H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei has been announced as Minister of State for Entrepreneurship during the new UAE cabinet formation in July 2024. H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei is a highly accomplished entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning entrepreneurship, the private and government sectors. H.E. Al Mazrouei has held a several high-level positions in leading government institutions. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, she was responsible for overseeing the organization’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized businesses in the UAE. She also served as an Advisor to the Chairman at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and the Director General of the Human Resources Authority (HRA) in Abu Dhabi. Prior to that, she was the Director General of the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG). Prior to joining the Government, she was Group Chief Operating Officer of Mazrui International LLC, established by her family 50 years ago and which today is an Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate with a highly diversified business portfolio. In 2013 she was awarded the Arab Women’s Award for Entrepreneurship and in 2014 was voted the twenty sixth most powerful Arab woman in the Forbes Middle East list of the world’s 200 most powerful Arab women. In 2017, she was included in the Forbes list of the world’s 100 most powerful Arab business women. HE AlMazrouei is highly respected for her business acumen, creativity, and her flair for mentoring and nurturing new Emirati talent. H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei received her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Management Information Systems from the United Arab Emirates University in 2001. After completing her undergraduate studies, she went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Global Leadership at the same institution, which she received in 2005. Throughout her academic career, Al Mazrouei has demonstrated a strong commitment to her studies and a passion for leadership and management.

Blake Beltram is the founder of MindBody, the global leader in wellness business management software that transformed the fitness and wellness industry. Among other innovations, he pioneered the concept of booking wellness services online. Blake is an author, mentor, podcaster, and zero-to-one startup creative. Skilled at blending big-picture vision with pragmatic execution, his work reflects a commitment to the Human Experience. His entrepreneurial memoir (editing phase) shares lessons from his roller-coaster journey as a Fit-Tech pioneer, and he has met with and inspired countless entrepreneurs. Having recently launched his daughter into college as a single father, Blake is now exploring opportunities to commit this next chapter to a meaningful pursuit.

Dany Farha is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of BECO Capital, one of the first and largest non-governmental VC firms, currently managing $495M in AUM. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial and investment experience, Dany founded and exited ventures like Bayt.com, Butlers, and Intercat. Since establishing BECO in 2012, he has led investments in some of the region’s biggest success stories, including three unicorns: Careem, Property Finder, and Kitopi.

Elie Khouri is a seasoned marketing expert, businessman, and investor. In 2017, he founded Vivium, a single-family-oBice managing a curated portfolio of investments in real estate, design, ventures, and collectibles. By forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Sotheby’s International Realty, Elie has expanded Vivium’s influence across the UAE, KSA, UK, and Spain. Prior to that, Elie had a 30+ year career in marketing and still serves as Chairman of Omnicom Media Group MENA, part of the global marketing communications company Omnicom Group. A recognized and influential leader, Elie is frequently sought after for his industry and investing insights. His contributions have earned him multiple recognitions, including being featured among the most influential leaders in the region. Under his leadership, Omnicom Media Group MENA was consistently recognized as one of the top employers in the UAE. Elie is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship and startups. As a core judge on Shark Tank Dubai, he is passionate about mentoring founders and helping them scale their businesses. Beyond his business endeavors, Elie is a renowned collector and patron of the arts. He currently sits on the board and investment committees of globally recognized museums, contributing to various initiatives that advance art and culture. He is also celebrated in ARTNEWS’ top 200 collectors.

Michael Lints has 20+ years of experience as an operator and investor. He is a partner at Golden Gate Ventures and leads the firm’s first venture capital fund in the MENA region, focusing on investing in early-stage startups in the Middle East and connecting Southeast Asia to the region. Previously, Michael co-founded an IT-managed services startup, was a vice-chairman of the Economic Development Board Rotterdam, and was chairman of the Young Economic Development Board. Michael is co-director of the award-winning social impact documentary Broken Chains. Michael collaborates with world-renowned players in the sports entertainment industry, bridging sports and venture capital.

Office of the CEO, President of International at Groq, Inc. Senior advisor to Blackstone and Siguler Guff ($20 Bil AUM) Operating partner at Kestrel Partners in London ( https://kestrelpartners.com/ ) Previously roles include: Founder and Managing Partner of Seif Capital, Chairman of Astrea Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: ASAX). Board member or a Sr. advisor to: X-Energy, Axiom Space, Vcinity, Edgecloud Link (ECL), Ethernovia Founder and CEO of Stanford Business Systems (SBS – acquired by Accenture), Emerging Markets division leader at Cisco Co-founder of CNTP, a global, multi-stage, technology investment firm with $300 mil AUM Board Member of Global Capacity Mr. Moazami holds a Masters of Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and Bachelors of Science in Engineering Sciences and a Minor in Economics from University of California, San Diego.

James Wang is the General Manager of UAE at Alibaba Cloud. James leads the regional sales, marketing, solution and operations for one of the world’s largest cloud computing platforms. With over 15 years’ experience in the IT industry and 7 years with Alibaba Cloud, James have developed and executed key accounts and channel strategies, built strong partnerships with technology and service providers, and helped many companies across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Middle East to transform their businesses through the power of AI and Cloud Computing.

Dr. Aseel Addawood is the Head ofAI in Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Oracle. She is an experienced data scientist with a remarkable track record in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence/machine learning. She has made valuable contributions to research, training, coaching, and mentoring. She has also established many tech startups and is an advocate for women entrepreneurs. Aseel has a Doctorate in Informatics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Master’s degree in Engineering from Cornell University in the USA. She was an Assistant Professor before joining the public sector.

Amal Dokhan is a Managing Partner at 500 Global, a seasoned professional with experience in startup investments, corporate innovation, and consulting in the MENA region. Previous to joining 500 Global, Ms. Dokhan was the Managing Director of Babson Global for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Previously, she was the Manager of Learning and Design at the Entrepreneurship Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology where she led the New Ventures Acceleration and Corporate Innovation programs. Prior to that engagement she worked in the KAUST Seed Fund developing marketing and events, while also providing a range of services to startup clients. Ms. Dokhan sits on the board of several organizations such as Wayakit Company, Cranfield University UK, King Abdulaziz University. She contributes to a monthly column at Leaders Magazine on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and has been a speaker at Davos World Economic Forum, TEDx at Kaust, the Annual Conference of the Islamic Development Bank, among others. Ms. Dokhan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, English Language & Literature from the King AbdulAziz University, and a Masters of Strategic Marketing and Marketing Management from the University of Wollongong.

Fadi Ghandour is the Executive Chairman of Wamda Group, a platform that invests, nurtures and builds entrepreneurship eco-systems across the Middle East and North Africa. Fadi was also the co-founder of Aramex, one of the leading global logistics companies based in Dubai. Fadi spent the first 30 years of his work life as CEO of Aramex, building the company, to become one of the leading emerging market logistics companies, and making it the first company from the Arab world to be listed on Nasdaq. Passionate about impact and social entrepreneurship, Fadi founded and chairs Ruwwad for Development, a private-sector led community engagement platform that helps marginalized communities, across several countries in the MENA region, overcome marginalization through activism, civic engagement, education and financial inclusion.

Loulou is a tech entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host with 20 years of work experience spanning GCC markets. Loulou is currently the Managing Partner of Spade Ventures, a 200+ investor syndicate investing > $2Mn in early-stage ventures in MENAP, the producer and host of Conversations with Loulou, the top 10 Business & Entrepreneurship podcast across key MENA markets. Previously Loulou founded Nabbesh.com, the MENA region’s first and largest online marketplace connecting businesses with 100,000+ freelancers (now Ureed.com). Loulou is speaker at regional and international conferences, holds a BA from Bournemouth University, is a CFA Level 2 candidate and has completed an Entrepreneurship program at The Harvard Kennedy School.

Shadi Karra is a Senior Investment Associate at Antler. Prior to joining Antler, his experience spanned strategy and business operations within both the public and private sectors. Shadi began his career at the United Nations Development Programme and the San Francisco Mayor’s Office. He later transitioned to the startup ecosystem, overseeing business operations and strategy at a health tech startup, followed by a role as a strategic client partner at a leading media company. Shadi studied Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

A seasoned expert in Flight Operations and Regulatory Affairs, licensed aircraft dispatcher by the Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) with extensive experience across multinational organizations. His expertise drives the advancement of a key players in the Saudi and global aviation markets

Hammam Attar is a venture builder and strategic leader, currently Venture Building Principal at BIM Ventures. He specializes in launching and scaling startups, with expertise in business modeling, investment structuring, and strategic growth. Previously, he held leadership roles at the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority and Accenture, focusing on strategic planning and financial analysis. Hammam holds a BSc in Accounting from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals and is a Certified Strategy and Business Planning Professional. Passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, he is committed to building and accelerating high-impact ventures.

Founder & Managing Partner of BIM Ventures, the leading Saudi Venture Studio. Passionate about building innovative, exciting and financially sustainable ventures.

Ahmad Ramahi is a serial entrepreneur and fintech innovator, dedicated to empowering gig workers through financial inclusion and mobility solutions. As the Founder & CEO of Thrivve, he has transformed the company into one of the region’s leading fintech-driven platforms for the gig economy, helping thousands of workers access instant payouts, vehicle financing, and earnings visibility. With over 14 years of experience in entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and operations, Ahmad’s journey began at Careem, where he gained deep insights into the mobility and gig economy landscape. Prior to Thrivve, he founded WeDeliver, a successful logistics-tech startup, before pivoting to fintech to tackle the financial challenges gig workers face globally. Under his leadership, Thrivve has secured multi-million-dollar funding, forged strategic partnerships with Uber, Amazon, and Hungerstation, and is scaling across Saudi Arabia and the region. Ahmad holds a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering and has been recognized for his entrepreneurial impact by the Davos World Economic Forum. His passion for financial inclusion, technology, and empowering underserved communities drives Thrivve’s mission to redefine financial access for gig workers at scale.

Aya is a seasoned broadcasting host and media and marketing strategist who’s been in media for over 9 years. She’s worked on projects globally, with industry giants like Samsung and even Disney. She’s spent the last 5 years delving into Crypto, and the last year or 2 in its Web3-Tech Marketing & PR space. Recognizing the need for bold campaigns, she’s founded Azintafy, which dials in on guerrilla Web3 Marketing & PR tactics on top of usual Mar-PR case studies. She’s also a rising voice in the online blockchain community, building her diverse KOL profile across top platforms. Known to work both “in front and behind the camera”, Aya is always at the forefront of digital transformation-either building stellar campaigns behind the scenes or sharing insights front and center to audiences beyond.

Sara Asad has been a regional catalyst in the tech and startup ecosystem throughout her career. She was part of the investments team at Novo Capital, a global institutional fund systematically investing in emerging technology markets and world class leaders like Uber, Airbnb, and Tabby . Prior to this,, Sara was the Growth Manager at Tamatem Games, MENA’s leading mobile games publisher, where she worked on building their payments infrastructure and lead strategic partnerships. Before Tamatem, she spent four years at Endeavor as the Entrepreneur Selection and Growth Manager identifying and scaling high impact entrepreneurs in global emerging markets and served on the Global Endeavor Council representing the Middle East. Sara was awarded her MBA from IE University, Spain in 2022 and completed her BA in International Business and Relations from University of Surrey, United Kingdom in 2017.

