Written by Izabel Modano
In a world saturated with professional networks and self-declared communities, few manage to transcend the noise. Fewer still go beyond connection and actually create value. But from its base in Dubai — a city synonymous with ambition — Alliance Top Association has done just that.
Founded in early 2021, the Association has grown into an exclusive platform of over 100 handpicked professionals across 25+ countries. Spanning sectors like science, business, technology, culture, and wellness, its members aren’t just high performers — they are changemakers. What unites them is a desire to collaborate, innovate, and be part of something greater than their individual success.
Behind this bold and selective initiative stands its founder and president: Alexander Van der Meer.
The Man Behind the Movement
Originally from the Netherlands, Van der Meer is a seasoned leader and strategist with a rich career in global business. A graduate of the University of Amsterdam with a focus on international economics and business management, he held senior executive roles in London and across Europe — most notably as CEO of a strategic business consulting firm and Vice President for Global Development at one of the continent’s top investment groups.
After relocating to Dubai, Van der Meer began to notice a troubling pattern: talented people from different industries were achieving great things — but doing so in isolation.
“I saw brilliant professionals struggling to find communities that could match their level — intellectually, ethically, strategically,” he shared during a video interview. “And I realized we needed to build it ourselves.”
That realization led to the creation of Alliance Top Association — a curated, cross-sector community where excellence meets collaboration.
A Mission Rooted in Integrity
Van der Meer is clear about the purpose of the Association — and his own role within it.
“This isn’t a networking club. It’s an alliance of trust,” he explains. “My mission is to ensure that the people inside this organization are not only protected and elevated — but also challenged to keep evolving.”
Under his leadership, the Association has established strict entry criteria. Applications are reviewed by a professional board and evaluated not just on achievements, but on integrity, vision, and long-term contribution.
The result? A deliberately small but powerful group — with the focus on depth, not volume.
A Structure Built for Synergy
Members are connected through four hubs:
- Business & Economy
- Science & Technology
- Creativity & Art
- Beauty & Wellbeing
Each hub is a multidisciplinary engine, fostering project collaboration, thought leadership, and high-level knowledge exchange. Whether a wellness entrepreneur is co-creating with a neuroscientist, or an AI researcher is mentoring a social artist — these synergies are at the core of the Association’s value.
“The future doesn’t belong to specialists working alone,” says Van der Meer. “It belongs to those who can cross boundaries and still stay excellent.”
Two Years In: Measured Growth, Meaningful Impact
Despite maintaining a carefully curated member count, the Association has achieved impressive results over its first 24 months:
- Over 30 expert-led events, including international roundtables, hybrid summits, and curated virtual exchanges;
- A monthly mastermind program connecting members across industries and continents;
- Legal and strategic support for members in areas like IP protection and ethical partnerships;
- The development of cross-sector projects, from climate awareness campaigns to innovation grants.
But beyond these outcomes, what stands out most is the internal culture — one of mutual respect, discretion, and shared aspiration.
What the President Is Most Proud Of
When asked to reflect on the journey, Van der Meer doesn’t point to media coverage or metrics. Instead, he shares moments — often unseen — where the Association truly fulfilled its purpose.
“Last year, during our Dubai Summit, I saw a scientist, a startup founder, and a documentary filmmaker design a global education project together. That’s the kind of magic this space makes possible.”
Other highlights include:
- The Women in Innovation Series, which supports female leaders through tailored mentorship and cross-border visibility campaigns.
- A private Accelerator Lab, launched in 2022, that has already helped three member projects secure early-stage funding;
- Personalized initiatives such as "Expert-to-Expert Clinics", where members exchange strategic advice in areas like global expansion, licensing, and investor relations.
“These programs aren’t public-facing,” Van der Meer adds. “But our members know — they’re transformative.”
What’s Ahead in 2023 and Beyond
Looking forward, Alliance Top is set to launch a members-only digital platform to facilitate 24/7 collaboration and knowledge sharing. It also plans to unveil the Alliance Fund, which will provide financial and strategic backing for selected member initiatives with global or social impact.
The Association is in active talks with universities, think tanks, and innovation councils to co-develop research, advisory groups, and education models — all focused on the future of high-level talent ecosystems.
Final Reflection: A New Kind of Power
In a time when “networking” has been diluted to likes and lists, Alliance Top Association is quietly building something much more serious — and much more human.
It’s a home for the exceptional. But more importantly, it’s a platform for those who are willing to lead with integrity, share their expertise, and help others rise.
“We don’t promise shortcuts,” says Van der Meer. “What we offer is clarity, connection, and a path to real legacy.”
Two years in, Alliance Top has proven it’s not just a concept. It’s a commitment — to quality, to purpose, and to the kind of excellence the world needs more of.
