Forbes Middle East invites you to join the second edition of the Women’s Summit, taking place from December 18 to 19 in the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This invaluable platform celebrates the achievements of extraordinary women across various sectors, including business, technology, healthcare, fashion and beauty, travel and tourism, and more. The summit offers a unique opportunity to be inspired by accomplished individuals who have turned dreams into reality and to learn about the highs and lows that have shaped their journeys to success. More than an event, it is a convergence of resilience, innovation, and the enduring strength of women. Come, join the celebration, and be part of The Platform for Women’s Voices.
With nearly three decades of proven expertise, Eng. Yasser Zaghloul is one of the most experienced professionals in the oil & gas and marine services industries. He is the current Group CEO of NMDC Group, one of the leading integrated oil & gas and marine services EPC organizations in the region, with an established presence across MENA and South Asia. He also serves as Chairman of The Challenge – the Egyptian Emirates Marine Dredging Company, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, assigned by His Highness UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Eng. Yasser became CEO of NMDC in 2009 with a goal to grow the company and enter global markets. Led by his vision, guidance, and dedication, NMDC has merged to create NMDC Group, with subsidiaries including National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), Emarat Europe and ADEC. Prior to taking the leadership position at NMDC, Eng. Yasser was the head of operations of the company from 2006 to 2009, and held managerial positions between 1998 and 2006. Before joining NMDC, he worked at the Suez Canal Authority in Egypt. He started his career as a researcher at the Higher Institute of Technology in Egypt. Eng. Yasser holds several additional leadership roles and advisory positions. He is a member of the General Board of the Control of Water UAE, member of the Brussels-based World Organization of Marine Construction and Dredging, and General Supervisor and Sponsor for the World Conference of CEDA in Brussels and Abu Dhabi, which covers more than 60 countries worldwide. He is also a member of the committee on the Preparation and Qualification of National Cadres of NMDC in cooperation with the Ministry of the Presidency, Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council, and the National Institute of Vocational Rehabilitation. He is an active proponent of corporate social responsibilities initiatives. Eng. Yasser’s illustrious career has been recognized regionally. He was named one of the Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East 2022 by Forbes Middle East, and received the Middle East Award for excellence for Best Chief Executives Director 2012 in the category of Engineering and Marine Business Building by the East Institute of Excellence. He was also named as the Maritime Standard Award Personality of the Year in 2016, and received the Gold Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award (SKEA) in 2013. Eng. Yasser holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management from Cambridge College Global, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Helwan, finishing top of his class.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri is the Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East, responsible for protecting and preserving our natural resources and promoting sustainable development in the emirate. Dr. Al Dhaheri holds a PhD degree in Wildlife Conservation and Protection from the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom, which makes her the first Emirati woman to earn the accolade. She also holds two Masters degrees: in Environmental Science from UAE University (UAEU) in Al Ain, and another in Biological Conservation From the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Species from UAEU. Dr. Al Dhaheri began her career at EAD as a Researcher Assistant in the Agency’s Terrestrial Environment Research in 2000, and was later appointed as Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector in 2012. In this role, she spearheaded initiatives to promote a comprehensive understanding of the state of biodiversity in Abu Dhabi and ensured that the sector’s goals were in line with Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030 and the Abu Dhabi Plan, among other national and emirate-level directives. She has played a defining role in establishing a clear vision for the sector to facilitate a sustainable environment and future for Abu Dhabi. Dr. Al Dhaheri has been credited for introducing innovative ideas and solutions to the field of environmental protection and species conservation and has overseen the implementation of numerous programs on biodiversity, protected areas, threatened species and fisheries, including national and global species reintroduction programs. Dr. Al Dhaheri serves on several committees and councils in the UAE. She is a board member of Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation. She is also member of Abu Dhabi University Board of Trustees and Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council . Dr. Al Dhaheri is also an active member of many international organizations. In 2021, she was re-elected as a Regional Councillor to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Western Asia for the second time. She is also the Chair of the IUCN UAE National Committee and member of the advisory Board for UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Dr. Al Dhaheri won the Abu Dhabi Award for Excellence in Government Performance in 2015 and also the Al Dana Excellence Award in 2014, She is also recipient of the Rashid Bin Maktoum Awards for Scientific Excellence for PhD and Masters degrees in 2010 and 2005 respectively. Dr. Al Dhaheri also a mother of 5 boys.
