Aarta Alkarimi is a prominent legal professional specializing in construction law, mediation and and arbitration. She holds several notable positions and qualifications and has extensive experience in handling complex cases. Aarta currently serves as the founding Partner of Chrysalis International Legal Advisors, a renowned alternative dispute resolution consultancy based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

She has significant experience pertaining to resolving disputes through mediation and arbitration on large-scale and complex construction, infrastructure, and engineering projects around the world (including major trans-national projects).

As counsel, Aarta practiced law at the New York, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi offices of some of the most well-respected American firms before setting up Chrysalis in 2017. She has been based in the UAE since 2008.

Her list of clients have included governments, semi-government, publicly held companies, and private entities for matters pertaining to construction/infrastructure projects and real-estate development, including: 

• crude oil and gas pipelines

• utilities networks and facilities

• airports

• stadiums

• high-rise towers and mixed use facilities and 

• schools

Aarta's expertise in arbitration is recognized, and she has received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding contributions to the field. She has been recommended under Construction law by Who's Who Legal (WWL) for several years and was ranked as the second-best female arbitrator by the Dubai International Arbitration Centre in 2018. She was also recognized as the Arbitration Practitioner of the Month by Jus Mundi in September 2022.

Aarta regularly acts as chairperson, party-appointed, or sole arbitrator under various institutional rules including the LCIA, ICC, ADCCAC and DIAC in addition to ad hoc arbitrations.

Chartered Arbitrator, accredited mediator, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), She holds a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration, in addition to a master’s degree in international business and trade law from Fordham University School of Law, New York City. She serves as an Officer and Council Member on the Diversity and Inclusion Council of the International Bar Association (IBA).

She teaches arbitration award drafting for various arbitration centers through the United States Department of Commerce including the Maldives and Sri Lankan arbitration Centers.

Amit Batra is a seasoned Industry Executive in the Global Healthcare & Life Sciences division at Microsoft. He is passionately committed to digitally revolutionizing healthcare and life sciences organizations by devising bold, transformative strategies that deliver wellness and precision medicine to communities, while optimizing the use of clinical resources.

With over two decades of experience in the Healthcare and Life Sciences sector, Amit has been a catalyst for innovation across healthcare delivery, genomics, precision medicine, and research, leveraging the power of AI.

His leadership spans across the USA and Middle East regions, providing guidance to health ministries and large-scale healthcare & life sciences organizations.

Renowned for bridging the gap between cutting-edge technological advancements and actionable healthcare insights, Amit’s efforts have significantly accelerated the adoption of contemporary healthcare paradigms. Through strategic alliances and a visionary approach, he has guided organizations towards operational excellence, seamless technology integration, and market dominance.

In his role, Amit spearheads account teams to foster deeper relationships with strategic clients and shapes their digital transformation agenda. Prior to his tenure at Microsoft, Amit held positions at EY Consulting and Deloitte Consulting, leading digital transformation programs for ministries and large organizations across the MENA region and the USA.

Outside of his professional commitments, Amit maintains an active lifestyle through CrossFit, cricket, basketball, and golf. He harbors interests in digital and emerging technologies, investing, and reading.

Ammar Al Assam serves as the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors at Dewan Architects + Engineers, a leading multidisciplinary architectural design firm. Joining the company in 2003 as the Director of Business Development, Ammar has held various roles within the organization, ultimately assuming the position of CEO in 2016.

Ammar has played a pivotal role in transforming Dewan, overseeing a multi-year strategy aimed at improving profitability and positioning the firm to seize new opportunities in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. During his tenure, he led the rapid expansion of the firm into new markets and segments, securing new business and establishing strategic partnerships to enhance the firm’s services and competitiveness.

In 2021, Ammar spearheaded Dewan’s expansion into Egypt, opening an office in Cairo to enable closer collaboration with clients and create new business opportunities. Additionally, in 2002, he oversaw Dewan’s expansion into Southeast Asia, opening an office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to meet the growing demand for the firm’s services and provide a strategic hub for future expansion in the region.

Ammar has been instrumental in turning Dewan into a technology-driven design firm, enhancing operational performance and service delivery. He is a key driver of the firm’s Web 3.0, artificial intelligence, and BIM strategies, involving investments in building a metaverse, AI, and BIM tools, and fostering collaboration with other firms.

Under his leadership, Dewan has grown to employ over 600 people across offices in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as Southeast Asia. The firm is widely recognized by leading industry publications as one of the world’s top international design firms.

Ammar holds both a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree and an MBA from McGill University in Montreal.

Emerging within a Family Business Environment, dedication to the traditions of the families business was what we were brought up to respect and abide by. The regional wars in the 70s-80s and the recent events in the region have taught the past 3 generations within our family tree the meaning of building success and losing it. My experience in the family business really started in 2005 after finishing my BS in LAU Beirut, joining the Company and working up the ladder to become a decision maker in the Financial domain at the time.

HARIBO, Middle East & N. Africa , DUBAI
General Manager

• Responsible for business in the Middle east & N. Africa

HARIBO, Developing Countries, LUXEMBOURG
Sales Development & Trade Marketing Director

• Responsible for Sales Development & Trade Marketing function of Haribo Developing Countries by functional coaching and supervisions of Trade marketing teams in 3 business units

• Resposible to drive key projects – e.g. Traditional trade expansion, Merchandising services on a DC level by supporting the field teams

• Establish aligned across DC Sales KPIs and reporting & created a DC way of sales execution playbook.

