His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi is member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the catalyst for economic growth in the emirate. In this role, H.E. is spearheading strategies and initiatives to further enhance the soaring, diversified, smart, and sustainable “Falcon Economy”.
A seasoned leader with a proven track record in delivering results, H.E. Al Zaabi has long-standing experience in the finance and investments sector, wherein he has managed and executed multi-billion-dollar investment transactions and led numerous restructurings and turnarounds across a multitude of sectors.

H.E. is also the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre located in the UAE capital and cementing Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading financial hub and “Capital of Capital”. At the helm of ADGM, H.E. has been playing a pioneering role in positioning Abu Dhabi as the gateway of opportunities for regional and international businesses and attracting them to operate and expand out of Abu Dhabi.

H.E. Al Zaabi is the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), which is empowering businesses and enabling the private sector to reach its full potential within a competitive state-of-the-art ecosystem, and Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), the socio-economic development entity encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation culture, and supporting the SMEs through highly targeted financing, services, and training initiatives and programmes.

H.E. Chairs the Board of Directors of Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem that enables building of globally enduring, homegrown tech companies by providing access to global markets, capital ecosystem, a global network of partners, and a vibrant community filled with highly skilled talent, and governed by forward-thinking regulation.

He is also the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), which is leadingand developing an efficient, effective and globally integrated quality infrastructure in Abu Dhabi that promotes a culture of quality, enhances industrial development and competitiveness as well as consumer safety.

H.E. serves as a board member on multiple private sectors, government and commercial state-owned entities across the energy, investment, technology, real estate, and healthcare sectors. H.E. has also served on the boards of numerous banks and financial institutions in the past.

Prior to these roles, H.E. Ahmed Al Zaabi was the Group Chief Financial Officer (GCFO) of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and has held several leadership roles across multiple private and government related entities in finance and investments, transformation and turnarounds, strategy, and corporate governance.

H.E. Ahmed Al Zaabi started his career at the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and held a senior management role in a privately-owned real estate company. H.E. held an executive leadership role to manage an Abu Dhabi government office that oversaw a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of commercial state-owned enterprises, wherein H.E. led the transformation and restructuring of a number of entities as the shareholder’s representative. H.E. also held an executive position to manage the central treasury of the Government of Abu Dhabi.

H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi holds a master’s degree in economics from the United Kingdom.

His Excellency Dr. ani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi is UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, a position he has held since July 2020. He is responsible for overseeing the development of non-oil foreign trade, the expansion of global trade partnerships and increasing UAE exports.

As part of his role, H.E. Al Zeyoudi leads the nation’s efforts to secure Comprehensive Economic Partnerships Agreements (CEPAs) with strategic allies around the world, which supports the UAE’s aim to boost exports by at least 50 percent by 2030. In May 2022, the first of these CEPAs, and the first ever bilateral deal signed by the UAE, nwas concluded with long-standing trade and investment partner India.

H.E. Al Zeyoudi’s experience of global trade negotiations was recognized with his appointment as Chair of the13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC13) held in Abu Dhabi in February 2024, where he was instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, a package of agreements that helped to advance open, rules-based trade.

H.E. Al Zeyoudi also leads the efforts to enhance the UAE’s investment climate and strengthen its position as a prime destination for business and investments at both regional and global levels. is includes his portfolio as Minister in Charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, in which he ensures the best global talents have the pathways, incentives and opportunities to contribute to the UAE’s long-term economic objectives.

In October 2023, His Excellency was appointed as Chairman of Board of e Emirates Drug Establishment, a newly established federal agency responsible for regulating the UAE’s pharmaceutical and medical industries, promoting research and development in this sector, and ensuring the quality, safety, and availability of medical
products in the UAE.

His Excellency also serves as Vice Chairman of the Industry Development Council and Chairman of the Council’s Executive Committee, as well as Deputy Chairman of Etihad Credit Insurance’s Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Supreme Committee for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), the decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Prior to his appointment as the Minister of State for Foreign Trade, he served as Minister of Climate Change and Environment and supervised the implementation of the country’s strategies on climate action, agricultural development, animal husbandry and fisheries, in addition to combating desertification and preserving
biodiversity.

H.E. Al Zeyoudi was named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader in 2020 for his work in climate and environment and received the award for Excellence from the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf in 2015 in recognition of his pioneering efforts in the field of renewable energy.

H.E. Al Zeyoudi holds a BASc in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa, an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology, an MA in Project Management from the British University in Dubai, and a PhD in Strategy, Program and Project Management from Skema Business School in France.

Marc Randolph is a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, advisor, and investor, whose career as an entrepreneur spans four decades. In addition to being the co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, Marc has founded or co-founded six other successful startups, mentored hundreds of early-stage entrepreneurs, and as an investor has helped seed dozens of successful tech ventures (and just as many unsuccessful ones). He is host of the top-10 Apple podcast That Will Never Work, where he works directly with entrepreneurs to provide 1-on-1 mentoring. He lives in Santa Cruz, California.

“Designing Fragrance is who I am. It makes my heart beat.” Jo Malone CBE

Jo Malone CBE has been described as an ‘English scent maverick’ and the woman responsible for creating some of the world’s most loved fragrances.

Originally a facial therapist, Jo fell in love with fragrance while working from her discreet skin care clinic, which she set up from her London home. Discovering an instinctual talent for creating scented products by hand in her kitchen, word of her exceptional potions quickly spread and soon Jo was unable to keep up with demand. From these artisan beginnings Jo launched her first brand, Jo Malone London, which gained cult status around the world. In 1999, Jo sold the business to Estee Lauder Companies and remained Creative Director until she left in 2006. Jo is no longer associated with the Jo Malone London brand or Jo Malone London products.

Two years later in 2008, Jo was honoured with an MBE for her services to the beauty industry.

In the years that followed, and aware that her passion for fragrance never left her, it was falling in love with cooking that inspired Jo to play with food, flavours and colours that she had never used before. Being back in her kitchen, blending ingredients by hand and excited by the process, she soon realised that her instincts were prompting her to create fragrance and she found herself asking ‘could I do it again?’. Possessing an inherent entrepreneurial flair, a head full of ideas and the desire to build another business, Jo decided to follow her instincts and returned to the beauty industry.

In November 2011, five years after leaving Jo Malone London, she launched her new brand Jo Loves to global anticipation and in 2013, Jo open the first Jo Loves store in Belgravia’s Elizabeth Street, where coincidentally she began her career as a 16-year-old florist.
Bottling her undeniable desire to create beautiful and unexpected fragrances, pioneering new products and entertaining experiences, Jo Loves embodies integrity, creativity and innovation. Jo Loves’ scents, bath, body and candle collection, are inspired by the memories and moments in life that Jo herself loves and her creative seal of integrity, symbolised by the red dot, is stamped across everything that bears the Jo Loves name. Jo Loves continues to expand globally to this day, with products available across the world and in several categories from Fragrance, Home Candles, Personal Care & Lifestyle Fragrances and Diffusers.

“When I start out with a fragrance I don’t always know where it will lead. It’s a creative process that often surprises me and I like that. Jo Loves is full of excitement and anticipation, and I want to discover things that I’ve only ever dreamed about. Everyday I’m struck by different smells which evoke emotions or memories that inspire me to be creative. The scent of my husband’s cologne, freshly washed linen, hot Moroccan mint tea, the smell of a horse’s saddle and New York in the rain, are just a few of my favourites, but the list continues to go on and on”. JO MALONE CBE

Jo was awarded a CBE in the June 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her services to the British economy and the GREAT British Campaign, which promotes British creativity and industry on the international stage.

In 2016, Jo published her award-winning Autobiography “My Story”: Known around the world for her eponymous brand of fragrances and now her venture Jo Loves, Jo Malone tells the remarkable and inspiring story of her rise from humble beginnings to beloved business success. Raised in government-subsidized housing in Kent in the early 1960s, Jo left school as a teenager to care for her mother after she had a stroke. Jo had not been successful in school because of her dyslexia, but she had the ability to see and feel everything in scent. Her at-home beauty business and hand-made products became popular, and word of her talent spread until an international brand was born. After the sale of her company and the birth of her son, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment in New York. Thus Jo began the second chapter of her life.

Jo regularly contributes to consumer public relations in addition to radio and TV appearances.

Recognised for her industry and entrepreneurial expertise, Jo is a highly sort-after and renowned International Speaker – regularly sharing her knowledge and insights with audiences around the world, highlighting her entrepreneurial journey and how she intends to change the way the world wears fragrance.

Jo’s enduring dedication to the art of fragrance continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Her legacy in the industry is marked by her distinctive scents and the impact she has made as an entrepreneurial trailblazer.

She feels this chapter of her life is proving to be the most creative and exciting, every day is an adventure full of passion, resilience and creativity.

Sara Sabry is a pioneering astronaut and leader, known for her groundbreaking achievement as the first Egyptian, Arab woman, and African woman to go to space. She is also the founder and executive director of the Deep Space Initiative (DSI), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing accessibility and opportunity in the space field. As a PhD student in Aerospace Sciences, Sabry conducts research on engineering the next-generation of planetary spacesuits at the NASA-funded Humanspaceflight lab at UND. Her diverse background spans Mechatronics, Robotic Surgery, Stem Cell Development, Augmented Reality, Formula 3 Car design, and Bioastronautics.

Beyond her technical achievements, Sabry is an international speaker and advocate for inclusive representation, particularly for Egyptians, Africans, and Arabs. Her humanitarian efforts include grassroots projects empowering women in Uganda, teaching in South Africa, and marine conservation in Madagascar—all fueling her commitment to the fight for human rights and social justice. Recognized as an IAF Emerging Space Leader and STEAM Innovation awardee, Sabry has been featured in global media outlets, including CNN, Vogue, Forbes, ELLE, BBC, CNBC and many others.

Her journey—from overcoming challenges to reaching space—serves as an inspiration worldwide, embodying resilience and the drive to open new frontiers for future generations.

Mo Gawdat is the former Chief Business Officer of Google [X]; host of the popular podcast, Slo Mo: A Podcast with Mo Gawdat; author of the internaEonal bestselling books Solve for Happy; Scary Smart; That Li5le Voice in Your Head; and Unstressable; the founder of One Billion Happy; and the Chief AI Officer of Flight Story. A 30 year career in tech and serving as Chief Business Officer at Google [X], Google’s ‘moonshot factory’ of innovaBon, Mo has made happiness his primary topic of research, diving deeply into literature and conversing on the topic with some of the wisest people in the world. In 2014, moBvated by the tragic loss of his son, Ali, Mo began pouring his findings into his internaBonal bestselling book, Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy. His mission to help one billion people become happier, #OneBillionHappy, is his moonshot aPempt to honor Ali by spreading the message that happiness can be learned and shared to one billion people. In 2020, Mo launched his chart-topping podcast, Slo Mo: A Podcast with Mo Gawdat, a weekly series of extraordinary interviews that explores the profound quesBons and obstacles we all face in the pursuit of purpose and happiness in our lives. In 2021, Mo published Scary Smart: The Future of Ar=ficial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World, a roadmap detailing how humanity can ensure a symbioBc coexistence with AI when it inevitably becomes a billion Bmes smarter than we are. In 2022, Mo released That LiFle Voice in Your Head: Adjust the Code That Runs Your Brain (2022), a comprehensive user manual for opBmally using the human brain opBmally to thrive and avoid suffering. His latest book is Unstressable, a pracBcal guide to stress-free living that shows how chronic stress is not an unavoidable part of modern life, but rather a predictable and preventable pandemic.

One of the world’s most widely recognised sports personalities, David Coulthard is a renowned Formula 1 Grand Prix driver, television broadcaster, author and entrepreneur.

Born in Twynholm, Scotland, David began racing karts at the age of 11 and achieved significant success in the lower formulae of motor racing. This included victory in the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. He won the inaugural McLaren Autosport ‘Young Driver of the Year Award’ in 1989, leading to a test drive for the McLaren Formula 1 team.

He joined the Williams Formula 1 team in 1993 as test driver, supporting Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna in successive seasons. He made his Formula 1 World Championship debut for the team the following year, scoring his maiden victory at the 1995 Portuguese Grand Prix.

He then moved to McLaren for nine seasons where he enjoyed a series of stellar performances including winning a further 12 Grands Prix. He finished in the top 3 in the World Championship for Drivers on no fewer than 5 occasions. His Formula 1 victories included twice winning the prestigious British and Monaco Grands Prix.

In 2005 David joined the newly created Red Bull Racing team and played a key role in the team’s development, including bringing the team its first podium finish, at the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix. He stepped away from Formula 1 racing at the end of 2008, scoring his final podium finish in that year’s Canadian Grand Prix.

His business interests include co-founding Whisper, one of Europe’s fastest growing media production companies, and Velocity Experience which develops and produces branded corporate events. He is President of the British Racing Drivers Club which owns and operates Silverstone Circuit in the UK.

In 2022 David co-founded the More Than Equal initiative aimed at creating the opportunity for the first woman to race in Formula 1 during the modern era. This programme aims to identify the most promising female racing talents and eliminate the barriers to entry at the pinnacle of world motor sport.

David’s profile is underlined through ambassadorships for a number of major international brands. He continues to drive Red Bull’s F1 cars at promotional events and is cocommentator for Channel 4’s Formula 1 coverage in the UK. He also works directly with Formula 1 and conducts podium interviews as part of Formula 1’s global television feed.

In 2007 David published his autobiography It Is What It Is and in 2018 his second book The Winning Formula made the Sunday Times Best Seller list in the UK. In 2010 he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Christine Tsai co-founded 500 Global in 2010, and led the firm’s growth over the past decade from a startup accelerator to a multi-stage venture capital firm with $2.4B in assets under management, and investments in more than 2,900 companies in 80+ countries. 500 Global regularly ranks as one of the most active venture capital firms in the world,
according to PitchBook, with a top number of exits. The firm’s diversified portfolio includes over 35 companies valued at more than $1B, such as Talkdesk, Canva, Carbon Health, and GitLab. Private Equity International has named Christine one of 10 Women of Influence in venture capital. She currently serves on the venture capital committee of the Association of Asian American Investment Managers, and is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. Christine is also an honoree of Gold House’s 2021 A100 List, recognizing the most impactful Asian and Pacific Islander leaders across business and technology, entertainment, advocacy and politics, lifestyle, and sports.

Prior to founding 500 Global, she held product marketing and operating roles at Google, focusing primarily on monetization and developer products such as Google AdSense, Google Analytics, YouTube APIs and syndication, and Google Developer Platform Tools.

Christine holds a B.A. in Cognitive Science from the University of California at Berkeley.

Clarence Seedorf is one of the ‘greatest’ of Football. He is the only player in football history to have won the Champions League with three different clubs – Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan twice. Due to his holistic approach to performance and wellness, he played more than 1000 games at top level combining an innate talent, a superior intelligence on the field, great personality and physical strength. Seedorf has won trophies in every country he played and has also coached in four continents. Seedorf has always used sport as a tool to make the world a better place. He is one of the six persons chosen by Nelson Mandela to carry his Legacy worldwide, a blogger for the New York Times, speaks six languages, has a Honoris Causa degree in Humanities, the highest civil decorations from the Netherlands and Suriname. He is founder of Black Impact Foundation and member of the Board of Commissioners for Dutch Football Association (KNVB). Seedorf completed his education with PNL Courses, sport psychology, management and economics. He is a business consultant and counts different public speaking activities: from the Council of Europe to being the host of the FIFA Football Congress, to Oxford University, Harvard University to BBC, Amazon Prime, Fox US, Globo TV.

