Dalia Khorshid is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Beltone Holding. Khorshid boasts over 25 years of global experience in various leadership roles across the banking and financial sector, having advised on landmark transactions including private placements, investment strategies, and M&A deals in the region. H.E. Dalia Khorshid’s career spanned the private and public sectors. She founded and chaired MASAR Financial Advisory and Eagle Capital for Financial Investment where she advised on fundraising, corporate finance, project finance, M&A advisory and management of more than 50 strategic investments and transactions worth c.USD 44 billion. Khorshid is also the former Minister of Investment for the Government of Egypt where she led the charge on the country’s investment law and successfully launched Egypt’s 3-5-year IPO program. Prior to her ministerial tenure, Khorshid spent 11 years as Executive Vice President & Group Treasurer at Orascom Construction Limited and Head of Investment Banking and Corporate Finance at OCI NV (2008-2016) where she successfully spearheaded the groups’ multi-billion-dollar fundraising initiatives. Khorshid was the Vice President of Corporate Finance and Investment Banking at Citibank for the MENA region (1997-2005) where she brought numerous multi-million-dollar deals to completion. Khorshid started her corporate career at Commercial International Bank (CIB) (1994- 1996). In addition, Khorshid has held board appointments across local and regional private and public sector organizations. She is the former Chairwoman of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zone (2016-2017), Chairwoman of Egypt’s Dispute Resolutions Committee (2016-2017), Chairwoman of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Committee (2016-2017), Founder and Executive Head of the Supreme Investment Counsel (2016-2017), Board Member at the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation EGPC (2016-2017), Board Member at New Cairo Urban Communities Authority NUCA (2016-2017), Board Member at the Industrial Development Authority (2016-2017), Board Member at the Agricultural Development Authority ADA (2016-2017), and Board Member at the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone (2016-2017). In recognition of her impact on the market, Khorshid was included in Forbes' 2017 list of the most powerful Arab women. In 2024, she was featured among the Top 100 CEOs by Forbes Middle East, distinguished as the only female among the 21 Egyptian leaders highlighted. Furthermore, Forbes Middle East named her one of the top leaders in the Green Finance category on its 2024 Sustainability Leaders list, highlighting her pivotal role in advancing Beltone’s sustainability initiatives. She holds a BA in Business Administration from The American University in Cairo (AUC).

With a career that spans two decades, Jehan AlHdawi has broken stereotypes and glass ceilings over and over again. She was one of the first Saudi female news anchors and was the face of the news at MBC. Prior to that, she worked on development roles for both King Abdullah University for Science and Technology and for AlFaisal University. Today, she leads on telling the story of ROSHN Group, the Kingdom's leading multi-asset developer and a PIF company. A Saudi national, Jehan hails from the south of the country. She has a Bachelor's in English Language and Literature from King Abdulaziz University, and a Master's in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication from Bosten University.

Dareen Barbar, Lebanese born on 19th January 1978. A Motivational Speaker, Life Coach and an aspiring Athlete. Dareen stepped onto the World stage after making history in the most glamorous events on the planet, the World, Beauty, Fitness and Fashion Show in London 2017, where she competed in the Transformation and Makeover Division and won. She became the first Arab Amputee to participate in such a pageant. She is an ambassador of inclusion for people of determination aka the disabled in the UAE. Lost her leg to cancer at the age of 15, which turned her life around. But that didn’t stop her from living her life to the full and overcoming the hardships. Her passion for sports was revived after her broken hip in 2013 that lead her to adopt a healthy life style of exercising and eating healthy and earned her fitness instructor and nutritionist qualification. She got awarded and honored in several events, for her achievements (DIAFA, Mena creators awards, IFBB, and was featured in many magazines, such as Vogue Arabia, Daily mail, Marie Claire. The first Arab amputee to complete a super sprint in Dubai women’s triathlon 2018. Dareen’s name entered history in June 2021 with her recent big achievement of breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest Samson’s chair sit, also known as a static wall sit, by a female contender. Dareen won the title after completing the sit for two minutes and 8.24 seconds, and the record also makes her the first female amputee to hold a Guinness World Record in the Middle East. Her journey has impacted and still impacting a lot of people from all over the world. Dareen is a brand ambassador for big nanes like adidas and Victoria’s Secret. Her latest achievements is her song BASMA بصمة. Dareen is a wife and a mother to two amazing kids. Her message is “disability is an extra-ordinary ability that makes the impossible possible”

H.H. Princess Loulwa Bint Yazeed Al Saud founded fashion boutique consultancy +966 last year, which celebrates Saudi culture and heritage through clothing and accessories, including handbags, homeware, and phone covers. The company is named +966 after the country code for Saudi Arabia. Princess Loulwa also champions the kingdom’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in her role as the CEO of RiseUp Saudi. Riyadh hosted MENA’s biggest entrepreneurship summit for the first time in November 2022, reaching 10,000 participants and over 150 startups.