• Improved the in-store executions by creating unified and standart DC POSM solutions which also resulted in considerable financial savings in addition to the standardization of the tools.

• Worked on the DC Strategical Plans for 5 to 10 years horizon together with various DC functional HQ teams & established the strategies on Availability & Visibility tracks for DC.

HARIBO, Istanbul, TURKEY
Head of Sales / MENA

• Responsible for Haribo business in 14 Countries which includes Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, Libya, Israel, Ethiopia, N.Cyprus

• Established new RTM in some key markets with changes in the distribution models that resulted in a solid growth in the region. (i.e Egypt strong growth after importation ban & Iraq strong development into the Traditional Trade business)

• Transformed the under-resourced sales organization into a top-notch group with structured processes by adding new team members & establishing clear KPI`s into the business.

• Managing direct reports of country managers & trade marketing executive

BEL Group, Istanbul, TURKEY
Market Manager / Israel, Palestine, Malta, Cyprus (South & North)
(Global FMCG Company specializing in branded cheese and operating in 120 countries with the well-known brands La Vache Qui Rit, Kiri etc...)

• Full P&L responsibility for the related markets with the EBIT targets.

• Member of the Executive Board & directly reporting to the Regional GM

Key Achievements

• 30% volume growth in the region in 2 years with a considerable improvement in the Sales Margin & EBIT levels up to 10% levels.

• Responsible for the expansion project in Caucasus region started with Azerbaijan set-up.

BEL Group, Istanbul, TURKEY
National Sales Manager /Turkey

• Managing the direct sales team of total +40 people with 6 direct reports as area managers

• Established a RTM for +25 distributors in Turkey with other sales channels as key accounts & regional accounts

Key Achievements

• Led the change of country master distributor model into regional distribution model

• Managed the formation of sales team from scratch & recruitment of all levels from Sales rep to Regional Managers.

• Received Global Best Practice Award for "Turnaround Business of Bel Turkey" in 2012 as a team

BEL Group, Istanbul, TURKEY
Trade Marketing Manager /Turkey

Key Achievements

• Re-defined all the roles & responsibilities throughout DANONE Co-Distribution project with Bel Turkey.
  (where DANONE used to be the master country distributor for Bel)

DANONE, Istanbul, TURKEY
Category Manager / Trade Marketing

DANONE, Istanbul, TURKEY
Asst. Sales Development Manager / Trade Marketing

BP, Ankara, TURKEY
Retail Territory Manager

• Managed 30 Dealers/Stations and 250 mio$ of revenue and created a Gross Margin of 12 mio$

DANONE, Istanbul, TURKEY
Sales Supervisor / Young Talent Program

• Selected for DANONE Young Talent program over +5.000 candidates

Carolina Moraes is Senior Director and Managing Counsel for the Eastern Hemisphere Commercial Law practice group at Halliburton, a multinational in the oil and gas services industry. Based in Dubai and in this role since June 2021, she oversees all customer-facing commercial legal activities, Halliburton’s local operating entities’ corporate law matters, and litigation cases in the relevant area of responsibility across various jurisdictions with varying business practices and cultures.

Her career with Halliburton started in 2008 as an attorney in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, dedicated to contract negotiations with both International Oil Companies and the Brazilian National Oil Company, Petrobras.

In 2011, she was promoted to legal manager for Halliburton in Brazil, responsible for Halliburton’s commercial and corporate legal matters in that Country. In 2016, she was promoted to Latin America Region Counsel, expanding her area of responsibility and interaction with international jurisdictions.

Prior to joining Halliburton, from 2003 to 2008, Mrs. Moraes practiced in two law firms in Brazil, with commercial and employment litigation cases, and also served as a Labor Law Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the same university she got her Juris Doctor Degree from in 2003.

Mrs. Moraes's career provides a glimpse into the variety of paths a legal professional can pursue – different legal subjects; private practice in a law firm, academia, in-house counsel; litigation, counseling, and negotiation; working with public and private sectors; domestic and international matters – and how dynamic one’s life can be as a law professional.

Outside work, Mrs. Moraes enjoys going to rock concerts, running, and traveling with her husband and 8-year-old son.

Charles Szar is the Chief Executive Officer of Sky One FZE, a UAE-based aircraft leasing and aviation asset management company.  Charles is responsible for maintaining financial, operational, and maintenance oversight of a composite fleet of over 55 aircraft consisting of Boeing 747/757/737, Airbus 330/320/300-600, CRJ 200, and several helicopter types.  He develops the strategic vision for Sky One FZE and focuses on growth and value generation.  

Charles was previously the Managing Director of Supreme Aviation FZE, accountable for a $750M aviation business unit leading a multinational staff of over 550, dispersed over four continents.  Supreme Aviation FZE operated seven daily UAE to Afghanistan B-747 flights and over 100 daily intra-Afghanistan flights providing just-in-time delivery of food and critical supplies to over 227 locations with a fleet of over 40 rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.  He was instrumental in safely integrating civil aircraft in conflict areas, developing complex end-to-end multimodal supply chain solutions.      

