Her Highness Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan is a leading advocate for culture, education and national identity. Passionate about women’s empowerment and advancement, she champions their contributions to national development. A scholar of history, philosophy and social thought, Her Highness aspires to seamlessly blend economic, social and cultural development, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s global stature. Through strategic partnerships with leading educational and cultural institutions, she has spearheaded initiatives that embody her steadfast belief that culture, thought, and knowledge are the beating heart of sustainable development.

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak serves as the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Member of the UAE Cabinet.

HE Dr. Al Dahak is responsible for implementing and leading national initiatives related to environmental protection, biodiversity, climate change and food systems as well as enhancing governmental excellence by delivering best-in-class service to the community. HE leads the Ministry’s work in partnership with other government entities, the private sector, startups, and the local community to support the nation’s efforts to achieve net zero by 2050, protect and promote the country’s unique natural environment, accelerate climate action, grow the agriculture and fishing sectors, develop agricultural technologies, safeguard land ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and ensure national food security.

Since her appointment as the Minister of Climate Change and Environment in January 2024, HE has represented the UAE at leading international forums including COP29 (Azerbaijan), COP16 (Saudi Arabia & Colombia) and UNGA. HE has also led several trailblazing national project launches such as the Plant the Emirates National Programme, the National Agriculture Centre and the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition.

Alongside her Ministerial role, Her Excellency Dr. Al Dahak chairs several national councils and committees, including the UAE Council for Climate Action, the Emirates Council for Food Security (ECFS), and the UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work. She is also a board member of the National Committee of the Biosecurity, and the Supreme Committee for the Exploitation, Protection and Development of Living Aquatic Resources. Her Excellency is also a board member of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, the Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Sheraa's Board of Advisors, the Trustees of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, the UAEU’s Board of Trustees, the Emirates Council for Rural Development, the Board of Trustees of Ajman University, and the Board of Directors of the Al Mubarakah Foundation. Additionally, HE Dr. Al Dahak chairs the Supreme Committee for the Food Innovation Hub UAE.

Prior to her appointment as Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Her Excellency was responsible for leading a wide range of strategic initiatives at the Ministry of Education as Assistant Undersecretary for the Care and Capacity Building Sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Her Excellency served as the UAE Government Spokesperson.

Armed with a distinguished academic track-record HE brings a scientific and evidence-based philosophy to her work at MOCCAE. HE holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Khalifa University and Master’s and bachelor’s degrees in computer science from the University of Sharjah, in addition to the UAE Government Innovation Diploma.

Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi qualified as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Saint Istvan University in Budapest, Hungary. He started his work as a veterinarian in the zoo and conservation field and moved into an administration role in 2013 as a Director to oversee the Terrestrial Biodiversity and conservation activities at the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. From 2015 to 2021 he was the Chief Veterinary Officer of the UAE and Advisor to 2 Ministers regarding all things Food and Agriculture, at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, UAE.

His work as a policy maker brought him to the center of Food Security, Sustainability and Biodiversity for the UAE and the Arab world, looking to create clear direction for the UAE and the Middle East on how technology, sustainable agriculture and traditional practices can create a food production revolution in the region. After Developing the Food Diversification strategy for the UAE with the Food and Agriculture Organization, Sh. Dr. Majid has the ability to see both a holistic “all of country” approach to Food Security, as well as dive down into specific technical subjects to navigate challenges and opportunities. He sits on multiple boards of Accreditation Authorities, UAE Food Safety Committee, and on multiple other Food, Animal and Agriculture Boards.

He is a founding partner at SOMA MATER where he continues to develop Food Security and Sustainability strategies and solutions for private sector and governments. He has a keen interest in engaging the youth to further career choices in STEM subjects, and as one of the first veterinarians from his country, he plays a vital role in supporting
veterinary education and awareness, through public speaking, advising the university curriculum.

Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri serves as the Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East. Since her appointment in 2019, she has been a driving force in advancing environmental conservation and promoting sustainable development in the Emirate.

Under Dr. Al Dhaheri’s leadership, EAD has undertaken several transformative initiatives, including the successful reintroduction of endangered antelope species in Chad and the restoration of Abu Dhabi’s fisheries. She has also championed large-scale ecosystem restoration efforts, focusing on mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass habitats. She also led the development of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy to achieve Net Zero and the development of single-use plastic policy.

Dr. Dhaheri currently serves as an IUCN Councillor from the West Asia region. She has been involved with the IUCN since 2008, supporting the work of the Species Survival Commission (SSC), and is globally recognized for her efforts in species conservation and ecosystem restoration.

She holds number of prestigious positions, including being on the board for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Vice Chair of UN SDG 14. Locally, she is on the board of Emirates Nature, International Fund for Houbara Conservation, United Arab Emirates University, and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Security Authority, among many others.

Dr. Dhaheri’s contributions have earned her several awards, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Award for Environmental Management and the Arab Woman Award for “Distinguished Contribution.” She is also a recipient of the Abu Dhabi Medal for “Distinguished Government Performance” in 2015.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti was appointed by the Cabinet as the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government since 2020. As the Head of Cyber Security, his mandate includes responsibilities as the Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, Managing Director of the National Data Center under the Supreme Council for National Security. As the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government by investiture, Dr. Al Kuwaiti has legal authority over all aspects pertaining to securing the cyberspace for the entire Nation. In his current role, Dr. Al Kuwaiti is tasked with the responsibility of charting the cyber security strategy for the Nation that not only equips the UAE to enter the digital era with capabilities to deal with the new threat landscape exacerbated by the pandemic, but also ensures UAE’s leadership in cyber security globally; towards establishing the UAE as the world’s leading trusted digital hub and supporting the Nation’s digital transformation agenda and the digital future of all residents who made UAE their home. Towards that end, he leads the Council to outline an implementation plan to protect the UAE cyberspace through emerging technologies such as Cloud, Big Data, and AI in a whole-of-government approach, coordinating and orchestrating efforts between Emirates and government entities via a unified platform built and managed by the Council. Under Dr. Al Kuwaiti’s leadership, the United Arab Emirates ranked #1 in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024. He has also led UAE to many firsts, including Guinness World Records for having the most users in a cyber capture-the-flag (CTF) competition, the largest bug bounty competition, and the largest cyber drill; all initiatives that aim at capacity building in cyber security and improving the technical competencies of cyber security professionals and enthusiasts. More importantly, he has been instrumental in advocating for realizing the value of cyber security by demonstrating cyber security as a critical business enabler. Since 2021, Dr. Al Kuwaiti has played the role of an ambassador for collaboration between the government and cyber agencies, helping to bridge the discussion between the two major stakeholders in the digital economy. Under his chaperone, key public-private partnerships were established between the UAE Cyber Security Council and leading local and international cyber security organizations with the goal of making a positive contribution to the UAE cyber agenda and being a major force that will benefit the global cyber security industry. Additionally, bilateral agreements established with countries both within the region and across the world contributed towards mutual information sharing, capacity development, and legal assistance aid treaties, all key outcomes as a result of the National Cyber Security Strategy that he has put in place to realize the vision of the UAE for the next 50 years. Underscoring the UAE’s leadership in cyber security on a global stage under Dr. Al Kuwaiti’s tutelage, UAE plays a pivotal role in the Arab Regional Cybersecurity Centre with UAE being elected as the Vice Chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Computer Emergency Response Team and cochairs the Information Sharing Committee in the White House Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI), a coalition of 37 international partners. His contributions to accelerate the cyber security maturity of the Nation and foster a vibrant cyber security ecosystem in the UAE have been recognized in multiple forums, including the (ISC)² Government Professional Award for EMEA, Cyber Security Excellence Awards

