About Connect Glocal

We connect people, ideas and opportunities to create growth.

A UAE-based growth and consulting platform for entrepreneurs, SMEs and emerging talent.

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Komal Badar speaking at a UAE business event

Get to know the founder

Meet Komal Badar

A journey shaped by resilience, ambition and the belief that opportunity should be shared.

Entrepreneur and talent development professional with over a decade in corporate strategy and business consulting in the Middle East.

From cabin crew at 18 to leading talent development across the region, she saw founders with big ideas but little access to expertise and networks. Connect Glocal grew from that.

For Komal, entrepreneurship is not simply about building a business. It is about building something that creates opportunities for others.

Discover the founder's journey →

Our story & purpose

Why Connect Glocal exists

Because growth should never be a journey you have to navigate alone.

We combine consulting, practical learning and community to help people move from ideas to action, with global perspective and local insight.

Our mission

To empower entrepreneurs, SMEs and emerging talent through strategic guidance, meaningful partnerships and collaborative opportunities that support sustainable growth.

Our vision

To build a connected business ecosystem where people, expertise and opportunities move across industries and borders, enabling businesses and individuals to grow with purpose.

Professional networking at a Connect Glocal event

Founders meeting at an SME community session

Our values

Connect

We build meaningful relationships between people, ideas and opportunities, bringing different perspectives together to open new possibilities.

Create

We turn ideas into action through creativity, strategic thinking and practical solutions designed around real business needs.

Collaborate

We bring complementary expertise together to solve challenges, share knowledge and create opportunities that go beyond individual success.

Programmes & partnerships

Where ideas become opportunities

Spaces where founders learn from one another, develop practical skills and build relationships that support long-term growth.

Flagship · Founder ecosystem

THE EXCHANGE

A curated group of founders exchanging expertise and building relationships that go beyond business cards.

Discover THE EXCHANGE →

Founder Strategy & SME Growth

Business consulting · Strategic development

Strategy, positioning, marketing and growth planning for founders and SMEs.

Explore our consulting services →

Youth Development & Future Talent

Skills development · Industry exposure

Practical skills and industry exposure for students and emerging talent.

Explore youth initiatives →

Strategic Partnerships & Community Programmes

Ecosystem building · Collaboration

Initiatives with businesses, institutions and networks for learning and visibility.

Become a partner →

Our approach to partnerships

Shared expertise

Bringing different skills and perspectives together.

Meaningful engagement

Opportunities for interaction, learning and business development.

Practical value

Initiatives designed around real business or community needs.

Long-term relationships

Building trust and continued collaboration.

Team CGSMENA

Different expertise. One shared purpose.

Marketing, partnerships, creative and growth experts.

Founder & CEO

Komal Badar

Leads the vision and strategic direction of Connect Glocal, bringing together business growth, people development and collaborative opportunities.

Marketing & Communications

Marketing strategy, brand positioning and communications.

Jasmina, Vaishakh, Mohammed

Partnerships & Events

Corporate relationships, community engagement and events.

Tarini, Salwa

Creative & Digital

Digital marketing, content creation and creative execution.

Shahrukh

Strategic Growth Partners

Specialist expertise across people, business and organisational development.

Kyle, Gemma, Abdul Khader

Meet our full team Work with us

FAQ

Common questions

What is Connect Glocal (CGSMENA)?

A UAE-based business growth and consulting platform for entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and emerging talent, combining strategy, marketing, people development, community programmes and partnerships.

Who does Connect Glocal work with?

Founders, SMEs, corporate partners, mentors, educational institutions and young professionals.

What services does Connect Glocal offer to SMEs?

Strategic direction, business positioning, marketing, people development and growth planning, starting with founder strategy sessions.

What is THE EXCHANGE by Connect Glocal?

Our flagship programme bringing a curated group of founders and professionals together for structured networking and focused business discussions.

Connect Glocal community gathering of founders and partners

The next chapter starts here

Growth happens when we grow together.

The right connection can open a door. The right strategy can change your direction. And the right community can help you go further than you imagined.

Explore our services Explore our community Get in touch