and his clients.
After establishing and leading a successful experiential marketing company with offices in the UAE and Qatar, John now leverages his extensive network and deep cultural fluency to guide international companies through the complexities of regional expansion. His advisory work is informed by firsthand experience building ventures from the ground up and a proven track record of engaging with high-level stakeholders, including regional ministries and international bodies. Having also played a foundational role in scaling the global B2B and B2G divisions for the online education pioneer edX, John combines entrepreneurial agility with strategic, large-scale vision.
He frequently keynotes on technology and innovation and serves on a high-level United Nations advisory council for education sustainability. John’s core focus is providing strategic advisory that translates regional nuance into commercial success, ensuring foreign firms not only enter the Middle East but thrive here.