Shaista Asif is the Group Chief Operating Officer at Pure Health, the largest integrated healthcare company in the UAE. Overseeing the Group’s diversified portfolio, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, health insurance, healthcare procurement, and health tech solutions, Shaista is at the forefront in changing the way healthcare is delivered in the country. She has spearheaded the largest number of healthcare acquisitions in the UAE over the last three years, making Pure Health the fastest-growing healthcare company in the region. With a strong track record in delivering transformational change, Shaista has led Pure Health’s consolidation, spearheading the execution of the Group’s strategy, quality distinction, growth, and development in the healthcare segment in the UAE since 2010. With over 17 years in senior leadership positions in the healthcare and technology domain, Shaista brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and is recognised for her in-depth analytical ability to facilitate operational and procedural planning to focus on the Group’s growth and optimisation. Moving from sick care to preventive care, Shaista’s North Star is Longevity. Pure Health is working towards creating the ‘Healthcare in the Cloud’ as its enabler, where the company is focused on embracing the 4th Industrial Revolution. Shaista believes in Technological Singularity, and how the increase in compute power is bringing it closer. Pure Health is working towards creating a healthcare ecosystem where people don’t fall sick, but instead live healthier and fuller lives, for longer!

Hoda is a highly experienced, creative and self-motivated executive with vast experience in delivering innovation and business value for customers. Hoda was appointed to the Board of Commercial International Bank (CIB) in March 2023 and was since then selected as the CIB Board Chair for the Bank’s Sustainability committee. Hoda also worked for leading multinational software companies including SAP, Oracle & Microsoft in regional and global capacities, living and working in three different continents, which gave her a well-rounded experience in dealing with different cultures, challenges, and business models. Given her impact on the business, Forbes Middle East acknowledged her leadership by recognizing her as one of 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen in 2023. This came on the back of her recognition by Forbes Middle East as one of Top 5 Women in Technology for 2022 & being selected on the Forbes Middle East Most Powerful Businesswomen list since 2018. Hoda led SAP’s Business Process Transformation in Southern Europe, Middle East & Africa covering 75 Countries; before which she was the first female to be appointed in a Managing Director role by SAP across the whole of Middle East & Africa region. Since joining SAP in 2013 till May 2023, Hoda played a pivotal role in supporting the company’s growth strategy to transform the United Arab Emirates Market. During her role as Chief Operating Officer in 2017, the UAE & Oman won the Market Unit of the Year award across the whole of EMEA South for the first time ever and Hoda was recognized as The Top COO for Southern Europe, Middle East & Africa region (EMEA South). She acted as the local executive sponsor for several strategic digital transformation engagements including Expo2020 Dubai. Hoda is part of the Global Executive Leadership Team at SAP. She regularly speaks at global and regional forums. She is a member of the Board Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce since June 2021. She was appointed on the board of Commercial International Bank (CIB) where she has also been selected to Chair CIB’s Board Sustainability Committee Since March 2023. Hoda holds a B.Sc. with Distinction & Honors in Engineering from Alexandria University in addition to Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with Distinction from Maastricht School of Management.

Kafafi has more than 18 years of industry experience. She has been with TAQA Arabia since 2006 and was appointed to her current role in 2013. In May 2022, the company acquired Rosetta Energy’s LNG arm. In December 2022, it signed an MoU with the Egyptian government in cooperation with France’s Voltalia for a green hydrogen production facility in the Suez Canal zone. Kafafi is also a board member of the British Egyptian Business Association.