Randi Zuckerberg has long been a pioneer in both technology and media. As an early employee at Facebook and the creator of Facebook Live, she was on the front lines of shaping the social internet and how billions of people interact with content. Her lifelong passion for the arts paired with her career in tech has been pivotal in her quest to help families navigate the complexities of an increasingly digital landscape.

Now, her unique skill set is more valuable than ever as these worlds collide with the emergence of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. As both an early adopter and prominent voice for women in cryptoadoption, Randi knows firsthand that these disruptive technologies offer unparalleled opportunities for autonomy, ownership, and financial success to creators and consumers alike.

In response to the crypto market’s growing gap in diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, Randi founded HUG in early 2022 with the mission of empowering artists to become successful creative entrepreneurs. HUG is an inclusive social platform that provides artists with tooling to showcase and sell both physical and digital work, while also connecting them with one another and one-of-a-kind opportunities for their art.

As of 2024, Randi’s leadership has led HUG to become a global community of more than 20,000 artists from 160 countries and counting, with Randi having personally mentored over a thousand of them with their crypto-enabled businesses. HUG continues to support artists through its three core tenets of discovery, opportunity, and education, and has placed thousands of independent artists in their first exhibitions in over 20 cities worldwide. HUG has also distributed over $200,000 in grants and scholarships directly to independent creators, and continues to partner with entities such as L’Oréal, Mastercard, Forbes, Sotheby’s, Christie’s, MoMA, the United Nations, and more in support of artists and creative technologists.

Randi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Harvard University. She serves as both an investor and advisor to several early and mid-stage companies and sits on the board of directors for The Motley Fool and Life360.

Alongside her career as a tech innovator, she is an accomplished artist and producer who has performed on Broadway, winning three Tony awards for Hadestown, Oklahoma! and The Inheritance. She hosts a weekly business talk radio show, Randi Zuckerberg Means Business, on SiriusXM. She is an avid runner, having completed several marathons with podium finishes in ultra-marathons. While she may be known as “Mom to Start-ups”, Randi spends her days learning, growing, and sharing her love for arts with her husband and three children.

Magnus launched his first IT consulting company at just 15 years old, providing a comprehensive range of products and services to SMEs. This early start laid the foundation for his future success, even before earning a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from Lund University in Sweden. He later spent five years at McKinsey & Company as an engagement manager and strategy consultant, focusing on high-tech, IT, and telecom clients.

In 2012, Magnus teamed up with former McKinsey colleague, Mudassir Sheikha, to create a new venture. Their vision extended beyond building a successful business; they aimed to create meaningful impact in the region by simplifying and improving lives and building an organization that inspires. This vision gave birth to Careem.

Careem has created earning opportunities for over 2.5 million captains, simplified the lives of over 50 million customers, and built a platform for the region’s best talent to thrive and for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. Careem operates in over 70 cities across 10 countries, from Morocco to Pakistan.

Elie Habib, co-founder of Anghami, leads the premier music streaming platform in the Middle East. Starting as a software developer at age 11 and a freelancer at 17, Habib earned his Software Engineering degree from the Lebanese American University. He founded several successful businesses before launching Anghami with Eddy Maroun in 2012, which now boasts over 100 million users and an average of one billion monthly streams. Following a merger with OSN+, Habib steers the new entity as CEO, focusing on operational excellence, iterative improvements, and AI integration to enhance user experiences. His dedication to continuous learning and innovation keeps him at the cutting edge of technology, driving Anghami and OSN+’s growth and service expansion.

Courtney Powell is COO and Managing Partner at 500 Global, tasked with helping the firm scale globally and explore new opportunities across markets. She is also on the advisory council of Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government supporting more effective interactions between the public and private sectors for the public good. Her ties to 500 Global go back to 2012, when she founded PublikDemand, a graduate of 500’s Global Accelerator Program. She went on to become CEO of Agent Pronto, one of the largest real estate agent referral services in North America, which was acquired by Fidelity National Title Group. Courtney was also the Head of Corporate Development at Keller Williams, the largest real estate franchise in the world. She established the company’s first corporate innovation program, and worked with Keller Capital to invest and acquire tech companies in the real estate space. Courtney was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2012, received the Twilio Doer Award in 2013, and became a Google Business Leader in 2015. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied French and Corporate Communication.

His Excellency Shamis Khalfan Al Dhaheri is the second Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI).

In his current role at ADCCI, H.E. Al Dhaheri drives initiatives that enhance the Emirate’s economic growth and foster diverse business opportunities for local and international corporations in Abu Dhabi and leading the transformation and restructuring efforts of the Chamber’s operating model.

A seasoned business leader with a proven track record of transformative projects for over two decades, H.E. serves as the Vice Chairman & Group Managing Director of Ali & Sons Holding, a leading Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate. He oversees the Group’s investments across various sectors, including automotive, real estate, energy, industrial, retail, and construction.
Under his leadership, Ali & Sons Holding has achieved significant milestones, such as increasing shareholder value, implementing robust governance practices, and fostering a culture of talent development.

Prior to joining Ali & Sons Holding, Al Dhaheri worked at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the leading diversified energy group, where he managed multi-billion, large-scale infrastructure projects with a focus on structural integrity, resource efficiency, and environmental impact, aligning with the UAE’s vision for sustainable growth.

Al Dhaheri holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of London, where he developed a strong foundation in structural engineering and sustainable urban development. His educational achievements were recognised by the late H.H Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, for Distinguished Academic Performance.

His Excellency Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Aldhaheri serves as the first vice chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) and the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD).

In his current role, H.E. Dr. Aldhaheri plays a crucial role in fostering a prosperous business ecosystem and enhancing the arbitration processes within the region. As the Chairman of arbitrateAD, Al Dhaheri is leading initiatives to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class global hub and a preferred destination for international commerce, investment and international dispute settlement.

H.E. Dr. Ali bin Harmal Aldhaheri has a proven track record spanning over two decades in various industries. He has founded and managed several thriving business ventures in diverse sectors such as higher education, travel and tourism, real estate, investments, and new technologies.

His commitment to innovation and excellence has propelled numerous successful initiatives, showcasing his strategic vision and leadership across sectors to drive sustainable growth and economic development.

H.E. Dr. Aldhaheri’s experience extends to several sectors, serving as chairman and board member of different entities and corporations including Abu Dhabi University, NEMA Holding, Sandooq Al Watan, Watania International Holding, and Amanat Holding.

H.E. Dr. Aldhaheri holds a PhD in Management from Durham University, UK, a Master of Business Administration from the American University in Washington D.C., USA, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from UAE University in Al Ain, UAE.

His Excellency Khaled Al Fahim is a board member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), and the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (ArbitrateAD), driving the transformation and restructuring of the Chamber’s operating model and contributing to fostering an enabling environment to generate opportunities for businesses in Abu Dhabi.

During over two decades of his professional journey, H.E. Khaled Al Fahim has led a variety of strategic initiatives that drive growth within the private and government sectors.

H.E. Khaled Al Fahim oversaw transformative projects that contribute to Abu Dhabi’s sustainable urban growth, including major residential and commercial developments that align with the UAE’s smart city vision.

H.E. Khaled serves as Chairman of Arady Properties PSC and a board member of Blacklane GmbH. Both companies share a diverse international shareholder base, including Al Fahim Group.

Prior that, H.E Khaled served as board member and CEO for Products and Services at Al Fahim Group, a leading Abu Dhabi- based family conglomerate, additionally, H.E. Khaled Al Fahim has devised and led innovative plans to develop a portfolio of investments across various industries.

As a business mentor and an angle investor in startups, H.E. provides insights and direction to support next generation of business leaders. In addition, he is also a regular speaker in local and international forums.

H.E. Khaled Al Fahim holds a master’s degree in Diplomacy from the University of Westminster and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from the American InterContinental University, complementing his business acumen with a strong understanding of global relations and negotiations.

Dr. Yasir Al Naqbi serves as the Director General of Gov Academy . His primary focus lies in empowering the leadership, talent, and capabilities of Abu Dhabi Government Entities, all of which play a pivotal role in contributing to Abu Dhabi’s future growth and ambitions.

With a career spanning more than two decades, Dr. Al Naqbi has been instrumental in shaping leadership capabilities and programs not only within the UAE but also on an international level. Before assuming his current position, he held the role of Assistant Director General for Leadership and Capabilities at the Prime Minister’s Office (UAE). In this capacity, he supervised a range of programs, including the UAE Government Leaders and UAE Capabilities initiatives. Furthermore, Dr. Al Naqbi’s responsibilities extended globally through his involvement in the UAE Government Experience Exchange Program, wherein he spearheaded collaborations with over 30 international governments to share the UAE Government Model of Modernization.

Dr. Al Naqbi also served as the Director of the Abu Dhabi Excellence Programme at the General Secretariat of the Executive Council. The program’s objectives included promoting good governance practices, nurturing innovation at individual and organizational levels, and establishing Government Services standards and programs to enhance service delivery and citizen experience. This involved implementing strategic and performance frameworks for the Abu Dhabi Government.

Dr. Yasir Al Naqbi’s journey toward leadership development began with his educational accomplishments. He holds a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) in Project Management and Organizational Development from Salford University, a Master of Science Certificate (MSc) in Engineering Management from Brunel University, and a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

H.E. Abdulla Mohamed AlBlooshi, Executive Director – Capital Projects Operations Sector at Abu Dhabi Projects and infrastructure Centre, is a skilled management professional with extensive experience in overseeing government operations and employee productivity within capital projects. As a strategic leader, he excels in translating business strategy into actionable objectives that drive performance and growth, while analyzing internal operations to identify opportunities for process improvement. With a proven track record in managing capital investments, he ensures the achievement of targets related to growth and profitability, consistently monitoring operational performance, and implementing corrective measures when necessary. He also demonstrates exceptional communication skills in building and maintaining trusted relationships with key team members, partners, and stakeholders. His leadership has played a significant role in delivering major strategies that have positively impacted key sectors in the Emirates, including housing, transportation, and liveability.

Andy Tang is the Chief Investment Officer at Draper Management Company and a Partner at Draper Associates, where he has seeded 20 Unicorns from over 200 tech venture investments. He is the Executive Director of the VCx Family Office Alliance, comprising of 50 global families. As a founding Partner at Draper Dragon and DraperU Ventures, he supports Draper University, which has over 5,000 alumni from 103 countries. He also chairs Draper University’s Executive Committee.

Mr. Sky Kurtz is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pure Harvest Smart Farms, and a true pioneer in the global Agritech sector. Pure Harvest develops world-leading controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) solutions to deliver the best quality fresh produce all year round. The Company’s hybrid growing solutions provide precise climate and environmental controls, enabling increased productivity and reduced waste (including water, energy, time, & transport) in the harshest climates on earth, with projects spanning the MEASA region.

Prior to founding Pure Harvest, Mr. Kurtz Cofounded Vence – a wearable technology solution for animal protein farming that semi-automates rotational grazing, reinventing livestock management. Mr. Kurtz also served as a Senior Executive with Francisco Partners, a $24 billion tech investment firm based in California and an affiliate of Sequoia Capital, a world-leading venture investment firm. Mr. Kurtz invested in and served on the boards of numerous companies across many sectors, with annual turnover ranging from $25 million to $2 billion dollars. Mr. Kurtz was awarded an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and holds a B.S. in Finance from the W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was named the Turken Family Outstanding Graduating Senior (valedictory honor).

Dr. Awad is a Partner with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the firm’s Global Lead for Smart Cities. He is a core member of the senior leadership of Technology and Digital Advantage and the Public Sector Practices, with nearly 20 years of experience in consulting, telecommunications, and technology.

Since joining BCG, Dr. Awad has been focusing on shaping tech & digital agenda for a diverse group of leading clients, mainly in the Middle East. He built deep expertise in Data, AI and Smart City strategy and activation, digital transformation, technology strategy and Agile, primarily in Public Sector and TMT.

Most recently, Dr. Awad has been advising senior clients and leaders in the Middle East on unlocking the value of national data through AI to advance economies and societies. He’s also driving Smart City strategies’ development and activation at national and city levels. He is playing a key role in driving national data and AI agendas in the region, including developing national Data, AI and Smart City strategies and governance, and activating whole-of-government AI-powered policy development and decision-making. He’s been championing a number of global initiatives focusing on human-centric AI, including the Global AI Summit.

Prior to joining BCG, Dr. Awad worked with several telco and tech firms covering clients in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

As an Adjunct Professor with IE, Akram engages with young future entrepreneurs on the role of technology in shaping the future society, from creating digitally innovative business models to promoting an impactful and sustainable innovation culture.

Dr. Awad holds a PhD in Information Systems and an MBA in Global Management.

Shravin Bharti Mittal is the Founder and CEO of Unbound, a global growth equity investment firm focused on building long-term technology businesses. He is also the Managing Director of Bharti Global Limited, the international investment arm of the Bharti family, which has diverse interests in telecommunications, real estate, and space technology.

Unbound, founded in 2017, is a leading global investor primarily specialising in financial services and enterprise software. Unbound has a portfolio of 24 active investments, including Databricks, Alpaca, TapTap Send, and Stripe, among others.

Before establishing Unbound, Shravin gained significant investment experience. From 2016 to 2017, he was an investor at SoftBank, where he focused on investments in B2B marketplaces, SaaS, fintech, and logistics. Prior to that, he served as an Assistant Director at Better Capital, a private equity firm in London, where he worked on the turnaround of distressed businesses in retail and manufacturing.

Previously, Shravin successfully revitalised the space technology company OneWeb, managing a $2.7 billion fundraising effort and driving management restructuring, which ultimately resulted in a merger with Eutelsat Group, now a publicly listed company. Shravin also played a pivotal role in Airtel Africa’s management team between 2010 and 2012, overseeing the $10.7 billion acquisition and integration of Zain and leading the expansion across 10+ countries. Afterward, he joined Airtel India to launch 3G services. Most recently,

Shravin led the acquisition of a 24.5% stake in British Telecom, a transaction valued at $4 billion.

Shravin holds a bachelors degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Bath and a master’s degree and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

A serial entrepreneur whose Al-powered platform, Builder.ai, grew 50% last year; and has raised over $450M since 2018 allowing every business and entrepreneur to become digitally powered.

Sachin started his career at the age of 14, building PCs, and by 17, he built one of the world’s first automatic currency arbitrage trading systems for Deutsche Bank. He started a cloud computing company. Nivio, when he was 21 and still at university (Imperial College).

Sachin was the World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer in 2009, Entrepreneur.com’s Serial Entrepreneur of the Year and winner of the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, UK Overall.

He founded the ‘Geek’s Dinner’ a diverse community of personalities from tech to film, who came together to discuss the most pressing issues challenging humanity.

Huda has twenty years of experience in private equity, operations and investments across emerging markets.

Huda is the Founder and CEO of Aliph Capital, a GCC-focused investment manager enabling traditional businesses to bridge the technology gap through active ownership and digital transformation. Prior to founding Aliph, Huda was a Partner at Gateway Partners Group where she was a member of the Investment Committee. Before this, Huda was Chief Investment Officer for Savola Group, one of the largest publicly-listed strategic investment holding groups for food and retail businesses in the Middle East and North Africa region. Prior to Savola, Huda was a Partner and Chief Investment Officer for MENA at the Abraaj Group. She started her career with Schlumberger in 2002 after graduating from Brown University.