Her Excellency Eng. Alya Abdelrahim Alharmoodi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector, has served in government for almost 25 years. During this period, she has developed expertise in environmental management, public health and safety, food safety and security, laboratory services, waste management, biosecurity, and environmental emergency response. Her career began as an engineer at Dubai Municipality. She then advanced into leadership, serving as Head of the Coastal Management Section and Director of the Environment Department at the Environment, Health and Safety Agency. After over two decades in municipal service, she transitioned to the federal level, assuming her current role at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. There, she applies her experience to support the development of sustainable communities, collaborating with local authorities to unify efforts, protect natural resources, and advance the UAE’s environmental and sustainable development goals. Eng. Al Harmoodi has overseen the design and implementation of national strategies, policies, and programmes. These include the Air Quality Strategy, Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, Food Security Strategy, Groundwater Protection Policy, Natural Reserves Management Policy, State of the Environment Reports, the National Agenda for Integrated Waste Management, and the National Biosecurity Framework. She has also contributed to drafting environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks.She has led and delivered initiatives with environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Her achievements include: the pilot project for managing targeted product waste; the establishment of a national platform for trading and managing recyclable waste; the launch of DM Sat 1, the UAE’s first government-owned environmental satellite; the Smart Environmental Monitoring and Early Warning System; the redevelopment of Deira Port to support Dubai’s maritime trade sector; the development of fishermen's harbours in Jumeirah; the linking of Business Bay to Dubai Creek; the Environmental Guideline for the management and development of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve; and contributions to the development of Hatta’s valleys and traditional aflaj. She has represented the UAE in regional and international forums. These include: the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (Geneva – 2025); the Waste Management Conference ("ECO West 2025") within the World Future Energy Summit; the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025; the Bahrain International Garden Show 2025; participation in a panel discussion on the Global Initiative to Decarbonise Waste Management (Azerbaijan – COP29); meetings of the Joint Economic Committee between the UAE and the Czech Republic (2025); the 12th Gulf Municipal Works Conference (Riyadh – 2024); and the Municipal Works Conference in Prague (2024).She holds qualifications in civil engineering, government policy, and integrated coastal zone management. She has also participated in leadership development programmes, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), where she was recognised as a Distinguished Government Employee in the Technical / Engineering Field. She received the Dubai Leaders Programme Award from the Government of Dubai, and other distinctions, including the Middle East Women Leaders Excellence Award, the Community Responsibility Champions Award, and the Asian Leadership Award for her contributions to the industrial sector. Beyond her executive roles, Al Harmoodi has contributed to educational and community initiatives. She collaborated with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood on programmes protecting children from climate change impacts. She supported the 'Donate Your Own Device' (DYOD) initiative, which promotes device recycling as part of the Digital Schools’ initiatives. She has chaired and participated in committees and working groups at local and federal levels. These include: the UAE National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the National Committee for Biosecurity, the Global Innovation Index (GII) Committee, the National Committee for Standardisation and Metrology, the Higher Committee for Regulating Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) in Umm Al Quwain, the Supervisory Committee for the Municipal Waste Treatment Plant in Dubai, the UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work, the Committee of the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative (ne’ma), the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, and the Supervisory Committee for the Waste-toEnergy Project in Dubai. She has also served as a board member of institutions, including the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment and Drydocks World in Dubai.

H.E. Eng. Amal Abdulrahim serves as the Assistant Undersecretary for the
Support Services Sector, as well as Chief AI Officer and Chief Innovation
Officer at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
In her leadership role, she spearheads the development and execution of
strategic plans designed to enhance the Ministry’s operational efficiency while
fostering innovation and creativity in alignment with the UAE's national goals.
Her work is pivotal to advancing the UAE's climate action strategies, promoting
environmental sustainability, and ensuring biodiversity protection.
The Ministry focuses on policies that address climate change, ensure food
security, and manage natural resources efficiently. It also champions green
development initiatives that align with the UAE's national and international
commitments. Eng. Amal plays a critical role in driving the integration of AI and
digital transformation projects within the Ministry, supporting the nation's
environmental and sustainability goals. She oversees key operational functions
such as human resources, finance, and digital transformation, ensuring they
align with the Ministry’s objectives and cultivate a culture of excellence.
She has held numerous prominent leadership roles in various UAE government
entities. At the Ministry of Education, she led strategic initiatives centered on
innovation and process improvement, managing national strategies such as
the MOE Innovation Strategy 2030 and the Higher Education Strategy 2031.
She also contributed to global efforts, including COP28. During her tenure at the Prime Minister’s Office, she oversaw performance
management across federal entities, playing a pivotal role in the development
of the UAE’s 50-Year Government Performance Roadmap. Her work provided
strategic guidance across critical sectors such as healthcare, energy, and
education. At Dubai Municipality, she excelled in managing quality systems,
strategic planning, and public infrastructure projects, achieving ISO
certifications and driving customer satisfaction through process reengineering
and service enhancements.
H.E. extensive expertise in leading both national and international projects has
enabled her to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to implement
solutions that align with the UAE’s ambitious environmental and sustainability
targets. Her visionary leadership, dedication to innovation, and strategic
acumen make her a key figure in advancing the UAE’s climate action agenda
and positioning the nation as a global leader in addressing environmental
challenges

Dr. Alanoud Abdulla Alhaj Al Ali serves as the Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Green Development and Climate Change Sector at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. In this capacity, she leads the implementation of the UAE's strategic directives concerning climate action and environmental initiatives, aligning with the nation's ambitious vision for sustainable development and climate neutrality by 2050. Dr. Alhaj brings over fifteen years of extensive experience across both government and private sectors. Her distinguished career blends expertise in science, environment, economics, diplomacy, management, and innovation. This diverse background has equipped her with profound knowledge in developing and assessing policy and legislative impact, directly supporting her current efforts to enhance the nation's standing in global environmental indices. Dr. Alhaj's current responsibilities encompass nationally significant initiatives, including the UAE's Green Agenda, the National Air Quality Strategy, and frameworks for green development and environmental governance. She also leads the development of critical climate action legislations, such as the Federal Decree-Law on the Reduction of Climate Change Effects and the Federal Law Concerning the Protection and Development of the Environment, alongside overseeing the first national inventory of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, she holds leadership and membership roles on various committees and task forces integral to the sector, including those preparing international reports aimed at showcasing UAE’s efforts on Climate Action and Green Development topics, the National Carbon Pricing Committee, and working groups dedicated to data, artificial intelligence, and innovation. Prior to joining the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Alhaj held important positions, including Director of the Education Policy Department at the Ministry of Education, where she contributed to national legislation and policies in higher and general education. She also served as Director of Public Policy Research at the Federal Demographic Council, leading numerous in-depth strategic studies. Her private sector background, notably with the Emirates Group, involved enhancing profitability through quantitative analysis and customer experience development. During her tenure at The George Washington University, Dr. Alhaj was appointed as a researcher in molecular biology laboratories focusing on protein-protein interaction in cancer cells. Dr. Alhaj holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the British University in Dubai and a Diploma in Innovation in the Public Sector from the University of Cambridge. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah, a Master of Science in Genomics and Bioinformatics, and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from The George Washington University.