Prior to his civilian career, Charles served over 23 years as a commissioned officer and aviator.  He had the unique experience of serving in both the US Army flying Assault Helicopters and the US Air Force as a Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot.  He held leadership positions at all levels in both services, and additionally served as an Instructor/Evaluator Pilot and Flight Safety Officer. Charles also redesigned the Program of Instruction for the US Army Flight School and developed Safety-Systems for experimental prototype aerospace vehicles in the Air Force.  In addition to completing US Army Flight School and several aircraft qualification courses, he completed US Army Airborne School, US Army Pathfinder School, Korean Ranger School, and Level C-SERE school.  Charles served across the globe including multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.     

Charles graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in History and Psychology from Excelsior University and a dual Master of Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Aviation/Aerospace Management and Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems.

Deeba Giannoulis is responsible for the marketing of sustainable U.S. Soy in SAASSA and is based in Dubai. Before joining USSEC, Deeba worked in Houston, TX for Shell Trading and as a commercial operator for MOL Chemical Tankers. She served in Afghanistan for 2 years as well and completed her training contract at Bird & Bird IP law firm in London. She has a BA in History and Political Science from SDSU, two MAs in International Law and Finance from SOAS, University of London, and completed her law degree from City University in London. She is energetic, passionate, result oriented and adaptable to work worldwide. She is committed to sustainability not just now, but for future generations as well.

My name is Deemah Salem and I am an American Board certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology. I care for women in all stages of life in both general women’s health as well as in pregnancy and delivery. I am passionate about educating women about their bodies, and spreading awareness on women’s health. They say if you love your work, you will never work a day in your life... that's obgyn for me!

I was born in Chicago, Illinois but ended up doing my undergraduate education in St.Louis, Missouri. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Saint Louis University in 1999 with the highest recognized honor, Summa Cum Laude. I then graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine with honors in 2003, after which I did my residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at one of the top nationally ranked hospitals in the USA, William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. I then joined a private obgyn clinic for seven years there, where I gained outstanding experience in general and high-risk obstetrics and gynecology. In 2014, my family and I moved to Dubai to try out a new experience but ended up falling in love with living there and stayed.

We still visit Chicago and Detroit every summer to see family. I spend my time outside of work with my four children. I enjoy the outdoors and love camping, hiking, horse riding and stand up paddle boarding. I speak English and Arabic fluently and am very open to learning about new cultures.

Versatile Global Leader and Catalyst for Organizational Excellence

Diala Bou Karim, holder of a master’s degree in human resources and preparing for her Ph.D. journey at Heriot-Watt University, career journey spans over two decades of dynamic international and regional experience, woven through diverse industries through the realms of Oil and gas, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Chemicals Solutions, Real Estate, and Technology Services, leaving a trail of measurable success in each domain. Her journey has taken her to carve a legacy of achievement.

Currently, as a Senior Leader of Human Resources covering more than 20 countries, mandating a 5,000-plus workforce along with local and international 30 team members of human resources professionals. Throughout her professional odyssey, she has donned various hats in functional and operational roles, consistently delivering results that have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the organizations. Her expertise lies at the intersection of leadership and high-impact senior human resources, where she is renowned for spearheading strategic HR and business change management initiatives that translate into tangible bottom-line results.

At the heart of her professional philosophy is the belief that organizations can only truly thrive when they are powered by empowered and inspired teams. This core principle has been the driving force behind her career, a relentless commitment to inspiring and fostering inclusion, collaboration, and growth. When combined with coaching and mentoring, these elements form the recipe for success.

She is recognized for her ability to cultivate an employee-oriented company culture that places paramount importance on quality, continuous improvement, and high performance. Her journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, versatility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Ekaterina is a Sales & Marketing Executive with 20 years of expertise in automotive industry in Europe, Africa, India, Middle East, CIS and Russia.

During her career Ekaterina hold various roles within automotive dealerships and manufacturer’s headquarters.

Ekaterina has a vast experience in creating marketing strategies for new launches, developing businesses, and managing commercial performance and PDCA cycles.

Ekaterina is a proficient people manager with strong orientation towards teamwork, coaching management style proved to be successful in guiding the teams of over 30+ people.

Ekaterina has graduated from Academy of Economics in Moscow with Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Master’s degree in Marketing. During her professional path she has been continuously learning and gaining new knowledge through various business and personal trainings.

Ekaterina speaks English, French, Russian and is highly inspired by Arabic which she started to learn in 2024.

Ekaterina’s is a mother of 2 daughters and her hobbies are travelling, mountain skiing and cooking.

Greg Karpinski is the Chief Operating Officer of KEO International Consultants and head of the Black Mule Real Estate Advisory practice within KEO. In his role he is responsible for managing the company’s financing, operating performance, new strategic initiatives and implementing a range of business process improvement programs. He has been responsible for driving a number of ground-breaking initiatives such as the founding of KEO’s Digital Advisory Services group, Black Mule Real Estate Investment & Advisory and the KEO Academy. He has also led the effort to further digitize and enhance KEO’s operations that has resulted in robust performance across its business units. He has more than 25 years of management and investment experience across a range of industries.

Prior to joining KEO in 2018 he had served as the Chief Operating Officer for the on-demand custom clothing start-up Isabella Wren where he led the successful effort to secure the company a new investment and industrial business partner.

Before joining Isabella Wren in 2016 he had spent ten years at Standard Chartered Private Equity (“SCPE”) and affiliates of the practice. While at the bank he rose to become Managing Director Infrastructure and served as an executive officer and board member for a number of SCPE investee companies. While part of the SCPE team, he played a key role in completing over USD1 billion equity investments in Asian and African power, transportation, shipping, telecommunications, water and environmental services companies.