Jad Abou Mitri is a dynamic media and advertising professional with extensive experience in sales, business development, and strategic growth across the GCC. As Shahid Growth Senior Manager at MBC Media Solutions (MMS), he leads advertising initiatives for Shahid in the UAE and GCC while also spearheading Samsung CTV ads across MENA. He works closely with top media agencies, business owners, and direct clients, driving impactful campaigns and maximizing revenue. Previously, at DMS (Choueiri Group), Jad managed direct sales and boutique agency relationships, unlocking new business opportunities and significantly expanding client portfolios. His strong industry connections, negotiation skills, and expertise in data-driven advertising solutions have been key to delivering high-value deals and impactful media strategies.

Vinit Mehta is a leading voice in AdTech, Streaming, and the Attention economy, with 22+ years of leadership experience scaling B2B SaaS, media tech, and e-commerce businesses across the US, India, and the Middle East. He is on the board of Adsolut Media, Asia’s fastest-growing video ad network after YouTube, where he is spearheading global expansion by partnering with CTV OEMs, FAST channels, OTT platforms, Streamers, and content owners to optimize video ad monetization across live and VOD content. As Managing Editor at Streaming in India/The Streaming Lab, the market-leading research and insights platform for streaming, he drives thought leadership on the future of digital video and ad-supported monetization models. Viniit is also Founder & CEO of Mehtta Ventures Dubai, a strategic investment advisory focused on the attention economy, backing AdTech, streaming, and gaming startups. Previously, he led Brightcove and Endeavor Streaming’s subcontinent operations, helping publishers, broadcasters, and OTT platforms scale direct-to-consumer streaming, monetization, and distribution. A 2X startup entrepreneur turned investor, Viniit has built and scaled multi-million-dollar businesses, launched ad-driven video platforms like TABBIE and KIVI, and remains an active angel investor in related fields.

I am a digital marketing professional based in Dubai with experience in both Canada and the UAE. Currently, I work at Bayut, where I oversee marketing initiatives for the Saudi market, focusing on performance marketing and strategic growth.

Mohammed Jaradat, Jaguar Land Rover Marketing Communications and Digital Lead. Been serving the luxury brand for the past 10 years, before which, had the opportunity to serve other local and international brands all focused media and digital marketing.

Eddy is currently executive director at e& capital overseeing technology investments with a special focus on AI. Previously, he was at Google where he drove early client adoption of ML-powered marketing tooling. He also held data & analytics leadership roles across multiple startups. At Markavip he set up one of the earliest data science teams for retail and Ecommerce in MENA, and at Zand bank where he severed as Chief Data and Analytics Officer. Eddy is a computer and networking engineer with a focus on high performance computing.

I assist my partners and clients in transforming their organisations by designing and implementing startup and innovation programs that bring stakeholders from across the value chain together to solve environmental, social, and business challenges. Since 2010, I have been designing, planning, and executing innovation and entrepreneurship programs for universities, foundations, and banks, including the University of Arts London, Emirates Foundation, Impact Hub, Abu Dhabi Arts and Music Foundation, Commercial Bank of Dubai, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. In 2023, I founded Fluid Labs, which helps organisations achieve their innovation goals through tailor-made pop-up innovation labs. I utilize a human-centric approach, facilitation training, and communication skills to simplify complex technology and business concepts and communicate them to stakeholders in a way that delivers actionable results. I am passionate about unlocking creativity, promoting sustainable travel and tourism, and building strategic partnerships that drive the future of business forward.

Rasha Manna is the General Manager of Flat6Labs Amman, an early-stage venture fund and seed program manager. Rasha started her career in audit with Arthur Andersen. She then joined Hikma Pharma as part of the Initial Public Offering team that was responsible for the company’s listing on the London Stock Exchange. Following the IPO, her career shifted to investment banking, founding and heading the Equity Research department at Amwal Invest and then at JordInvest. Rasha then transitioned to the start-up world in the capacity of Managing Director of Endeavor Jordan. She then took on the role of Chief Growth Officer at Luminus Education, a fast growing social enterprise working to address the societal challenge of youth unemployment through Vocational and Technical schools of excellence, and through fostering entrepreneurship via incubation and acceleration programs. Most recently Rasha was mandated by the UNDP in Jordan to design, implement and engage public and private sector in the SDG Impact initiative which looks to drive capital flows towards SDG aligned investment opportunities. Rasha Manna completed her undergraduate degree at the London School of Economics and her Executive MBA at the American University of Beirut, is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and an alumnus of the Thnk School of Creative Leadership

Zeena Zalamea is a broadcaster and producer for radio, TV and global events. She runs communication workshops under her programme Soundbite, and is the co-founder of podcast production company Portal Productions.

Mohammad Alblooshi is the Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub and an advocate for fostering innovation within the Dubai start-up ecosystem. He has been a driver in building DIFC’s reputation as a FinTech hub across the UK, USA, Singapore and India. He has worked heavily on aligning needs of the start-up ecosystem in the region by introducing a series of subsidised licensing schemes and an integrated offering for FinTech firms in DIFC. Mohammad also spearheads the Dubai FinTech Summit, Dubai AI & Web3 Festival and the Future Sustainability Forum.

As Chief Development Officer at Fetch.ai and President of the Fetch.ai Innovation Lab, Sana drives the company’s strategic vision and fosters groundbreaking advancements in decentralized AI solutions. She bridges technology, entrepreneurship, and academia, ensuring Fetch.ai remains at the forefront of innovation. A passionate advocate for empowering young talent, Sana established the Fetch.ai Innovation Lab—a flagship hub for research, development, and entrepreneurial growth. Under her leadership, the lab has become a global force, supporting startups. In her role, Sana oversees Fetch.ai’s development strategy while also leading the Innovation Lab’s mission to incubate next-generation AI solutions. Her efforts have empowered a new wave of tech startups, driving multi-stakeholder AI collaborations across diverse industries. Sana’s holistic approach as a strategist, mentor, and facilitator has been instrumental in advancing Fetch.ai’s vision and creating impactful partnerships. Before joining Fetch.ai, Sana held senior leadership roles in the rail industry, where she successfully launched groundbreaking products that redefined asset management. With over 15 years of experience in product management, development, and operations, her expertise spans product strategy, agile methodologies, operational optimization, customer engagement, and organizational leadership.

Jordan is a corporate/M&A lawyer in the UAE at Linklaters, a global law firm. He advises international and regional clients, including sovereign wealth funds, government-related entities and financial sponsors, on their strategic investments in the Middle East, whether by means of public and private M&A, joint ventures, or equity raisings. He has extensive corporate law experience across a wide range of industries such as energy, infrastructure, technology, real estate, consumer goods, and financial services. His recent highlights include advising e& on its US$400 million investment in Careem’s super app, advising Brookfield on its US$2 billion preferred equity investment in GEMS Education, advising a consortium on the £2.2 billion recommended cash offer for Network International, and advising Hassana on its SAR 731 million acquisition of an interest in RAWEC from ACWA Power. He holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Hartford and a Juris Doctor from the University of Sydney.

Lenah Hassaballah is a broadcast and digital journalist and presenter who has been covering regional politics for the past 14 years, with media networks like Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya for their TV channels. She studied broadcast and digital journalism in Syracuse, New York and soon after graduating, started my career covering the Arab Spring in Egypt with Al Jazeera in 2011. She has focused on covering regional politics with a human interest angle ever since. In 2022, she joined CNN Business Arabic as a news editor and presenter in Dubai, leading a team of reporters in the region covering business news. More recently, she covered the G20 in Rio de Janeiro where she met with President Erdogan, and before that she interviewed Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid in Baghdad.

Niall is the founder and CEO of Elevision Media, a leading Digital-Out-of-Home media company with operations in the UAE and the UK. Under his leadership, Elevision has built a robust network of digital screens across premium properties, partnering with major developers like DIFC, Emaar, Nakheel, and Dubai Holding. With a focus on innovation & technology, Elevision has pioneered programmatic advertising, audience measurement, and advanced resident communication tools in the DOOH space. Beyond Elevision, Niall is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in media, technology, and property partnerships. He is currently spearheading Elevision’s international expansion, with a strategic push into the London market At step, Niall brings his insights on the evolution of DOOH, the role of smart cities in media, and the intersection of data, advertising, and audience engagement.

Harsh Didwania is the Head of Strategy at McFill Media Group, overseeing its three key publications: Finance World Magazine, The Technology Express Magazine, and Magzoid Magazine. These publications provide valuable insights into finance, technology, and creative industries, reaching a diverse audience. In addition to his media expertise, Harsh has demonstrated his thought leadership by moderating high-profile panel discussions on a range of topics, including Web3, Finance, Real Estate, and more. His ability to facilitate engaging discussions and provide valuable insights has earned him recognition in industry circles. With a strong background in both media and technology, Harsh Didwania continues to shape the conversation around emerging trends, offering his expertise to businesses and thought leaders worldwide.

Polly Dhaliwal is the Chief Operating Officer at Enterprise Nation, a leading platform supporting small businesses to start, grow, and scale. With a reach of over 1 million small businesses annually, Polly plays a key role in building strategic partnerships, developing scalable solutions, and driving innovation to empower entrepreneurs globally. With expertise in product, operations, and people, Polly has worked across startups, scaling ventures, and corporate ecosystems, helping businesses navigate growth and operational challenges. She is also a passionate advocate for female entrepreneurship, diversity in tech and access to education globally, regularly speaking at global events on leadership, innovation, and startup ecosystems.

Sebastian is responsible for Strategy including Business Planning and New Initiatives at Emirates NBD for Business Banking. Prior to ENBD he was working for 10 years within Consulting across UK, USA, Europe and the Middle East.

Alina is the Founding Partner of Utopia Capital Management (UTOPIA), a platform of VC funds and Venture Studios across Africa, Southeast Asia and soon-to-be-launched – the Middle East. Alina is also the co-founder of 54 Collective (formerly Founders Factory Africa), a pan-African venture studio and VC fund operating across the continent with a team of over 70, where she has invested in over 100 early-stage ventures and raised more than US$140 million from diverse LPs.

Gerold Ortlepp is a Manager in Dubai. He is a member of BCG Tech Advisory & Delivery, and a core member of BCG Platinion Delivery Excellence Team (in FI). He has more than 14 years of professional experience in the Financial Institutions sector, focusing on Europe and the Middle East.

+15 years across Snap Inc., LVMH, L’Oréal, entrepreneurial and startup roles in the Middle East & North Africa, Europe and East Asia. Mohammed is a results-driven at the intersection of consumer insights, strategy, and innovation. He specializes in product innovation, disruptive technologies, and growth acceleration with a focus on driving new revenue streams and elevating brands’ positioning.

With over 17 years of experience in MENA, I’ve had the opportunity to lead digital transformation in various industries including destination marketing, tourism, telco, automotive, FMCG, retail, and governmental entities. This experience has honed my skills in strategic planning, performance marketing, data analytics, and consumer insights. I have led on the commercial transformation of Shahid and other digital assets that successfully delivered significant business and people growth. Beyond commercial strategy, I am intrigued by the psychology of people, which led me to pursue life coaching certificates. This additional experience has deepened my ability to lead with empathy, resulting in transformative results within my team.