Hiba Alshehhi serves as the Assistant Undersecretary for Biodiversity and Marine at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. In her role, she acts as a national focal point for numerous multilateral biodiversity-related conventions, contributing significantly to the UAE’s achievement of first place globally in the Natural Marine Protected Areas Index. Under her leadership, the UAE has formed strategic partnerships to declare and expand protected areas across the nation, enhancing its environmental preservation efforts. Hiba spearheaded the development of the UAE's first national strategies for the conservation of sharks, turtles, and biodiversity, as well as initiatives to combat desertification. Her vision and leadership were critical in executing key policy decisions, including the ban on shark fin removal and export to protect endangered species and the implementation of measures to safeguard native plant species. Hiba is deeply committed to raising public awareness about conservation and volunteers her time to support environmental research and advocacy. Her dedication to environmental protection extends beyond her official duties, making her a prominent figure in the UAE’s sustainability initiatives. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hiba holds a master’s degree in ecology and has conducted numerous studies on insects.

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.

Al Abdooli has extensive experience of 22 years in different fields including: Green Development, Air Quality, Net Zero, Circular Economy, Sustainable Development & Green Economy, in addition to her expertise in developing policies, strategies and regulatory frameworks in environmental topics, and Waste & Chemicals Management. Aisha had worked in managing BOOT and PPP projects in Sewerage Infrastructure, Sewage Treatment Plants and Waste Management Projects in addition to managing EPCM firms to ensure that the Construction Environmental and Social Management Plan (CESMP) is implemented in Aluminum Industry and the project construction is executed in compliance with all applicable environmental standards. Aisha holds master’s degree in project management from the British University in Dubai and bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the UAE University in Al Ain and Public Sector Innovation Diploma from Mohamed Bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation .

Hajar Bakhit Alketbi is a distinguished Emirati professional with 19 years of expertise in Marketing and Communications. She has worked across high- profile international, regional, private, and public sector institutions, formulating strategic communication, marketing, and public relations initiatives that drive business excellence. She is currently the Director of Government Communications at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), where she oversees the ministry’s government communication strategy, ensuring alignment with its strategic vision. Her role includes developing and executing media, social media, events, and CSR strategies, managing the public image of the minister and leadership team, and transforming external stakeholder relations into strategic partnerships. She also served as the lead communications representative for MOCCAE at COP28, hosted in the UAE in 2023. Previously, Alketbi was the Director of Corporate Marketing, Media & Relations at Dubai Municipality (2018-2022), where she led the municipality’s marketing and communications strategy, revitalized its corporate image, and spearheaded public relations and corporate social responsibility efforts. She played a pivotal role in launching some of Dubai’s most significant infrastructure projects and aligning the municipality’s agenda with Dubai’s broader vision. Her contributions earned her the “Marketing Executive of the Year” award at the 19th International Business Awards 2022 and the “Female Executive of the Year in Government or Non-Profit” award at the 19th Women in Business Awards 2022. Prior to her tenure at Dubai Municipality, she served as Vice President of Corporate Communications, Public Relations & Sustainability at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) (2014-2018), where she successfully led media and communications outreach to international and regional audiences. Her work contributed to DIFC being ranked the #1 financial center in MEASA and #8 globally. Earlier in her career, Alketbi spent nearly a decade at Chalhoub Group (2005- 2014), where she rose through the ranks to become the Regional Marketing Department Manager for Carolina Herrera across the GCC and Levant. She was responsible for leading the brand’s marketing strategy and activations in seven countries, consistently securing the #1 position in PR and sales among all fashion brands in the group. In addition to her professional roles, Alketbi is an active mentor and masterclass speaker for startups, contributing to key programs such as the UN Women Program (in partnership with Nama Women Advancement Establishment), MISK Startups Accelerator (KSA), and Startupbootcamp. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Canadian University in Dubai and is a graduate of the UAE Government Leadership Program (Qiyadaat – Executive Leaders), organized by the Prime Minister’s Office. In 2024, Alketbi received two Globee Awards in Communication, further cementing her reputation as a leader in the field.

Abdulnasser Ibrahim Saif Bin Kalban is Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in 2020, Mr. Bin Kalban had served as an Alternate Board Member of EGA since May 2017. He is a member of EGA’s Technical and Project Committee and its Finance and Commercial Committee. He also sits on the Board of Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), EGA's bauxite mining subsidiary. As Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bin Kalban is responsible for managing EGA’s ongoing operations and business and reports to EGA’s Managing Director. Mr. Bin Kalban joined DUBAL in 1996 and worked in both Major Projects and the Power and Desalination Department. (DUBAL merged with EMAL to form EGA in 2014). In 2014, Mr Kalban left his position as General Manager of Power and Desalination at EGA to become CEO of Dubal Holding LLC, EGA’s 50 per cent shareholder. Mr Bin Kalban is a Board Member of the International Aluminium Institute and a Board Member of the Gulf Aluminium Council. Mr. Kalban has a bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering from Western Michigan University in the United States, and has completed Strategic Management and Leadership Courses at Insead Business School, France and Harvard Business School.

Hugo Losada is the CEO of Emirates Cement, part of EMSTEEL Group, where he leads using well-honed expertise in identifying opportunities for growth and executing projects to optimize efficiencies, product delivery, and overall plant performance.

Losada has over 25 years’ experience as a successful leader, driving savings and growth within the construction, heavy materials, and manufacturing sectors across four continents.

Losada’s impressive track record includes achievements in business acquisitions, turnarounds, divestitures, due diligence, and competitive market analysis, managing budgets exceeding US$ 530 million.

His diverse career includes key leadership roles in renowned global organizations, such as Hume Cement Industries, CEMEX Group (Thailand, Philippines, Venezuela), and ReadyMix (Ireland).

Losada holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from UCAB in Venezuela.

John Saad is a distinguished leader in the technology sector, boasting over 20 years of extensive experience in commercial and marketing roles. Throughout his career, Saad has held key C-suite positions across Egypt and the GCC, consistently driving commercial growth and success in dynamic corporate environments.
Currently serving as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Contact Financial Holding, Saad began his professional journey at one of Egypt’s largest telecom companies, where he advanced through various marketing roles before ascending to prominent C-level roles. He served as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at several leading companies across Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, overseeing critical commercial operations and strategy.
Saad also served as CEO of a leading digital entertainment platform and is the Co-Founder and CEO of one of the region’s leading AI-focused companies.
Saad holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, with a major in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) and a minor in Economics, from The American University in Cairo (AUC).

Tariq Chauhan is the Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of EFS Facilities Services Group and CEO of EFSIM Facilities Management in Saudi Arabia. A Forbes-recognized business leader and best-selling author, Chauhan has transformed EFS into a $2 billion global FM powerhouse operating across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Europe. With a background in banking, technology and financial services, he brings over three decades of leadership experience.
Renowned for his "People First" philosophy, he has championed employee well-being and inclusive growth, earning accolades such as the People First Leader Award and features on the Forbes cover in 2014, 2022, and 2024. Chauhan also serves on key global advisory boards, including the UAE-India Business Council – UAE Chapter, Emerge Workforce Development Edtech, International Facility Management Association and is a Founding Trustee of the UAE-India Friendship Hospital.
His debut business book, Getting to Resilient Mode, reflects his journey and leadership ethos. Chauhan is also the founder of the Abhaar Worker Welfare Foundation, focused on frontline worker empowerment.