Prior to his time at Standard Chartered, Greg was a Co-Founder of Arizona Heart International. From 2001 to 2006, Greg worked at InterGen as a developer and financial analyst, a global power generation in Asia and the United States. Before joining InterGen, Greg spent three years with British Petroleum.

Greg holds an MBA from Boston University (United States) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Tufts University (United States).

As a dedicated psychologist, Hiba Salem specializes in providing comprehensive mental health services to individuals, couples, and families. Her mission is to support individuals in their journey toward improved mental well-being.

Additionally, as a palliative psychologist and psycho-oncology specialist, she is committed to providing compassionate and evidence-based support to individuals and their families as they navigate the cancer journey.

After earning her bachelor’s in psychology from the American University of Beirut, her passion for helping others and commitment to the field led her to pursue further studies in the United States. Hiba completed a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a master’s in psychology from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. Her extensive academic background, paired with continuous professional trainings, form the foundation of her clinical practice.

Prior to joining Sage Clinics, Hiba contributed to the field of psychology while working at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Her roles encompassed clinical psychology, palliative psychology, and as a Psycho-Oncology Specialist. Her work in these areas highlighted a compassionate evidence-based approach, allowing Hiba the privilege of working with patients and their caregivers as they face challenging psychological and medical conditions.

Hiba’s career has spanned multiple countries and demographics, as she worked extensively in both the United States and Lebanon, gaining invaluable experience across various clinical populations. Her adaptability and multicultural competence have enabled her to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and empathetic therapeutic environment.

She is fluent in both Arabic and English, allowing her to effectively communicate and provide support to a broader range of patients. Her language proficiency enhances her ability to connect with people on a deeper level and ensures that language is not a barrier to receiving quality care.

Mr. Sayed currently leads the professional services team that supports Esri clients in the MEA region. Mr. Sayed has more than twenty-eight years of accomplished leadership in the field of Geographic Information Systems and Information Technology.

Mr. Sayed holds a Master of Business Administration in IT Management from the University of Wisconsin, USA, a certificate in GIS and IT from Information Technology Institute, Egypt, and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cairo University. He joined Esri in 2007 as a Technical Designer out of the Esri headquarter in Redlands, California. He moved to Dubai to help establish the Dubai office in 2010.

Mr. Sayed gained his deep experience from working in diverse roles through his career such as technical support, training, application development, consulting, project management, technical marketing, proposal writing and team management. Mr. Sayed believes in hands-on leadership and coaching based on his management skills and deep hands-on technical experience. Mr. Sayed is also an accomplished presenter and has spoken at Esri International and Regional User Conferences during the plenary presentation and demos.

Prior to joining Esri, Mr. Sayed worked as a GIS Programmer for GeoAnalytics Inc. in Wisconsin, USA, and was a GIS Consultant with Openware (Esri Distributor in Kuwait) for many projects. Mr. Sayed also led the consulting practice as a Technical Director at Esri Saudia Arabia from mid-2014 through the end of 2016. He rejoined Esri WAMEA in Dubai at the beginning of 2017.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sayed has worked on complex multidisciplinary projects for clients including New York State DOT, Southwest Florida Water Management District, City of Chicago, Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Digital Government, Smart Dubai Government, Royal Saudi Airforce, and Kuwait Municipality.

With a remarkable career spanning three decades, Mr. Husam Arabiat, Senior Advisor - GCC & Middle East, Biz2Credit and TDE Group, a UAE Based Oil & Gas Tech, is a distinguished banking executive who has created a substantial impact in the industry through strategic leadership roles in Citibank and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). He has held important roles across six diverse countries, including the USA, UAE, Canada, South Africa, Jordan, and Bahrain. In each role, he has consistently showcased exceptional prowess in business development, risk management, and regulatory compliance, propelling organizations to new heights of success.

Mr. Arabiat has held several global & regional senior roles including the CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank in USA where he orchestrated a comprehensive strategy to integrate core business lines, resulting in notable increases in operating profits and improved risk management practices. His pivotal tenure as the Managing Director of Market & Liquidity Risk at FAB ensured robust risk frameworks aligned with global standards. Notably, his role as Global Operational Risk Manager at Citibank showcased his adeptness at steering complex operational landscapes with strategic clarity. With an unwavering focus on growth, risk oversight, and digital transformation, he has championed strategic initiatives that have revolutionized banking norms.

As the CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank USA, he orchestrated a comprehensive strategy to integrate core business lines, resulting in notable increases in operating profits and improved risk management practices. Their contributions extended to their role as the Managing Director of Market & Liquidity Risk at FAB, where their meticulous oversight Rooted in academic excellence, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University College of Engineering in New Jersey. Fluent in both Arabic and English, he holds the distinguished honor of Canadian, Jordanian, and US citizenships, in addition to a coveted UAE Golden Visa. As a Senior Advisor to Biz2Credit and TDE Group, he is presently channelling his expertise into the realm of digital banking innovation.

With an impressive trajectory in the banking sector, Mr. Arabiat is a visionary leader who seeks to further his impactful journey by embracing challenges and opportunities. His innate ability to blend global perspectives with localized insights makes him an invaluable asset in steering institutions towards transformative change. As the industry continues to evolve, this banking luminary remains poised to leave an enduring legacy of innovation and growth.