Throughout her career, Huda has led over $2 billion of equity and over $1 billion of debt deals and has experience in growth capital, MBOs, LBOs, venture capital, equity markets and structured equity transactions across a broad range of sectors. She has played leading roles in strategic initiatives, corporate turnarounds, change management, organizational building and investor relations.

She is currently a board member at Spinneys, MAGRABi Retail Group and Saudi Fransi Capital. She has previously served on multiple boards and committees across the region including ADC Acquisition Corporation, Hala, Tim Hortons, Panda Retail Company, Herfy (Tadawul), AlKabeer, Savola Foods Company, SMG, The Entertainer, Kudu, Al Ula Development Company (a subsidiary of PIF) and the Young Arab Leaders.

Miss Al Lawati holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics (Honors) from Brown University.

Thriving young entrepreneur and well-rounded leader, with diverse expertise spanning technology, cybersecurity, and AI-driven fitness innovations. Proficient in Java programming and network topology for secure file transfers, seamlessly blends Business Management with Entrepreneurship. With a keen eye on the future, leading the charge in the tech industry, ensuring the latest in fitness technology and generative AI.

Abdulaziz Essa Bin Redha is the Founder and CEO of HyveGeo, a company focused on carbon removal and desert greening through innovative microalgae and biochar technologies. With over 16 years of experience across technology, climate tech, FDI, business development, and strategic partnerships, Abdulaziz leads impactful projects addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security.

Abdulaziz holds a Masters in Innovation and Strategy from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde. He has founded and advised multiple startups, working with Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and government bodies to create sustainable, technology-driven solutions. He also teaches sustainability and circular economy courses at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, combining academic rigor with real-world applications to guide leaders in sustainability strategies.

In his previous roles at the Dubai government, including with KHDA and Jebel Ali Free Zone (DP World), Abdulaziz led initiatives to attract FDI and establish strategic partnerships, developing complex agreements across sectors. He has extensive experience in driving growth, forging international relationships, and scaling impact-driven companies.

Abdulaziz’s work spans international markets, where he has cultivated partnerships with global firms, including Fortune 500s and MNCs, to drive breakthrough solutions in carbon sequestration, desert greening, and sustainable agriculture. His diverse experience equips him with a deep understanding of navigating complex global environments and scaling high-impact businesses.

Arya is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AppliedAI, the world’s most boring artificial intelligence company focused on increasing productivity of mission critical, regulated use cases in the healthcare, insurance, and pharmaceutical industries.

Previously, Arya co-founded and was Managing Partner of Accrete Capital, a technology-backed investment platform democratizing alternative investments that has deployed over $2bn in equity.

Previously, Arya served as General Manager, Chief Financial Officer and on the Nominations Committee of the Board of Directors of RAK Petroleum plc, building it to a market cap over $2bn and taking it public on the Oslo Stock Exchange (RAKP.OL) at 29 years old. He began his career at Goldman Sachs in their Investment Strategy Group in New York focused on private equity and technology.

Besides his studies at Oxford, Stanford & the Sorbonne, Arya received his Masters in Science in Information Systems Management and Bachelors of Science in Information Systems, Business & Economics from Carnegie Mellon and a Masters in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.

Ahmad Ali Alwan is the CEO of Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem. Ahmad plays a central role in shaping Hub71’s value proposition and the depth of its ecosystem with the aim of attracting the world’s most promising startups to Abu Dhabi and increasing market and funding opportunities for technology ventures and companies within its community. Ahmad was a founding member of Hub71 from its inception in 2019, and previously held the position of Deputy CEO, overseeing various functions including strategy, stakeholder management, finance, investor engagement and operations.

Prior to his role at Hub71, Ahmad was a Senior Vice President at the UAE Investments Platform at Mubadala Investment Company, where he managed a portfolio of UAE-based Aerospace and Technology assets including Strata, Sanad, Group 42 and Hub71. The platform aims to incubate new sectors, diversify the UAE’s economy, and accelerate the nation’s economic transformation.

Previously, Ahmad supported the launch of Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, a Mubadala initiative with a mandate of achieving financial returns and contributing to the overall development of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) investment ecosystem.

Prior to that, Ahmad was part of Mubadala’s Portfolio Strategy team and contributed to formulating the corporate strategy, overlaying internal and stakeholder objectives as well as supporting Mubadala’s leadership with special projects. As part of this role, Ahmad served as the working committee secretary and part of the project management office for the Mubadala-IPIC merger in 2016-2017. He began his career within Mubadala Capital’s Private Equity fund investment team.

Ahmad holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the American University of Sharjah, and a master’s degree in International Business and Emerging Markets from the University of Edinburgh. Ahmad is CAIA charter-holder.

Ahmed is currently leading the partners organization for Microsoft in UAE through a complete transformational journey, aiming to accelerate its growth ambition and unlock more potential. Accelerating partners’ growth plans, increasing Microsoft’s relevance to key industries, and aligning the ecosystem to the immense AI transformation opportunities across the country are the key pillars achieving such an ambition. Together with Microsoft partners, he aspires to have an impactful contribution in positioning UAE as the AI hub for the region.
 
Most recently, Ahmed was the VP of Business Development at du since mid-2019. For 3 years, Ahmed played a strategic role in positioning du as a digital transformation leader in key industries in the UAE, and led du’s digital business to be the fastest growing engine for the company.
 
Prior to joining du, Ahmed was the GM, Head of Sales for BT Global Services for MENA/EM Region. For more than 7 years, he has led the business towards substantial profitable growth that positioned BT as a leader in the regional digital space. The establishment of a market leading Cyber Security practice to help both governments and enterprises protect their cyber landscape, was instrumental for such regional growth.
 
Earlier in his career, Ahmed worked for 14 years with Orange Business Services (France Telecom) holding various positions. Before leaving, he was leading MENAT regional country and sales activities, as well as being a board director in Egypt, Saudi and Bahrain. As Egypt’s CM, he has led OBS to obtain the 1st int’l telecom license, and transformed the operation from a branch with 70 people to the largest service hub for OBS globally employing 1400 talents. Ahmed then moved to Dubai, and established MENA region as one of the most profitable regions for Orange in the emerging markets. He has also developed a new line of business to digitize smart cities, whose success has led the Orange Group to announce a strategic global initiative for smart cities by 2011.
 
Ahmed has over 29 years of experience with deep understanding of the role technology and innovation can play to transform our life today and shape our future. He has a strong belief that the key to success lies in creating positive momentum that brings out the best in people and brings values to colleagues, customers, partners and, in turn, societies.
 
Ahmed holds a Bachelor Degree from Cairo University, an MBA degree in Strategy from the Business School ESC Rennes University in France, and has recently completed the Harvard Leadership Accelerators program.

Ahmed Saeed Bin Hamoodah – Vice President of Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council
Ahmed Saeed Bin Hamoodah, has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Zayed University with Honors and High Distinction.
Ahmed gained his professional experience within Bin Hamoodah group of companies by working with various teams in diverse companies operating under the group’s umbrella, which are leaders in the oil and gas sector, food and beverages, technology, manufacturing, industrial services, contracting, trading and general services, real estate development and management, and automobiles.

Driven by a vision to create a lasting impact within communities, Adam Ahsan is a passionate Lead Software Engineer at FortyGuard, where he plays a role in developing technologies to combat urban heat. He is part of a dynamic team of engineers who deliver solutions like the Temperature Operating System (tOS), aimed at transforming cities into cooler, more sustainable environments.

Adam’s passion lies in emerging technologies and integrating them into existing frameworks to address real-world challenges. His expertise spans full-stack development, scalable system design, and cross-functional team leadership. His contributions were recognized when he received the Young Alumni Award from the University of Wollongong in Dubai, a testament to his achievements within just a year of graduating.

With a deep interest in leveraging technology, Adam remains committed to utilizing his skills to make a meaningful difference. His future goals include continuing his work at FortyGuard to help cities adapt to rising temperatures while fostering innovation. Adam embodies a forward-thinking approach to engineering, always striving to build solutions that leave a lasting impact on society.

Adel Saif Al Jaberi a prominent businessman with over 350 business licenses registered under the Abu Dhabi Chamber. He is the founder and chairman of Carbelim Middle East, a pioneering climate tech startup. In addition, he serves as a police officer in the UAE Ministry of Interior, specializing in VIP protection, reflecting his dedication to both public service and private sector leadership.

With over two decades of experience, Amit Gupta is a seasoned leader and innovator in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, currently serving as the Vice President and Head of Data & AI Practice at e& enterprise. In this pivotal role, Amit drives forward-thinking AI initiatives across Asia, Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, and Europe, fostering digital transformation and innovation on a global scale.

At the helm of e& enterprise’s Data & AI Practice, Amit has orchestrated the successful implementation of over 200 AI use cases across diverse sectors including Banking, Insurance, Public Sector, Retail, Oil & Energy, Healthcare, and Telecom. Under his leadership, the Data & AI Practice has experienced remarkable 4X growth, underscoring the increasing demand for AI solutions and the success of Amit’s strategic
vision.
Amit’s leadership extends to the Global Center of Excellence (CoE) for Artificial Intelligence at e&, where he guides a team of elite data scientists, data engineers, and domain experts in building, designing, and deploying cutting-edge AI/ML models. Under his direction, the team has created a comprehensive library of 200+ Use Cases and ready-to-deploy AI Accelerators, significantly reducing time-to-market for AI solutions and strengthening e&’s position at the forefront of AI-driven business transformation.
As part of his role as Head of Data and AI Practice, Amit oversees the provision of “AI-as-a-Service,” offering AI consulting services to enterprises globally across various sectors and industries. This initiative further solidifies e&’s position as a leader in the AI space and demonstrates the practice’s commitment to driving AI adoption and innovation across diverse business landscapes.

Amit’s expertise spans a wide range of critical areas in the AI and data landscape, including:

• AI Strategy Development and Implementation
• Advanced Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics and GenAI
• Digital Transformation through AI
• AI for Customer Value Management and Experience Enhancement
• Data Monetization and AI-Driven Growth
• Ethical AI and Governance
• AI for Sustainability and Cybersecurity

In his current role, Amit is also deeply involved in identifying M&A targets and investment opportunities in the AI space, further expanding e&’s capabilities and market presence.

Anna Babkina is the Head of Partnerships at the World Ethical Data Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation advancing the ethical use of data and emerging technologies.

Currently, Anna is involved in several WEDF’s flagship initiatives at the intersection of AI ethics, privacy, and human-centric design. She is currently spearheading the development of the Open Standard for Responsible AI, an innovative framework for the ethical AI development driven by the feedback from all stakeholders, that have been covered by CNBC, Advertising Week, Forbes and the BBC.

Prior to joining WEDF in 2018, she worked in several industries, developing expertise in international relations, consultancy, and project management for both multinational corporations and start-ups, starting one herself. Today, her work continues contributing to the ethical development of emerging technology and ensuring a human-centered approach to innovation.

Alex Aliper, PhD, is the President of Insilico Medicine. He pioneered the application of AI in multi-omics data for drug discovery and drug repurposing, generative chemistry and generative biology and put an AI-designed drug into human clinical trials. Alex Aliper built a team of over 100 AI engineers that developed state-of-the-art software products for target discovery, small molecule generation and clinical trial outcome prediction. He was recognised as ‘Top 100 AI Leaders in Drug Discovery and Advanced Healthcare’ by Deep Knowledge Analytics. In 2020 Endpoint News selected Alex Aliper as the top 20 under 40 biotechnology executives globally.

A dedicated public safety and emergency management professional, I currently serve as Head of the Executive Affairs Branch at the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority (ADCDA). With a military background and the rank of Major Engineer, I bring strong leadership and project management expertise, focusing on enhancing public safety and operational efficiency through advanced technologies and strategic policies.

I am recognised for fostering collaboration among stakeholders and driving initiatives aligned with the vision of the government of Abu Dhabi, emphasising public safety and response tactics. My expertise in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) safety has positioned me as a regional principle in emergency preparedness and response.

Holding a Master of Science Degree in Disaster Management and a Bachelors of Engineering degree in Fire Engineering, I am also NFPA-certified and skilled in crisis management and emergency response. My career reflects a commitment to advancing public safety through innovation, collaboration, and education.

Arthur is the co-founder and the CEO of Lemonade Fashion, a tech startup that allows creators to monetize their content by adding merchandise and assets into their content. The platform operates like Tiktok where users can consume and sell products through video or live content.

The company has over 800 brands, 150,000 early users and is backed by investors and executives from every major Social Media platform. Arthur is also the Entrepreneur in
Residence at the American University of Beirut and the host of the Innovation Park Show on Virgin Radio. He has more than a decade long experience working with startups and investors.
P.s: If you ever need a workout buddy, feel free to reach out to him.

Alex Abolmasov is the CEO of Docutable.com (AI-driven docs processing, management & knowledge extraction).

Prior to joining Docutable, Alex served as VP and Board Member at Noventiq (NVIQ), a global software sales company with $1.5bn in sales. He held various leadership positions at financial organizations, where he was involved in and supervised more than $600m in investments, including companies such as Thrasio, Kraken, Revolut, EatJust, OYO, Rubrik, Telegram, Gett, Softline, and Virgin Connect.

Alex holds degrees from London Business School, New Economic School. He is the recipient of an award from the Swedish Government for outstanding research.

Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine, a leading clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation generative artificial intelligence and robotics platforms for drug discovery. Since 2014, he has invented critical technologies in the field of generative artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning (RL) for the generation of novel molecular structures with the desired properties and the generation of synthetic biological and patient data. Under his leadership, Insilico raised over $400 million in multiple rounds from expert biotechnology, healthcare, and financial investors, opened R&D centers in 6 countries and regions, and partnered with multiple pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic institutions. Since 2021, the company nominated 18 preclinical candidates, started 6 human clinical trials, and entered Phase II with an AI-discovered novel target and AI-designed novel molecule.

Since 2012, he has published over 200 peer-reviewed research papers and 3 books. He serves on the advisory or editorial boards of Trends in Molecular Medicine, Aging Research Reviews, Aging, and Frontiers in Genetics, and founded and co-chairs the Annual Aging Research and Drug Discovery (11th Annual in 2024). He is the adjunct professor of artificial intelligence at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging.

Aisha is Executive Director of the Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA) – an independent, non-profit association and the only official industry body for family offices in the UAE – helping member families connect with industry experts and share knowledge with other families so they can preserve and grow their wealth, modernise their business structures, and scale their operations internationally.

She is also Head of Project Management at MIZA Abu Dhabi, an urban regeneration project, led by HH Sheikha Maryam Bint Mohammed Bin Zayed AlNahyan, focussed on the creation of a cutting-edge, innovation-focussed neighbourhood in the city’s Mina Zayed district.

With extensive experience in the public, private and family office sectors, Aisha has a track record of excellence in strategy, business performance and stakeholder engagement.

Before joining EFOA and MIZA Abu Dhabi, Aisha held several senior managerial roles spanning both government and the private sector, including Directorial roles at Accenture Middle East and EY.

Aisha holds Board positions at various finance companies based in Europe and North America.

Anisa Alsharif is a social policy expert, transformational coach, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in improving family well-being and driving social change. She spent 13 years as a Social Development Policy Advisor for the Dubai government, where she developed public policies across various sectors. Anisa is a keynote speaker and holds a Master’s degree in International Social Policy from Bath University in the UK, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from UAE University.