Benjamin Mee assumed the role of Executive Director for HyTerra Ltd in April 2023. In his capacity as Director and Board member, he aims to deliver HyTerra’s clear mission to explore and produce low cost, low carbon hydrogen made by nature.

Ben has over 25 years of international oil and gas experience with proven leadership and delivery across exploration, appraisal, development, and field production within both onshore and offshore businesses in various locations around the world. He recently served as Exploration Manager Deepwater Africa for Shell, during which time significant petroleum discoveries were made. Additionally, he has served as Exploration Manager Egypt and Development Manager Unconventionals Russia for Shell. Ben was also Shell’s Group Portfolio Manager in the Strategy department for 3 years, supporting Executive Committee portfolio decisions and capital allocation. At the start of his career, Ben also enjoyed various geoscience expertise positions across Australia, USA, Netherlands, and various sub-Saharan countries for both Woodside and Shell. Ben and his family moved back to Australia in late-2022.

Ben holds degrees in geology and geophysics from Curtin University and University of South Australia.

Eng. Ahmed Al Dhaheri is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NMDC Energy (formerly 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 NMDC Energy, 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, board member of Abu Dhabi Aviation, 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 NMDC Energy (formerly 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.

With over two decades of distinguished experience, Captain Saif plays a pivotal role in advancing Abu Dhabi's position as a global maritime hub and a leader in sustainability innovation. He holds regulatory authority over five key jurisdictions:

Abu Dhabi Maritime: Responsible for developing and implementing the emirate's maritime strategy and regulations, managing waterways, licensing activities, overseeing public maritime facilities, and inspecting and licensing over 1,400 companies across the emirate. Abu Dhabi Maritime also operates Abu Dhabi's public water transport services.
Staff Cities Authority: Oversees accommodations housing nearly half a million residents, managed by more than 30 developers, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Port Authority: Manages operations across multiple commercial ports, including vessel traffic management, pilotage, and conservancy services, ensuring seamless and safe maritime operations.
Licensing and Tariff Authority: Administers licensing frameworks and tariff structures, ensuring transparent and efficient regulatory compliance.
Free Zone Authority: Governs strategically located free zones, supporting over 1,000 clients and promoting trade and logistics growth.

In addition, Captain Saif oversees the Engineering & Technical Services (ETS) division, managing projects across the Group exceeding AED 29.5 billion with a focus on world-class delivery and governance. He also leads the Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) function, championing a "safety-first" culture through ISO 45001-certified systems, rigorous training programmes, and regular audits. His leadership ensures compliance with global standards and fosters continuous improvement in safety and resilience planning, safeguarding personnel, assets, and operations.

As the architect of AD Ports Group's Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, Captain Saif drives initiatives that align with global sustainability standards. Recognised by Forbes as one of the Top 5 Sustainability Leaders in the Middle East in Transport & Logistics for 2024, he sets benchmarks for environmental stewardship and innovation.

Captain Saif holds an Executive MBA in Strategic Management, Certificates of Competency (CoC) as a Master Mariner, Chief Mate, and Second Mate, and advanced diplomas in Applied Nautical Science. His visionary leadership embodies a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, shaping the future of the maritime sector.

The BEEAH Group was founded as a public-private partnership in 2007 and today operates in the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. In 2025, BEEAH achieved a 93% landfill diversion rate in Sharjah—the highest in the region. In January 2025, the company signed a partnership with the U.A.E.’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to build a commercial-scale, hydrogen-to-waste plant, with the first phase expected to be commissioned in Q2 2027. In June 2025, BEEAH unveiled climate-smart, zero-waste city Khalid Bin Sultan City, which will offer 1,500 freehold residential units across seven neighborhoods. Al Huraimel joined BEEAH in 2009.

Ahmed Baghoum oversees operations and development at Masdar City. He is responsible for driving its strategy, innovation-focused initiatives, partnerships, and R&D cluster towards sustainable growth.
A Masdar veteran, Baghoum joined the company in 2009 as director of the Free Zone at Masdar City, where he oversaw all special economic zone functions. He then took the role of executive director of human capital and services at Masdar. In this position, he led the department on talent acquisition, development, and optimizing the company’s UAE national workforce. He also led the company’s corporate services activities. Prior to joining Masdar, Baghoum was the executive director of customer operations at the Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone Authority. This included Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Knowledge Village. There he led the client interface and supported departments in the Customer Operations Division.
He also led the re-engineering of the Government Service Operations Department, where he helped develop and implement innovative servicing concepts by creating new partnerships with key government entities.
Baghoum holds an MBA from Texas Tech University. Additionally, he holds a master’s certificate in project management and management concepts from Regis University in the United States.

Mohamed Juma Ahmed Al Bawardi Al Falasi leads EMDAD Group and Al Bawardi
Enterprises, setting strategy and driving growth across a diversified portfolio. He is known
for an inclusive, people‑first leadership style and for embedding proven management
systems into day‑to‑day operations and long‑term plans.
Under his leadership, EMDAD has accelerated digital transformation—investing in AI and
adjacent technologies—while advancing a “Made in the UAE” industrial vision to localize
key oil & gas products. He couples these priorities with deep knowledge of both national
and international oil markets. An innovative, forward‑looking operator, he translates
long‑range vision into clear, executable roadmaps.

Matthias Büchler is the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). With more than 20 years of experience in corporate strategy and a strong track record of driving financial growth for leading European and Middle Eastern financial institutions, he leads the development and execution of ADX’s corporate strategy and its digital transformation commitment.

Prior to joining ADX, Mr. Büchler was with RAKBANK where he was appointed by the Board of Directors to review, define and execute the bank’s group-wide strategy and transform its operating model. He also held senior strategy roles at National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Mashreq Bank and started his career as a strategy consultant with Roland Berger in Zurich.

Mr. Büchler holds an Executive MBA from London Business School, a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Bern, and a master’s qualification in Audit & Consulting with EAP European School of Management.

In 2023, EFG’s energy transition investment platform, Vortex Energy, invested $80 million in electric vehicle charging solutions company, EO Charging, with Zouk Capital. Its banking arm, Bank NXT formerly known as aiBANK, also launched a campaign that enables clients to secure financing of up to $82,000 to purchase eco-friendly electric or hybrid cars, and EFG Holding’s financial technology company, Valu partnered with solar energy suppliers to offer buy now, pay later solutions for solar panels.

Najeeba serves as Chief ESG & Sustainability Officer and Sustainability of Emirates Global Aluminium. She has over 20 years of experience in the aluminium industry with a focus on smelting operations. Al Jabri joined Dubai Aluminium’s (Dubal) technology development operations as a Project Engineer in 2004. In 2006, Al Jabri became the region’s first woman to serve as a Potline Operations Manager in the aluminium industry. In 2013, Al Jabri led the production ramp-up of the longest aluminium line in the world with over 400 employees. The project was completed ahead of schedule with zero lost time injury over more than seven months. Al Jabri also served as a Vice President of Technical Midstream where she focused on Industry 4.0 applications to improve the performance of primary aluminium production. Al Jabri holds an Executive MBA from Hult International Business School, a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from United Arab Emirates University, a Master’s degree in Process Control from Auckland University. She was awarded a Certificate in Corporate Governance, Certificate in International Directors Programme from INSEAD and Best Environment Friendly Producer by the International Aluminium Institute In 2007.