Originally Croatian, educated in the Netherlands, Canada and the UK, Iva is a seasoned marketing and business development professional with almost 20 years of international experience with companies like Google and Hilton. She is a destination marketing and tourism development expert who has worked on many high profile campaigns for Emirates Airline, Dubai Tourism Board, Expo 2020 and Hilton. Passionate about all things travel, technology, hospitality, leadership and organizational culture. She has been living in the UAE for 9 years and her 2 children were born in Dubai. She is a graduate of London School of Economics and Harvard Business School Executive Education. 

Co-founder and Partner at Bond Properties, Joanna Truffaut provides high-impact real estate investment opportunities, both locally and globally.

24 years in strategy consulting and industry investments management, inclusive of 15 years in the GCC (primarily Riyadh and Dubai), Joanna has built strong relationships with CxOs, government officials, and private equity firms, and delivered consistent returns and value-added solutions.

Sample organizations Joanna has advised or worked for: Ministry of Finance (UAE), Ministry of Interior (KSA), Ministry of Communications (KSA), Road and Transport Authority (UAE), DU, NOKIA, STC Ventures, Iris Capital…

She is a former senior Director at EY - EMEIA where she led a team of 21 people on business transformation programs.

She holds a license in Economics, a MSc from Institute Polytechnique de Paris, as well as a MBA from Virginia Tech.

As Vice President at Medtronic (the largest medical device company globally), Khodor Mekkaoui is a senior leader across Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, & Russia. Since joining Medtronic, Khodor has successfully developed market strategies, implemented new business model innovations, and accelerated growth for existing and new businesses which support expansions of access to care throughout the regions.

Khodor has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare sector, mainly focused on medical technology where he has vast experience in both commercial and operational leadership.

Prior to joining Medtronic, Khodor led various successful healthcare entrepreneurial initiatives both in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon where he was the Founding Partner of Sanad Healthcare, Riyadh, a medical trading company operating in turnkey and healthcare services. He was the Founding Board Member of The Clinics, Riyadh; a specialty clinic which offered a wide range of medical services. In his earlier days he founded Efficient Medical Solutions, Beirut; a specialized company that traded new and refurbished diagnostic imaging equipment.

Khodor holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree for Electronic Engineering with Medical Electronics from the University of Kent, and a Master’s degree in biomedical & Medical Engineering from the Imperial College in London.

Maher Batrouny was born in Lebanon and graduated from the University of Manchester (UK) in 1992, with a Master of Engineering Degree in Engineering Manufacture and Management.

He started his career with Mars, Inc in the UK and has held various executive positions with the company in a career spanning Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing and General Management across many business units, regions, and product categories. Maher has lived and worked in more than 10 countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, Kazakhstan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, and South Africa.

Maher currently serves as Vice President of Business Development for Mars, based in Dubai. He is married and has three sons who are in high school and University.

Dr. Mahmood Hussain is the Founding Partner at Dr. Mahmood Hussain Advocates & Legal Consultancy LLC (MHLF) and has amassed over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors. As a litigator at Dubai Courts, Dr. Mahmood has achieved many favorable judgments in several high-profile cases. His niche practice of being an arguing Counsel before the Honorable Judges at UAE Courts, has set up a benchmark for effective representation involving complex legal issues.

The Legal 500 has mentioned Dr Mahmood as a Key lawyer or dispute resolution as well as a standout litigator.

Dr. Mahmood is a Part II registered practitioner at the DIFC Courts and has rights of audience before the DIFC courts. He has also led the corporate team of MHLF into dealing with DIFC corporate financial agreement and syndicate loans. He has been accredited as International Arbitrator to both DIAC and Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration Center and has acted in more than 50 International Arbitration proceedings under the ICC, LCIA, ADCCAC and DIAC rules.

A Client testimonial obtained from Whos Who Legal (WWL) stated that Dr. Mahmood has an “excellent understanding of multinational concerns and perfect explanation of local laws".

Manish Vakil is the founder of two companies committed to enhancing children's well-being and fostering innovation. He established Tumbles Kids Health and Wellness years ago focusing on promoting healthy habits and fitness among children. Furthermore, Manish founded Metamorphosis, a company specializing in Machine Learning and Computer Vision Data analysis to create a radiation free scanning solution for Scoliosis as a preventative measure.

Manish has over 20 years of experience of being an entrepreneur. Currently overseeing operations from the United States to the Middle East and now expanding into India, he has built a business with team members being completely remote throughout the world.

Outside of his work, he enjoys playing tennis, watching movies, traveling and is part of a few volunteer organizations that help foster entrepreneurship.

Mariam Farag is a powerhouse social entrepreneur, media specialist, humanitarian, and international keynote speaker dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. As the founder of Humanizing Brands, Mariam helps businesses and media develop global strategies and values for sustainable, diverse, and inclusive operations.

Part of her journey has led her to currently become the VP of Corporate Communication, Digital Media, and Brand Reputation at DAMAC Group, one of the leading property developers in the Middle East.

Mariam's impressive career spans various industries and sectors. She previously worked with MBC Group, one of the MENA region’s top media conglomerates, where she established impactful partnerships as the Founding Head of Brand Reputation, Communications, and Social Impact. She also headed a number of CSR initiatives, including a Ramadan program centred on changing attitudes towards refugees that generated an audience of 25 million. Her previous roles involved initiating partnerships and outreach programs that addressed the problems plaguing the youth and community.