Anisa is the Founder of Tanshi2a, a social enterprise and platform that promotes Conscious Parenting approaches and Child-Led Learning practices. Tanshi2a designs and delivers parenting skills building programs and coaching, as well as leading parenting support groups. Anisa also founded the Learning and Education Forum, an online forum dedicated to creating a space for dialogue on issues related to learning approaches and education reforms in the Arab region.

As a certified Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor, Anisa believes that by fostering respect and gratitude towards those in parenting roles, we can create more compassionate and authentic relationships as a global community, ultimately improving the well-being of future generations. Through her work, Anisa is dedicated to improving family well-being, educational reforms, and driving social change to create a more compassionate and authentic global community.

Anthony is the UAE General Manager at Joby Aviation. Before joining Joby, he was the Middle East General Manager for Uber, where he spent six years leading the company’s P&L and strategic growth across the region. After his time at Uber, he drove Sonder’s regional expansion, overseeing operations across multiple properties. Most recently, Anthony served as the Global VP of Operations at KingMakers, a prominent gaming company focused on the African market. In addition to his executive roles, Anthony is an active investor and advisor to early-stage startups and has recently served as a Venture Partner at COTU Ventures.

Dr. Antonio Feraco serves as Senior Advisor for Industrial Strategy at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, bringing over 20 years of strategy, management and technical consulting experience across Europe, ASEAN, and Middle East.

Dr. Feraco specializes in formulating policies and strategies promoting industrial and economic growth. He assists the manufacturing sector in integrating Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies to facilitate secure, sustainable digital transformations. Previously, he held the position of Vice President of Digital Service and Managing Consultant for Industry 4.0 at a global multinational corporation, where he played a pivotal role in developing an internationally recognized Digital Maturity Assessment and establishing the I4.0 practice.
Prior to that, Dr. Feraco was Director of Technology Transfer at a Fraunhofer Institute in Singapore, leading projects in Smart Mobility, Energy Efficiency, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Holding a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and a MSc in Industrial Engineering, along with a PMP® certification, Dr. Feraco has successfully managed projects in Industry 4.0 and digital transformation across various sectors such as Oil and Gas, Mining and Metals, Chemicals, F&B, and Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, he has participated in numerous international initiatives within EU and ASEAN regions as digitization and Industry 4.0 expert.

Ali Ahmed Foolathi AlKhoori is the Senior Vice President of Procurement Excellence and In-Country Value at ADNOC. In this role, he is responsible for driving commerciality, procurement excellence, governance, and In-Country Value (ICV) across ADNOC. He is also a member of the ADNOC Tender Board, where he endorses and advises on all matters related to tenders.

Foolathi ensures that the directorate’s long-term strategies are aligned with ADNOC’s overall strategy, driving their implementation while overseeing the directorate’s cost and budget, quality management, and governance-related activities. He started his career with ADNOC in 2005 as a Quality Engineer at ADNOC Onshore.

He is a certified lead auditor at ADNOC for ISO, EFQM, and IRCA and has led and participated in several procurement tender boards. Foolathi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE. He also completed the ADNOC Executive Development Program in 2022 at Harvard Business School.

Barbara Scheck is Clinical Associate Professor of Management at Stern at NYUAD. Prior to joining NYUAD, Scheck was Professor for Entrepreneurship at Munich Business School and Associate Professor for Social Investment at Hamburg University. She held visiting faculty positions at National University Singapore and Kedge Business School in Bordeaux. Scheck has worked in banking with Credit Suisse and insurance with Allianz SE. At Allianz she co-founded Germany’s largest Corporate Volunteering Initiative and served as the subsidiary’s CEO. Scheck has been awarded several research grants on the topics of (social) entrepreneurship and impact finance, amongst others from the European Commission, OECD, EEA Norway Grants, and the Rockefeller Foundation. As a recognized expert in social entrepreneurship, Scheck co-founded the European Center for Social Finance, which supports research and provides technical assistance to foster the growth of impact investing and social finance in Europe.  She is a member of Mirova’s MILE Private Equity Impact Fund Impact Committee and has published widely on these subjects, authoring numerous articles and books that explore innovative financial models and strategies for social enterprises.

Bader Mushabeb Alateibi is a city planner, architect, and the CEO of Masar Power and Water Management based in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. With over 15 years of experience in the field, he focuses on promoting sustainable urban development by integrating green technologies and AI-driven methodologies. At the Al Ain City Municipality, he works on innovative planning approaches—such as central place theory and hexagonal grid applications—to optimize urban layouts and enhance community livability.

In his role at Masar Power and Water Management, Bader oversees projects in energy and water resource management, aiming to improve efficiency and sustainability in these critical sectors. He was also part of the founding team at Masdar, contributing to sustainability initiatives that strive to set new standards in environmental stewardship.

A graduate of UAE University with a degree in Architectural Engineering, Bader is dedicated to creating resilient, future-ready cities through strategic planning and technical expertise. He values collaboration and continuous learning, believing that teamwork and openness to new ideas are key to addressing the challenges of urban development.

Outside of his professional commitments, Bader stays engaged with the latest advancements in urban planning and sustainability, always looking for practical solutions that can make a positive impact. His work reflects a commitment to balancing development needs with environmental considerations for the betterment of society.

Bassel Al- Khawaja is a seasoned investment banker with over twenty years of managerial experience, most of it spent in Abu Dhabi and London. He has solid experience in improving companies governance to adhere to international best practices. He is knowledgeable in governance, the local regulatory framework and ESG practices and assists companies to become IPO ready. He has a particular interest in UAE family businesses.

Bassel has also led and closed deals over 3bn AED in the UAE.

Bassel currently serves as the Head of Advisory of the Abu Dhabi IPO Fund.

Dr. Bilal Baloch leads the firm’s value creation and strategy practice.

Bilal is the Co-Founder and previously Co-CEO of Washington, D.C.-based Enquire AI, a venture- backed software company that uses artificial intelligence to verify and deliver expert insights to organizations worldwide. His career spans fifteen years at the intersection of academic research, consulting, and technology with a focus on global macro and business intelligence. Based on these experiences, Bilal’s book, “When Ideas Matter”, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2021.

Bilal sits on the boards of multiple technology startups as well as the advisory board of the LSE Alumni Association in London. He is also a founding member of the AI Industry Council at the D.C. Tech and Venture Coalition, Washington’s leading community of innovators and investors. Bilal received his doctorate from the University of Oxford, master’s from The Fletcher School, Tufts University (Samuel J. Elder Scholar), and bachelor’s from the London School of Economics (Anthony Giddens Scholar). He is co-inventor of a patent on the matching technology undergirding the Enquire AI platform.

Bjoern von Siemens is a healthcare entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder, CBO and Managing Director of Caresyntax – a category leader in data-and robotic assisted surgery, improving over 2.5 million surgeries per year. He is also managing several hundred $ million of investments in health- and medtech through surgical.ai and other holding companies. Passionate about global healthcare equity and innovation, Bjoern was inspired by US tech entrepreneurship to build and invest in AI first, platfom tech companies to improve health systems. Over the past twenty years, Bjoern has partnered with and invested in some of the most ambitious healthcare entrepreneurs across Europe, the US and the Middle East. Bjoern was educated at University of St. Gallen, EBS, the London School of Economics, Harvard University and conducted seveal year of postgraduate work with leading German, UK, Swiss, Singaporean and US teaching hospitals.

Commissioner at the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, Chair of ITU’s CRO/IAGDI, Board Member in the ITU’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, and CEO of SAMENA Telecommunications Council, Bocar BA is a renowned industry advocacy specialist within the SA-ME-NA region’s ICT industry.

BA’s close collaboration and proactive engagement with policy-makers, government representatives, investors, as well as leaders from various investment groups in addressing digital development issues and industry-wide challenges, have been instrumental in building new private-to-private, private-to-government, and government-to-government relationships across Africa and the Middle East.

In 2020, Bocar BA served as a member of the G20 Summit Advisory Board’s Digital Economy Task Force in Saudi Arabia, where he has been active in collaborating with the Global Cyber Security Forum (GCF) on securing Cyberspace and addressing numerous cybersecurity challenges since 2020. He has chaired consensus-building and contributed to the development of recommendations for leaders worldwide on 21st century funding and financing models, to help accelerate digital infrastructure development and digitalization by unlocking access to new capital through new funding mechanisms.

BA is advising the UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) on a space-sustainability industry initiative and on matters relating to digital economy and space economy. Moreover, BA is a Fellow at the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World (AETDEW), based in Malaysia.
Bocar BA is based in Dubai, UAE.

Carol Mushriqui is an Executive Director based in Dubai, focusing on family businesses, entrepreneurs and family offices in the UAE and across the Middle East.

Carol brings a breadth of experience and deep expertise in helping families with strategies to grow and preserve their wealth across generations.

Prior to joining J.P Morgan Private Bank in 2018 Carol spent 12 years in private client consulting with Deloitte and PwC, advising families on international structuring for asset protection and succession planning.

Carol has a particular focus on engaging the next generation in family wealth discussions and helping families to prepare and plan for the transition of wealth. She leads Next Gen educational programs in Europe and the Middle East and partners with families to help them pass on their values about money and wealth to their children.

Carol is an experienced UK Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) and is certified in Family Business Advising (CFBA) with the Family Firm Institute in Boston, USA. She is also a certified Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Outside work, Carol loves spending time with her husband and three young boys.

Driving the future of Careem’s Super App with advanced AI technologies, I bring a wealth of experience that spans consulting and leading strategic AI initiatives. With over a decade at McKinsey & Company, I spearheaded transformative projects that combined cutting-edge technology with meaningful societal impact. As an Associate Partner, I led teams delivering AI-driven solutions across sectors including finance, education, healthcare, and energy.

Currently, as the Head of the AI Acceleration Office at Careem, I lead the charge in integrating AI at scale to revolutionize the Super App ecosystem. My role focuses on developing and deploying AI-powered solutions that enhance user experiences, optimize operational efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities. This includes driving the organization’s AI strategy, building capabilities, and fostering a culture of innovation.

Beyond my professional roles, I am passionate about leveraging AI for societal benefit. I mentor diverse talent through programs like the UN SDG Young Innovator Program and support startups that aim to transform the social sector with AI. My mission is to reimagine the future with AI as a catalyst for innovation, sustainability, and equitable program.

Dr Chris Cooper is currently an Executive Advisor in Technology at ADNOC. In his previous role as CEO of AIQ, Dr Cooper was tasked with guiding AIQ into its next phase of growth, leveraging the company’ innovative product portfolio of AI solutions for industry, to target emerging opportunities. Dr Cooper also focused on strengthening existing partnerships for AIQ and forming new alliances, collaborating with global technology leaders, systems integrators, and platform partners.

Dr Cooper’s early career began at HP, and includes 12 years at IBM and five years as the Regional General Manager of Lenovo. Most recently he was Regional Director at Citrix.
Dr Chris Cooper is an accomplished ICT professional with over 25 years of experience in the technology sector. He has held leadership, sales, and business development positions with several renowned technology multinationals in the UAE, UK, and the EMEA region, including strategic roles to build regional operations and presence. Dr Cooper thus brings a diverse range of capabilities to ADNOC, including business analysis, team management, and business strategy.

As a business leader, Dr Cooper’s ICT expertise spans multiple domains, including both edge and cloud computing, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, data centers, enterprise technology, and life sciences. His proficiency in navigating the complexities of these cutting-edge fields contributes to his success in steering organizations toward innovation, efficiency, and strategic excellence.

A multilingual professional, Dr Cooper has a PhD in Physics, Electronics, and Materials Science from the University of Dundee, UK, and a BSc in Theoretical Physics from the University of East Anglia.

Chris Hughes is the Editor-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Finance Week and Executive Editor of the newly formed Abu Dhabi Business Week, where he leads editorial, content and economic strategies of both platforms. With an extensive background across the global business markets, having delivered major technology economy projects for the Govts of Singapore, Portugal and Canada, he previously served as Content Director of Web Summit, and Chief Product Officer of Unbound Innovations. Pre-2016, his career covered the sports, film and music industries. He is from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Darius is Managing Director and the Technology and Fintech Lead for Middle East within the Strategic Communications division of FTI Consulting, a leading global business advisory firm. He advises both high-growth private and listed multinational companies spanning multi-disciplinary work across marketing, communications, stakeholder engagement and growth strategy.

Darius has extensive experience delivering large global mandates for several leading global technology and fintech businesses across the United States, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Darius also works with large multinational technology and fintech companies to help them launch new initiatives and products.

Darius advises C-Suite, Founders and senior executive leadership teams on market expansion, go-to-market strategy and fundraising engagements, having launched into the UAE a number of leading global fintech unicorns. Prior to FTI Darius was in venture capital and fintech company building, working closely with management teams to drive scale and growth of some of Europe’s fastest growing ecommerce and fintech businesses.

Eisa Almarzooqi, an Emirati news presenter and multimedia journalist in sky news Arabia. Ex- news presenter, correspondent and writer reporter at Asharq news services. Business and quality management graduated. Resuming his Master degree in Wollongong University in media and communications. Youth Arab media leaders graduated, Dialogue journalism fellowship from Kiciid.

Enrico Risi is a Director at Google with a decade of experience in the Company leading teams across Southern Europe, the UK, and the Middle East. His expertise spans Google Ads and Google Cloud, where he has held various leadership positions. Currently based in the UAE, Enrico leads Google Cloud’s Strategic Enterprises and Governmental Security business in EMEA.  Throughout his career, he has lived in Italy, Ireland, and Switzerland.

Fadil, He has over 20 years of international business experience ranging from franchising retail, Marketing, Branding Development Public Relation, personal investment, IT and executive coaching and people development especially in the business and leadership. Prior to this role, Mr. Alnassar held key positions with Accenture, a multi-billion-dollar management consultant company ranked in the Fortune 100, and as a senior project leader for multi-national IT-projects for telecom giant Vodafone and a rolling out for all call canters functions over UK.

Fadils has a practical, down-to earth style with a clear focus on results. This has helped him cement win-win relationships in every deal he has engaged in. Driven to share knowledge with others, Fadil brings the same approach to his executive coaching, training and development, which helps the C-suite tackle issues to outcomes in a practical way. Nothing is impossible in Fadil’s mind. In fact, “Impossible is only when you believe so”, reads one of his mantras. As an entrepreneur, Fadil made his first million dollar on the third year of his business and has started up several companies in 5 countries worldwide.

Fadi Shanaah is the Vice President of e& UAE / Business. In this role, he oversees strategic planning and business strategy for telecom, ICT, Ai & 5G solutions, driving transformative technologies for enterprise clients in the UAE.

A meticulous and accomplished business leader, Fadi brings over 20 years of expertise in Sales and Business Development across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, having held senior roles in leading technology firms in ICT, System Integration, Smart City, IoT, and Automation & Control sectors. Before joining e&, Fadi served in regional leadership roles with prominent international and regional organizations, including as MEA Regional Director of Business Development for Smart City and E-Health at Orange Business Services (France), Regional General Manager at Schreder Group (Belgium), Director of Strategic Industries at Honeywell (USA), and Director of Business Development at conject (Germany), among others.

Fadi holds a background in Computer & Control Engineering and a Master’s degree in Advanced Information Technology and Business Management from the University of Wales, UK. Based in Dubai since 2005, he is also a regular public speaker at various ICT, Telecom, and Smart City conferences throughout the MEA region.