His Excellency Engineer Abdulla Mohammed Al Marzouqi has served as the Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, since 2020. The Centre is responsible for developing strategies, policies, and compliance processes for the land, maritime, and aviation sectors. Additionally, it oversees and approves traffic plans and studies for development projects, as well as managing key operational sectors within transport, including public transport, drivers and vehicles licensing, and commercial fleet management such as buses, school transport, and freight. The Centre also manages traffic flow and road safety in the emirate, working towards the vision of the Abu Dhabi Government to build a sustainable and smart transport system that contributes to the comprehensive development of the emirate. H.E. Abdulla Al Marzouqi occupied several positions which included serving as the Acting General Manager of ZonesCorp, where he spearheaded the daily operations and implemented strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the industrial and specialized economic zones sector, which in turn supports local businesses, and bolsters Abu Dhabi's economic competitiveness as well as its global position as a leading investment destination. Al Marzouqi holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United Arab Emirates University.
Saeed Al Shamsi began his journey with ADNEC in 2008. With 22 years of accumulated experience in Strategic and Operational HR, he successfully adopted international best practices in HR that have been instrumental in positioning ADNEC Group as an employer brand that attracts and retains the best talents in the industry. , the skills and talents of ADNEC’s employees meet global standards. He believes in strategizing human resources for the optimal advantage of the company and ensuring that the skills and talents of ADNEC’s employees meet global standards. Saeed holds a Masters in Strategy and National Security Studies from the National Defence College in Abu Dhabi, Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Suffolk University in Boston USA.
Ahmed Joined ADNEC in 2010, with almost two decades of professional experience in MICE Industry and has gained expertise through involvement on all the areas of the business. Ahmed is committed to contributing, steering and leading workforce to generate, produce and deliver successful events and initiatives. As the Chief Operations Officer, Ahmed is responsible to oversee the Venue Operations Function, Engineering Services and Facility Management. His passion is converted on growing revenue, optimizing operational cost through various cost-saving initiatives, process enhancement and business excellence. Ahmed holds a bachelor degree in Political Science from UAE University.
A strategist and a thought leader with a proven track record of achievements in business growth and corporate performance. Strategic partner with entrepreneurial spirit, visionary breadth, and advanced transformational project management acumen. Currently the Executive Director – Group Strategy & Sustainability at ADNEC Group in addition to chairing the ESG Committee. Recognized for heading strategy and sustainability efforts, balancing shareholder interests and instilling a culture of excellence. A change agent with focus on Net Zero.
Saeed Alghafri is the CEO of Emirates Steel, part of EMSTEEL Group, where he is driving growth and success while setting benchmark standards for production in the steel industry. Alghafri has 21 years’ experience in the industrial sector, most of which he amassed at Emirates Steel, where he excelled in multiple roles, such as CCO, Chief supply Chain and Planning Officer, VP - Procurement and Logistics, Assistant VP - Procurement and Logistics, Head of Procurement - Raw Materials, and Quality Assurance Engineer. Alghafri is one of the key players who contributed to the establishment of the Emirates Steel and key expansion projects across the globe. Before joining Emirates Steel, Alghafri served as Operations Engineer at the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO). Alghafri is also an Executive Wellbeing Leadership Coach for C-Suite and senior leaders, sharing invaluable insights derived from his own wealth of experience to develop conscious leaders looking to achieve success the right way. Alghafri holds an MBA from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, and a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tulsa in the United States of America.
Waleed AlGhamdi is Senior Director for Sustainability at ROSHN Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading multi-asset class real estate developer and a PIF Company. He is responsible for planning and executing the company’s sustainability agenda. With two decades of experience in sustainability, Waleed is one of the most experienced practitioners in the region with extensive experience across a range of industries. Waleed has led ROSHN’s efforts to be the first company in the IMETA region to obtain the BSI Kitemark for Smart Cities, demonstrating maturity in integrating sustainable development in its real estate activities. As a member of the American Institute of Architects, he served on the AIA 2030 Working Group subcommittee, tasked with building and managing the path to net zero energy buildings by 2030. Waleed serves on the advisory board for KFUPM’s College of Design and Built Environment and is a board member of the Saudi Network for the UN Global Compact.