She is also a humanitarian and has collaborated with global NGOs such as UNICEF and SOS Children’s Villages to initiate partnerships and outreach programs aimed at addressing problems facing youth and communities.

Mariam's work has been widely recognised, earning her the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year Award at the C3 Summit during the UN General Assembly in NYC.

She is a global citizen who has lived, worked, and studied in various countries, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a specialisation in International Relations, as well as a Master’s in International Relations and Political Theory.

Mariam's passion for media and technology for impact is contagious, and she is often invited to speak at regional and international media and forums, including TEDx. Her keynote speeches cover tech for good, women empowerment, community impact, and youth development. Mariam is a firm believer in humanity, positivity, and building genuine relationships for a sustainable, empowered future generation.

Matthew Nobles currently serves as the Director of Sustainability Accounting & Controllership at GE Vernova, where leads the development and implementation of a forward-leaning sustainability recording and reporting framework.  Matthew has been with GE for more than 16 years and has a proven leadership track record in Finance, Audit and Compliance, working on four continents and across multiple industries.

Seasoned Treasury, trade, project and export finance leader with over 20 years of experience holding various senior positions in multinationals corporations serving financial services industry. Profoundly recognized for the following core competencies:

• Analytical and problem solving skills with strategic thinking

• Ability to perform complex financial and business analysis

• Ability to work with minimal direction, including ensuring that all work aligns with divisional and corporate goals

• Strong organization, planning and time management skills; Strategic thinking

• Strong Leadership and people management skills

• Ability to multitask while remaining focused on the end goals

• Ability to prioritize and work effectively

• Excellent communication skills and strong team player

Meet Mazen Abou Chalbak, a dedicated professional with a mission to bring the right sports sponsorships and partnerships to life. Mazen's expertise spans a wide spectrum of professions having worked in advertising, financial services, and consulting.

With experience working with clients from different backgrounds and different industries, it makes it easier to foster deeper connections with all clients whether it is a brand, a celebrity athlete or even an organization.

Miguel Vega is the Vice President - Technology Software for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Oracle.

In this role, Miguel is responsible for supporting and growing Oracle’s vast software business in the MEA region and working closely with Oracle’s customers to help address their digital transformation challenges and enable easy transition to the cloud.

Miguel is also the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Technology business in the MEA region. In this role, Miguel is responsible for driving seamless integration and alignment across Oracle Cloud, Systems and Software businesses to help Oracle’s customers extract maximum value from their digital implementation and secure the best expertise from Oracle to continuously advance their journey to the cloud.

Miguel joins Oracle from IBM, where his most recent position was Vice President –Technology, Middle East, and Africa. Previously, Miguel served as Vice President – Systems for the MEA region at IBM.

Miguel’s expertise spans across cloud, infrastructure, data, and AI, and he has led several transformation journeys for clients and partners in the public and private sectors across the Middle East & Africa, the US, and Latin America.

A trusted technology advisor to clients and partners, a champion for growth initiatives, and a mentor to budding technologists, Miguel is known for his unique leadership style and approach. Miguel is passionate about diversity and inclusion and is a strong advocate for women in the technology field.

During his long career, Miguel has launched several initiatives that have inspired collaboration, skills development, and innovation across teams.

Miguel holds an Electrical Engineering degree from Universidad Simon Bolivar, Venezuela, as well as a Post Graduate degree in Business Management from the American Institute of Higher Business Management (IPADE), Mexico City.

Miguel enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and sports, and is a proud father of three.

Mungi Adlan stands out as a visionary real estate investment strategist and building solutions expert in Dubai and the US. With a robust 12-year journey marked by strategic growth and innovative market approaches, Mungi excels in propelling real estate investments and delivering exceptional building solutions to developers and contractors. His leadership as President at Transfortunes and Chief Growth Officer in Dubai showcases his adeptness in navigating the complex landscapes of high-stakes real estate markets.

Educated in Industrial Engineering and further polished by executive education at Harvard and Wharton, Mungi's strategic insight is unparalleled.

He brings a unique blend of technical expertise and market acumen, making him a trusted advisor in the real estate sector. Fluent in Arabic, English, and Turkish, he bridges diverse markets and cultures, crafting deals that stand the test of time and change.

Mungi's accolades, including the prestigious Climate Control Award, underscore his commitment to sustainability and innovation in building practices. His forward-thinking approach not only drives high growth opportunities but also ensures projects contribute positively to the urban fabric. Mungi Adlan continues to shape the future of real estate investments and building solutions, making him a beacon for investors and industry professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of the global real estate market.

Dr. Nazanin Hashemi graduated from Shahid Beheshti Dental School in Tehran-Iran in 1998. She received her certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and Master in Dental Science from the same university in 2007.

She has  completed multiple programs specializing in Conscious Sedation in Pediatric Dentistry from UBC Dental School in Vancouver-Canada.

Dr. Nazanin is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry( CAPD).

She has special interests in Prevention of Caries ,Early Childhood Caries, Interceptive Orthodontics , Conscious Sedation with Laughing Gas and Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia. 

Dr.Nazanin is also trained in offering Dental Care for Special Need and Medically Compromised Children , Dental Emergencies and Dental Trauma Management.

She believes that every child has the right to receive the best dental care in a comfortable and enjoyable environment.

