Read it here.
Welcome our new member Neurotransformation by Tanja
Neurotransformation by Tanja is a neuroscience-based coaching concept that integrates nervous system regulation, embodiment, and trauma-informed practices to support deep personal transformation and sustainable growth. The offerings include online programs, live workshops, and 1:1 coaching, combining neuroplasticity, emotional processing, and ethical manifestation principles into a grounded and impactful approach to change.
We are looking for a Young Professional Director
Are you our new Young Professional Director?
The Finnish Business Council is looking for an energetic, curious, and community-minded individual to step into the role of Young Professional Director!
This is a volunteer role with no salary, however, expenses will be covered. It is perfect for someone early in their career who wants to get more involved, meet great people, and help shape what we do for young professionals in the community.
Young Professionals are members who are between 21-35 years old so great if you are too!
As our Young Professional Director, you will:
Represent young professionals in the FBC community
Help plan and promote events for young members
Bring your own ideas, creativity, and energy to the council
Work together with other Nordic young professional directors
Whether you are passionate about networking, full of ideas, or just love getting people together, we would love to hear from you!
Get in touch: admin@fbcuae.fi
FBC member in a spotlight - Meet Cluster Manager Stuart Birkwood from Radisson Blu Hotels
1. As we know you have worked and lived in Finland, tell us about that.
I was very privileged to be a part of the reopening of probably the most famous hotel in Finland – HOTEL KÄMP. My wife and I lived in Olari and really enjoyed exploring Helsinki, the surrounding areas and Finnish life!
2. If someone asked you, “What’s the vibe at your Radisson Blu?”, how would you describe it?
We’re transitioning the hotel to be more lifestyle focused within the BLU brand framework as our local neighbourhood here in Media City is a fit for that style of hotel.
I also manage the Park Inn at Motor City and there we’re focusing on being a more active part of the local community, so much so we just launched our ‘furry friends’ pet-friendly program.
3. What do guests visiting Dubai usually look for in a hotel experience—and how does Radisson Blu + Park Inn deliver that?
Guests want to be able to concentrate on enjoying their trip – however that looks like, for business or pleasure, alone or with family / friends. Our role is to ensure they get a ‘stress-free’ stay that allows them all the time needed to make full use of their time in Dubai.
4. What’s been your most memorable experience managing a hotel?
Every hotel I’ve worked in has been an amazing experience – whether it was in Riyadh, Warsaw, the US, UK, Abu Dhabi or now in Dubai. Why? Because of the teams I’ve worked alongside. Hospitality is a simple business – its by people for people, so if you ensure your people (our teams) are happy, engaged and having fun, as well as building a career for themselves, then that’s most memorable for me.
5. If you were not working as a hotel manager, what profession would you have?
I think I would have liked to be a Principal of a School or College. Helping young people on their path to success, learning, developing, growing would be very satisfying for me.
May 2025 newsletter
Please read it here.
FBC member in a spotlight - Meet our new board member Lisa Vainio
1. What inspired you to join the FBC board, and what kind of impact would you like to help create?
I joined the FBC board to help strengthen the Finnish business presence in the UAE and to deepen the ties between our two cultures. Finland is recognised for its innovation, trust, and commitment to sustainability. These values align well with the UAE’s ambitious and forward-looking vision. I believe there is a strong opportunity to highlight Finnish strengths in leadership, technology, and wellbeing in a region that is open to new ideas and partnerships.
The FBC is more than a business network; it is a supportive community that connects Finnish professionals and encourages collaboration across industries. I hope to contribute by promoting dialogue, sharing knowledge, and mentoring others, particularly those who are new to the region or early in their careers.
My aim is to help position Finnish expertise as a trusted and valuable resource in the UAE. At the same time, I want to ensure that every member of our community feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to grow. By doing so, we can build lasting relationships and make a meaningful contribution to both Finnish and UAE business ecosystems.
2. Can you share a recent professional insight, habit, or mindset shift that’s made a difference for you?
Our lives are getting busier and busier, and there’s a growing emphasis on the art of saying no—setting boundaries, streamlining focus, and doing less. But interestingly, I’ve gone in the opposite direction. I’ve started saying yes to more things: new experiences, unfamiliar challenges, and unexpected opportunities that push me outside of my comfort zone. This shift has been energising and has required accepting that not everything will go perfectly.
Living and working in the UAE, a dynamic and fast-moving environment, has only reinforced this. It’s a place that rewards those who are open, agile, and willing to create opportunities for themselves. By saying yes more often, I’ve gained new perspectives, built valuable relationships, and discovered new paths I might not have considered before.
3. How do you think we can accelerate gender diversity in AI, and what role can industry leaders play in making that change happen?
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team at Women in AI UAE, a non-profit network that supports and promotes women working in artificial intelligence, I see the gender gap in tech every day, and it is wide. According to the Global Gender Gap Report, only about 30 percent of AI professionals globally are women. Even in countries where there is near gender equality in the general workforce, the AI sector still shows large gaps, reaching up to 51 percent in parts of Europe.