Eng. Niels de Bruijn is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NMDC Dredging & Marine (NMDC D&M), a position he has held since November 2023. He leads the growth of the company in the Abu Dhabi home market, but also focuses on expanding to new international markets whilst driving operational excellence across all levels. Mr. de Bruijn has over 35 years of in-depth experience in the international dredging and marine sector. Prior to joining NMDC D&M, he was an Executive Board member of Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors, a leading Dutch internationally operating company. He was also a Supervisory Board Member of several international organizations like the European International Contractors (EIC) and the International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC). Mr. de Bruijn holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the Technical University of Delft in The Netherlands and attended several Executive Leadership programs at the IMD Business School in Switzerland.

With two decades of extensive experience in sustainability, environment, occupational health, and process safety within the oil and gas sector, Dr. Aaesha Hashem has established herself as a leading figure in promoting responsible business practices and sustainable operations. Her career is marked by a commitment to high professional standards in both corporate and field-based environments, demonstrating expertise in critical areas such as organizational development, operational risks, social development, and emergency response planning. Currently, as the Vice President of Sustainability & ESG at ADNOC Gas, Dr. Hashem plays a strategic role in steering the company's sustainability agenda. She ensures that sustainable practices are integrated into all aspects of operations and is instrumental in formulating and implementing comprehensive ESG strategies that align with ADNOC’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Her leadership fosters a culture of sustainability, driving innovative initiatives to address environmental challenges and promote responsible business practices across the organization. In addition to her role at ADNOC, Dr. Hashem serves as a board member at NMDC Group, contributing her expertise in sustainability and environmental health to guide the organization's initiatives. In her previous role as the Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment at ADNOC Onshore in the North East Bab Field, Dr. Hashem managed integrated activities related to sustainability, environmental protection, personal health, and process safety. Her leadership in this position was crucial for cultivating a culture of safety and sustainability within the organization. As the Manager of the Environment & Occupational Health Department at ADNOC Group HSE, Dr. Hashem was responsible for developing strategic policies and corporate guidelines that advanced sustainability and occupational health practices across ADNOC's subsidiaries. Her earlier experience includes managing the development and implementation of occupational health strategies and overseeing the governance of occupational health services within ADNOC.Dr. Hashem’s dedication to occupational health is exemplified by her groundbreaking accomplishments. She is recognized as the first Emirati female to work as a remote field HSE manager in the oil and gas industry and holds the distinction of being the first Emirati doctor licensed in both family and occupational medicine. As a certified consultant physician, she is also the first Emirati female specialized in occupational medicine and has held the regional specialty advisor position for the Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians, Ireland. Additionally, she is the founder of the Emirates Society of Occupational Medicine (ESOM), reflecting her commitment to advancing the field and supporting professionals in the industry. Dr. Hashem holds a PhD in Family Medicine from the Arab Board of Health Specialization, a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and a Bachelor of Medicine & General Surgery from the Faculty of Medicine in Dubai. Her professional affiliations include being a member and fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland and a member of the Royal College of General Practice in London. Through her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to sustainability and health, Dr. Aaesha Hashem continues to inspire others in the industry to prioritize responsible practices and contribute to a sustainable future.

Zohaib Ali Zahid is the Head of the Enterprise Project Management Office & ESG at Ajman Bank, bringing with him over 15 years of extensive experience in strategy formulation, corporate governance, ESG, and regulatory compliance. In his current role, Zohaib reports directly to the CEO and is responsible for overseeing executive monitoring, transformation management, and execution of bank-wide projects. He also leads business management and development for the CEO’s office and ensures the successful implementation of the bank’s strategy, making him a key figure in driving strategic projects and sustainability initiatives at the bank. With the Bank’s commitment to the global and national sustainability agenda, Zohaib is leading extensive bank-wide efforts to implement the Bank’s ESG strategic work that comprehensively covers sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Zohaib joined the Bank in May 2023 as the Head of Corporate Governance and undertook a number of strategic initiatives to enhance corporate governance standards, including setting up and operationalizing the Corporate Governance division, which he has later expanded to spearhead wider EPMO and ESG efforts across the Bank. Zohaib led the enhancement and implementation of enterprise policy delegation work, the transformation of management decision-making forums/committees, the implementation of governance controls, the enhancement of the bank’s annual corporate governance and ESG disclosures, and the advising of stakeholders in remediating gaps and implementing best practices. Prior to joining Ajman Bank, Zohaib served as director in one of the largest global consulting firms, where he was leading the firm’s financial services advisory practice, focusing on corporate governance and regulatory compliance across the Middle East. Zohaib holds double masters in finance, including an MS from the United Kingdom and an MBA. He also holds a specialization in sustainable investing from Harvard University. Additionally, he is a Certified Corporate Governance Specialist (CGS), a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).

Mr. Clary manages Agility’s global Sustainability program. He represents Agility on the steering
committee of the Logistics Emergency Team (LET,) a public-private humanitarian partnership between
four leading global logistics companies (Agility, UPS, Maersk & DP World) and the UN Global Logistics
Cluster. He has also represented Agility and the freight forwarding industry as a steering committee
member for Business for Social Responsibility’s Sustainable Air Freight Alliance and Clean Cargo
Working Group.
Frank Clary’s professional background includes work in supply chain project/program management &
sustainability, sustainable investments, business management, commercial and residential construction,
law and military operations. He has a Master of Arts in Arabic Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Middle
Eastern Studies from the University of Texas.

ADNOC’s allocation for decarbonization projects, including carbon capture, electrification, new CO2 absorption technology, hydrogen, and renewables increased from $15 billion to $23 billion in early 2024. The company also increased its carbon capture capacity target to 10 million tonnes per year by 2030, up from the previous target of five million tonnes. It also finalized its take on two major carbon capture, utilization, and storage projects with a combined capacity to capture and permanently store 2.9 million tonnes per annum of CO2. In July 2024, ADNOC signed a $3 billion green financing agreement with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

Fatima Al Dhaheri is Head of the Food and Water Cluster at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
In her role, she helps in driving Abu Dhabi’s efforts in advancing research and development, sustainability
and security in the food and water sector. Her work addresses shifting dietary patterns, capitalises on
technological advancements, and supports the Emirate’s goals of strengthening global food security,
ensuring a reliable and resilient supply chain for the future.
Over the course of her career, Fatima has worked with different investment asset classes including public
equities, money market securities and alternative investments. As Associate at the Internal Equities
Department at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), she constructed and presented stock
recommendations, financial valuation models and cash flow analysis of consumer staples and
discretionary sectors within Emerging Europe and South Africa. She also conducted business missions in
Russia, Turkey, Poland, Greece, South Africa and the UK.
Fatima holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Sciences from Zayed University. She has successfully
passed Level 1 of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Programme and Level 1 of the Chartered
Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Programme.

Seasoned Chief Executive Officer with a proven track record of driving transformative growth and operational excellence in the maritime and subsea services sector. As CEO of Safeen, spearheaded the company’s revenue expansion from AED 500 million to AED 1 billion within two years—through targeted diversification, strategic partnerships, digital innovation, and a performance-led culture. His leadership philosophy is rooted in clarity, execution, and impact—ensuring long-term sustainability while accelerating growth.