NIKEEL IDNANI (CEng, CMarEng, FIMarEST, MBA) is a distinguished figure in the maritime industry, celebrated for his outstanding contributions to Marine Engineering. Graduating in 2000 from the Australian Maritime College with an Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering, Nikeel received the Royal Australian Navy Prize and IMarEST Prize, setting the stage for an impactful career.

With a decade of hands-on experience as a ship's engineer, Nikeel transitioned into key regional roles in sales, business development, and marketing for multinational corporations in Dubai. His unique blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen distinguishes him in the industry.

Complementing his maritime prowess, Nikeel pursued an MBA with a Marketing focus, showcasing his commitment to excellence. In 2012, he assumed the role of Honorary Secretary for the IMarEST UAE Branch, orchestrating over 90 conferences that keep the regional maritime community abreast of technical advancements.

His transformative leadership revitalized the UAE branch, earning him global recognition as the IMarEST Marine Ambassador. Nikeel's dedication to marine education was acknowledged in 2022 when he received the IMarEST Global Outstanding Contribution to Marine Education Award.

An active participant in international shipping forums and a guest columnist in leading publications, Nikeel remains at the forefront of industry dialogues. His analytical mindset, structured approach, and exceptional communication skills make him a driving force in surpassing objectives.

In the constantly evolving maritime landscape, Nikeel Idnani stands as a beacon of innovation and leadership, dedicated to steering the industry toward excellence and sustainability.

A global retail executive with over 20 years of industry experience, Rania Masri El Khatib is one of the most prominent players in the Middle Eastern retail industry.

Her innovative, experience-led accomplishments, which include the establishment of home-grown luxury concept store Level Shoes and the transformation of the Chalhoub Group at the helm of the COVID-19 pandemic, have played a vital role in directing the evolution of the region’s dynamic retail landscape.

Merging an afnity for forward-thinking consumer experiences with a passion for curating outstanding teams, Rania reached the top of the retail corporate ladder at 40, taking on the role of Chief Transformation Officer within the Middle East’s largest luxury retail group. Committed to simultaneously growing as a woman and as well as an executive, Rania intentionally stepped back from her career in 2021 to carve space for authentic innovation and inter-generational disruption that furthered the agenda of women in the workplace.

Having founded The RMK Collective in 2021, Rania continues to build transformative experiences for brands and organizations who are looking to shape the future. Merging progressive strategy with world-class execution, she resets industry parameters through a people-centric methodology that harnesses the synergistic power of The Collective to drive extraordinary results.

An advocate for the pursuit of fulfillment over traditional success, Rania uses her platforms to present a well- rounded approach to the facets of daily life. Collaborating with experts from around the world, Rania addresses pressing topics across the spheres of career development, retail innovation and industry transformation alongside wellbeing, motherhood, and spirituality to spur honest conversations that can support the empowerment of women in the Middle East, and beyond. An ICF certified Executive Coach, Rania leverages her passion for developing talent through personalized coaching frameworks which elevate the potential of individuals and organizations.

In her downtime, Rania enjoys spending quality time with her husband Anwar and daughters Aya and Lulwa, watching Netflix shows and engaging with the wider community both in-person and online. A self-proclaimed foodie, Rania is always in search of the latest food novelty; and she and Anwar can frequently be found sampling the hottest new cuisine in town.

Leveraging over 26 years of specialized expertise successfully directing large, complex water infrastructure projects from conception to completion. Possessing comprehensive competencies managing and executing multifaceted initiatives including water treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations, dams, reservoirs and sea outfalls. Demonstrating proven leadership assembling top-tier technical teams, overseeing collaborative stakeholder relationships, optimizing intricate planning processes, and implementing rigorous quality controls to ensure flawless, on-time delivery of major infrastructure projects.

Strategic, solutions-oriented General Manager leveraging over 5 years of proven expertise directing entire operations and driving organizational success at Sogreah Gulf, part of the ARTELIA Group.

Equipped with multidimensional competencies in goal-setting, critical decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, budget oversight, talent development, and sustainable growth planning.

Accomplished leader with a record of building high-performance cultures focused on maximizing productivity, expanding market share, and meeting ambitious targets.

Born in Casablanca, in Morocco

Origins from Fez, very impacted by the north of Morocco / from my mom origins

HR Director North Africa with AbbVie
(Top 4 Pharmaceutical company in the World)
Joined the company 3 years ago, and relocated in Dubai 6 months ago
18 years of experience in Human Resources

Mom of 2 Boys (15yrs, 7yrs), Foot at home all the time ☺  

Love Travelling (+25 countries)

As a seasoned professional with over 15 years in the luxury hospitality industry, I've had the privilege of shaping my career in some of the world's most prestigious establishments, including the Waldorf Astoria Resort in Dubai. My dedication to the art of the sommelier was recognized when I was honored as 'Sommelier of the Year 2013,' a milestone that reflects my passion for fine wine. Beyond wine, I am also a skilled Barista educator, bringing a comprehensive understanding of coffee culture and techniques to my repertoire.

In my current role at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, I have excelled as an instructor and trainer since September 2017, specializing in Food and Beverage courses and language electives. My expertise extends to integrating 'Wine and Spirit Education Trust' (WSET) courses and barista training programs into the academy's training portfolio, reflecting my ongoing dedication to comprehensive beverage education. Additionally, my background in restaurant operations and a commitment to service excellence have been instrumental in developing bespoke training programs for high-end clients like Cartier and Rolex.