Her Excellency Dr. Aisha Bint Buti Bin Bishr is the vice chairwoman of Emaar Development board since Dec 2020. Bin Bishr is a global digital magnate and the former founding Director General of Smart Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. With the distinction of being the first woman to lead the transformation of a smart city globally, she has laid a robust foundation for upcoming talent and inspires youth towards building a better tomorrow through digitalisation. Bin Bishr is considered an Emirati global ambassador for digitalisation being a renowned thoughtleader advocating the humanisation of technology to create better urban smart future. She is among the world’s most powerful women leaders in business and technology, with Forbes ME ranking her among the Middle East’s Top 10 most powerful businesswomen in 2023. Bin Bishr is the non-executive chairman of the board of Shaffra, a Metaverse-as-a-Service (MaaS) company. Shaffra's platform leverages cutting-edge 3D technologies to offer a revolutionary way for organizations to interact with their customers and stakeholders. As a MaaS provider, Shaffra is at the forefront of the Metaverse industry and is committed to transforming the way companies engage with their customers. Bin Bishr's leadership will enable, Shaffra to be a trailblazer in the MaaS space in the UAE market and beyond. She was the Director General of the Smart Dubai Department, UAE between 2015-2020, the government entity entrusted with Dubai’s city-wide smart digital transformation by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Dr. Aisha also led the creation of ‘The Smart City Index’ - the first-ever benchmark for smart city implementation across the globe in cooperation with ITU and the United Nations. As an acclaimed digital transformation and Smart Cities thought leader globally, she represented Smart Dubai in City Protocol Society, Smart City Expo World Congress and GSMA. In addition to her responsibilities at Smart Dubai, Her Excellency was a member of the Dubai Council under the Government Development Track until July 2020. Her Excellency also was the Chairperson of the Dubai Future Council for Blockchain, which was launched as part of the Dubai Future Councils initiative by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to assess and develop the future of key industry sectors in Dubai over the next 50 years. Dr. Aisha also was the chairwoman “The Council of Happy Cities” (part of the World Happiness Council), and was the Chairperson of the SDG 11 Global Council, and she was the only woman from the Middle East to be a member of the Gartner Global CIO Research Board. Additionally, Her Excellency serves as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils and The Fourth Industrial Revolution’s Smart Cities Readiness Index Team – an initiative also led by WEF. Her Excellency was also a Board Member at the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE and a member of Emaar’s Board Committee until Dec 2020. Dr. Aisha was also a member of the board at the UAE AI Council, the Computer System Advisory Board, the Leadership Team for Smart Services and Digital Infrastructure, and she is a member of the Advisory Board of the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of Sharjah, the University of Wollongong, and the World Happiness Council. Dr. Aisha co-led the creation of the U4SSC’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Smart Sustainable Cities (SSC) – the first-ever benchmark for smart city implementation across the globe, drafted in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union and the United Nations. As an acclaimed digital transformation and smart cities thought leader globally. Prior to her current role, Dr. Aisha served as Assistant Director General of Dubai Executive Office and Assistant Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Labour during her illustrious career. Throughout her 27-year experience in ICT development, Dr. Aisha committed herself to humanising digital transformation, from developing technologies to transforming human experiences.

Vice President of the Allergan Aesthetics- an AbbVie company for EEMEA , responsible for commercial for Eastern Europe, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa. She obtained a Bachelor of Art in Economics University of Calgary 1989. Agnes has a diversified and extensive experience in Pharmaceutical industry in sales, marketing, general management across Asia-Pacific in many companies such as GSK, Schering-Plough MSD, Allergan and recently Allergan Aesthetics- part AbbVie. Agnes is widely recognized as a leader in the healthcare pharmaceutical industry, specializing in driving the business forward. She meets regularly with different stakeholders such as customers, healthcare professionals, distributors, Societies and associations to ensure that the patient remains the focus of all Allergan Aesthetics ’s activities. Agnes is so passionate about employees’ engagements as she value each member in her organization because the team’s experiences matters!

Dr. Saeeda Jaffar is the Senior Vice President & Group Country Manager – GCC, Visa. Prior to joining Visa, Dr Jaffar was the Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal ME, the world’s leading turnaround and restructuring firm. Dr Jaffar has also held leadership positions at McKinsey & Company as well as Bain & Company, serving clients across the U.S., Europe and the GCC. Over her 20 years of professional career, Dr Jaffar has worked in the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. on a wide range of strategic, M&A and performance-related issues with clients across a range of industries, while specializing in financial services including universal banks, private banks, investment banks, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, government institutions and family-owned businesses. Dr. Jaffar is an Emirati national and earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Boston University, where she was the valedictorian. She earned a master's degree and a doctorate in chemical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Ali Bailoun is the Regional General Manager for GCC Cluster - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. He is responsible for overall strategy in KSA, Oman and Bahrain, including business development, resource optimization, and building long-term partnerships with Visa’s clients, fintechs, digital banks, government, regulators and other key stakeholders to drive the adoption of cashless payments and digital transformation across the three markets. Ali is an accomplished business leader bringing almost 20 years of payments, banking and management experience to support issuers, acquirers, merchants and governments in Visa’s key markets to improve their profitability and grow their business. He joined Visa in 2012 and has since been responsible for the overall strategy that has successfully led Visa's business. Before joining Visa, Ali was the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Riyad Bank where he successfully developed and executed their brand strategy to support the retail bank’s business goals. Prior to that, from 2006 to 2010, Ali was the Head of Marketing and Research at Saudi Hollandi Bank/ABN AMRO, where he worked in segmentation and product development. During his time at Saudi Hollandi Bank/ABN AMRO, he led the launch of a number of innovative firsts in the retail banking space. He was also a representative of the Saudi Central Bank Marketing Payments Committee. Ali holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Marketing from the Lebanese American University and completed several leadership, strategy and decision-making programs at Harvard University and MIT Sloan Management.