Rami Saad is a seasoned ecosystem builder with over 20 years of experience across global and regional digital media and advertising industries. He is currently the Co-Founder & CBO of Halo AI, an advanced networking platform powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) designed to connect brands with micro-influencers seamlessly. A former Director of Product and Revenue Partnerships at Snap, Rami led global content expansion efforts, bringing localized content, including Arabic language programming, to Snapchat users worldwide. His expertise in crafting Go-To-Market strategies and navigating local nuances has driven significant engagement and ad revenue growth across diverse markets in MENA, Europe, and Asia. Previously, as the leader of DMS (Choueiri Group), Rami revitalized its value proposition, introduced cutting-edge ad tech, and increased ad spend by 60% for platforms like MBC’s Shahid and Anghami. Earlier in his career, as Managing Director Digital at Publicis Media, Rami established MENA’s first digital media agency in 2006. He built capability teams across performance marketing, content, and data analytics while managing top-tier clients like P&G, Emirates, Adidas, and Richemont Group. Rami is passionate about storytelling and its value in connecting ecosystems. Outside of work, he enjoys running, surfing, meditating, and continuous learning.

Amine Mansour is a seasoned Analytics and AI leader with over 12 years of experience transforming organizations through data-driven strategies. Currently heading Analytics and Data Science at Alshaya Group, his expertise spans luxury and retail sectors, where he has deployed innovative models, customer analytics, and omnichannel strategies. A passionate advocate for AI and Data Science’s transformative potential, he holds a Master’s degree in Communication Systems Engineering from EPFL and has led influential roles at Richemont and Cartier.

Dr. Shadab Khan is a Healthcare AI researcher at ADIA Lab, and a Founding Advisor at Ruya since late 2024. Previously, he was the SVP of AI at M42, where he led a team of scientists and engineers to solve problems in Healthcare AI. His teams have developed Generative AI solutions such as Med42, a leading open-access LLM for clinical text, as well as solutions for real-world evidence (RWE). Before joining M42, he was a Healthcare AI researcher at Inception (G42) in UAE. At Inception, Dr. Khan was a founding faculty member at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of AI (MBZUAI). Prior to moving to UAE, Dr. Khan was a Fellow in Radiology at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital. He holds a PhD from Dartmouth College, where he was a recipient of the highly selective William H. Neukom 1964 Fellowship in Computational Sciences for his research in building medical devices and medical data analysis tools, and a Master’s in Public Health from Harvard University.

VC of Blitzscaling AI Fund, Speaker, Event Host in Silicon Valley

Shay Gaafar is the founder and CEO of TwentyToo, an AI startup transforming GCC e-commerce and retail by enabling businesses to quickly identify market trends and optimize profitability. Leveraging market product data and AI tools, TwentyToo helps clients understand product popularity, track sales velocity, and adjust pricing based on competitor actions. Shay’s unique expertise blends technology and e-commerce, evident from her previous ventures in fashion and e-commerce markets and her experience as a technology leader at IBM and PepsiCo. She holds degrees in Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, Data & Analytics, and Fashion Styling from prestigious institutions, including Babson College, New York University, and the Fashion Institute of Technology.

نايلة تويني التحصيل العلمي: • 2009: شهادة ماجستير في التفاوض والاستراتيجيا، كلية جان مونيه، جامعة Paris XI • 2007: شهادة ماجستير في الإعلام والتواصل، الجامعة اللبنانية، بيروت، لبنان • 2005: إجازة في الصحافة، الجامعة اللبنانية، بيروت، لبنان • 2000: شهادة البكالوريا القسم الثاني، مدرسة سيدة الناصرة، بيروت، لبنان • مرحلة التعليم الابتدائي، Saint Honoré d’Eylan et les Moineaux، باريس، فرنسا الخبرة المهنية • حالياً إدارة المنصّات الرقمية لشركة “”النهار ميديا””، والتي تشمل الموقع الإلكتروني، وقنوات مختلفة عبر مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، والـ””ويب تي في””. وفي هذا الإطار إطلاق العديد من المشاريع والخدمات: إطلاق خدمة النهار بريميوم في عام 2017 إطلاق خدمة “”النشر المباشر”” Publish Live في عام 2016 لغرفة أخبار عصرية ومتطورة، ما يؤّمن عائداً أسرع وأفضل وأعلى على الاستثمار إطلاق خدمة الأخبار عبر الواتساب، 2015 إطلاق “”النهار تي في”” (Annahar TV) للفيديوهات بناءً على الطلب (VOD) في عام 2014 تصميم جديد للموقع الإلكتروني، 2013 نشر الأرشيف إلكترونياً بدءاً من أعداد “”النهار”” الصادرة في عام 1982 إطلاق نسخة “”النهار”” الرقمية المستقلة الجديدة، 2012 • رئيسة مجلس الإدارة ورئيسة تحرير صحيفة “”النهار”” (منذ أيلول/سبتمبر 2011): إطلاق تصميم جديد وتطبيق خاص بجهاز الآيباد، 2011

An entrepreneur focused on building one of the world’s largest climate models in AI, Jay Sadiq is the founder of FortyGuard, where he has developed advanced solutions to combat urban heat, enhance sustainability, and integrate temperature features into global applications. Born in Abu Dhabi, Jay is a 3-time founder with a long track record of founding and funding tech startups. An international award-winning entrepreneur, he is part of AI and Climate Advisory Boards for some of the world’s largest foundations. Jay is known for his collaborations with NVIDIA, Google, Microsoft, and other leading global companies, driving innovative climate-tech solutions that push the boundaries of AI-driven sustainability and urban resilience.

Sura Fitiani is a Pipeline Development Officer at Intersect, where she focuses on supporting early-stage startups during the ideation phase. With a strong commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, Sura has been instrumental in providing early-stage startups with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in Palestine’s evolving tech ecosystem. Her work encompasses capacity-building initiatives, mentorship programs, and strategic partnerships, all aimed at fostering innovative, tech-focused, and tech-enabled solutions. Driven by her passion for connecting Palestinian entrepreneurs to regional and international opportunities, Sura is dedicated to showcasing their resilience and achievements on a global stage. She actively collaborates with ecosystem stakeholders to bridge the gap between Palestinian talent and global markets, providing access to critical resources, training, and business opportunities that empower the next generation of innovators.

Suraya Turk is the Managing Partner of Legal Circle, a forward-thinking UAE-based law firm providing Startups, SMEs, multinationals and government entities with optimal legal and commercial solutions. Legal Circle has positioned itself as a leading legal firm in the technology sphere, providing expert advice to diverse clients navigating this ever-changing regulatory landscape. Suraya has held the role of Managing Director with both international and local law firms in the UAE, and prior to that enjoyed a highly successful career as a qualified lawyer in Australia. This background provides her with a wealth of experience advising clients on a global platform as well as establishing top-performing legal firms and specialist legal teams. Suraya is passionate about working with startup founders, investors and women in business to enable them to achieve and exceed their business goals.

Walid is the co-founder and co-CEO of MEVP, with deep involvement in the MENA region’s VC and technology ecosystem since the mid-2000s. He has played a key role in the setup, scale, and exit of several VC funds and tech companies, serving as a board member and advisor to many successful internet and technology businesses globally. Prior to MEVP, Walid worked in Public Policy (UAE Prime Ministry Office), Strategy Consulting (Booz Allen Hamilton), and Industrial & Software Engineering in France. He holds a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from INSA de Lyon (France) and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (USA).

H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei has been announced as Minister of State for Entrepreneurship during the new UAE cabinet formation in July 2024. H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei is a highly accomplished entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning entrepreneurship, the private and government sectors. H.E. Al Mazrouei has held a several high-level positions in leading government institutions. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, she was responsible for overseeing the organization’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized businesses in the UAE. She also served as an Advisor to the Chairman at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and the Director General of the Human Resources Authority (HRA) in Abu Dhabi. Prior to that, she was the Director General of the Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG). Prior to joining the Government, she was Group Chief Operating Officer of Mazrui International LLC, established by her family 50 years ago and which today is an Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate with a highly diversified business portfolio. In 2013 she was awarded the Arab Women’s Award for Entrepreneurship and in 2014 was voted the twenty sixth most powerful Arab woman in the Forbes Middle East list of the world’s 200 most powerful Arab women. In 2017, she was included in the Forbes list of the world’s 100 most powerful Arab business women. HE AlMazrouei is highly respected for her business acumen, creativity, and her flair for mentoring and nurturing new Emirati talent. H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei received her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Management Information Systems from the United Arab Emirates University in 2001. After completing her undergraduate studies, she went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Global Leadership at the same institution, which she received in 2005. Throughout her academic career, Al Mazrouei has demonstrated a strong commitment to her studies and a passion for leadership and management.

Omar is the founder and CEO of the UAE’s leading payment links platform, Nomod. Omar previously founded and exited JadoPado to Noon

Dr. Jelena Janjusevic is Associate Professor of Finance and Head of Accountancy, Economics and Finance, at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University Dubai. In her more than 20-year-long working experience, Dr. Janjusevic has worked with – government officials, municipalities, social partners, and international institution representatives – World Bank, IFC, EBRD, USAID, UNDP, CHF, EC, etc. Besides teaching, Dr. Janjusevic has strong managerial and research experience. She has previously been engaged with many different projects dealing with macroeconomics, sustainable development, and public administration capacity building (initiating several reforms in the energy sector, urban planning, financial, health, pension system, education system, investments, business environment, and legislation improvement). She has been recognised among the Top 100 Sustainability Voices of 2025 by Climate Penpal Media alongside inspiring leaders driving real change in the Middle East

Ankit Shah is the CFO & Co-Founder of Silkhaus, a proptech startup revolutionizing short-term rentals across Asia. He leads Silkhaus’ strategic vision, securing multiple successful financing rounds through investor engagement. Previously, Ankit was Senior Director of Corporate Development at Careem and Director of Finance at Snapdeal. He began his career at Deloitte and KPMG, building a strong foundation in finance and consultancy. Ankit holds a bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Arizona and an MBA from IESE in Barcelona. An Indian citizen, Ankit’s global experiences have shaped his passion for Silkhaus’ mission: creating a new investment asset class for real estate owners and offering premium living spaces for digital nomads—like himself.

Massimiliano Magrini has built his career at the intersection of business and technology. He was responsible for launching AltaVista and Google Italy as their founding country manager before starting Annapurna Ventures, a venture capital studio, in 2009. In 2013, he co-founded United Ventures, where he provides strategic guidance to portfolio companies and leads investments in innovative technologies aimed at long-term value creation. Massimiliano is also a lecturer, mentor, and keynote speaker with extensive experience in digital innovation and disruptive technologies.

Stefania Brunori is a Marketing Specialist, Personal Branding Expert and Mindfulness Coach with over 20 years international experience in managerial positions. Having worked in Europe and the Middle East, her core areas of expertise are Personal Branding, Content Marketing and Leadership Skills, developing and implementing solid strategies to facilitate companies and individuals expand beyond their limits. Originally from Europe, she has been working in the UAE for 13 years, both for multinational companies such as Teka and Nokia and Middle East leaders & SME corporations with regional reach. Her entrepreneurial career started in 2015, when she conceptualized and launched the Middle East’s most complete website for Yoga & Meditation. Since then, she’s been working with Start-Ups, SMEs and Social Impact Entrepreneurs to enable their growth with the best practices of success. She provides Personal Branding Services and Business & Leadership Coaching too, where she brings together her expertise in Brand Strategy, Coaching and Growth Mindset techniques. She is also a Females Entrepreneur Mentor at the United Nations, table moderator and is a 2x TEDx Keynote Speaker.