Khaled Sharbatly is a Saudi entrepreneur and investor shaping the future of renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and impact-driven innovation across the MENA region. He is currently the CEO of Desert Technologies, where he helped transform the business from a niche player into a globally active platform with operations in over 25 countries—driving profitability through strategic partnerships, investments, and localized manufacturing.

Khaled began his journey with early-stage startups and gained access to regional markets through his family office, Al-Nahla Group, where he now serves as an investment advisor. In 2018, he joined Desert Technologies through the acquisition of his company, Icons Shared Energy, and has since played a pivotal role in scaling the group’s international footprint.

As Chairman of the National Entrepreneurship Committee under the Federation of Saudi Chambers, and a Board Member of the Jeddah Chamber, Khaled is actively engaged in policy, industrial transformation, and SME growth. He has spoken at 30+ international forums including COP, championing entrepreneurship, energy transition, and youth empowerment.

Educated at the University of Miami (B.B.A.), with executive learning at Harvard, LBS, and the UN, Khaled is committed to lifelong learning and investing in the next wave of high-impact founders

Basil Sulieman Al Ramahi, is responsible for the strategic direction, vision, growth and performance of EMDAD. He first joined EMDAD in 1997 as a sales and operations engineer. In 2000, Al Ramahi joined Halliburton and held several positions within the company for 14 years in the roles of business development and regional management. Subsequently, Al Ramahi joined ADNOC Onshore Drilling where he stayed until 2017.

Executive business, entrepreneurial and inspirational leader with more than 32 years of professional experience, Al Ramahi is known for maximizing operational excellence and delivering exceptional financial performance, in addition to driving EMDAD’s brand growth. Directly reporting to EMDAD’s Chief Executive Officer, Al Ramahi has been leading a diverse team of 400+ professionals in upstream services and Business Development.

He has received multiple awards throughout his decades-long career, including the Halliburton Maximum Value-Added Performance Award (MVP by CEO). Demonstrated leadership and business growth track record, Finance experience, strategic analytical thinking, highly energetic with high ethical standard, developing talent and teams to achieve their potential and build management depth for results with customer focus. Communicate effectively at all levels.

Al Ramahi holds a Bachelor of Science/Engineering (BSc) degree in Geology and Environment from YU, in addition to a degree from the Executive Leadership Program at Texas A&M University. He is active in a number of business-oriented and non-profitable organizations, such as SPE, having also performed the role of the SPWLA UAE Vice President.

Peter Marvin is the Chief Technical & Resource Pool Officer of NMDC LTS, a
subsidiary of NMDC Group.
Peter brings over 28 years of international experience in the construction, marine
dredging, and energy sectors. Peter is instrumental in leading several functions
for NMDC Group at an executive level, including fleet management, logistics,
crewing, and corporate & resource procurement serving all NMDC Group business
entities and projects.
Prior to joining NMDC Group in 2018, Peter was previously employed in Bechtel
for 11 years delivering power and oil & gas EPC projects globally and AD Ports
group for a further 11 years, notably leading the procurement and delivery of the
AED 20bn Khalifa Port and KIZAD (KPIZ) mega project, from 2008 to 2013.
Throughout his career, Peter has been engaged in numerous management and
leadership capacities, managing diverse international teams in wide range of
disciplines including contracts & commercial management, procurement, project
controls, project leadership, operations management, crisis management and
most recently fleet management and logistics.

Mr. Bin Hadi is the Managing Director for the subregion UAE at Siemens Energy, leading the strategic vision, operational excellence, and business growth. With a wealth of expertise across the energy sector and profound international experience across the Middle East and Europe, Mr. Bin Hadi is committed to the energy transition to create a sustainable future for generations to come. He is dedicated to empowering partners and customers across the UAE to realize their energy goals. Prior to assuming his current role, Mr. Bin Hadi held various leadership positions. He was the Managing Director of Siemens Energy Oman, concurrently serving as the Head of Government Affairs for the Middle East. He also headed the Oil and Gas business for Siemens in the Middle East. Mr. Bin Hadi began his career with Siemens in 2015 in Abu Dhabi. Before joining Siemens, he started his career in the energy sector at ABB. Notably, Mr. Bin Hadi’s contributions to the industry extend beyond his role at Siemens Energy. Since 2024, he is a member of the Board of Directors at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI), he is in the Advisory Board of the University Leadership Council in the UAE, in the Board of Trustees of the Université Paris Panthéon-Assas, and in the Executive Leadership Advisory Council of the Georgetown University. Educationally, Mr. Bin Hadi holds an MBA and a BSc Hons. in management from esteemed institutions in the UK. Additionally, he has completed executive education in management & leadership at INSEAD France and the Future Leaders in Foreign Policy program of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.

Fouad Darwish is the distinguished CEO & Managing Director of Palms Sports PJSC, a publicly traded company on ADX. Having taken on this leadership role in early 2015, he directs the company with over 25 years of extensive managerial and strategic experience gained across the banking and financial sectors.

Concurrently, Mr. Darwish holds a number of prominent leadership positions and directorships. He serves as President of UAE Warriors MMA FC and Chairman of Al Qudra Sports Management. His directorships include Palms Sports and Exceed Holding for Sports. Additionally, he is Group CEO of Securiguard, Yas Physiotherapy, Resilience Response Security Technology, and Neuronso AI Technology. He also serves as Executive Director of Al Rabeeh Academy and Al Rabeeh School, and VC of the Institute for Art & Culture.

Prior to his current executive roles, Mr. Darwish held significant positions including Senior Vice President – Head of Brokerage at Global Investment House K.S.C.C. (2010-2015) and Head of Institutional Sales and Customer Services at Abu Dhabi Financial Services Company (2006-2010). His career also features a tenure at the Central Bank of the UAE (2004-2006), and recognition as a key financial and economic analyst for Al Arabiya news channel.

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.

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.

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.

Willean Master is the Chief Operating Officer at Electra, where she has been instrumental in driving operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. Over the past four years, she has led the company through a transformative journey, optimizing production capabilities and aligning operations with the highest standards of sustainability, quality, and procurement across the region.

Under her leadership, Electra has strengthened its position as a trusted production powerhouse, serving government entities, multinational corporations, and creative agencies throughout the Middle East. Willean has spearheaded a comprehensive LEAN transformation, implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP tailored to Electra’s hybrid manufacturing and events model, and successfully deployed Coupa to streamline procurement operations.

Her strategic approach to sustainability has resulted in key certifications including ICV, EcoVadis, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. She also championed ethical procurement practices through CIPS certifications across the team, reinforcing a culture of responsibility and transparency. Additionally, Willean has led the expansion of Electra’s logistics and production footprint in the UAE and KSA to over 52,000 sqm (560,000 sqft), setting new industry benchmarks for operational scale and efficiency.

Willean’s forward-thinking leadership continues to shape Electra’s future, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable, large-scale production in the region.

With over 20 years of experience in the non-banking financial sector, Safeya currently holds the position of Corporate Chief Legal, Governance, and Corporate Affairs Officer at the group. She is also the Secretary-General of the Consumer Finance Federation and a lecturer at the Financial Services Institute, the training arm of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). Throughout her career, she has demonstrated competence and excellence in her field and has become one of the leading influencers in corporate affairs, governance, and sustainability. She successfully integrated governance & sustainability applications into several companies, significantly enhancing their efficiency and productivity.