My diverse skills in training, coupled with my expertise in food, beverage, coffee education, and restaurant management, make me an invaluable asset in shaping the future leaders of the hospitality industry.

The Co-Founder and previous CEO of SewSewYou, a ground breaking company focused on providing influencers and celebrities the opportunity to collaborate and create their very own sustainable clothing brands.  As the tech-savvy fashionista who is the driving force behind the firm, she and her team are delivering an on-demand manufacturing, marketing and distribution solution that produces superior products and eliminates fashion waste. 

SewSewYou is an e-design and sales platform that influencers, celebrities and micro-brands can access to instantly create fantastic collections that are immediately ready to go to market.  When sales are made, their manufacturing system cuts and sews to-order thus eliminating costly inventory build-ups and enabling SewSewYou’s influencer-partners to generate highly attractive sales margins.  Combining a love of all things apparel and technology, Sarah and her team are committed to solving the environmental issues facing the industry and generating innovative solutions to make on-demand production and sales a market reality.   

Before SewSewYou, Sarah founded and spent five years running Isabella Wren a ground-breaking customized clothing company that utilized the latest in 3D and automated pattern making systems.  Combining her signature clothing range with state-of-the-art technology the e-commerce platform delivered unique and beautifully tailored clothing for women with a click of a button. The fun-loving and energetic business woman started her career in finance working her way up from a work placement at a leading stockbroker in London to managing a highly successful financial services team in Singapore. In total she spent eighteen years at some of the biggest banks in the world. She has leveraged her experience in finance, technology and apparel to pursue her vision to deliver a more sustainable future for the fashion world.

Seif has had the opportunity to support companies develop their strategies and travel the world working as a management consultant for The Boston Consulting Group.

After studying for his MBA in Europe he joined BCG in Italy, UK and then moved to Dubai to open their first Middle East office. As part of his job he supported several clients (companies) in the GCC. He works on a project basis (short duration with a team of 4 to 6 other consultants) - meaning he spends between 3-6 months to work full-time to advise one company solve their most challenging (and interesting) business challenges. This provided Seif with the opportunity to work on various types of projects including improving customer experience for a retail bank, restructuring the organization of a government entity and setting up a new University.

After working for The Boston Consulting Group for 5 years, Seif decided to join an Investment Bank on a full-time basis in Toronto, Canada. Currently Seif is back in Dubai and is exploring setting up an investment fund.

Soykan Demir is an International Banker with more than 20 years of experience in leading teams from diverse backgrounds and cultures in Middle East in leadership business and risk roles connected to Wholesale Banking, International Trade and Internal Audit functions. Soykan has worked for Turkey Is Bank, Raymond James Investment, QNB Finansbank and for 16 years in HSBC in Turkey, Kuwait and the UAE.  Since 2022, he is currently working for Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) in Abu Dhabi as the Head of Wholesale Banking Business Management. Soykan holds an MBA degree as well as numerous international certifications including Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) and is an ICA accredited trainer in Anti Money Laundering and Sanction Compliance.

Students will learn about the importance of a broad educational foundation, skill utilization, the bonus and challenges of changing careers and starting up a small business. Students will have the opportunity for a question and answer period and any time left over will be spent discussing vintage clothing characteristics and profit margins.

Yasmein serves as Chief Financial Officer at HSA Yemen. She has more than 19 years of experience in finance, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer for Emerging Markets at Procter & Gamble and holding a number of senior roles across Egypt, Switzerland and the UAE for 13 years. Prior to joining HSA Yemen in 2019, Yasmein worked at a number of multinational organisations across the EMEA region including as Regional Biscuits Category Finance Director, EMEA, at Mondelez.

HR professional with +25 years of diversified experience in IT, FMCG, Energy, Contracting, Industrial & Manufacturing across Middle East and Africa, links strategies & Plans with actual delivery, with specific ability to Design, Orchestrate, Motivate & Deliver Comprehensive Change Management & deployment of HR Transformation Models across the Middle East and Africa. Hands-on experience covers all areas of Human Resource domain from Talent Management, Recruitment, and Reward MGT & Leadership Development to HRIS, Labor Relations, Manpower Planning, Organizational Development, and Graduated from Cairo University in 1994, earning a B.Sc. in Economics and Political sciences, Overall Experience of more than 19 years in human resources profession. In my current role, I am leading HR organization for Middle East, India and Africa region with MAN Energy Solutions , leading this transformation stage in my company journey where more emphasis on decentralization and regional organization, prior to this role I was working with General Electric as HR Director for Africa, I joined the company in 2007 as Regional Compensation and Benefits Manager for Middle East and Africa and HR Director of Egypt. I subsequently held different roles; In 2009 I got promoted to HR Director of Africa. In 2013, I have been nominated to lead HR transformation project across Middle east, Turkey and Africa region. In 2014, I have been nominated to lead HR integration of GRID business with General Electric. My experience gained form different multinational organizations. I started my career with ICL – Fujitsu, in 2001 I joined Maghrabi – Saudi Arabia then Hero , Egypt as HR Manager till 2005 after that I joined Coca Cola Egypt as Human Resources Manager. I completed my master degree in business administration major in strategic management and human resources development from Germany University in Cairo. Also human resources certificate from American university in Cairo, I am certified assessor from Hogan for using HPI, HDS and MVPI assessment tools also from SHL levels A, B.