This is more than a numbers problem. When women are underrepresented in AI development, the technology can become biased. Algorithms may overlook or misrepresent entire groups of people, leading to inequality in systems that affect everything from healthcare to hiring. To close the gap, we need to act deliberately. Gender diversity in AI will not happen on its own. It starts with education, grows through mentorship and support, and depends on women being directly involved in designing and building the tools that shape our future.
Industry leaders in both Finland and the UAE have a key role to play. They can lead by example by promoting diverse talent, investing in inclusive innovation, and ensuring that AI solutions reflect the needs and voices of all parts of society.
4. What’s something interesting about the gold industry that most people don’t know?
Most people think of gold in terms of jewellery or investment, but it plays a much larger—and often invisible—role in our everyday lives. Thanks to its exceptional conductivity and resistance to corrosion, gold is a critical component in everything from COVID-19 tests and pregnancy kits to smartphones, medical devices, and even space technology. Its unique chemical properties make it irreplaceable in many high-precision and life-saving applications.
What may surprise people even more is that gold was once used in toys and novelty items—until rising costs made that impractical. Today, rather than being just a symbol of wealth, gold is at the heart of some of the most advanced innovations shaping our future. The World Gold Council is increasingly focused on supporting gold-enabled technologies that advance renewable energy, healthcare, and digital infrastructure. As we move toward more sustainable and tech-driven solutions globally—including in the UAE and Finland—gold continues to quietly power progress behind the scenes.
5. What’s a book, podcast, or film that’s had a lasting impact on you?
There’s Nothing for You Here by Fiona Hill has stayed with me long after I turned the last page. In the book, Hill shares her personal journey from a coal-mining town in northern England to becoming a top foreign policy advisor in the United States. Her story is not only one of resilience, but also a sharp critique of how class, geography, and gender continue to shape access to opportunity. She writes candidly about how narrow the pathways can be for those outside traditional power circles—and how easily talent can be lost when support systems are missing.
For me, her story resonates deeply, especially as someone who has lived and worked across different cultures and systems. It’s a powerful reminder of how critical mentorship, encouragement, and visibility are—how just one person believing in you can help shift your trajectory. That’s why I’ve taken part in the FBC Mentorship Programme and why I joined the FBC board: to pay that support forward. Helping others navigate their journeys, especially in international and transitional environments like the UAE, is something I feel strongly about. We all benefit when talent is seen, supported, and allowed to grow.
April 2025 newsletter
Please read it here.
Finnish Business Council Annual General Meeting 2025
The Finnish Business Council (FBC) held its Annual General Meeting on April 9th at the Media One Hotel. A total of 18 members attended the meeting.
During the session, the Annual Activity Report for the previous year was presented, and the budget and activity plan for the upcoming year were reviewed and approved. It was noted that FBC had hosted 24 events during the past year, with the highlight being the 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner in November 2024.
Membership levels remained stable compared to the previous year, with 40 corporate members and 52 individual members.
All new board nominees as well as those continuing into their second term were voted in during the meeting.
After the AGM, the board held its first meeting, during which Samuli Pesu (Konsumea) was elected as Chairman and Anni Timonen (Radisson Blu) as Vice Chairman.
New board members joining us:
Tommi Linna (LinnaCon)
Lisa Vainio (World Gold Council)
Kai Malmivaara (Marinetek)
Hanna-Maria Lamponen (Kone)
Samuli Pesu (Konsumea)
Continuing members from the previous board:
Mika Puustinen (FinGulf Business Park)
Anni Timonen (Radisson Hotel Group)
Ulla-Maija Simola (Nokia)
Jorge Fernandez (Business Finland)
Following the meeting, members enjoyed a relaxed dinner together at Ciao Bella restaurant.
Welcome our new member Nordx Event Solutions
At Nordx Event Solutions, we combine Nordic precision with Dubai’s dynamic energy to deliver corporate events that inspire, connect, and achieve real impact. Founded by two Finns with a passion for excellence, we specialize in high-quality, fresh, and seamless event experiences — from strategic networking events and conferences to AGMs and exhibitions.
Our vision is simple: to make event planning efficient, enjoyable, and unforgettable, helping companies create meaningful connections and lasting impressions.
At Nordx, we don’t just plan events — we craft experiences that drive success.
Contact:
team@nordxevents.com
www.nordxevents.com
Welcome our new member Fingulf Business Park
”All what you need to take your business to Middle East”
FinGulf Business Park is a modern commercial hub designed for productivity and growth. It offers premium office spaces, fully equipped meeting and conference rooms, and high-end amenities to create the perfect work environment. Our in-house gym and health-focused restaurant, infused with a Nordic touch, ensure a balanced and inspiring workspace. Combining functionality with Scandinavian elegance, FinGulf Business Park provides businesses with the ideal setting for success.
Contact:
niina.pitkanen@fingulfbusinesspark.com
mika.puustinen@fingulfbusinesspark.com