Safeya is among the pioneering leaders in the capital market who transformed the Corporate Affairs and Governance Unit from a purely operational department into a dynamic sector with various units, each playing an influential and proactive role. Her leadership serves as a model for other institutions and a benchmark for corporate governance and business sustainability.

She played a vital role in engaging with regulatory and supervisory authorities to discuss the development of legislation and regulatory frameworks for the consumer finance market. She actively participated in all related activities and contributed to the initiative making " Contact Credit" the first consumer finance company in the Egyptian market in accordance with Law No. 18 of 2020.

She also played a key role in the development of Contact Financial Holding over the years by introducing innovative ideas and solutions to ensure the effective application of market regulations and the principles of sound governance. Her contributions have had a significant impact not only on the group's companies but also on the non-banking financial sector in general.

Throughout her career, she has accumulated extensive experience and achievements and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from ESLSCA University.

Marjan Faraidooni is a UAE national with more than twenty years of public-sector experience spanning strategy, people development, and community engagement. Her work sits at the intersection of culture, sustainability, and civic life, where she focuses on building programs that foster learning and meaningful connection. During her eight years with Expo 2020 Dubai, Marjan helped shape the event’s long-term vision and led the legacy strategy that guided its transition into Expo City Dubai, a future-oriented urban district. As Chief Experience Officer, she oversaw thematic exhibitions, youth initiatives, and visitor journeys. Alongside this, she also led the Human Resources Division. She directed Expo 2020’s volunteer engagement programme, one of the largest in the region, and developed internal communication and engagement strategies that fostered unity and purpose across a vast, diverse workforce. Following the event, she guided the successful offboarding process of thousands of staff and went on to design a new HR framework to support the evolution of Expo City Dubai. Today, Marjan continues to oversee both HR and the Education & Culture Division at Expo City Dubai, ensuring that people remain at the heart of its transformation. Marjan holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Boston University and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Physiology.

Dr. Yousif Al Hammadi is the Chief Asset Management Officer at Tabreed, leading the company’s Asset Management operations across its portfolio. Dr. Yousif joined Tabreed in 2014, bringing with him more than 13 years of diversified experience in the Ministry, Oil and Gas and Construction sectors. During his 11 years at Tabreed, he has held various positions such as Executive Vice President – Key Stakeholders and Government Relations, Head of Business Development and Senior Vice President – Projects, and has been instrumental in expanding Tabreed’s portfolio of district cooling projects across the GCC. In addition to his operational roles, Dr. Yousif holds Board positions in various companies such as DDCP, SNC-Lavalin Gulf Contractors, Emirates Preinsulated Pipes Industries (EPPI), Ian Banham & Associates and Chairman of the Board for Tabreed Parks Investments. Prior to joining Tabreed, Dr. Yousif was Vice President of Mubadala’s Construction Management Unit, where he contributed to delivering key projects in Abu Dhabi, including Zayed University, Paris Sorbonne University, Rosewood Hotel and New York University. Earlier in his career, Dr. Yousif also worked for renowned organisations such as ADNOC and Ministry of Interior in the UAE. Dr. Yousif holds a Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Business Administration from the Higher Colleges of Technology (Distinction), Abu Dhabi, as well as a Doctorate in Business Administration and Management (Honours) from Abu Dhabi University.

Salma Dannawi Oueida is Associate Vice President for Development, Alumni Relations,
and University Events at the American University of Beirut (AUB). A proud alumna with an
Executive MBA and a degree in Electrical and Communication Engineering, she is a
recognized leader in philanthropy, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and
sustainability-driven advancement. She co-led AUB’s landmark BOLDLY AUB fundraising
campaign (2017–2024), which raised over $805 million to support education, healthcare,
research, and social impact initiatives. With more than two decades of experience, Oueida
is known for forging transformative partnerships with high-net-worth individuals,
corporations, foundations, and volunteer groups—mobilizing resources that strengthen
institutional resilience, sustainability, and regional competitiveness.
Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including the CASE Asia-Pacific
Distinguished Service Award (2024) and the Playbook Awards “Leadership Excellence
Award” (2024), recognizing her contributions to sustainable philanthropy and
purpose-driven partnerships. Beyond AUB, Oueida advises institutions across the Gulf
and MENA region, serves on the boards of NGOs focused on education, economic
resilience, and women’s leadership, and is a founding member of Playbook, a global
platform for women in leadership. She also serves as Ambassador for Philanthropy and
CSR at the Women Board of Directors (WBD) and is a member of the Dubai Business
Woman Council (WBWC).

Hassan Halawy is an experienced leader in the agricultural sector, deeply committed to advancing sustainable food security through practical innovation and technology. As the CEO of Elite Agritech Division, he oversees agricultural development initiatives across the EEMEA region ensuring the adoption of technology and digital transformation within the organization. With a focus on practical solutions and collaboration, Hassan has played a key role in driving improvements in agricultural production and resource efficiency. A graduate of Agricultural Engineering from the American University of Beirut, Hassan began his career in Africa, where he gained hands-on experience in large-scale farming operations. Over time, he transitioned to the UAE, where he focused on integrating new technologies into agricultural systems to address regional challenges. His work has encompassed a wide range of agricultural approaches, from open-field farms to high-tech controlled environmental agriculture, all designed to improve productivity and sustainability. Hassan regularly shares his insights at international and regional forums, including COP16 in Riyadh, Expo 2020 Dubai, Vision France in Bercy Paris and other gatherings focused on agriculture and food security. He has also contributed articles on topics such as the role of technology in agriculture and strategies for sustainable food production, helping to foster a broader understanding of these critical issues. In addition to his work in agriculture, Hassan has developed expertise in data management and information security, earning certification in Data Protection with GDPR compliance. This knowledge has enabled him to bridge the gap between agriculture’s operational needs and emerging digital tools, using data-driven approaches to enhance production capabilities and decision-making processes. Hassan's leadership is characterized by a practical, solutions-oriented approach and a dedication to working collaboratively with teams and partners across diverse cultural and professional environments. His career reflects a commitment to sustainable development and the ongoing effort to improve agricultural systems for the benefit of communities and future generations.

Josef began his career at the World Food Council and later held senior roles at the OECD and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), where he served as Director and Deputy Director in various Divisions. He has also undertaken numerous short-term assignments with international institutions such as the IPCC, World Bank, and European Investment Bank (EIB).

Josef is a widely published researcher, with work featured in top-tier journals such as Nature, PNAS, The Lancet, and Science, alongside hundreds of reports and flagship publications from major international organizations. Beyond his policy and analytical work, he is also a skilled full-stack developer, having designed and implemented advanced software tools and data systems for the OECD, FAO, and Pure Harvest.