He is leading the Digital Transformation and chairs the Strategic Transformation Committee, in charge of projects governance in Abu Dhabi Customs, and member of Trade Facilitation Committee. He is graduated from Parks College of Saint Louis University in aviation Management, he was Director of Logistics at G.H.Q. (2017), CEO for Advanced Military Maintenance Repair Overhaul Centre (AMMROC) (2010 to 2016), in addition to other important positions in the military aviation field in Abu Dhabi.

Franklin Joseph Francis is a seasoned business and insurance consultant with over 20 years of experience in the industry. As the Executive Vice President of Carbelim Middle East, he plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic initiatives and fostering its growth in the sustainability sector.

Gregory is the Founder and Managing Partner of noa, Europe’s largest build world venture capital firm. He oversees the vision and strategy of the firm and manages partnerships with noa’s portfolio companies and LPs.

Gregory is a long-standing, prominent voice in tech and climate, particularly around decarbonisation and the opportunity in the energy transition of the most polluting industry globally: reale state.

Having worked and invested heavily in the real estate sector for more than a decade, Gregory founded noa (formerly known as A/O), on the back of a deep understanding of the industry’s shortcomings and the realisation that the built world can be one of the most powerful vectors for change, ascertained from the specialist real estate investment and advisory firm he founded and developed, AMD Capital.

Previously, Gregory worked in investment banking at Credit Suisse and Citigroup, where he originated and structured over $30bn of new Investments globally. He holds an MSc in Business & Finance from HEC Lausanne and has attended the London School of Economics and Harvard Business School’s executive education program.

Govind is the founder of Curio AI, driven by a vision to empower 8 billion people with tools for reliable, real-time knowledge. Before Curio, he led strategy at BBC News in London, shaping the way millions stay informed. A designer, engineer, and lifelong builder, Govind holds masters degrees from Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, and studied Physics at IIT Madras.

Govind believes the future belongs to those who create—he’s passionate about making society wiser, more empathetic, and more fulfilled. Inspired by Alan Kay’s words, A change in perspective is worth 80 IQ points, Govind’s work is all about transforming how we see and understand the world, one innovative tool at a time.

Giovanni Farese, the Co-Founder and Global General Manager of Webidoo International, is a visionary leader with a passion for technology and innovation. With operations spread across Italy, Spain, the UAE, and the USA, he oversees the global strategy of Webidoo.

His journey into digital technology began with pivotal roles at Campaniacom SpA and 3G SpA group, where he led transformative projects for industry giants like Eni, Wind-Infostrada, Enel, TIM, and Vodafone.

Giovanni’s ability to understand customer pain points prompted him to focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises with technology-led solutions to drive their growth.

Fuelled by a relentless drive to equalise opportunities for businesses through the use of technology, Giovanni co-founded Webidoo in 2017, alongside Daniel Rota and Egidio Murru.

Giovanni’s passion for technology is matched by his dedication to foster growth and transformation. As Webidoo continues to expand its global footprint, Giovanni remains at the helm, steering the company towards new horizons of success and pushing the boundaries of digital innovation.

Hamad Kalfan Ali Al Shareif, born on 1986, is the visionary man behind Hamad Al Shareif Group of Companies, a highly successful businessman known for its diverse portfolio of restaurant brands.

With an MBA in Business Administration and a passion for excellence in food and service, he has created a collection of innovative dining concepts that cater to a wide range of tastes and experiences. His brands include Patatello Cafe, Shaghf Cafe, Shawarmatac, I Do Donuts, District 7 Cafe, Trendy Chicken, Own’s Cafe, JAOW Cafe, Otto Pizzeria, and True Roasters.

His journey to success is rooted in a deep belief in himself. He often says, “Success is about believing in yourself. So if you are also in pursuit of success, just believe in you, even when no one else does. Survive when other people give up.” This mindset has guided him as he built a thriving business that has earned the loyalty of customers and recognition across the food and beverage industry.

Under his leadership, Al Shareif Group of Companies has expanded to over 100 franchisees across the UAE and has grown internationally, with a presence in 11 countries, including the USA, Canada, Iraq, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Oman, and Palestine, among others.

Hamad Kalfan Ali Al Shareif continues to inspire others with his vision, resilience, and commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences, ensuring the ongoing success and growth of his businesses worldwide.

Hanan Salam is an AI and robotics expert, an academic, and an entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of Women in AI, an international non-profit Do-Tank whose mission is to close the gender gap in the field of Artificial Intelligence through education, research, and events. She is also an expert member of the UNESCO Wome4EthicalAI platform a multi-stakeholder collaborative platform that supports governments and companies’ efforts to ensure that women are represented equally in the design, use and deployment of AI, and to promote trustworthy, gender-friendly and inclusive AI systems.

She is currently an assistant professor in Computer Science and the director of the Social Machines and Robotics (SMART) Lab at New York University Abu Dhabi. The SMART lab focuses on the development of smart machines endowed with social and emotional intelligence, and their applications in education and well-being.

She is a public speaker and an advisor on AI. She has participated as a keynote speaker and panelist in major events and organisations such as UNESCO and OECD world forum. Prior to this, Hanan was an associate professor in AI at Emlyon Business School in France. She has taught in different higher education French universities, worked in the robotics industry, and as a consultant in AI for several companies.

She is an advocate of technology for common good and an activist for women empowerment.

Hadi Anwar shapes the organization’s strategic direction and leads a team of over 400 talented cyber experts to empower clients with dynamic, cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. Driven by a vision to solve the issues that keep business leaders and governments up at night, Hadi leads strategic projects in collaboration with CPX cybersecurity consultants and experts to deliver solutions and services to limit clients’ exposure to cyberthreats.

In his 25-year career, Hadi has amassed a wealth of experience in IT and cybersecurity services across a wide spectrum of industries. Prior to joining CPX, he was Group Chief Information Officer (Group CIO) at G42, responsible for setting up the IT, Cybersecurity, Data Privacy and Business Continuity functions. In addition to providing leadership for the continued development of an innovative and robust IT environment, he provided services related to information security, data privacy, and business continuity across the Group.

Hadi has also served as Head of Information Security, Data Privacy, and Business Continuity/Resilience at NEOM, a US$500 billion mega city project in Saudi Arabia. In this role, he was responsible for the deployment and implementation of critical smart city-related technology, including cybersecurity, data privacy and business continuity controls. He also played an instrumental role in setting up technology and cybersecurity functions at Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).

Hadi holds a master’s degree in Analysis, Design, and Management of Information Systems from the London School of Economics & Political Science, and a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD.

Jaipal Short Bio : Jaipal Singh leads the Gen AI Consulting practice at Prem, where he architects enterprise-scale AI solutions. With previous experience as a Tech Lead at an AI-Fintech startup and consulting role at a Big-4 firm, he brings deep expertise in artificial intelligence implementation. A respected researcher in the field, his publications have garnered over 700 citations, demonstrating his thought leadership in AI innovation.

James Beirne is the Head of Commercial at Automotive Precision Technology (APT), a high-tech manufacturer and subsidiary of Al Ghurair Group, UAE. Proudly located in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi, APT is a world-leading supplier of extruded and fabricated aluminium components and sub-assemblies in high-volume, for the automotive sector, delivering finished car parts to global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vehicle producers and major Tier 1’s.

Customer-designed parts for premium and mass-market EV’s, cars and trucks are shipped from APT’s UAE-based factory to key markets including the USA, Europe, the UK and the GCC. APT’s factory, headquartered next to the aluminium smelter KEZAD site of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), means automotive components are manufactured from raw bauxite to a finished aluminium auto part, within a 2km zone, demonstrating the essence of a sustainable supply chain.

With over 20 years of experience in the supply of metal products, design and manufacturing services from the UK and the UAE, James has collaborated alongside some of the best in the industry, delivering products for high-end global programmes including those for household brands in the Automotive, Aerospace, Locomotive and Architectural industries.

Jawad Ashraf is a visionary leader and an accomplished technology entrepreneur with a proven track record of driving innovation in blockchain and digital transformation. As the CEO of Vanar Blockchain, Jawad spearheads the development of advanced blockchain solutions that empower businesses to achieve greater efficiency, transparency, and security in their operations.

With a background in software engineering and business strategy, Jawad brings over a decade of experience in building and scaling technology companies. Prior to founding Vanar Blockchain, he co-founded and led several successful ventures in the fintech and digital economy sectors, where he focused on leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, IoT, and decentralized systems to solve real-world challenges.

Jawad’s deep understanding of blockchain technology, coupled with his commitment to fostering innovation, has positioned Vanar Blockchain as a leader in the industry. Under his leadership, the company has developed groundbreaking solutions for industries ranging from finance and supply chain to healthcare and gaming.

A frequent speaker at global tech conferences, Jawad is passionate about sharing insights on the transformative potential of blockchain. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.

Jana is a leader with a background in finance, energy, disruptive technology, and green economy. Her work has a global reach, fostering collaborations from the US to Asia and building strategic partnerships across North America and the Middle East. Her professional engagements extend beyond sectors of AI, Quantum Computing, Sustainability, Clean Energy, SDG7, Scop 3, Green Manufacturing, Hydrogen, SMRs, nuclear waste technologies, innovation in materials, hard-to-abate, and optimization in processes.

Her recent contributions to UNSSC and Clean Energy initiatives earned her recognition from the UN Energy Secretariat and a role in a landmark Sustainable Energy Global Stocktaking Report, presented at the UN General Assembly in April 2024.

Jana is a member of the esteemed Expert Groups with the UNECE under the Sustainable Energy Committee, focusing on Resource Management (Mining and Rare Earths), Gas, Industrial Energy Efficiency and a member of the Hydrogen Taskforce. Participant at the COP28 and COP29, and other UNFCCC events.

Her leadership and global economic development efforts have been honored with international awards, including a Honor Medal in Washington DC and Honorable Citizenships from Japan, France, and Russia. She has been repeatedly awarded the status as a Top Environmental Consulting Voice on LinkedIn.

Jana has served on international boards and executive committees, extending her commitment to environmental and social causes. She is a mentor to the young professionals and students from various countries.
Recipient of the Doctor Honoris Causa PhD and the Excellency in Leadership Awards, she continues her contribution to global economic and cultural diplomacy.

A visionary leader propelling progress in the region’s financial landscape, Jayesh Patel is bringing to life Wio Bank’s mission to ignite the region’s new economy. He brings a wealth of experience as the CEO of Wio Bank PJSC, where he’s driving a revolution in banking that turns optimism into success for businesses and individuals alike.

Under Jayesh’s leadership, Wio is disrupting banking, in one place, always in customers’ interest. His vision has established Wio as a powerful platform backing Optimistic Achievers through three key innovations – Digital banking apps, Embedded finance, and Banking-as-a-Service solutions.

With over 15 years at the forefront of financial innovation, Jayesh has consistently championed smarter, faster solutions that help people get ahead. His journey includes propelling digital transformation for Fortune 500 clients at Deloitte and IBM in the US. He then spearheaded the development and launch of Liv. by Emirates NBD, creating an innovative digital banking ecosystem that gave customers an edge.

Previously, as Head of Retail Strategy at Emirates NBD, Jayesh drove initiatives that cleared the path to better banking. He remains an active member of the Angel investment community in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), demonstrating his commitment to backing the region’s achievers.

Wio Bank PJSC, backed by ADQ, Alpha Dhabi, e&, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), stands as the region’s first platform bank that is not just born to bank you, but mainly born to back you, and help you and your business turn the region’s optimism into success

Jordan started his professional career by founding a Live Streaming-Augmented Reality startup at 19 years old. That company is still running today in the e-gaming space. After joining Plug and Play in 2017, he has supported the firm’s international expansion into 10+ new countries, manages relationships with entities such as Visa, Microsoft, Ministry of Economy, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Tourism Development Fund, Star Alliance, Panera Bread, NEOM, etc. and many investments across the globe. Jordan is also an active angel investor and sits on the advisory board for a few high potential startup companies.

Founder of Growth, leading content marketing agency in UAE. Led campaigns that reached millions regionally and internationally. Expert in Business and Brand Building.

Khawla Hammad is the Founder and CEO of Takalam, an award-winning, UAE headquartered, digital platform advancing mental health across the MENA region. With a background in business strategy, marketing, and community-driven initiatives, Khawla brings extensive experience in driving strategy and growth to advance mental well-being through digital solutions and accessible support.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Khawla has established impactful partnerships with government, corporate, and educational institutions, significantly scaling Takalam’s reach and influence. Her achievements have earned her the prestigious Emirati Women Achiever Award from New York University, and Entrepreneur Magazine named Takalam the Wellness Platform of the Year.

Khawla holds a Master’s degree in International Business from Georgetown University and a Corporate MBA from ESADE Business School. Her ongoing commitment to social impact, innovation, and digital health continues to shape the future of mental wellness in the region.

Mr. Bin Hadi is the Managing Director for the sub-region UAE at Siemens Energy, leading the strategic vision, operational excellence, and business growth.
With a wealth of expertise across the energy sector and profound international experience across the Middle East and Europe, Mr. Bin Hadi is committed to the energy transition to create a sustainable future for generations to come. He is dedicated to empowering partners and customers across the UAE to realize their energy goals.

Prior to assuming his current role, Mr. Bin Hadi held various leadership positions. He was the Managing Director of Siemens Energy Oman, concurrently serving as the Head of Government Affairs for the Middle East. He also headed the Oil and Gas business for Siemens in the Middle East. Mr. Bin Hadi began his career with Siemens in 2015 in Abu Dhabi. Before joining Siemens, he started his career in the energy sector at ABB.

Notably, Mr. Bin Hadi’s contributions to the industry extend beyond his role at Siemens Energy. Since 2024, he is a member of the Board of Directors at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI), and he is in the Advisory Board of the University Leadership Council in the UAE.
Educationally, Mr. Bin Hadi holds an MBA and a BSc Hons. in management from esteemed institutions in the UK. Additionally, he has completed executive education in management & leadership at INSEAD France.

Ketaki Banga, an award-winning strategist in marketing transformation and AI-driven innovation, brings extensive experience in orchestrating marketing initiatives spanning various sectors and geographies, notably focusing on the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the US. As the CEO and co-founder of Webidoo MEA, Ketaki leads the company’s expansion into the MEA market, pioneering AI-led marketing solutions for enterprises and SMEs. This is achieved through strategic collaborations and a focused regional product development roadmap.

Ketaki has led high-stakes initiatives for prestigious clients such as KPMG and Booz Allen Hamilton, through leadership transitions, and regional and international reputational crises. Her tenure as Executive Vice President at BPG Dubai (a WPP group company) saw her successfully navigate her team through several complex changes in the organisation and industry, achieving successful transition to integrated marketing agency and recognition with a significant number of major awards.

Ketaki holds an Executive MBA from London Business School and is a recipient of the prestigious Vodafone Group Foundation Scholarship for Digital Innovation. Her passion for strategic agility and innovation is complemented by her commitment to driving positive change and equalizing access to innovation.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Ketaki’s interests encompass ESG initiatives especially focused on access to opportunities and closing the digital divide, culinary exploration, and a passion for science fiction and Star Wars.