Eng. Ahmed Al Dhaheri is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), a position he has held since 2018. He leads the transformation of the company and oversees the growth strategy, focusing on new markets and capabilities while driving operational excellence across all levels. In addition to his role at NPCC, Mr. Al Dhaheri serves as Chairman of NTS Group Middle East, Vice Chairman of GAL and AMMROC UAE, Chairman of NPCC Engineering Limited (NEL) and ANEWA, and board member of PRINCIPIA France and Gordon Technologies. Mr. Al Dhaheri has over 22 years of in-depth experience in the industrial sector. Prior to joining NPCC, he was the Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Steel, where he played a leading role in the delivery of the company’s expansion strategy. Prior to that, Mr. Al Dhaheri held a Director position at the General Industry Corporation (GIC). Mr. Al Dhaheri holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Miami and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from the George Washington University, as well as an Executive MBA with honors from UAE University.
Said Zater is a distinguished business leader boasting a significant corporate journey in the realm of non-banking financial services since 2001. Presently serving as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Contact Financial Holding, he concurrently holds the esteemed role of Chairman of the Egyptian Federation of Consumer Finance. With an illustrious background including strategic leadership positions within the Ministry of Interior, Zater's non-banking financial services career commenced at Contact, where his impactful contributions span strategic planning, operations, cost analysis, and the implementation of management consultancy approaches to enhance company performance, market reach, and revenue. Notably, Zater has successfully guided the company to heightened operational efficiency and brand expansion through an IPO. What adds a remarkable dimension to Zater's leadership is the noteworthy recognition Contact has received under his guidance from Forbes Middle East itself. The company secured its position and distinction by being listed among the top 50 listed companies in Egypt for two consecutive years, a testament to its consistent growth and significant presence in the industry.
Mr. Othman A. Ibrahim joined Rawabi Holding in 1989 and has been the Group President & CEO since January 2009. During his impressive tenure at the Group, Mr. Ibrahim has held several important positions including Group Vice President Finance and Administration, and Group Executive Vice President. His major contributions formats his critical role in leading Rawabi Holding’s strategic development and expansion of its operations. Through his successful career, Rawabi Holding’s companies and subsidiaries flourished in terms of development, expansion and financial inclusion. In July, 2023 - Rawabi Energy concluded one of the biggest private-sector syndicated financing in the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia with a total worth of SAR 7.175 Billion, in multiple currencies including USD & SAR. Mr. Ibrahim commented on achieving this milestone by: “The success of this financing demonstrated the strength and solidity of the “Rawabi Energy” company, as a major player in the energy services sector, as we adhere to the principles of sustainability, quality and technology in all our activities. This financing also provides new financing channels with high liquidity and diversifies the base of financiers. Also, This successful milestone showcases our professional and entrepreneurial business traits.” Othman A.Ibrahim shares the future-oriented and ambitious vision of the holding to expand its investment opportunities in the MENA region and the world. In 2022, Magnom Properties; a subsidiary of Rawabi Holding, sealed a partnership with U.S based Publisher - Forbes which marked the first initiative for both parties to invest in MENA’s real-estate sector. Forbes International Tower is the first project proposed by Magnom Properties and will be projected initially at the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The tower was proposed to the world for the first time at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland - with a clear statement to be “The most sustainable tower in the world.” to follow and cope with the 2030 Sustainable development goals set by KSA, Egypt and the United Nations. “We are looking for more achievements and milestones” - As the vice chairman of Magnom Properties, Othman A. Ibrahim publicly stated these words during the reveal of Forbes International Tower at WEF.