His areas of expertise span sustainable food systems, artificial intelligence and software development, agricultural trade, and investment, with a focus on innovation and scalable solutions..In 2007, Josef was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Kerem Cengiz, MENA Managing Director at LWK + PARTNERS, a distinguished business leader background who has guided the firm toward significant expansion. With expertise spanning master planning, architecture, urban regeneration, retail, and hospitality, Kerem focuses on strategic development and business growth. His global achievements have left lasting impressions on skylines from London to Dubai and Shanghai.
Under Kerem's leadership, LWK has executed several notable projects, including the Rua Al Haram Master Plan, Burj Crown, and the visionary techno-industrial city for PIF. His approach is informed by context, human experience, and commercial viability, leading the LWK team to explore innovative design interventions that have earned numerous accolades.
Beyond project leadership, Kerem has profoundly influenced the company's culture. He is renowned for his strategic insight, operational efficiency, and ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. As a visionary leader he is instrumental in rolling out innovative technologies in real estate pushing the boundaries with sustainable materials and cutting-edge tech.
A proponent of regional culture and thought leader, Kerem has transformed LWK from a local architectural practice into a global integrated design studio. He is committed to creating intelligent cities and embracing digital transformation, envisioning future-facing, contextually relevant, and commercially successful architecture. His core competencies in strategic planning, project management, risk management, and negotiation make him a dynamic force in the architectural realm.

Dr Ibraheem Almansouri is Director of Engineering at Masdar, one
of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies. In his
role, he oversees all technical support for Business Development
and Investment, Bidding, Project Delivery, Portfolio Management,
and Special Projects & Distributed Generation. Prior to his current
position, he was a senior member of the bidding team in Clean
Energy’s Business Development team and was responsible for
various projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Dr Almansouri has extensive knowledge in academia and research,
which includes a wide range of strategic and commercial exposure,
and practical experience.
Dr Almansouri is the recipient of several regional and global
awards, including the Emirates Energy Award (2014-2015 cycle) and
the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Myron Zucker
Industry Applications Award (2008). He is an active member of the
Mohammed Bin Rashid Academy of Scientists.
Dr Almansouri holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD, a PhD in
Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering from Australia’s
University of New South Wales, a MSc in Renewable Energy
Management from the University of Freiburg in Germany, and a
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the American University of
Sharjah.
He completed his master thesis at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar
Energy Systems ISE and his PhD under the Masdar Research
Network initiative.

Binciya Salim is the Co-Founder & CEO of Wellington Education and the Founder of WEL.X, a fast-growing edtech startup based in Dubai. Recognized as one of the UAE’s youngest education entrepreneurs, she has established Wellington as a hub for global university partnerships while pioneering WEL.X to redefine how learners and professionals upskill in today’s rapidly evolving world. Her journey embodies resilience, innovation, and a strong mission to make education more practical, accessible, and future-ready.

Zainab Al Ali is the Director of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations within the Brand and Strategic Initiatives division at Masdar. She is responsible for Masdar’s stakeholder engagement strategy, building relationships with key stakeholders and advancing the organization’s business and corporate social responsibility goals. In her role, Ms Al Ali oversees the delivery and implementation of strategies at Youth 4 Sustainability that empower, skill and upskill young people in the fields of sustainability and advanced energy. She is engaged in creating and developing programs that enable young people to become future sustainability ambassadors and sustainability leaders and to contribute to the UAE’s overall strategy. Ms Al Ali manages strategy, content development and implementation at Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER), a global platform engaging women in sustainability. As a UAE national supporting women from the UAE and from all over world to contribute effectively and enhance their growth in the sustainability field, she focuses on inclusivity through gender lens community engagement programs that have an impact on their career and professional development. Ms Al Ali is responsible for initiating and sustaining constructive relationships with key stakeholders and identifying partnership opportunities that contribute to overall business development.With over 12 years experience, Ms Al Ali previously served as project manager at the Prime Minister’s Office, working on establishing the Arab Youth Centre’s youth-focused programs. She also held the position of Young Future Energy Leaders Program Manager, an outreach initiative of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology that mentors young professionals and students and enables them to become more engaged in finding solutions to the world’s biggest challenges – energy efficiency and climate change. Ms Al Ali holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the United Arab Emirates University and a Bachelor’s of Education from the Higher Colleges of Technology.

Over the past 26 years, Abdulmajid has developed from a passionate specialist in complex architecture into an interdisciplinary design and technology lead in the built environment. His journey includes working on very high-profile masterplans, developments and buildings in Europe, the Middle East, and South East Asia. His work has won multiple awards including Best Innovation 2012 by CTBUH for the Al-Bahr Towers that he co-authored. Abdulmajid has taken part in many think-tanks to advise on technology development and integration for high-profile developments like NEOM, Dubai Smart City, and Abu Dhabi Vision 2.0. He currently heads the Interdisciplinary Design Research group at Drees & Sommer, specialising in building synergies between various disciplines and specialisms to develop innovative context-considerate urban and buildings solutions using advanced technology and computation.

James Matthews is an artist and art educator living and working in the UAE, where he has been resident since 2007.

He has exhibited internationally and has artworks in public and private collections, including Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Abu Dhabi, Al Qassim Palms and Dates Museum Saudi Arabia, ArtBooth Gallery Abu Dhabi, ERTH Hotel and Resort Abu Dhabi, UAE Ministry of Culture Abu Dhabi, St. Regis Hotel Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, Rayhaan Rotana Hotel Al Ain, Clifford Chance Dubai.

Matthews gained his Master of Fine Art Degree from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, Bachelor of Fine Art (Hons) Degree from the University of Humberside, UK and Qualified Teaching Status Degree from the University of Derby, UK.

Afra Salman Al Suwaidi is an Emirati artist born in 1992. She specialized in fine arts and received her BA degree from Zayed University in 2016. Al Suwaidi has participated in number of exhibitions both locally and internationally. In 2015, she exhibited at Rochester Contemporary Art Center in New York and took part in Lessedra World Art Print Annual Exhibition in Sofia, Bulgaria. In 2017, her work was featured in Imago Mundi in Treviso, Italy. She also participated in Abu Dhabi Art international exhibition, Beyond: Emerging Artists, held in 2021 at Cromwell Place, London. Locally, Afra showcased her work in Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Do Art Do It Now at Manarat Al Saadiyat in 2017, and the 35th Annual Exhibition of the Emirates Fine Arts Society in Sharjah in 2018. In 2020, she took part in the Cultural Foundation Art Residency, as well as the Outside In, Inside Out exhibition at Bait15 in Abu Dhabi. That same year, she participated in Beyond: Emerging Artists at Abu Dhabi Art, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and in Work-in-Progress show by Bleep at Aisha Alabbar Art Gallery in Dubai. In 2021, she was featured in Slumber at the Art Space by the Cultural Foundation, the 37th Annual Exhibition of the Emirates Fine Arts Society in Sharjah, and Made in the Emirates: Connected Collected at Sotheby’s in Dubai. In 2022, Afra participated in Versus: Collective Consciousness in Dubai and Eyes Wide Shut at Firetti Contemporary Gallery. She also presented her work in The Art of Living on Al Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi, and was selected for the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship (SEAF). In 2023, she exhibited in State exhibition at MIZA, Abu Dhabi, and participated in Bridging Cultures, held in association with Bangladesh Art Week at the American University in Dubai. Her work was also shown in Salam exhibition at Art Booth Gallery in Abu Dhabi. In collaboration with Firetti Contemporary and Gaggenau, she exhibited at Firetti Contemporary Gallery in Dubai, and took part in Abu Dhabi Art with Art Booth Gallery at Manarat Al Saadiyat. In 2024, Al Suwaidi was involved in the Art + Tech programme. In 2025, she exhibited in Intersections at Ocontemporary in Abu Dhabi and participated in the group show Chromatic Dialogues at Art Booth Gallery.