Blake Beltram is the founder of MindBody, the global leader in wellness business management software that transformed the fitness and wellness industry. Among other innovations, he pioneered the concept of booking wellness services online. Blake is an author, mentor, podcaster, and zero-to-one startup creative. Skilled at blending big-picture vision with pragmatic execution, his work reflects a commitment to the Human Experience. His entrepreneurial memoir (editing phase) shares lessons from his roller-coaster journey as a Fit-Tech pioneer, and he has met with and inspired countless entrepreneurs. Having recently launched his daughter into college as a single father, Blake is now exploring opportunities to commit this next chapter to a meaningful pursuit.

Serial Entrepreneur with multiple exits and almost two decades of experience in Enterprise Financial Software, Banking, Fintech and Payments

Ayham is a Co-Founder at Pemo, and has been instrumental in developing the product offering over the past three years and driving its growth. Ayham has a strong tech background, and has driven Pemo’s product offering with the company making over 300 updates to its software solutions to ensure it is continually building and offering the best most efficient and effective solutions for its customers. Prior to joining Pemo, Ayham spent 14 years at Alpha-Apps in Abu Dhabi holding a Director position, where he supported the UAE’s leading mobile app company to develop stunning apps and help customers to create meaningful mobile strategies. He focused on Arabic Apps and Content during his time there. As well as this, Ayham has vast experience of launching, scaling and selling businesses, as he was Co-Founder of Fennec Ventures in Dubai, and then before this he launched Widgetlabs, from his home-town of Cologne, which was the first mover in Germany specialising on Micro Applications. His clients ranged across different sectors and sizes including Telekom, Vodafone, Bild. Graduating from the University of Cologne with a Masters in Business Administration, Ayham resides in Dubai with his family

Ajinkya is the Founder & CEO of CrossVal, an AI finance platform for businesses. An engineer by education but has spent most of his career in venture capital and private equity, before CrossVal, he oversaw 400mn in AUM at a private equity fund in Abu Dhabi. He has also worked at various startups in the region such as Magnitt He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Heriot Watt University and has cleared CFA Level 1.

Ahmad Coucha is the co-founder and CEO of FlapKap, the first and leading Revenue Based & Embedded Financing Platform in the MENA region. Prior to founding FlapKap, Coucha was the co-founder and Chief Strategy & Finance Officer of Kijamii, one of MENA’s largest and most awarded independent advertising agencies. On the academic side, Coucha finished his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering then pursued two masters, one in Business at ie business school in Madrid and a second in Economics & Public Finance at Harvard university in Boston

Zarik leads Tabby’s financial services across markets and is responsible for their P&L, product strategy, operations and go-to-market. Prior to Tabby, he led growth and strategic partnerships for LazyPay, India’s leading BNPL service part of the PayU group owned by Naspers. Over his 16 year career, Zarik has been deeply involved in building products across e-commerce and fintech, scaling user and partner growth, and leading consumer marketing and sales teams across large consumer brands as well as startups. Born and raised in Mumbai, he has a degree in Engineering from Mumbai University and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business in Toronto.

Omair Ansari is the CEO and Co-founder of ABHI, a financial wellness platform expanding across the MENAP region. With over a decade of experience in frontier markets, he specializes in equity, derivatives, impact investing, and fintech. Before ABHI, he held key roles at Morgan Stanley, Vostok Emerging Finance, and Renaissance Capital. Ansari’s career spans South Asia, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East, giving him a deep insight into diverse markets. His education in finance and political science from McMaster University and living in over 9 countries shaped his global outlook. As a leader, Ansari is committed to driving innovation in the embedded finance space.

Akshata Namjoshi, Associate Partner at KARM, brings a decade of regulatory experience in banking and finance, with seven years in the UAE. She leads KARM’s Fintech, Payments, and Gaming sectors, advising on structuring, licensing, and compliance. Akshata has been instrumental in drafting open banking regulations and has received recognition from BW Legal World, Legal 500 EMEA and Legal Era Middle East as Fintech Lawyer of the year 2024.

Meenah Tariq is CEO/co-founder at Metric, a VC funded fintech building a financial management and business intelligence platform for SMEs, currently being used in 190 countries. Meenah was previously a Partner at Karavan, a VC fund focused on early-stage startups. She has supported thousands of entrepreneurs over the last decade across a wide variety of industries and geographies through her work with organizations such as the World Bank, DFID, and the USAID.

Kamal is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience in tech. In 2011, Kamal started the first e-commerce company in Morocco before selling it to a local holding company in 2018. Prior to Hmizate, Kamal worked for Spotfire (acquired by TIBCO) as a lead system engineer in charge of building large scalable infrastructure environments for software deployments. Kamal is an Endeavor entrepreneur with a B.S. & M.S. in Computer Science from Northeastern University.

Anand is a banker turned serial entrepreneur. Anand left Citi to start Invoice Bazaar in 2016 which he exited to a NASDAQ listed unicorn in 2021. Now Anand is the Cofounder and CEO of CredibleX, an SME embedded lending fintech based out of ADGM.

Imad Gharazeddine is the co-founder & CEO at Mamo. Mamo is a UAE-based fintech company that helps hundreds of businesses save time and costs by automating payment collection and corporate expense management through a single platform. In 2022, Mamo became the first fintech startup licensed by the DFSA with a Category 3C Providing Money Services license.

Rajiv Dingra is a seasoned entrepreneur with 18+ years in digital marketing and advertising. He founded and scaled successful ventures, including WATConsult, India’s most awarded digital agency, which he exited in a multi-million-dollar deal to Dentsu in 2019. In 2020, Rajiv launched ReBid, a pioneering trifecta solution for digital advertising combining Data Platform + People + AI. ReBid’s solution bridges the gap from ad to acquisition, offering predictive analytics and full-funnel campaign optimization. Serving clients across APAC, Middle East, and the US, it has achieved 400% annual growth, with notable clients like HDFC and Malabar Gold. ReBid has been globally recognized for innovation, winning awards like MarTech Solution of the Year 2024. Rajiv has been featured on prestigious lists, including Campaign Asia 40 under 40 and Media Agency Entrepreneur of the year.

Christian Eid, aka Abou Banat – a cultural reference meaning “father of daughters”, is the CEO of DUCKLIFE, an adventurous marketing and creative agency scaling at with the pace of its clients and delivering growth through creativity. A career-long entrepreneur, Chris has notably been a brand builder, marketeer, investor and advisor aimed at helping brands achieve their potential.

Andrew Raso is the Founder and Global CEO of Online Marketing Gurus, which has 300+ digital marketing professionals in Australia, the U.S., Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE; won 40+ global and regional industry awards; and provides 1,000 SMBs and global brands SEO elevation, pay-per-click campaigns, social advertising, and website design and development services.

Zaheer Adenwala, Chief Operating Officer at Ketto, has over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. His expertise spans product development, technology, market research, digital marketing, and analytics. Zaheer earned his MBA with a focus on Marketing/Marketing Management from the National University of Singapore. A dynamic leader, he is known for his hands-on approach and problem-solving mindset, inspiring his team to excel in challenging scenarios. Under his guidance, Ketto has achieved significant milestones, from launching innovative projects to advancing fundraising initiatives. Zaheer’s unwavering determination and strategic vision are pivotal in transforming ambitious goals into tangible achievements, making him a driving force behind Ketto’s success in leveraging technology for social impact. His leadership fosters a culture of growth, ensuring organizational and individual success.

I’m Jay, Yazle’s Managing Director overseeing operations across our Middle East and Asia offices. Having moved to the UAE in 2001, I’ve spent time on both agency and supply side, always in digital. In my free time I’m an amateur sportsman, holding an MMA black belt. Healthy body means a healthy mind. I also have 4 kids, who are crazy and beautiful all at the same time. 2025 aims to be a milestone in personal and professional growth. Im excited for the year ahead.

Mamta Varerkar has more than 19 years of experience in Branding, Advertising and Communications, and is the General Manager and Partner at Yellow. Mamta has also been an independent marketing consultant to several SMEs and startups helping them meet their marketing and business objectives. Mamta shares her experience working with startups in her podcast called: Startup Hustle Middle East, which includes stories of startups and VCs from the ecosystem.

Managing director for Adbreeze.com – A specialized digital advertising agency for e-com and B2B businesses in the GCC markets

Forbes 30 under 30 winner. Leads global agency strategy. Focus is to building innovative marketing teams for our portfolio—building a suite of proprietary research, strategy tools, and marketing execution services for modern consumer brands. Over 10 years of experience in digital strategy, growth marketing, and venture. Investor to fast growing commerce companies: Triple Whale, Varos, Canal.

Hi, I’m Ankita Bhatia Dhawan. With 20 years of experience in process automation, marketing, and technology, I’ve honed my expertise in using tech automation to create practical, impactful solutions that drive results. I’m the founder of Hiya Global Group, where I work with startups and small businesses, offering services like Marketing consulting, marketing automation, and process optimization. My approach is simple: make marketing more efficient by aligning the right processes, platforms, and people. I also co-host the podcast Marketing Engineered, where we explore how tech and automation can transform marketing strategies. Before starting Hiya Global Group, I was a passionate blogger and influencer back in the early 2010s—long before it became a career option. My blog is still live after 20 years, and I continue to share my thoughts and experiences on Instagram.

Nuha is cofounder of CozmoX AI. She is an electrical engineer, and dropped out of her PhD in the US to move to the UAE and start building her own startup. She and her cofounder raised $3 million dollars from Y Combinator, Dubai Future District Fund and other prominent investors in Silicon Valley and globally. She has received the PMI Future 50 award and her company is a Future 100 company in the UAE.

Kushaal Devanahalli is a serial tech entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Proximity Works, where he leads AI innovation and platform development. Proximity Works partners with global leaders like Nasdaq, Disney+, ESPN, JioStar, and Media.Net delivering transformative AI solutions across the US, MENA, and Southeast Asia. An aerospace engineer turned entrepreneur, Kushaal specializes in crafting scalable, AI-driven solutions that solve complex problems. Based in Dubai, he is dedicated to helping companies embrace the future by building strategic AI roadmaps and identifying opportunities to leverage AI for competitive advantage. With over a decade of experience launching and scaling products internationally, Kushaal combines technical expertise with a passion for building impactful, future-focused solutions.