Kristin Campbell-Wilson is Executive Director at the recently established Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD). Kristin joined arbitrateAD in 2023 with the ambition to establish and grow arbitrateAD to become the leading centre in the MENA region. She brings two decades of international arbitration experience, most recently from the SCC Arbitration Institute (SCC) and before that from private practice. Kristin brings a wealth of operational experience from running case management teams responsible for 200+ commercial and investment arbitrations annually. She has also led many of the projects which put the SCC at the forefront of technological developments in the industry, such as the development and launch of the first digital platform for secure communications and file sharing in arbitration, and the product development and introduction of a groundbreaking new dispute resolution tool in 2021.

A sought-after speaker, Kristin shares insights at domestic and international events and her commitment to the field is evident through her current and past board and committee positions in multiple arbitration organizations, including the IBA Subcommittee on International Commercial Arbitration Case Law and IBA Arb40, and editorial boards, including Stockholm Arbitration Yearbook and European Investment Law and Arbitration Review.

Kristin holds an LL.M. from Stockholm University (2003) and an Executive MBA from Stockholm School of Economics (2023).

Dr. Laila Faridoon is the CEO of the New Economy Academy, a thought leader, public speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience in digital and business transformation. In addition to advising corporations, she actively supports entrepreneurship by guiding startups and emerging businesses through their business
transformation journeys. She has served previously as Executive Director of the Chairman’s O􀆯ice at RTA Dubai.

Dr. Laila holds a PhD in Big Data Analytics from King’s College London and was named one of the top 30 women leaders to watch in 2023 by the NYC Journal. A strong advocate for women in STEM, she also serves on numerous regional and international boards.

She authored Looking Forward to the Bright Side and has earned multiple awards, including the Middle East Woman Leader in Corporate Management Excellence.

Loulou is a tech entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host with 20 years of work experience spanning GCC markets. Loulou is the host of Conversations with Loulou, a top 10 Business & Entrepreneurship podcast across MENA with 350k+ YouTube subscribers. Loulou is the Founder of Spade Ventures, a 200+ investor syndicate investing $500k – $2Mn in early-stage ventures in MENAP. Previously Loulou founded Nabbesh.com, the MENA region’s first and largest online marketplace connecting businesses with 100,000+ freelancers. Loulou is on the investment committee of Impact Fund based in Lebanon, on the advisory Committee for a newly established Center for Design & Innovation for Public Purpose at the American School of Dubai and is a strategic advisor to several of Spade Venture’s portfolio companies. Earlier in her career Loulou worked at Dubai Properties and Daimler Chrysler. Loulou is speaker at regional and global conferences.

Lorena Puica is a global AI leader with 5 degrees in mathematics, economics and finance, published author – Microfinance – The Secret to Sustainable Growth, who built a decade-long career in strategy and investment management, working with portfolios of over £250 billion while also being an extreme athlete with two world records.

Following three years of personal health challenges, Lorena founded syd (syd.life) as a Science-Backed, AI-powered Preventive Precision Health platform – leveraging 1 million research papers to deliver a set of tools that empower people to understand their life quality via a digital twin guide to science backed recommendations and a real-time population analytics platform for smarter policy and corporate decision.

syd leverages 1mil research papers, proprietary LLM for Life Quality and creativity to empower one billion people to improve their life quality every day and lifelong. syd already delivered +20% higher life quality for people in 26 countries around the world.

Louisa Preston is a seasoned communications expert and former British journalist specialising in Female Leadership and Confident Communication.

With over 20 years of experience as a BBC news presenter in London, she co-founded Composure Media, a communications consultancy, almost eight years ago.

Composure Media equips business professionals with the skills and strategies needed to communicate effectively and engage with their target audiences.

Throughout her career, Louisa has been part of the presenting teams for major national events, including General Elections, the London Olympics, and Royal Weddings. She is a trusted MC and moderator of high-profile events in London and internationally, engaging with senior government officials, industry leaders, public figures, and thought leaders. As an accomplished interviewer, Louisa has led panel discussions on topics ranging from international affairs and real estate trends, to presenting with confidence and supporting female leaders.

Louisa holds a bachelor’s degree in law, Politics, and Journalism.

During her 12 years at the BBC, Luisa became a recognisable face on British and international TV screens as Deputy Royal Correspondent and prior to that role, reporting live on Breaking News from the Amanda Knox trials in Italy, the International War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague, Papal events from Vatican City and many more high profile news stories. Before moving to the BBC, Luisa worked at ITN (Independent Television News), Euronews in Lyon, France and in radio in London.

Luisa left the BBC in 2014 for a family move to New York. It was there that she decided to use her core skills honed at the top level of broadcast journalism in a new context: to help people in business find the confidence to present with composure, communicate eWectively and know how to deal with the media. And so, Composure Media was established transatlantically with business partner Louisa Preston who was in the UK.

Luisa moved back to the UK herself in 2017 and is based near Oxford.

She is an experienced conference moderator and Master of Ceremonies having worked on dozens of events around the world.

She is also a school governor, a founder-trustee of the charity, The Lorna Legacy and sits on the Women’s Leadership Group of the charity PEAS (Promoting Education in African Schools).

Luisa is Anglo-Italian, speaks Italian and French and was born and brought up in Africa.

Maisa Eid is a Business Journalist at CNBC Arabia, where she covers MENA and international news. She is the face of CNBC Stories, presenting in-depth narratives on various topics, and hosts In Green, a program focusing on renewable energy and climate change. Maisa also appears on the Bursat Al Alam live show, where she presents the day’s main international news stories, covering Equities, Fixed Income, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, and Commodities. Additionally, she has interviewed numerous world leaders and CEOs at prominent events such as COP28.

Alongside her journalism career, Maisa is an experienced panel moderator, making her a well-rounded voice in discussions that bridge media, business, and global developments.

With over two years of experience at CNBC Arabia, Maisa is also pursuing an MBA at AUD, driven by her ambition to further integrate her media expertise with business acumen. Her journey is a testament to her dedication to becoming a leading voice in the intersection of media and business.

Mahra Alsuwaidi has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Energy LLC in Abu Dhabi since 2013, where she has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth through strategic business development, investment decision-making, and operational enhancements.

Prior to her current role, Mahra was Vice President of the Treasury Unit at Mubadala Development Company LLC. In this capacity, she was responsible for overseeing the Business Continuity Plan and managing the insurance portfolio for Mubadala’s Healthcare Division. She also held board positions at MDC (RE) Insurance Limited and several other affiliated entities. Earlier in her career, Mahra was Senior Treasurer at Dolphin Energy Limited, where she led treasury operations across the UAE and Qatar.

An active leader in the business community, Mahra is an elected member of several industry committees, including the Industry Working Group at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI). She also serves as a non-executive director for a number of organizations both within the UAE and internationally, including Arabian Gulf Steel Industries LLC. Mahra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing, Banking, and Finance, from the American University of Sharjah.

• With over 17 years of dynamic experience, Manal has dedicated 14 years to HSBC in the Middle East, specializing in Corporate Banking catered to Large Corporates, Middle Markets, and Multinationals. Her background also includes significant roles in Forensic Accounting and Management Consulting with prestigious firms such as KPMG and Accenture.
• Manal Awad joined HSBC in 2011, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. She is currently the Head of Corporate Banking in Abu Dhabi. Manal’s role entails managing both the Local Corporate Coverage as well as the International Banking Business in Abu Dhabi
• In addition to her role as Head of Corporate Banking, Abu Dhabi, Manal is also responsible to drive the growth within the ntra MENAT business corridor for the Commercial Banking business and is responsible for originating and growing the business across products.
• She leads a competent team of 25 Relationship Managers (RMs) and Assistant Relationship Managers (ARMs), focusing on Local Large Corporates, Middle Markets, New Economy, Technology, and Multinational clients. Her industry focus spans Energy, Agtech, Education, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Healthcare across diverse geographical areas.
• Eager to drive ESG change, Manal also carries the UAE Sustainability Champion hat, and has completed her certification from the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership on Business Sustainability Management.
• She is passionate about career development and advancing D&I within the organisation and is actively engaged with Strategic Engagement through Balance Employee Resource Group.
• Manal holds a Master’s degree in Applied Finance and Banking and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, specializing in Quantitative, Corporate, and Investment Finance from the University of Western Australia.

Mansoor Al Sayegh is an accomplished Group CEO and Managing Director with over a decade of leadership experience in the UAE. As Group Chief Executive Officer at Al Sayegh Group, Mansoor has been instrumental in formulating high-quality business strategies and leading a high-performing managerial team to achieve both short-term and long-term goals. With a focus on employee engagement and operational excellence, Mansoor ensures all business activities align with the company’s overarching mission and vision.

As President of the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council (ADYBC), under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Mansoor brings his extensive private sector experience to enhance the Council’s initiatives. By nurturing and championing the aspirations of young individuals and entrepreneurs, the Council increases their involvement in the business community, thereby fortifying the local economy through innovative projects that align with the Abu Dhabi’s economic strategies.

Marc Katchouni has over 14 years of expertise in infrastructure finance, transaction management, and commercial structuring. Since joining the Abu Dhabi Investment Office in 2020, he has been instrumental in shaping the PPP Unit’s governance framework, facilitating the successful delivery of pathfinder projects in Abu Dhabi’s social infrastructure sector.
As Section Head of Transactions, Marc has led several high-profile projects from origination to financial close. Among his notable achievements are the Khalifa University Student Accommodation project and the Zayed City Schools PPPs, both of which set new benchmarks for innovative and efficient public-private partnership models. Marc also played a key role in the development of Abu Dhabi’s PPP streetlighting program.

With a proven track record of executing complex transactions and fostering effective collaboration between public and private sectors, Marc continues to advance Abu Dhabi’s vision for growth and innovation. His efforts play a vital role in attracting both foreign and domestic direct investment to the Emirate.

Maryam Al Ansari is serving as the CEO of Itifaq, a company recognized as Company of the Year by Injaaz. Under her leadership, Itifaq has achieved transformative growth in the AI industry, earning her the prestigious CEO of the Year award by Mercer. She is a proud member of the Global Shapers Sharjah Hub (2023 cohort). Currently, she is enhancing her expertise through an executive program at George Washington University.

Mahmoud Eldefrawy is a skilled healthcare professional with a strong academic background, including a Fellowship in radiology and a Diploma in Healthcare Administration from AUC. With over eight years of experience, he has honed his expertise in both clinical practice as a radiologist and business management.

His involvement in a startup environment has allowed him to contribute to the development of medical operation and the integration of advanced technologies.

Melissa is Head of the Middle East Intellectual Property Department and ranked as a Thought Leader by Who’s Who Legal on Middle East franchising, specialising in acting for international franchisors and master franchisees on their operations.

Melissa advises international and regional franchisors, distributors, hotel operators, developers and service providers on their operations in the Middle East and specifically the United Arab Emirates. She specialises in all forms of strategic and operational franchise, agency, intellectual property, and commercial law governing franchise operations throughout the Gulf and Middle East.

Her experience includes franchising and exploitation of intellectual property rights in the fashion & retail, food & beverage, childcare & education, real estate, sporting goods, pharmaceutical, IT services and general retail industries.

Melissa is admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and holds an LLB from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance.

Mosaab is the Co-Founder and COO of Smart Bricks, a PropTech platform that reimagines the residential real estate investing using AI.

Prior to Smart Bricks, Mosaab was a Manager in Oliver Wyman’s AI Practice, where he led AI strategy and investment projects for global organizations. He was also worked as a venture capital investor at Atomico, investing out of $1.2BN+ fund into early-stage startups developing disruptive technologies across PropTech and FinTech.

Mosaab also worked as a strategic advises Humanising Autonomy, a startup specializing in predictive AI solutions that improve pedestrian and driver safety by enabling seamless human-machine collaboration in urban environments. He holds a Master’s in Computer Science from UCL, specializing in AI and computational intelligence.

Mosaab is an experienced strategist that brings a unique blend of operational, strategic, and technical expertise to his work.

A serial problem solver and technology leader, Mohib Hassan brings over a decade of experience in building and scaling successful companies across the US and Asia. Currently, as the CTO of OpenFarming.Earth, he’s pioneering AI solutions that are transforming the $8 trillion global food distribution industry. His entrepreneurial journey includes multiple successful exits & failures in cofounded US-based startups.

Mohib’s track record includes transforming Sastaticket into Pakistan’s leading online travel platform as COO, and driving digital innovation for global brands like Pizza Hut and Burger King as Executive Director of Technology & Operations. His expertise spans product innovation, software engineering, AI implementation, and operational scaling across diverse sectors including fintech, travel-tech, and food-tech.

A mathematics and actuarial science graduate from the University of Edinburgh and Boston University, Mohib combines deep technical knowledge with strategic business acumen.

CEO of Exordium, Founder of BUGLOUD, Used to be the head of computer emergency response team in ministry of interior-UAE, 3rd place in cyber world championship and 1st in the middle east.

Mrs. Mouza Al Nasri is the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), which is a government entity that aims to foster entrepreneurship and develop thriving and competitive SMEs’ ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. In addition, she is the Executive Director of the SME Sector at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), which regulates the business sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and leads economic initiatives to achieve a knowledge-based, diversified, and sustainable economy.
Mrs. Mouza has been an active member in the growth and success of the SMEs ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. She developed the Abu Dhabi’s SMEs & Start up Strategy, including planning and implementing initiatives to foster SMEs, assessing different policies and regulations related to SMEs and proposing new policies that support and enhance the SMEs ecosystem. She also engages and coordinate efforts related to SMEs among all SMEs ecosystem main players from government, semi government and private entities.
Mrs. Mouza is a board member in Numou, an online platform that serves as a marketplace dedicated to the financing and development of SMEs. Mrs. Mouza chaired the SMEs working group under the Economic Collaboration Committee. The committee, which includes members from public and private sectors, seeks to strengthen and empower the latter and enhance its contribution to the sustainable economic development of Abu Dhabi.

Mrs. Mouza had an active role in establishing the International Aid program under the umbrella of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. She also contributed to the establishment of Khalifa Innovation Center and the Emirates Association for Franchise Development (FAD). Mrs. Mouza started her career at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank in the Retail & Commercial Financing division.

Mrs. Mouza graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the business College specialized in Management Information Science from Zayed University. In addition, she has an Executive MBA degree from Zayed University.

Mohamed Mohamed is the Co-Founder and CEO of Smart Bricks, a UAE-based PropTech startup that reimagines the residential real estate investing journey using AI.

Before founding Smart Bricks, Mohamed led AI strategy, development, and investment projects across EMEA as part of Boston Consulting Group. He also worked at McKinsey, focusing on AI use case design and product development. His background includes time as a Real Estate Private Equity Investor at Blackstone, the world’s largest real estate investor, and as a Venture Capital Investor at Goldman Sachs, where he invested in PropTech, FinTech, and Consumer Tech startups from a $2 billion fund.

An active angel investor with over 30 investments, Mohamed also founded an EdTech startup, achieving a 8 figure exit at the age of 21. His diverse experience drives Smart Bricks’ mission to redefine real estate through AI.

Dr. Mike is an AI pioneer with 20+ years of experience across industries like Energy and O&G, Manufacturing as well as Automotive. He holds a Ph.D. in AI, has 40+ patents and publications, and has led the development of cutting-edge AI solutions, incl. AI and IoT platforms at Enterprise scale for Fortune 100 companies as well as CERN. Mike has driven strategic AI initiatives at Siemens AG  as well as joint venture of C3 AI and Baker Hughes, guided globally an Energy practice at EPAM, and led UAE AI initiatives, incl. development of the very first Arabic-speaking ChatGPT – Jais at G42. 