Maged Marie is the CEO of Magnom Group, which he founded in 2000. Marie is a self-made businessman, with 20 years' experience in managing more than 5,000 workers & employees; with a total capital of group companies of approximately 5 billion Egyptian pounds. He made a positive change in the Egyptian field of services and project management, ending up with the Guinness World Records project “The new Suez Canal project”, becoming the exclusive agent in Egypt of the largest German famous designer and constructor of luxury yachts and naval ships in the world and the exclusive agent of the largest dredging companies in the world (Jan De Nul, the prestigious Belgian company). He received his Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Commerce at Cairo University in Egypt. Then a master’s degree in Business Administration from Suez Canal University and lastly in 2020, he received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management, from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) and now currently studying for a PHD in strategic business administration at the (AASTMT). Established his own company Future Land, which specializes in the field of industrial security, supplies and free zones; then founded Magnom Logistic as a free zone company working in the field of logistics services, warehousing and renting heavy Machinery. In late 2005, he participated in founding Platinum Services which was the first distinguished port services company, located at “Sokhna Port” the first private Egyptian port. In 2015, he decided to expand, develop and diversify activities of development plans In Egypt, and contracted with major consulting firms and restructuring companies. During 2019; he restructured his companies under the umbrella of Magnom Holding Group that includes Magnom Logistics, Magnom Mining, Magnom Construction, Magnom Industrial, Millennium Secure Solutions, Magnom Saudi Properties and Magnom Agencies Dubai. Adding to his marvelous achievements; he also established Egypt Ports- for developing and managing Egyptian ports with international specifications. The first step towards creating a modern model for a group of specialized Egyptian exclusive companies in the development and management of ports. Moving to 2020, he became the exclusive agent of Lürssen; the world’s largest German famous designer and constructor of luxury yachts and naval ships. The main objective was getting the most out of this collaboration, in the furtherance of endeavors local manufacturing and developing marine industries in Egypt. This was not the only agency for a giant foreign company, Magnom is the exclusive agent also for the “Belgian Jan De Nul” company in Egypt, which is the largest international dredging company, which owns the largest fleet of dredgers. Maged Marie is a member at Egyptian Businessmen's Association, Member at American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt - AmCham Egypt and First Egyptian Commercial Astronaut.
Muhammad BinGhatti is the Chairman of Binghatti Holding. He has led the company to building its current portfolio which sits at a value over AED 40 Billion. As an architect by background, Muhammad BinGhatti is very much design driven and leads many of the group’s design endeavours. His vision is to create a brand that is instantly recognizable through distinct architectural languages and features. He has recently led Binghatti to its partnerships with global brands including the automotive brands Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz as well as Jewelry and Watchmaker Jacob&Co.
Mohamed Amer joined Orascom Development in May 2022 as the CEO of El Gouna, one of Orascom Development’s fully integrated, sustainable towns in the Red Sea, Egypt. With his extensive executive experience in managing complex organizations across multiple geographies and achieving stellar results, Amer is taking El Gouna into a new chapter of the town’s iconic and successful journey. He is responsible for steering El Gouna’s master-planned community to ensure its Real Estate, Hotels and Town Management operations come together to provide a world- class customer experience for living, staying, working and well-being. Additionally, Amer works closely with Orascom Development leadership to ensure that its flagship, El Gouna, is a pivotal contributor to the company’s ambition to become the international benchmark for developing successful, integrated destinations. Previously, Amer was with Xerox for 22 years, where he built an impressive career path. Most recently, Amer was VP and Regional General Manager at Xerox Middle East and Africa based in Uxbridge, UK. Before that, he was responsible for managing the region’s operations, business and profitability growth and overall strategy development and execution across all 85 countries. Prior the aforementioned roles, Amer was Regional General Manager for Xerox Distributor Group in Miami, Florida, United States, and responsible for 34 countries in the Caribbean, Central America and South America. He began his career in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1999 and held several management and leadership roles in Xerox Distributor Group, Middle East and Africa Operations, and Xerox in Egypt. Mohamed holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Alexandria University in Egypt.
Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO at EFS Facilities Services, holds a distinguished position among Forbes' top 100 CEOs. With over three decades of professional expertise, Chauhan has been a driving force in the remarkable transformation of EFS into a premium FM brand. His impactful contributions have spread unparalleled excellence across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Europe. Under Chauhan's visionary guidance since 2009, EFS has consistently achieved double-digit growth. The company's journey has been extraordinary, transitioning from AED 75 million in 2009 to a thriving enterprise on the cusp of surpassing AED 2 billion in revenues by 2023. Chauhan's influence extends beyond EFS, as he holds key roles on the boards of the UAE-Indian Business Council (UIBC) and Emerge Education. A strong advocate for upskilling and worker welfare, Chauhan's contributions to the 2023 Coursera Emerge Education Research Report highlight the future of L&D for digitally disadvantaged workers. He also oversees EFS's partnership with Dawamee, an employment scheme by the Emirates Foundation, aimed at creating opportunities for Emirati nationals. Chauhan's impact extends to societal well-being through corporate social responsibility initiatives. He established the Abhaar Worker Welfare Foundation, a commendable NGO focused on empowering frontline workers who often go unnoticed. His exceptional achievements have garnered prestigious awards including the 'Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award' and the 'Taqdeer Award.' In 2021, he received a nomination for the esteemed Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the Indian government. Chauhan's dedication to philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors was recognized with an Honorary D.Litt. from the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya. Chauhan's insightful debut business book, "Getting to Resilient Mode," published by Forbes Books and an Amazon Best Seller, provides invaluable guidance for individuals aspiring to achieve resilience and success in their journeys.
Edward Hamod is the CEO and Founder of Switch Foods, a FoodTech start-up revolutionising the culinary landscape with its innovative plant-based meat alternatives. With a wealth of experience and a successful track record in leading esteemed food manufacturing and production organizations across the Middle East, Edward identified a pressing need in the region for healthy, nutritious, sustainable, and locally sourced food options. This realisation fuelled his passion for contributing to national food security, promoting source diversity, and creating alternative-meat varieties that cater specifically to Middle Eastern palates. Edward's commitment to sustainability and his unwavering belief in the potential of nutritional plant-based diets are not only driving forces behind Switch Foods, but also reflect his strong conviction that FoodTech plays a pivotal role in the region's aspirations for enhanced food security. Edward's impressive professional journey showcases his adeptness and self-motivation as a leader in various business sectors. He possesses a deep understanding of financial, organisational, and operational strategies, positioning him as a forward-thinking, adaptable, and enterprising catalyst for change. Edward has consistently demonstrated an innate ability to navigate complex structures and foster the growth of new enterprises.
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The International Exhibition Center in Riyadh is a premier venue renowned for its modern and innovative design. Its standout feature is a state-of-the-art, column-free covered hall spanning 14,644 m², with a width of 75 meters, offering unmatched technical and functional versatility.
This expansive space is designed to accommodate exhibitions and conferences of all sizes and types. The hall’s flexibility allows it to be divided into four separate sections, enabling multiple events to run concurrently with seamless efficiency.
As a hub for international exhibitions and business events, the International Exhibition Center serves as a key commercial destination, attracting global attention and providing the perfect backdrop for hosting prestigious gatherings like the Women’s Summit. Its modern infrastructure and strategic design make it an ideal location to inspire and connect attendees.
ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi is a multi-award-winning venue offering organisers of exhibitions, conferences and events.
Marina Hall is Located on the waterfront at Centre Abu Dhabi Marina, this brand-new multipurpose space is the largest waterside exhibition hall in the MENA region.
Forbes Middle East is a licensee of Forbes Media and extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the Arab world. Forbes Middle East’s distinctive editorial style attracts a readership of Arab leaders, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, government officials and investors united by a belief in the spirit of free enterprise and entrepreneurial values.Across the region, Forbes Middle East sets the pace for preemptive business journalism. By uncovering trends and anticipating opportunities in the regional marketplace, each monthly issue brings top executives the information critical to their success – in both Arabic and English language editions. The magazine researches and publishes original rankings, based on methodologies set by Forbes Media.
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Forbes Middle East is a licensee of Forbes Media and extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the Arab world. Forbes Middle East’s distinctive editorial style attracts a readership of Arab leaders, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, government officials and investors united by a belief in the spirit of free enterprise and entrepreneurial values.Across the region, Forbes Middle East sets the pace for preemptive business journalism. By uncovering trends and anticipating opportunities in the regional marketplace, each monthly issue brings top executives the information critical to their success – in both Arabic and English language editions. The magazine researches and publishes original rankings, based on methodologies set by Forbes Media.
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