Marta is an exceptional corporate leader, investor, and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the tech, fintech, energy transition, and cleantech industries on a global scale. Her dedication to driving digital innovation and her focus on developing cutting-edge solutions to address climate change make her a truly inspiring figure. As a corporate leader, Marta has demonstrated her ability to drive innovation in various roles. During her tenure as SVP B2B Strategy and SVP B2B Products & Innovation at Safaricom in Kenya, she played a crucial role in conceptualizing and launching numerous B2B Mpesa-based solutions, as well as B2B mobile, fixed data, IOT, and cloud offerings. Her work on the M Agri proposition, which helped farmers receive fair pay for their harvest by eliminating middlemen, showcases her commitment to using technology to drive positive social impact and support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Marta’s focus on the tech side of energy and energy transition is particularly noteworthy. She has been actively scouting for the most innovative solutions in digital twins, industrial simulations & analytics, and industrial robotics autonomous operations. By collaborating with cutting-edge tech companies, startups, and brilliant engineering minds worldwide, Marta is working to develop and co-create commercially profitable tech partnerships and digital products that will help decarbonize and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Her efforts in this area are crucial in addressing the urgent need for climate action and promoting sustainable development. As an entrepreneur and investor, Marta has co-founded Kuwekeza Investment Holdings, which supports digital due diligence and commercial strategy. She has also invested in early-stage emission-free, digital, and fintech innovations, such as Bitpesa, Fiskl, and Pawame. These investments demonstrate her commitment to supporting innovative solutions that have the potential to drive positive change in the world. Marta’s involvement as a Value Creation Committee member of Dubai Angels Investors, a member of the Investment Committee of Saudi Angels Investors, and a Board Member of Maramoja further highlights her dedication to fostering the growth of innovative startups in the tech and cleantech sectors

Tiago is an AI technology executive with 12+ years of experience in cloud computing, specializing in distributed systems, big data, and AI. Currently, he leads Google Cloud’s AI/ML Technology Practice across EMEA, empowering organizations to leverage AI for business challenges. His career includes key roles at Microsoft and Amazon Web Services, along with founding and leading a tech startup. This diverse background provides him with a unique perspective on AI implementation across various environments. Tiago is a recognized thought leader and shares his expertise through keynote speeches, international conferences, and guest lectures at institutions like EAE Business School and the Universitat de Barcelona. He is passionate about driving the practical application of AI to solve real-world problems and frequently advises startups on their AI transformation journeys.

Mohamad Charafeddine is the Vice President of Data & AI at Careem, where he leads efforts to leverage AI for delivering competitive value from data. His work includes personalizing discovery and search experiences across the Everything App, optimizing marketplace efficiency and pricing, and using Generative AI to drive innovation and create new experiences. Prior to joining Careem, Mohamad was part of the Core ML team at Meta in Menlo Park, where he focused on classifying all ad content across Facebook and Instagram. He also led the Applied AI R&D lab at Samsung, where he developed the first large-scale applied Reinforcement Learning and Deep Learning AI enterprise platform. Under his leadership, the lab produced several patents and co-published with OpenAI, as well as at top AI conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, and CVPR. Mohamad holds an MBA from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and a PhD in engineering from Stanford University, where his research earned an IEEE Best Paper Award. He is passionate about AI, technology, and the VC space in the MENAP region, with a focus on driving economic empowerment and GDP growth.

Maria Paula ‘MP’ Oliveira connects businesses to the future. She is the SVP, Venture Investments for NeoVentures, Mashreq Bank’s venture capital fund, and chairwoman for the Dubai chapter of AI Salon, a global AI community. A senior global business leader with 20+ years of experience, MP builds resilience to disruption through strategic planning, innovation management, and corporate development. She has closed investments and M&A deals worth $1B+, co-founded two Silicon Valley startups, and launched three innovation hubs (LATAM, APAC, MENA). MP’s expertise spans financial services, professional services, and payments, with a footprint across MENA, APAC, US, and Latin America.

Ayman Bazaraa is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for unleashing human potential through technology. As the CEO of Sprints, he has spearheaded the development of a revolutionary platform that seamlessly integrates talent assessment, hiring, payroll, and upskilling, empowering companies to build world-class tech teams. Ayman also co-founded MicroDoers, a cutting-edge augmented reality solutions company, and Avelabs, a leading software provider for autonomous and connected vehicles. Avelabs, boasting a team of over 300 professionals across four countries, was successfully acquired by the Fortune 100 company Arrow. Ayman’s diverse management experience includes roles at France-Telecom, IBM, and Valeo, underlining his expertise in propelling tech advancements.

Ayush is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of global experience in Finance and Strategy, spanning across Financial Services and Technology Startups. Currently, he serves as the General Manager- MENAT for Bridgewise, an AI-driven financial research platform with a global footprint in LATAM, the UK, Europe, and APAC regions. Before joining Bridgewise, Ayush was the Head of Strategy at Dubizzle Group, the largest digital classifieds platform in emerging markets. His earlier career includes a decade in the U.S., where he held roles in Equity Research, Risk Management, and Fixed Income at prestigious firms such as S&P and Wells Fargo. Ayush holds a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of Virginia.

Haninder P. Singh is a seasoned entrepreneur and builder. He started his career with Booz & Company, advising Fortune 100 enterprises and Governments on strategy development, turnaround, and investments. He took an operator role in a high-growth e-commerce venture, leading its strategy, finance, IR, and analytics functions, which had raised $100m+ of venture capital since its inception. After personally experiencing a talent shortage in the Middle East, Haninder built StrategyConnect, an on-demand talent platform serving institutions by augmenting teams to fire-power strategic initiatives. With 8 years of operations and a wealth of data, StrategyConnect has built Marvin, a fully verticalized AI to support independent consultants and internal strategy teams to 10x their output by leveraging Marvin’s large pool of knowledge and collaborative problem-solving workflows.

Swami Sekar is a Technologist, Investor and Serial Entrepreneur. He is an Operating Partner at Accelerating Asia Ventures, and has founded 2 companies in conversational AI. He has held leadership roles at LivePerson, Intel and VMware across Asia-Pac and US. He holds a Masters in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and an MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Shubham Yadav is the founder of Marvin AI, a platform redefining how generative AI integrates into real-world applications. A dynamic leader with expertise in technology, strategy, and innovation, Shubham excels in creating impactful solutions, particularly in the public sector and management consulting.. With a focus on problem-solving and collaboration, Shubham thrives at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and strategic leadership.

Abrar Siddiqui is a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary leader with over 20 years of experience driving innovation in Generative AI, Fintech, and Digital Transformation across the UAE, Canada, and the USA. As the CEO and Founder of SarahAI, he is transforming the future of work with an Agentic AI platform designed to enhance productivity and well-being for SME leaders. Abrar previously founded Lucova, a mobile payments startup in Canada that was acquired by NownPOS. He holds patents in Bluetooth mobile payments technology and has led transformative AI initiatives at UAE Ministry of Finance, IBM, Accenture, EPAM Systems, TD Bank and Callsign. Educated at York University in Toronto, Abrar combines deep technical expertise with a proven ability to scale ventures across emerging technologies, making him a driving force for innovation.

A sustainability advocate, consultant, and founder of Sustainable Narrative with a clear vision on a sustainable, circular economy and the new role of business, addressing how 3 P’s – people, planet and profit can make a positive impact. At Sustainable Narrative, I’m conceptualizing sustainable and impactful green solutions to various businesses in the UAE by working with clients to lead a wave of innovation and economic growth that safeguards our planet and advances sustainability. Catering to all the industry sectors to transform to reach net zero by 2050, balanced with the sustainable development goals. My aim is to take ideas as well as concepts from the natural world, turn them into accepted business models with the approach ‘business today from the perspective of tomorrow’. Website link : https://www.sustainablenarrative.net/

Principal at e& capital with a background as an operator raising USD 150 m for startups across the region with experience spanning from strategy, product and commercial roles

Abdullah is the global head of AI & digital transformation at APCO, an adjunct faculty at Middlesex University Dubai, and an advisory board member at various organizations in the UAE. He holds a PhD in Computer Science and Machine learning from the University of Leipzig, Germany and has served as a trusted advisor for many global firms, government entities, and other organizations in Europe and MENA, supporting and guiding their digital transformation journeys.

Samir Safar-Aly is a regulatory lawyer with over 11 years of experience in the Middle East, specializing in FinTech, financial crime, and AI governance. He holds credentials in law and coding from UC Berkeley, MIT, Harvard Law School, and King’s College London. Samir has advised leading AI companies and financial institutions on regulatory frameworks, compliance, and responsible AI adoption. He is the Policy and Regulations Co-Chair of the MENA FinTech Association and regularly advises on the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. As a mentor at the DIFC Innovation Hub, he actively supports start-ups in developing regulatory strategies. Samir’s expertise in both legal frameworks and technical processes positions him to contribute to policy-making that fosters innovation while upholding security and ethical standards.

Manar is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of KASO, revolutionizing the Middle East’s food supply chain with AI-driven solutions. He is also a founding partner of Qlub, transforming global payments, and the founder of Helpling, a leading platform for on-demand household services. With over a decade of experience launching and scaling innovative businesses, including leadership at Rocket Internet SE, Manar is dedicated to driving impactful change and building scalable, tech-powered solutions.

Founder & CEO @ overwrite.ai – The ONLY Artificial Intelligence Proptech startup from MENA in NVIDIA’s Inception accelerator | Real Estate AI Pioneer | Public Speaker | ex Head of Real Estate @ EmiratesNBD Private Bank

Dany Farha is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of BECO Capital, one of the first and largest non-governmental VC firms, currently managing $495M in AUM. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial and investment experience, Dany founded and exited ventures like Bayt.com, Butlers, and Intercat. Since establishing BECO in 2012, he has led investments in some of the region’s biggest success stories, including three unicorns: Careem, Property Finder, and Kitopi.

Michael Lahyani, Founder and CEO of Property Finder, has been instrumental in attracting global investors to the Middle East’s proptech landscape. After introducing the region’s first real estate classifieds and launching Property Finder in 2007, Michael has played a pivotal role in securing major investments that have contributed to the growth of the regional real estate market. In 2024, Property Finder raised $90 million in debt financing while also buying back shares from BECO Capital, one of its early investors, signalling strong investor confidence in the company’s future. Earlier, in 2018, Property Finder attracted $120 million in funding from General Atlantic, a leading US private equity firm, further solidifying the region’s reputation as a hub for high-growth tech businesses. These deals not only fueled the company’s expansion but also showcased the Middle East’s potential to draw significant international investment into its burgeoning tech and property sectors. Michael’s leadership continues to push the boundaries of innovation, with a focus on data, digital transformation, and diversity in the real estate industry. His efforts earned him a place on Forbes Middle East’s list of the Top 100 CEOs in 2023. A graduate of HEC Lausanne with a bachelor’s degree and MBA in finance, Michael was the first entrepreneur from the Middle East selected by Endeavor, a leading global community of high-impact entrepreneurs. Passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs, he has helped elevate the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Property Finder’s success is also studied at Harvard Business School, further demonstrating its global impact. In recognition of his contributions, Michael, a Swiss national, was honoured with the prestigious UAE passport in 2020

Mazin Abbas, 6 years of investment experience. Mazin is currently a Partner at Key Capital, focused on supporting the investment process and portfolio companies. Mazin was previously part of the team at Aditum, a $7bn DIFC asset manager where he led regional deployment for the manager’s VC fund. Prior to that, he was the first hire for Foundation Ventures, a MENA-focused early stage venture capital fund launched in partnership with US-based HOF Capital. Mazin holds a BSc in Finance with a concentration on Entrepreneurship from the University of Tampa in Florida.