As Group Director Editorial Partnerships at IMI, Mustafa Alrawi is a respected industry leader. With a decade at The National in Abu Dhabi, he demonstrated exceptional newsroom leadership. Although no longer on staff, he remains a columnist. Previously at CNN Business Arabic where he managed a large team and commercial opportunities, he excels in content creation. Mustafa’s global event coverage and contributions to international publications highlight his journalistic impact.

Mustafa is the co-founder of OpenFarming, where he is reshaping food distribution using an AI-first operating system. With a background spanning over eight years in AI and tech roles at Uber, Facebook, and Coinbase, he has led AI-driven initiatives to optimize supply chains, boost operational efficiency, and save cost using automation. At OpenFarming, he drives automation in order aggregation, demand prediction, and customer engagement for food distributors. Mustafa holds a degree in Business Administration from USC and has pursued further studies in AI Strategy and leadership at Cornell and Harvard.

Nabil Kobeissi is the Chief Executive Officer of both Blue Horizon Advisors and the United Al Saqer Group (UASG). In these roles, he oversees the groups’ global investments and operations, spanning the UAE and international markets.

Blue Horizon Advisors, the independent investment arm of a leading multi-billion-dollar family conglomerate, comprises a team of top-tier investment professionals based in Barcelona and the UAE. The Blue Horizon Group executes strategic investments worldwide across public and private equity, venture capital, and real estate markets.

Since the establishment of Blue Horizon in 2017, Nabil has been instrumental in its development and operations. With a career beginning in derivatives trading in 1998, he has built an impressive track record. Before his current leadership roles, Nabil served as Executive Director at Goldman Sachs in London, advising clients on investments across various asset classes and financial instruments. His career also includes significant positions at Credit Suisse and BNP Paribas, where he gained extensive experience in global finance.

Nabil holds an MBA and a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut. He has also completed executive education programs in economics and finance at prestigious institutions, including Harvard, MIT, the London School of Economics, London Business School, and INSEAD.

Najla Al Midfa is the Vice-Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), a government-supported entity with a mandate to build the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sharjah and support entrepreneurs in developing innovative startups that contribute positively to the region’s economy.

Between 2016 and 2024, Najla served as the Founding CEO of Sheraa.

During her tenure, Sheraa cultivated a robust portfolio of over 180 startups. These startups have collectively raised over $170 million in investment, created over 1,900 jobs, and generated over $250 million in cumulative revenue.

In 2017, Sheraa launched the annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF), which has become one of the premier entrepreneurial events in the region. Since its inception, SEF has featured over 780 distinguished speakers and drawn more than 30,000 attendees from around the world.

Najla is a board member of several prominent organizations, including two publicly-listed companies: Dana Gas and United Arab Bank. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Emirates Development Bank, Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, and the Sharjah Education Academy, contributing her governance expertise to various sectors.

Najla holds an MBA from Stanford University. She is also a fellow of the Aspen Institute’s Middle East Leadership Initiative and an Eisenhower Global Fellow, highlighting her commitment to leadership and global engagement.

Naser is an Emirati cybersecurity professional and the Information Security Officer at Siemens in the UAE. He oversees the corporate cybersecurity of the company in the UAE and supports regional initiatives across the Middle East, ensuring compliance with global standards and addressing emerging threats.

As the regional lead for the Charter of Trust, Naser drives the implementation of its 10 principles, including cybersecurity ownership, responsibility throughout the digital supply chain, security by default, user-centricity, and education. His work aligns with the UAE’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, which aims to create a secure digital environment, develop cybersecurity talent, and foster international collaboration. With experience in securing critical infrastructure, Naser is committed to advancing the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in innovation and cybersecurity.

Nasser Al-Masabi is the esteemed founder and CEO of Low Calories, a brand dedicated to providing accessible and appealing healthy food options. His visionary leadership is transforming the healthy dining landscape in the region.

Naim Yazbeck is the General Manager of Microsoft UAE, responsible for driving the company’s growth aspirations in the UAE and supporting the country’s leadership in realising its digital transformation agenda.

In his role, Naim stands at the forefront of Microsoft’s collaboration with government entities, start-ups, and private enterprises to leverage technology to empower everyone in the country to achieve more. Naim also supports Microsoft’s efforts to build a tech intensity culture, drive skills development across the country and enhance Emiratisation efforts.

Since joining Microsoft in 2009 as Public Sector Lead: Gulf, Naim has played a pivotal role in accelerating Microsoft’s impact across the region. He served as General Manager: Microsoft Qatar from 2011, before being appointed Regional Director: Enterprise and Partner Group (EPG) in 2016 and spearheading Microsoft’s strategic partnerships with key customers and partners to accelerate digital transformation of key industries across the Gulf.

Naim continues to focus on building meaningful, lasting customer relationships. Known for being a trend watcher with a honed instinct for change and what it means for customers and their technology strategies, Naim believes in a diverse, results-driven workplace where employees are empowered to innovate. He is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and is committed to the recruitment, mentoring, and professional development of Microsoft’s regional talent.

Naim’s twenty-five years of experience in the ICT sector began with a master’s degree in Computer Engineering and span a long career across the GCC region – in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. He was born in Lebanon and is an avid sports fan, keen runner and watch collector. He is married with three children.

Namit Malhotra is a filmmaker and producer, Global CEO of DNEG, the world-leading visual effects, animation, and creative technologies company, and also the founder and non-executive director of DNEG’s parent company, Prime Focus Limited.

Namit has always led his businesses from the front: from founding Prime Focus as a garage start-up in Mumbai and growing it to become the world’s largest independent media creation
company; to acquiring and building DNEG to become a world-leading visual effects and animation creator with 7 Academy Awards for ‘Best Visual Effects’; to the recent launches of
Prime Focus Studios, a content development and creation company, and Brahma, a comprehensive AI-driven platform to more efficiently deliver exceptional, high-end content for the media and entertainment industry.

Throughout his career, Namit has pioneered the use of new technologies in service of creative innovation, from being the first to introduce new filmmaking technologies in the
Indian film industry, to being the first company in the world to stereo convert a Hollywood feature film from 2D to 3D, to the current development of AI tools and technology to
streamline workflows and boost efficiencies in the creation of high-end content, integrating AI across the entire content production process.

As a film producer, Namit’s credits include Bollywood blockbuster ‘Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva’ and animated feature film ‘The Garfield Movie’, which has grossed more than $275 million at the global box office to date. Namit is currently in production on an exciting slate of projects, including ‘Animal Friends’ with Legendary Entertainment and ‘The Angry Birds Movie 3’ with Rovio and SEGA. Namit is also the creative visionary behind ‘Ramayana’, a two-part movie event based on the 5,000 year-old saga, that will showcase the epic story for global audiences as an unprecedented cinematic spectacle, and launch an expansive transmedia universe.

Nidaa Lone is Head of Edelman Abu Dhabi and is based in the Emirate.

Nidaa joined Edelman from Haleon, the world’s largest consumer health business, where she was Global Head of External Communications. She joined the business while it was still part of GSK, and helped form the communications team as well execute the group’s demerger from GSK, the largest in Europe for over 20 years. In her role, she advised senior leadership on corporate positioning, and led the firm’s media global engagement. Prior to Haleon, Nidaa spent 10 years with a global communications consultancy as Managing Director in London, and has also worked in New York and Germany.

She has provided communications counsel for some of the world’s largest businesses across a range of sectors including financial services, pharma and healthcare.

I am leading Siemens Advanta in the Middle East & India. Before joining Siemens, I was a Senior Executive at Boston Consulting Group, focusing on Strategy & Technology projects for public & private sector clients.

I am passionate about harnessing technology to tackle contemporary challenges and celebrating the innovators who bring these solutions to life. As a leader, my focus is on empowering teams to not only achieve exceptional results but also to grow and improve continuously.

Siemens Advanta is the trusted technology advisor and partner to empower governments and private sector to unleash the full potential of technology for a sustainable and connected future.

Paul Salvini is the Global Chief Technology Officer at DNEG where he is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s overall technology strategy.

With over 30 years of technology leadership experience, Paul is the former CTO at Side Effects Software, where he spent 15 years leading the development of Houdini – an industry-standard tool for the creation of high-end animation, simulation, and visual effects.

As CEO of the Waterloo Accelerator Centre (AC), Paul led the organization to become Canada’s top private business accelerator, one of UBI Global’s “World Top 5” private business accelerators (out of over 1800), and Canada’s AI and Fintech Accelerator of the Year.

Paul holds a BMath in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo, MASc and PhD degrees in engineering from the University of Toronto, and an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

Patrick Tsang is Chairman of Tsangs Group, an innovation-focused family office that bridges East and West. Patrick invests in global opportunities in technology that create a positive impact to make the world a better place. He is also the Chairman of the Hong Kong Ambassadors Club (HKAC), leading a network of global business leaders. Through HKAC Patrick has led business delegations to the Middle East, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. 

Born and raised in Northern Ireland with a deeply rooted Chinese heritage, Patrick has a robust global network as a seasoned investor. He has worked on numerous IPO and M&A transactions globally and made successful investments in Hong Kong, China, North America, and Europe.

An international keynote speaker on finance, technology, clean energy, AI, and leadership, Patrick is also the author of *The Global Citizen: Building Bridges from East to West in Business.

Prabhu Narasimhan is a tech investor and is the executive chairman of Brahma AI, the world’s leading AI powered photo real video creator. Prabhu is also a director in DNEG and leads on DNEGs growth strategy. Previously, Prabhu managed in excess of $1.5 billion dollars as Founder and Managing partner of NaMa Capital, an alternative investment firm focused on technology and media investments. Prabhu holds an M.A in Law from Cambridge University. He is married with 6 children and lives in Abu Dhabi

Pratul is Vice President (Partner) at Siemens ADVANTA Consulting in the Middle East with focus on Industry 4.0, IIoT, Industrial Grade AI, Digital and Sustainable Transformation across the Energy and Manufacturing industry.

He has more than 13 years of consulting experience and has delivered consulting engagements across Europe, Americas, Middle East and India. In the recent past, he has been closely associated with UAE government agencies through its country-level digital maturity assessment program and development of national I4.0 transformation roadmap.

By training, Pratul is a Mechanical Engineer and MBA from India.

Based in the Middle East since 2008, Rachel spent almost a decade at Mubadala in their Capital Markets & Treasury team. She is currently a Managing Director at 3iQ – one of the world’s largest digital asset managers – and was previously a senior Advisor for SkyBridge. A CFA Charterholder, chartered treasurer and member of Mensa, in 2014 the Association of Corporate Treasurers named Rachel “The One to Watch”. Rachel originally trained as a journalist and spent six years with the BBC.

20+ years’ experience working as managing director, general manager and various other roles.

I started my journey at ipack in 2015 to support the design of the manufacturing plant, supervise the construction/commissioning/start up and commercialization of its products.

Today with a team of more than 200 people and sales of almost 100mioUSD, of which more than 80% is exported to more than 20 countries, ipack is, after only a few years from its inception a very succesful company and a model of industry 4.0.

Dr. Rusul Al Nuaimi is a distinguished life coach, entrepreneur, and social activist in the Arab world, with a stellar track record of driving impactful projects and empowering individuals and communities. As the Co-Founder of Silah AI, Dr. Al Nuaimi has been instrumental in integrating artificial intelligence solutions into organizational processes, focusing on enhancing productivity and efficiency. Her leadership in this venture has supported numerous businesses in adapting to cutting-edge technologies to achieve sustainable growth.

In her role as the CEO of TAG Project Management, Dr. Al Nuaimi has successfully led high-profile projects across the UAE, specializing in concept creation, strategic planning, and project execution. Her expertise has shaped TAG into a trusted name for businesses seeking innovative and practical solutions, particularly in luxury spaces, real estate, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Dr. Al Nuaimi is also the Co-Founder of Kube, a groundbreaking concept in the cloud kitchen industry. Kube provides ready-to-operate, fully equipped kitchen spaces designed to support restaurant startups and entrepreneurs. Her vision for Kube has redefined opportunities for food entrepreneurs, making business scalability more accessible and efficient.

With her diverse portfolio of achievements, Dr. Al Nuaimi continues to inspire and lead, leaving a lasting mark on every venture she undertakes.

Sarah is a dynamic communicator with over 25 years’ experience in finance, media, corporate communications and academia. Her international experience sees her working globally as a consultant and coach for cabinet ministers, CEOs, Chairpersons and NGOs, to define and achieve their strategic communication objectives. From high pressure media interviews to developing executive presence and presentation skills, she has trained hundreds of listed companies how to make an impact on any media platform. Sarah regularly hosts in-person and virtual events and moderates at international conferences on diverse topics from smart data to sustainability.

Sarah graduated from CASS business school, UCL with a BSc Hons in Economics. She started her career as an equity analyst at BNP Paribas, then led the London Latin American equity sales desk, placing high profile IPOs to European funds. This led her to financial journalism, where she globally anchored the CNBC breakfast show Sqwark Box for many years and worked for CBC. Before moving to Dubai over ten years ago, she worked at IMD business school in Switzerland, coaching and developing communication workshops for the Masters programme. Since living in Dubai, she co-hosted the Business Breakfast show on Dubai Eye Radio.

Founder & CEO of The Franchise Trainer™, a capacity building platform offering franchise, and entrepreneurial training, consultancy services and MSME support initiatives.
Known by many industry professionals as “The Don of Franchising”, Sary M. Hamway is a winner of the International Franchise Association Award and several regional and international professional acknowledgments in the Middle East, North Africa, and South East Asia.

With an accumulated experience of hands-on franchise training and consultancy practice of more than 32 years, Sary is recognized as the foremost authority of franchising in the Middle East.

Sary currently provides specialized franchise training courses in English & Arabic and is acknowledged as a highly sought-after speaker at major franchise seminars worldwide.

Sary also works with governmental and semi-governmental firms in various countries to develop and execute plans for utilizing franchising as a means of economic growth through supporting small & micro business development, transfer of knowhow, and nationalization of jobs.

Sahen Ahuja is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of SustainInsight, a a next-gen platform redefining sustainability practices for organisations across the globe. With a wealth of experience in corporate finance, data analytics, and strategic management, Sahen spearheads SustainInsight’s mission to enable businesses to drive measurable environmental impact. His leadership at SustainInsight is transforming how companies manage sustainability, providing AI-powered insights to track, report, and optimize their GHG emissions and key metrics like energy, water, waste, and material usage across the supply chain.

A graduate of Warwick Business School with first-class honors in BSc Accounting and Finance, Sahen brings a deep analytical skill set and a rigorous strategic approach to his work. His previous role as at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the Corporate banking division endowed him with an extensive background in data-driven decision-making and precision—a foundation he now leverages to deliver innovative sustainability solutions for SustainInsight’s clients.

Sahen’s commitment to environmental stewardship is matched by his drive for innovation. Through his vision, SustainInsight has become an indispensable partner for organizations striving to meet global sustainability standards and enhance operational transparency. His work not only facilitates compliance but also empowers businesses to make meaningful strides toward a greener, more responsible future.

Sebastien Miller is responsible for Masdar City’s public realm, including parks, plazas, streets, as well as the general visitor experience, including open space programs and activations, as well as sustainability, transportation, and architectural interfaces.

Prior to joining Masdar City, he worked as an urban designer, and master planner on numerous international projects in the Middle East, Australia, Europe, and the U.K. With 25 years experience, he has worked on some of the prestigious mixed-use developments, public parks, building developments, waterfront communities, resorts and eco-tourism projects in the region.

Sebastien offers expertise and skills in visioning, spatial design, project implementation, authority compliance, and construction knowledge. He consistently explores new opportunities for pilot projects, including innovation and tech projects, as well as retail activations, to improve Masdar City’s urban experience.
Sebastien has authored numerous articles on public realm, transport, sustainability, and housing that have been published in some of the U.K.’s leading professional journals and regularly engages in industry panels and talks.

He holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Heriot Watt University in Scotland. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in the built environment and a graduate diploma in landscape architecture, both from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia.

Shaikha Al Nowais is Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management at Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, Al Nowais is responsible for strengthening the close working relationships between Rotana and hotel owners by overseeing the effective communication of all the latest developments and initiatives implemented at their properties.

In July 2024, Al Nowais was appointed to the Board of Trustees for Les Roches Hospitality Academy in Abu Dhabi, reflecting her commitment to advancing education and training in the region’s hospitality industry. This is in addition to her role as Chairwoman of the Tourism Working Group, part of the Abu Dhabi Chamber. In this role, she works closely with all stakeholders to address challenges and propose solutions to enhance the traveller’s journey, ensuring that private investors’ experiences are heeded, managed, and optimised.
In May 2022, Al Nowais was appointed board member of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Chamber. In line with its aim to advance the involvement of female entrepreneurs in society and enhance the role of businesswomen in driving the growth of Abu Dhabi’s private sector, Al Nowais focuses on engaging and supporting businesswomen in the community. This includes organising workshops to assist business owners in keeping abreast of techniques to strengthen and expand their enterprises, spearheading trade exhibitions to spotlight various businesses to respective stakeholders, and connecting businesswomen with communities and organisations that help further their knowledge and achieve their goals through funding and mentorship.

Additionally, Al Nowais serves as a Board Member for both Al Ahlia Insurance Company and Al Khaleej Investment PJSC, both of which are publicly listed companies. This diverse range of board appointments underscores her broad expertise and influential presence across various sectors in the United Arab Emirates.
Al Nowais joined Rotana as Director of Internal Audit in May 2011, where she leveraged her considerable knowledge and expertise to maintain consistently high standards and drive improved efficiencies throughout its operations. During her time in this role, she successfully led the internal audit team to ensure that all properties were in full compliance with Rotana’s company policies and procedures, as well as external regulations outlined by UAE Federal Law, the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

Prior to joining Rotana, Al Nowais honed her financial and analytical skills during a two-and-a-half-year tenure at KPMG, where she was responsible for performing audits of financial statements, developing robust audit plans and strategies, and examining internal controls to assess the efficiency of procedures.

Al Nowais is a graduate of Dubai’s Zayed University, where she attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Sciences – Finance in 2006.

Shagun is currently serving as a Business and Transformation Leader for the Microsoft Channel Partners business specialized on Telcos, Large Solution Providers and Hosters with proven track record of 14+ Years in the Technology Industry. With a keen eye for identifying opportunities and a passion for innovation, Shagun has successfully led numerous high-impact projects that have significantly enhanced partner ecosystems and delivered exceptional value to clients. In her current role, she is reshaping the Telco Go-To-Market with AI Driven Revenue Streams.

Shehzad Ashraf Chaudhry is working as an Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Engineering in College of Engineering, Abu Dhabi University, UAE. Prior to joining ADU he served as an Associate Professor with Nisantasi University, Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Turkey, University of Sialkot, Pakistan and as an Assistant Professor with International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

He has authored over 200 scientific publications and With an H-index of 50, an I-10 index 122, and accumulate impact factor of more than 500, his work has been cited over 6800 times. He has also supervised over 40 graduate students in their research. His current research interests manly lies in Mobile Device Security, lightweight cryptography, elliptic curve cryptography, Smart Grid security, IoT and Cloud infrastructure security. He delivered several keynote speeches and holds several awards for best research papers. Considering his research, Pakistan Council for Science and Technology granted him the Prestigious Research Productivity Award, while affirming him among Top Productive Computer Scientist in Pakistan. He also holds a distinction for achieving 4/4 CGPA during his Masters. For the consecutive five years (i.e., 2020 to 2025), he is being listed among the top 2% computer scientists across the world in Stanford University’s report.

Sherief Selim is a distinguished Senior Solutions Specialist Lead with extensive experience and focus in the Telco and Media industry. Since joining Microsoft in 2016, he has held pivotal roles, initially as a Technology Solutions Professional and later as a Lead Cloud Solutions Architect. In these capacities, Sherief has significantly advanced the Microsoft Azure business, particularly through the integration of OpenSource technologies, Advanced Workloads, and partners ecosystem.

Prior to his tenure at Microsoft, Sherief was the EMEA Lead Solutions Architect for Virtualization Discipline at Dell EMC, where he focused on building public cloud platforms and mega data center transformation. His work utilized EMC federated companies to revolutionize Telco segment worldwide.

With over 16 years of experience, Sherief brings a wealth of knowledge from his work in the ICT industry, including positions at Vodafone Group in Germany and Verizon Wireless in the US. He is also an inventor, holding several patents for wireless mobile standards, and a mentor to startups across EMEA, providing guidance on business and sales tactics.

His academic credentials are impressive, holding two master’s degrees—one in Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and another in Data Science from the University of California, San Diego. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications from Alexandria University, Egypt, a Minor Business Diploma in Blockchain from Oxford Business School, and a Minor associate degree in Cybersecurity from MIT.

Simon leads Edelman Smithfield in the Middle East with a focus on UAE & KSA. He specializes in advising financial services companies, central banks, private capital firms and listed entities on all forms of reputation management ranging from media to investor relations, capital market transactions, executive positioning and public affairs.

Simon brings two decades of experience in high profile media relations roles spanning financial services, broadcasting and Government.

Simon joined Edelman from Barclays in London where, as Director of Group Media Relations, he led the bank’s efforts to rebuild trust after the financial crisis, advised the Group CEO, and ran proactive campaigns, strategic comms, financial reporting and executive media engagement. He also led on a variety of issues including regulatory and litigation matters, ESG, Brexit, COVID-19 response, and the bank’s successful defense against an activist investor.

Prior to working in financial PR, Simon was the Chief Press Officer for the British Broadcasting Corporation, and also for the UK Government Housing and Communities Department serving six cabinet ministers.

Srikant Chakravarti is the co-founder of Curio AI, a personal, trusted news and knowledge companion. He co-founded Curio AI with the aim of changing the way people get insights on critical topics, help easily learn new ideas and grow. Prior to this, Srikant worked as an attorney at Sidley Austin and then founded an AI visual search engine for mobile phones back in 2013 – 4 years before Google Lens.

Sonu Kumar is the Co-Founder and CTO of Sporo Health, a healthcare AI startup focused on transforming clinical workflows through AI Agents. With 7 years of experience in AI and as a second-time MedTech founder, Sonu leads innovations at Sporo Health to reduce physician burnout and enhance patient care through advanced AI solutions. He also shares insights on AI through his YouTube channel, “AI Anytime”.

Sultan Hatoum is a seasoned advisor and thought leader with over 15 years of experience in financial consultancy, strategic advisory, and business advocacy. An alumnus of the University of Wolverhampton in the UK with an MBA, Sultan has built a career delivering transformative results across sectors such as healthcare, education, real estate, FMCG, and retail.

During his decade at EY, Sultan played a pivotal role in major projects including IPOs, mega mergers, carve-outs, and strategy design, showcasing expertise in driving complex transactions and advising on high-impact initiatives.

Currently serving as Head of Advocacy at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, Sultan leads efforts to amplify the voice of the private sector and foster meaningful engagement with government entities. He has been instrumental in shaping policy reforms, establishing dynamic platforms for dialogue, and advancing Abu Dhabi’s economic ecosystem. Sultan also initiated the “Chamber Talk” program during the pandemic, guiding businesses across 23 cities through challenging times and strengthening their resilience.

A dynamic moderator and strategic thinker, Sultan combines deep sectoral expertise with a passion for innovation and public-private collaboration, making him a prominent voice in global economic and business discussions.

Talal is the Founder and CEO of 44.01. Talal has extensive international experience in venture capital and cleantech, including helping to set up Oman’s venture capital arm. He has previously founded and exited several start-ups in Oman and the UK. His background is in corporate law with a focus on energy projects in Oman, UAE, and the UK.

Tom Graham is CEO of Metaphysic, the industry leader in developing generative AI technologies and machine learning research to create immersive photorealisitic content at internet scale. He believes that in 10 years, 90% of content will be latent-space generated and video will be the dominant interface for the interent. Metaphysic Studios is the gold-standard for creating production-quality content for Hollywood films, AI music concerts, advertising and beyond. Metaphysic is also the leader in the ethics of AI content and its flagship product, Metaphysic PRO, helps individuals and brands collect, own and monetise their valuable likeness, voice and brand data that can be used to train AI models. Tom cares deeply about data and individual rights in a world where the lines between content and reality blur. Among other initiatives, he is attempting to register copyright in his AI likeness with the US Copyright Office – maybe it works? Originally from Melbourne, Australia, and now based in London.

Vijay is an early stage technology investor, serial entrepreneur and a seasoned CEO. He is the Managing Director at Techstars and sits on the board of 6 tech companies.

He has 40 years experience spread over 7 different industries including Fashion Retail, Clothing Manufacturing, Hi-Tech Safety Helmets, Association Management, Events Production, Property Development and Venture Capital.

Vijay is a visionary community builder and a thought leader on the world stage. Over the past 25 years, he continues to serve Techstars, Entrepreneurs Organization and
Young Presidents Organization, 3 of the world’s leading entrepreneurial network-based organizations as a leader.

A global citizen and a father of two adult sons, he is now based in Dubai, having previously lived and worked in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Washington D.C, London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Wael Abou Zakiisthe Government Reporting Leader at PwC Middle East and a Capital markets and accounting advisory partner, bringing a wealth of experience in supporting organizations, family business, and governments in their privatization and corporatization initiatives, including IPOs.

With over 23 years of professional experience both globally and regionally, Wael has developed deep expertise in finance and accounting. He specializes in helping entities reorganize to crystallize value and optimize the benefits of their asset base.

Wael’s strategic insights into both public finance management and capital markets enable him to provide effective solutions for attracting global investors to local markets. His extensive experience includes advising on the right structuring needed for successful IPO strategies, ensuring that businesses are well-positioned to maximize their value.

Wafa is a PhD student in Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, specializing in computer vision. She holds a degree in Computer Science from Khalifa University and is an alumna of MBZUAI. Wafa’s research focuses on multimodal image segmentation and reconstruction, with notable work on MRI reconstruction and denoising techniques. As a co-founder of Nutrigenics Care, an AI-powered startup, she has developed a platform focused on personalized nutrition, meal tracking, and accessibility of nutritional information. Nutrigenics Care won first place at Pitch Day organized by MIEC and has been accepted into the Microsoft Startups Founders Hub. Wafa’s research contributions include developing advanced methods in medical imaging and deep learning. Alongside her academic pursuits, Wafa is actively growing her startup, working on expanding its impact within the healthcare and nutrition sectors.

Yasmin is the Founder and Managing Director of Beacon Hills, a consultancy dedicated to building a connected finance ecosystem by bridging industry stakeholders locally and internationally. Beacon Hills fosters strategic partnerships and collaborative opportunities across venture capital, family offices, UHNWIs, and government sectors to drive impactful growth. With over 20 years of experience in strategic partnerships, stakeholder relations, and cross-sector initiatives, Yasmin has led transformative projects across finance and corporate social responsibility (CSR) internationally.

Before founding Beacon Hills, Yasmin served in leadership roles, including as Executive Director of both the Emirates Family Office Association and the Middle East Venture Capital Association. In these roles, she focused on strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing industry collaboration, and driving educational programs and key industry events. Yasmin’s career also includes impactful CSR-focused roles with DHL Express and Zain Group (formerly Celtel), where she managed programs spanning social impact, sustainability, and employee engagement.

Yasmin holds a Master’s in Project Management from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the American University in Cairo. Her global background and expertise in ecosystem building make her a trusted advisor and impactful leader within the finance sector.

I’m a Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Armela Farms, spearheading the integration of high-tech solutions in the UAE agricultural industry. My expertise lies in navigating the complexities of this sector, with a focus on optimizing yields and promoting sustainable practices in the climate of the UAE. I’m passionate about leveraging technology to enhance food security and resource management in the country. I believe in the power of innovation to revolutionize agriculture and contribute to a more sustainable future for the UAE.

Zeina Kanaan is an accomplished HR leader with over two decades of experience in strategic human capital management, organizational development, and corporate social responsibility across the UAE, KSA, and Egypt. Holding a BSc in Business Administration from AUST, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Leicester University (2017), and an MBA from the Swiss Business School (2019), Zeina combines a robust academic foundation with hands-on expertise in transformational leadership and HR innovation.

As the Regional Director of Human Capital & CSR at Ittihad International Investment since 2012, she oversees HR strategy for a diverse conglomerate with over 10,000+ employees across 21 subsidiaries. Her role encompasses talent acquisition, organizational transformation, training, compensation, benefits, and ESG initiatives. Zeina also actively contributes to the Corporate Governance Task Force, the Nomination, Remuneration, and Governance Committee, as well as the ESG Committee.

Zeina’s leadership philosophy is built on driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring alignment between human capital strategies and organizational objectives. Her visionary approach has established her as a transformational leader, propelling Ittihad International Investment to new heights of operational excellence and employee engagement.

Ziad Salloum, OSI, KSS, MCIArb is an award-winning legal advisor and arbitrator. He is the managing partner of Salloum & Partners LLC. Since joining the firm in 2006, Ziad has provided specialist support to UAE and foreign government entities, top multinational and local companies, educational institutions, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and leading business-owning families. He has advised on matters in various fields such as: commercial contracts, employment, secured/unsecured lending, restructuring, strategic & structural planning, M&A, insurance, dispute resolution, succession planning, corporate governance and family office setup.

Ziad is often called upon to speak or present at local and international conferences and at universities. He has presented on matters as diverse as succession planning in the context of family businesses and family offices, banking and finance, industry-university partnerships, employment law, HSE and environmental protection, dos & don’ts in the UAE, ethics in business and law, mitigation of construction disputes, arbitration, force majeure, mitigating the impact of COVID19, and more.

Ziad sits on a number of company boards, including those of the Lycee Francais International Theodore Monod and the St Mary’s Group of Schools. In 2023, Ziad was appointed to the Advisory Board of Abu Dhabi University’s College of Law. He notably served multiple terms and years on the boards of the International Lawyers Network (ILN), the French Business Group (now the CCI France), the Union of French Expatriates’ (UFE) Abu Dhabi chapter, and the Alliance Française Abu Dhabi. He also served on the Advisory Board of the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Forum.

Ziad is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and is on the roll of arbitrators of the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Center (arbitrateAD). Ziad is also a Professional Associate with Outer Temple Chambers in London.

Before converting to law, Ziad had a successful banking career, first in Treasury and Capital Markets, then in Private Banking.

He holds an LLM from SOAS, a PgDL from the University of East Anglia, an LLB from the Lebanese University and a BBA from the American University of Beirut.

As the co-founder of Anxinsec and a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over 12 years of experience, Lee has contributed to the intersection of cybersecurity and digital transformation. He has served as an advisor for capital data center security and as the chief security advisor for a Fortune 50 company, steering pivotal security strategies.