Emine Yilmaz Butun is a visionary leader with 19+ years of expertise in strategy, finance, innovation management, digital transformation, and corporate finance. As the founder and CEO of AcceleratEMEA, she specializes in driving innovation, mentoring startups and scale-ups globally, and advising corporates on scaling innovation, governance, and business model transformations. Her career spans key roles in Fortune 100 companies like AIG, GE, MetLife, and Philips, where she led M&A integrations, digital transformations, and financial planning. Emine is also a co-founder of multiple startups in health tech, ed tech, and e-commerce. A CPA and part-time lecturer. A frequent speaker and a moderator at global summits, Emine empowers organizations, innovators, and the ecosystem to adapt and thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Elie Khouri is a seasoned marketing expert, businessman, and investor. In 2017, he founded Vivium, a single-family-oBice managing a curated portfolio of investments in real estate, design, ventures, and collectibles. By forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Sotheby’s International Realty, Elie has expanded Vivium’s influence across the UAE, KSA, UK, and Spain. Prior to that, Elie had a 30+ year career in marketing and still serves as Chairman of Omnicom Media Group MENA, part of the global marketing communications company Omnicom Group. A recognized and influential leader, Elie is frequently sought after for his industry and investing insights. His contributions have earned him multiple recognitions, including being featured among the most influential leaders in the region. Under his leadership, Omnicom Media Group MENA was consistently recognized as one of the top employers in the UAE. Elie is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship and startups. As a core judge on Shark Tank Dubai, he is passionate about mentoring founders and helping them scale their businesses. Beyond his business endeavors, Elie is a renowned collector and patron of the arts. He currently sits on the board and investment committees of globally recognized museums, contributing to various initiatives that advance art and culture. He is also celebrated in ARTNEWS’ top 200 collectors.

Reims career includes working with TV stations like the BBC to being an Executive Producer and Head of Events at Dubai One. Reim launched her production company Ti22 Films in 2011, winning 28 New York Festival Awards & a Cannes Corporate Media and TV Award. Reim has worked with some of the globes largest multinationals and broadcasters such as National Geographic, Times of India, Discovery Channel etc. Reim Executive Produced the daily live global TV show for Expo 2020 and in 2023 launched DXB Today, a daily lifestyle show on Dubai One TV. With her experience in Mega Events, Reim was the Content Commissioning Coordinator at COP 28. Reim has served on the Jury of the New York Festival for 10 years and is a consultant, trainer, speaker and moderator.

With more than two decades of experience in leadership roles across the globe, Mercedes has cultivated expertise in strategic management, high-performance environments and international leadership. She seamlessly succeeded in implementing her knowledge towards founding Parkron, an innovative smart parking solution in the social and sustainable ecosystem. Her expertise lies in leveraging resources within to achieve success. Mercedes is a visionary tech founder in the dynamic world of technology and innovation. With a relentless passion for pushing boundaries, Mercedes is reshaping the landscape of smart cities and the tech industry with profound curiosity and a determination to create transformative solutions.

Lamis is the Founder of FoodSwap, pioneering the #1 food matchmaker app. She is an ex-Product Strategist at Noon and Emirates General Petroleum, a finalist in the App Olympics Best App in Dubai Awards, and an active mentor for startups with the Dubai Digital Chamber. Lamis is also a sought-after speaker, frequently sharing insights at leading tech platforms.

Nubi Kay currently spearheads Startup Programs at Paystack, a pan-African payments company empowering merchants across the continent. He drives business development, sales, customer success, and strategic partnerships, building bridges between African businesses and global markets. Through HoaQ Ventures, Nubi has helped deploy $3.5 million in funding to over 100 early-stage startups across Africa and its diaspora. His experience includes enabling startup growth at Stripe, and previous roles as a Digital Strategist at Mediacom and Technology Consultant at Accenture. Nubi holds a BSc in Electrical Electronics Engineering from Eastern Mediterranean University, Turkey, and a Master’s in Business Innovation Management from Smurfit Business School, University College Dublin. His career exemplifies the intersection of financial technology leadership and ecosystem building across Africa.

Rawan is the co-founder of Zest Equity, a technology platform building infrastructure to streamline and digitize private market transactions. She has over 12 years of experience in strategic advisory, banking and finance, across diverse roles. Previously led a Dubai based investment firm, where she was able to set up and oversee business operations, regulatory matters, compliance, risk management and governance functions. These are all values she believes are core building blocks for sustainable growth.

Zubair is the founder of MENAbytes, a leading online media platform covering tech and startups in the Middle East and North Africa. He co-founded Flare, a video-first e-commerce marketplace in Pakistan, which pivoted into a UGC management platform for Shopify merchants after Flare’s closure. Zubair also writes Termsheet, a newsletter analyzing private and public internet companies and industry trends.

Rateb H.Rabi is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Intersect-a startup incubator, accelerator and Business support enabler, subsidiary of Bank of Palestine Group, incubated and operating in the bank’s flagship premises in 5 Palestinian cities, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with the mission of enabling, empowering and engaging globally the Palestinian Tech-ecosystem at all levels, providing Founders and startups with resources to develop cutting edge sustainable scalable Tech-solutions, while promoting a culture of collaboration, problem-solving and design thinking. Recently leading Palestine’s Private Sector Tech Link Insourcing program creating Tech Jobs locally and RISE and SAFE programs which collectively raised and disbursed through grants and blended finance $4.5 million to sustain, empower and scale the tech sector.

Kareem Elsirafy is Managing Partner at Modus, a MENA-based Venture Platform that combines Venture Building, VC funds, and Corporate Innovation to support and invest in impact-driven startups. With two decades of experience in tech solutions, Kareem is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor dedicated to fostering innovation ecosystems in MENA and beyond. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Columbia University alumnus, Kareem co-founded Unite Us, a SaaS platform that became a unicorn with a $1.65B valuation, and successfully exited his first company, M1 Marketing Firm, at 22x. He has advised global institutions like Google, MetLife, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, driving transformative impact across industries.

Anushweta Mukherjee is the Regional Lead for Funds in the Middle East at Carta, where she leads go-to-market efforts for private capital funds. As the first hire for Carta in the Middle East, she plays a pivotal role in establishing and growing Carta’s presence in the region. Prior to joining Carta, she was with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, where she led several initiatives aimed at attracting companies to Abu Dhabi and supporting their expansion into the region. With over 10 years of diversified experience in the Middle East, Anushweta specializes in corporate strategy development, market entry, growth strategy and business developmen

Archana Jahagirdar is the Founder and Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, an early-stage VC fund focused on consumer brands. One of the few women solo general partners in venture capital in India and globally, Archana is known for her deep market intuition Achievements include being nominated to the National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) and recognized in Mint’s “100 Women Entrepreneurs” and Inc42’s “41 Women Torchbearers of India’s Startup Investment Space” Before founding Rukam Capital, Archana built her expertise in deal sourcing, accelerators, and angel networks, investing in brands like Burger Singh Rukam Capital has invested in 18 companies, including Beco ,Sleepy Owl and GoDesi. Archana also co-organizes events like New Delhi Slush’D and founded Bootstrap Incubation, a non-profit for early-stage founders

Racha Ghamlouch is the co-founder of the Digital Digest, MENA region’s digital economy news and market intelligence aggregator. Racha has 15 years of experience in developing and advising the digital economy in MENA from market expansion to fostering local innovation. She led content, initiatives and programs at ArabNet for 7 years and moved on to build community engagement at BECO capital, after which she switched to focus on the Digital Digest, a digital economy news aggregator and consulting companies on the MENA region’s digital economy.

Michael Lints has 20+ years of experience as an operator and investor. He is a partner at Golden Gate Ventures and leads the firm’s first venture capital fund in the MENA region, focusing on investing in early-stage startups in the Middle East and connecting Southeast Asia to the region. Previously, Michael co-founded an IT-managed services startup, was a vice-chairman of the Economic Development Board Rotterdam, and was chairman of the Young Economic Development Board. Michael is co-director of the award-winning social impact documentary Broken Chains. Michael collaborates with world-renowned players in the sports entertainment industry, bridging sports and venture capital.

Jacopo is a senior director in FTI Capital Advisors, a leading M&A advisory boutique which has been focusing on the TMT sector in the Middle East for the last decade. Jacopo focuses his work on IT services, and he worked on a significant share of the few successful transactions in the nascent IT services Middle East M&A market, involving targets like Bespin Global, LinkDevelopment and GlassHouse. He can provide the audience with an investors’ point of view on the IT services industry, and a view of how he expects the IT services M&A market to evolve over the next few years.

Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Headed the commercial department for Vodafone Romania and played leading role in turning around the business there from a declining YOY to grow by 13% and was the most growing Vodafone OPCO for that year. Led the Growth team in Vodafone Egypt building & growing one of the most famous telecom services in Egypt – 365 PROGRAM – which was the foundation for offer Personalization in the whole Egyptian telecom market.

NATALIA SYCHEVA Senior Partner and Researcher Digital Economy Expert Fulbright Fellow A researcher, policy advisor, and educator, Natalia Sycheva is synonymous with her innovative approach to strategy, program, and policy design, as well as her impeccable track record in nurturing digital economy ecosystems. She has played a pivotal role in supporting the establishment of new private and public sector entities and building their capacity. As a partner of Integra Seven, a policy advisory firm, Natalia leads a consortium of venture capitalists, policymakers, and researchers in conducting work focused on assessing the state and challenges of tech talent access and retention for the competitiveness of nations. The first public report on Dubai was launched in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Wamda earlier in 2023. A Fulbright Fellow with extensive experience in research and academia in international trade, trade diversification, and decision-making, Natalia has been instrumental in shaping the digital economy landscape. Today, Integra Seven proudly partners with the International Chamber of Commerce on a mission to drive the digital transformation of Chambers of Commerce globally. Recognized as the Woman of the Year by Entrepreneur Middle East magazine in 2019, Natalia has been a key influencer in shaping the digital economy in Dubai. She spearheaded policy advocacy work on behalf of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, focusing on critical issues such as tech venturing in the Emirate and capital fundraising. Natalia’s deep passion for supporting youth is evident through her regular mentoring of young talent and her involvement in projects like the Youth Career Guide program and Youth Advocacy Series. Her regular engagement at universities demonstrates her commitment to nurturing the next generation.

Said Murad is a Senior Partner at Global Ventures. Prior to Global Ventures, Said was COO of vertical e-commerce platform, Jamalon, where he led the company’s operational efforts and played a pivotal role in helping the company raise its Series B. Said was also previously COO at EFS Facilities Services leading the security services business and EFS’s activities in Jordan. Said also previously held the position of CEO of Groupon UAE, where he was responsible for managing and sustainably growing Groupon’s Local, Goods and Travel business lines. Before Groupon, Said worked with Deloitte’s strategy consulting team, as well as with SHUAA Capital as an AVP in the CEO’s Office, in addition to previously working in private equity at the firms Dubai International Capital (including Jordan Dubai Capital), and Abraaj Capital. Said holds an MBA from INSEAD, France.

Dr. Sheen is an award-nominated podcaster, entrepreneur, and former Oliver Wyman consultant, based in Dubai. She is the first Mauritian to have a degree from Oxford University and a PhD from Cambridge University. As the founder of the ProfessionElle Network, she empowers women through professional development and storytelling. Her podcast, Dream, Girl, has garnered over 100 million views, featuring interviews with actors, influencers, and industry leaders. With a dynamic blend of corporate expertise and creative flair, she is committed to inspiring and shaping the next generation of women leaders.

Mamoun serves as Wego’s Chief Business Officer. Prior to this, he occupied the positions of Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director for Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the MENA region and one of the fastest growing tech companies in Dubai. Wego is dual-headquartered in Singapore and Dubai and Mamoun runs the business from the Dubai office where he is responsible for managing operations across the region. He is a significant shareholder in the company. Mamoun helped launch Wego’s Middle East operations in 2013 and expanded the company’s footprint across MENA and into India. Prior to that, he established the Advertising & Media sales unit and was Acting GM for MENA before being promoted to Managing Director. It’s Mamoun’s ability to move effortlessly between the high-tech world of Silicon Valley and the high-touch world of the Middle Eastern travel and tourism industry that makes him a particularly effective senior executive. Mamoun is a member of EMIR Corporate Intelligence Network, MEA business group and German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK). He was named by Arabian Business as one of the ‘Young Achievers 2021’. Prior to joining Wego, Mamoun held senior roles in some of the region’s best known digital media start-ups including iKoo (first and largest online advertising network in the Middle East acquired by Yahoo!) and Diwanee (largest premium lifestyle content publisher acquired by Webedia). Mamoun has lived in Dubai since 2005 and was a sales exec for Audi before joining the tech industry.

Tarek Kabrit is the CEO and co-founder of Seez, launched in 2015. He is a venture partner with Nuwa Capital, a mentor with Endeavor, and serves on the investment committee of Flat6Labs. Before Seez, Tarek had a 20-year career in finance, including roles at Yahsat, Abraaj Capital, Siraj Capital, and Deutsche Bank, where he executed over $2 billion in M&A deals and advised on the largest MENA IPO to date. He began his career as a strategy consultant at Booz and Co., focusing on telecom, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Tarek holds an MBA from INSEAD, an MSc in Finance and Economics from London School of Economics, and a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut. He is a CFA Level II candidate.

Vadim Fedotov is the CEO and Co-Founder of Bioniq, an AI-driven personalized supplements company that leverages blood biomarker data for micronutrient optimization. Fedotov has charted a diverse path from his early days as a professional basketball player with the German National Team and in the USA to his foray into the corporate sphere, where he held significant positions as the CEO of various multinational and public companies (GRPN). Fedotov launched Bioniq in London, UK in 2019 and quickly established its niche in the health tech industry. Through its expansive operations in 12 countries, the company has cultivated one of the most diverse biochemical databases globally and become a trusted partner of eminent medical institutions like Lanserhof and King’s College Hospital, and athletic organizations including German National Teams and the UFC.

Office of the CEO, President of International at Groq, Inc. Senior advisor to Blackstone and Siguler Guff ($20 Bil AUM) Operating partner at Kestrel Partners in London ( https://kestrelpartners.com/ ) Previously roles include: Founder and Managing Partner of Seif Capital, Chairman of Astrea Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: ASAX). Board member or a Sr. advisor to: X-Energy, Axiom Space, Vcinity, Edgecloud Link (ECL), Ethernovia Founder and CEO of Stanford Business Systems (SBS – acquired by Accenture), Emerging Markets division leader at Cisco Co-founder of CNTP, a global, multi-stage, technology investment firm with $300 mil AUM Board Member of Global Capacity Mr. Moazami holds a Masters of Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and Bachelors of Science in Engineering Sciences and a Minor in Economics from University of California, San Diego.

Hani Murad, CEO of Rainmaking and Startupbootcamp MENA, is a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling businesses. He has driven multimillion-dollar sales pipelines, led market expansions across KSA, UAE, and Jordan, and forged impactful partnerships. As a founder of multiple ventures in hospitality and trade spanning Jordan, UAE, Spain, and the US, Hani combines entrepreneurial expertise with a passion for innovation and economic growth. His leadership has delivered transformative results in health-tech, ERP solutions, and startup ecosystems, positioning him as a key driver of growth and impact in the MENA region.

Naif Alobaidallah is the Co-Founder of SDM, the region’s first health-tech startup leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle the rise of systemic and chronic diseases. With a proven track record of fostering innovation, Naif has led SDM to secure strategic partnerships with prominent entities like the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ,Saudi Ministry of Health, STC, and many others. Previously, Naif built his expertise over nearly a decade in investment banking and government-led private sector stimulus initiatives in Saudi Arabia and the US. SDM has received global recognition, including being featured by the World Economic Forum for its groundbreaking work in healthcare technology. Under his leadership, SDM was also selected for Google’s inaugural AI First Accelerator program and received the SDAIA AI Ethics badge as one of the region’s early adopters of ethical AI practices. Naif continues to lead the transformation of healthcare through cutting-edge AI solutions.

Clara Armand-Delille is a French-American PR professional, founder & MD of ThirdEyeMedia, a global PR agency that helps startups, scaleups and VCs scale their brand during crucial growth stages with hubs in Lisbon, Spain, Italy, UK and more across Europe, the US and Latin America. ThirdEyeMedia’s past and present client portfolio includes Sorare, Celo, Atomico, Wise, Netflix, 500 Startups, EU4UA, EightRoads, 360 Capital, FoodCheri, Juni. With 15+ years of experience in communications strategy in the digital and tech space across multiple markets, Clara has a track record of building startups’, founders’ and VCs’ public profiles through communications campaigns, media announcements and strategic positioning strategies. Clara has previously held Senior Executive Comms positions at Google, Accel and iZettle. She holds an MA from the Institut d’Etudes Politique in Paris, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University with a BA in International Relations.

Sion leads the ventures and investment activities at Plug and Play Abu Dhabi. From direct investments in early stage startups, to technology sourcing for corporate and government partners, Sion has interfaced with entities across the fintech, healthtech and industry 4.0 verticals. She hopes to build a thriving local ecosystem for startups of all stages. Outside of Sion’s day-to-day work, she is a mentor for the Zayed University Partner Challenge Program, as well as an advocate and advisor to female founders through the Women in VC network and Plug and Play’s FoundHer initiative.

Qais Ammori leads Almosafer’s digital strategy and technological innovation, overseeing digital products, user experience, software engineering, data, AI, and cloud operations. With over 15 years of industry experience, Qais ensures his teams deliver scalable, innovative solutions that enhance customer experiences across Almosafer’s brands. He played a pivotal role in major initiatives, such as developing the ‘STC TV’ platform, now a regional leader. Qais focuses on crafting Almosafer’s digital product roadmap, aligning it with business goals and evolving customer needs. His expertise in solution design, software architecture, and cloud computing, combined with his ability to scale technology teams, drives Almosafer’s success. Qais is committed to fostering innovation, staying ahead of industry trends, and integrating cutting-edge technologies to maintain Almosafer’s competitive edge.

Ambar Amleh is Founder and Managing Partner at Palestine’s only venture capital firm, Ibtikar. Ibtikar has two funds under management, its current fund (Ibtikar Fund II) is targeted at USD 30M. Ibtikar fills a critical funding gap faced by Palestinian entrepreneurs between seed and later-stage regional VCs. Portfolio companies include Alma Health, Mashvisor, Coretava, Verity, and Mental. Ambar is a member of the 23rd class of Kauffman Fellows, and was named as one of the “50 Most Influential Women in the Arab World” by CEO Middle East Magazine and “20 Women VCs of MENA” by MENAbytes. Ambar has an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Marketing degree from Arizona State University.

Michael Ghandour is a serial entrepreneur (1x exit) and investor. Today, Michael is founder & CEO of Kema, a fintech startup accelerating cash flow for SMEs in the UAE and the broader MENA region. Prior to Kema, Michael has been deeply involved in the regional startup ecosystem – investing, building and scaling tech startups. Most notably, Michael was co-founder of mumzworld.com, a Dubai-born startup that became one of the largest baby e-commerce in MENA before it was acquired by Tamer Group in 2021. Michael is also an active investor, supporting exceptional entrepreneurs and regional VCs. Michael holds a MBA from London Business School and a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University.

Anjali Aggarwal, Head of Business GCC, Noon Payments: Anjali has a longstanding career in the banking and fintech sectors with expertise in driving robust payment solutions such as Ecommerce, Payment Gateways, BNPL, and VAS that enhance client networks and streamline payments in a cost effective manner. Anjali has contributed her strong leadership and knowledge to renowned organizations such as Noon, Zomato, Bank of America and her dedication, vision, and leadership have made her a respected figure within the Fintech and banking sectors in the MENA Region.

Omer is the Founder & CEO of PostEx, Pakistan’s largest e-commerce service provider, offering easy access to capital with embedded logistics. Previously, Omer has worked in finance & sales at different leading financial institutions and has also been a professional football player, representing the Pakistan National Football team for 2 years.

Deepak Gupta is a forward-thinking CTO at CARS24, with over 24 years of experience at the intersection of technology and business. He is a prominent figure in the FinTech and AI landscape, known for his thought leadership and extensive innovation in AI, ML, and Data science. Deepak has played a key role in developing resilient engineering platforms, scalable FinTech solutions, and cutting-edge websites, apps and products. In his current role, Deepak is spearheading the expansion of CARS24’s automotive and FinTech presence, including the NBFC landscape. Previously, he served as the Global Head of Technology at Airtel Africa, where he spearheaded successful FinTech products like Airtel Payments Bank and Airtel Money – digital payments, Merchant payments, cross-border remittances, lendTech, RegTech, business banking, and developer portal across 14 African countries. Deepak is a strong advocate for using technology to drive positive change, going beyond mere trend-chasing to strategically harness its potential in addressing complex challenges and optimizing operational efficiency. He is also actively involved in mentoring, global speaking engagements, and prestigious technology communities, including being a LinkedIn Top Voice for AI and Data Architecture, a Forbes Technology Council member leader, and a member of the MIT CIO community and Chief Architect Forum.

James Wang is the General Manager of UAE at Alibaba Cloud. James leads the regional sales, marketing, solution and operations for one of the world’s largest cloud computing platforms. With over 15 years’ experience in the IT industry and 7 years with Alibaba Cloud, James have developed and executed key accounts and channel strategies, built strong partnerships with technology and service providers, and helped many companies across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Middle East to transform their businesses through the power of AI and Cloud Computing.

Ajith Nayar is the CEO, and Co-Founder of CamCom, a Computer Vision (CV) platform, building the World’s first industry-agnostic AI-powered Large Vision Model (LVM) for damage assessments. Ajith’s vision gained from his obsession with quality and intent to make India synonymous with quality like Germany and Japan led to the creation of CamCom. The platform enabled Saudi Arabia to become the first country in the world to comply with a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal and its global footprint today includes satisfied customers in India, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Greece, Austria, the UK, and Mexico. Cutting-edge thinking and willingness to take calculated risks have shaped Ajith’s career in the world of technology, an industry that relies heavily on constant change and innovation. His commitment to excellence is evident in his transparent leadership style and track record of consistently delivering quality results. An ardent practitioner of Kaizen and Lean Six Sigma processes, Ajith has the rare and precious ability to make a disparate group act as a single unit to produce the desired result. Educationally, Ajith holds an MS from the University of Delaware. He has founded a platform focused on creating a thriving entrepreneur ecosystem outside of technology in villages across India. He is a speaker in demand as a thought leader in quality and management strategy at many institutions across the globe.

Cofounder of DOO AI Platform and former Microsoft professional with 25 years of entrepreneurial experience in the tech and digital space. An expert in designing, managing, and scaling digital products and services, specializing in Product Development, Growth, & UX.

With over three decades of experience spanning various retail sectors including technology, automotive, and telecom, Stephan Davies embodies the essence of customer-centricity. Throughout his career, he has been focused on the human element of customer interactions, viewing each interaction as an opportunity to humanize brands. Stephan’s journey in customer experience has been marked by his relentless pursuit of service excellence, where every action he takes is aimed at serving others. As a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), he holds professional recognition for his profound knowledge and expertise in the global customer experience discipline. Stephan’s mission at Al Masaood Automobiles is to empower individuals within the organization to recognize, take action, and harness the power of technology to create value for the people they serve – their customers – at every touchpoint. By instilling a culture of customer-centricity and continuous improvement, he aims to ensure that Al Masaood Automobiles remains at the forefront of delivering exceptional experiences that resonate with customers on a profound level.

I work at The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, where I oversee strategic partnerships with international tech companies, startups, and venture capital funds. Through collaboration with global tech hubs, founders, and innovation parks, I actively explore opportunities in AI, IoT, spacetech, sustainable tech, and other transformative technologies that can be implemented in Dubai. My work inspires me, as it offers a unique perspective on the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future and changing the world today. Previously, I represented Qatari investors in Eurasia at Qatar Investment and Trade Advisory (under the Embassy of Qatar in Russia), where I worked with QIA, QDB, and QFC, focusing on investments in Eurasian technology companies. My professional journey has fueled my passion for understanding how innovation transforms societies and human life. I am particularly fascinated by the emergence of megatrends that define the future of entire states and nations.

Nizar Almaree, Beehive Fintech’s Group Chief Development Officer and KSA Country Manager, spearheads operational growth and leads KSA expansion. He previously introduced embedded finance at Nymcard and led Beehive’s initial KSA expansion. His background includes key roles at the Ministry of Media and PWC, contributing to national transformation initiatives.

Warda is the Director for Strategic Communications at FTI Consulting, where she specializes in fintech and digital assets within the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) segment. In her role, she leads comprehensive strategic communications mandates that encompass strategy design, narrative and content development, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and government relations advisory. Warda also provides go-to-market strategy guidance, working closely with fintech companies, financial regulators, and cloud service providers to shape and execute impactful communication strategies.

Salman Attieh is the Founder and CEO of Jumlaty, a platform transforming supply chain finance for small and medium-sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia’s HORECA sector. He established one of Saudi Arabia’s first venture studios, which evolved into Jumlaty. Leveraging, smart finance solutions, software, and AI, Jumlaty empowers small restaurants and cafes to to operate more efficiently, contributing to the goals of Vision 2030. Salman attributes his success to his incredible team and remains committed to supporting the growth of the F&B industry in the region.

Mazen Mohsen is an inventor and researcher working as Chief Robotics Scientist at Isento GmbH, leading the development of a 3D-printed humanoid robot from concept to market. The humanoid robot, pib has earned multiple awards in Germany including 8th Digicon Munich and AI for common good Berlin. Mazen’s passion for robotics began with a Bachelor’s in Mechatronics Engineering from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology. He advanced his expertise with a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Essex and an Executive Certificate in Leadership from the University of Utah. Beyond his technical roles, Mazen has shared his insights through TEDx talks and teaching. Additionally, as a professional MMA fighter, he brings the same discipline and perseverance to both his athletic and professional pursuits, always driven by a desire to make a change and empower others.

Yasser Bashir is the Founder/CEO of Arbisoft Ltd – one of the region’s fastest growing software and technology development companies. Arbisoft employs more than 900 full time engineers and has built technology for some of the leading tech businesses around the world including edX, 2U, KAYAK, Amazon, Indeed, Microsoft, MIT, Harvard and Spotify to name a few. Arbisoft has also worked on a number of award winning products including Moonbeam, IlmX, Edly and FixAlert.

Having worked in various leadership positions, I have a record of driving impactful growth across organizations through developing strategies that are centered around continuous product discovery and around developing robust processes and systems. I have a deep interest in both managed and heavily managed marketplaces having played a critical role in building one of the largest marketplaces in the UAE. Currently, I am building AlGooru to reshape the extremely outdated private tutoring industry.

I am the General Partner and Founder of Aurelia Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that supports early-stage B2B SaaS startups to scale from ideation to seed. We are focusing on applications for national security, enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech, and AI.

Dr. Aseel Addawood is the Head ofAI in Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Oracle. She is an experienced data scientist with a remarkable track record in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence/machine learning. She has made valuable contributions to research, training, coaching, and mentoring. She has also established many tech startups and is an advocate for women entrepreneurs. Aseel has a Doctorate in Informatics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Master’s degree in Engineering from Cornell University in the USA. She was an Assistant Professor before joining the public sector.

Jawad is an entrepreneur with 18+ years of experience in the field of technology, digital transformation and healthcare innovations. He has served Saudi Airlines, King Abdulaziz University and Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company. And has founded Athir and Mawrid to drive healthcare innovations and to digitalize enterprise resources and interconnect the ecosystem.

A serial tech entrepreneur, board executive, and public speaker with over 21 years of experience spanning AI, tech, telecom, oil and gas, retail, distribution, BPO, healthtech, and proptech industries. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Maverika, an AI transformation company, Partner & CBO at Macber, a digital transformation agency and co-founder and CCO at Comet Innovations – a proptech for smart communities.

Co-Founder & CEO of Quantum a leading Retail Media Technology company, Omar built a reputable ad technology company that is reshaping how consumers interact with brands by helping brands to connect online with offline marketing data. Hold a degree in both Marketing and Finance with academic training and experience in data science.

Romain is a Partner at Antler, the world’s leading early-stage venture capital firm with a portfolio of over 1,300 investments worldwide. He heads a $60M fund focused on supporting 120+ tech-enabled startups across MENAP. Before joining Antler, Romain served as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he played a pivotal role in developing startup and tech ecosystems for governments throughout the MENAP region.

Mohammad AlRazaz is a seasoned entrepreneur and the visionary Co-founder & CEO of OTO, the leading shipping gateway for online businesses and omnichannel brands across the MENA region. At just 22, he launched Jeeny (formerly EasyTaxi) in Saudi Arabia under Rocket Internet, becoming the youngest Country Manager in the global EasyTaxi network. A graduate of MIT’s prestigious Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, where he was selected from over 800 applicants, AlRazaz has since founded multiple successful ventures in transportation, e-commerce, logistics, and technology, demonstrating his passion for innovation and transformative leadership.

Hasan founded Arzan VC in late 2013 and it grew into one of the most active VCs in the MENA region, having made investments in 45+ startups, including Careem, TruKKer, Mejuri, iKcon and Hala. Prior to Arzan VC, Hasan used to work with Global Investment House in their Private Equity Department, and he was a member of both the transaction and due diligence teams. Hasan also co-founded different businesses and was instrumental in building the right teams to manage the growth prospects of each company. For example, he co-founded Edge Foods, an F&B operator and accelerator, and led its operations for three years. He currently sits on the boards of Al Amanah Holding and BBK Geojit Securities. Hasan earned an MBA from INSEAD and a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

Amal Dokhan is a Managing Partner at 500 Global, a seasoned professional with experience in startup investments, corporate innovation, and consulting in the MENA region. Previous to joining 500 Global, Ms. Dokhan was the Managing Director of Babson Global for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Previously, she was the Manager of Learning and Design at the Entrepreneurship Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology where she led the New Ventures Acceleration and Corporate Innovation programs. Prior to that engagement she worked in the KAUST Seed Fund developing marketing and events, while also providing a range of services to startup clients. Ms. Dokhan sits on the board of several organizations such as Wayakit Company, Cranfield University UK, King Abdulaziz University. She contributes to a monthly column at Leaders Magazine on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and has been a speaker at Davos World Economic Forum, TEDx at Kaust, the Annual Conference of the Islamic Development Bank, among others. Ms. Dokhan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, English Language & Literature from the King AbdulAziz University, and a Masters of Strategic Marketing and Marketing Management from the University of Wollongong.

Naif AbuSaida is a seasoned Senior Executive with over a decade of experience in Strategy, Communications, Marketing, and Business Development. He has successfully led Corporate Communications, Public Relations, and Brand Management across various industries, including Energy, Telecom, Aviation, and Healthcare. Naif’s notable achievements include executing GE’s $1 billion investment plan in Saudi Arabia, launching the first National Breast Cancer Screening Program in partnership with the Ministry of Health, and managing GO Telecom’s IPO. He also brings 11 years of media experience as a journalist, reporter, and TV anchor for major outlets. Known for his results-driven approach, Naif has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, contributing to both start-up and established organizations across the Middle East.

Hussein Attar is the CEO of Tech Invest Com, a 1Bn SAR saudi investment firm that invests in MENA-based growth-stage tech startups and private equity investments in technology companies. He founded a tech startup that was selected as one of the top 50 Arab startups by Forbes. He sits on the board of several tech companies and a member of Oqal and Falak angel investment groups. He is also a board member of the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

Hasan Haider is the Founder and Managing Partner of +VC, an early stage venture capital firm focused on investing in tech and tech-enabled startups in MENA and its diaspora. He has over 14 years of experience investing in MENA startups. Hasan was previously Managing Partner, MENA at 500 Startups and led the firm’s growth in the MENA region, turning 500 Startups into the most active VC fund in the MENA region, raising and deploying the 500 Falcons fund, building partnerships and running programs in the region to help build the regional ecosystem. Hasan has invested in around 230 startups in the region over the course of the last 14 years. Prior to 500, Hasan was the co-founder and CEO of Tenmou, the first business angel’s organization in Bahrain and one of the first in the MENA region. Hasan’s work in developing angel investment in emerging markets through Tenmou has been picked up as a Case Study by the World Bank and Harvard and was taught to Entrepreneurship Policy makers at Babson College. Hasan started off his career in finance and investment banking at Sico, before he moved to Tenmou.

Anastasiya is an accomplished PR professional and business advisor who leads Dubai-based communications consultancy Sherpa Communications. With more than 16 years of expertise developing and executing all aspects of public relations and marketing campaigns, she provides senior counsel to brands of any size and structure helping them achieve business objectives and meaningful results through the strategic use of communication.

Mubariz is a seasoned legal expert specializing in tech startups and investors. He’s the founder of Carbon Law and a prominent startup lawyer in Pakistan. With vast experience, he’s advised on over USD 250m in deals for startups, venture capital, and angel investors. Mubariz collaborates with regulators to boost foreign investment and innovation in Pakistan. His work with the State Bank of Pakistan, allowing Pakistani founders to establish foreign holding companies, has been pivotal in driving startup investments in recent years. Mubariz also supports founder education on governance and fundraising through various initiatives.

Omar Al-Shabaan is an Entrepreneur, Business Developer, and a consultant with around 20 years of work experience, he is the co-founder and CEO of The Space. He was leading Partnerships at Misk Innovation, a subsidiary of Misk Foundation, as well as serving as a short-term consultant with The World Bank group on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and was an Advisor for the National Digitization Unit. He co-founded The Space, a Saudi company focused on developing and operating coworking spaces, incubators, and accelerators. Omar has worked previously in Nestle, Healthcare Development Holding group, and Tam Development where he contributed in the latest to creating multiple public engagement programs in the Kingdom and regionally. Omar has an MBA from IE business school in Madrid, and an Executive Master in Corporate Communication from the same school.

Fadi Ghandour is the Executive Chairman of Wamda Group, a platform that invests, nurtures and builds entrepreneurship eco-systems across the Middle East and North Africa. Fadi was also the co-founder of Aramex, one of the leading global logistics companies based in Dubai. Fadi spent the first 30 years of his work life as CEO of Aramex, building the company, to become one of the leading emerging market logistics companies, and making it the first company from the Arab world to be listed on Nasdaq. Passionate about impact and social entrepreneurship, Fadi founded and chairs Ruwwad for Development, a private-sector led community engagement platform that helps marginalized communities, across several countries in the MENA region, overcome marginalization through activism, civic engagement, education and financial inclusion.