Kiran currently holds the position of Chief Marketing Officer for Diriyah Company and is responsible for re-establishing Diriyah’s position within the Kingdom and globally as not just as the birthplace of the Kingdom, but also as a centre for the preservation of heritage and perpetuator of Saudi culture and heritage. This pedestrian and urban city, anchored on the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif, will play a significant role in redefining Saudi Arabia as a destination. Prior to joining Diriyah Company, Kiran’s career spanned multiple continents, where he played a key role in reinventing two of the world’s most powerful luxury brands in both the luxury yachting and luxury automotive spheres. He has established and branded progressive media platforms in the Middle East; authored two children’s story books; toured the world as an acclaimed musician and composer - and has been recognized as an influential and powerful public speaker with a creatively disruptive and strategic mind. The Australian, Perth-born, nomad studied Marine Biology and graduated in Engineering Technology from Deakin University before pursuing his Masters in Guitar from Berklee (Boston), and has lived, studied, and worked across South and Central Asia, the Middle East, Central Europe, and the United Kingdom.

Dr. Antoniette Sarasin Gianduzzo is the Director of The Kusnacht Practice’s acclaimed Biomolecular Restoration (BIO-R®) Nutrition & Lifestyle Department. She is a member of the Board of Directors and Founder of the BIO-R® method. She leads an interdisciplinary team of specialists and oversees each client, from initial in-depth, state-of-the-art laboratory testing, to the composition of tailored micronutrient supplementation and correction of biochemical and neuro-chemical imbalances, metabolic stress factors and deficiencies - resulting in individual treatment plans as unique as a client’s fingerprint. At The Kusnacht Practice, BIO-R® is an essential component of every client’s programme; Dr. Antoinette works closely with the Medical Director and Psychiatric team in a joint effort to augment each client’s sense of well-being, restore vitality and achieve a higher level of mental strength and physical health. Her and her team also provide in-person coaching to clients and instruct the practice’s personal chefs, trainers and complementary therapists, which rounds off the holistic BIO-R® programme. Dr. Antoinette joined The Kusnacht Practice in 2010 after having built her own reputable business as an expert in nutrition and health. She was scouted by the founder of The Kusnacht Practice for her unique expertise and success, and has remained with the company since. Dr. Antoinette completed her postgraduate studies in Human Nutrition at the renowned Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) with distinction and obtained her doctoral degree at the University of Zurich’s Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology. She gained extensive knowledge and experience as a product manager at a pharmaceutical company specialized in the manufacturing of prescription medication for nutrition-related issues such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Antoinette continues to educate herself and undergo expert training to remain at the forefront of current research and deliver innovative expertise in nutritional medicine, health and lifestyle coaching, illness prevention, rejuvenation/age reversing interventions, and sustainable weight- and resource management. Dr. Antoinette is currently designing the blueprint for a transformational treatment protocol that focuses on incorporating science-backed pioneering therapies to promote longevity and stimulate reverse-aging processes within the context of the BIO-R® programme. Dr. Antoinette is an experienced keynote speaker and her expert opinion on nutrition and healthy living has been published across multiple print and broadcast media. She is a member of the Swiss Society for Anti-Aging Medicine and Prevention and the Swiss Society for Nutrition.

Honorable Lujaina Mohsin Darwish is the Chairperson - Infrastructure, Technology, Industrial and Consumer Solutions (ITICS) of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC. A graduate in English Literature from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), she began her career as a lecturer at SQU, before joining the family business. She was elected to the country’s consultative council - Majlis A’ Shura, one of only seven women to be elected since its inception, and holds the distinction of having been elected twice to this honorary position from the Wilayat of Muscat and then in 2015, as a member of the upper chamber, Majlis A’Dawla (Oman State Council) being appointed by Royal Decree. A business leader par excellence, Honorable Lujaina Mohsin Haider Darwish has been a trailblazer in uplifting, empowering and inspiring young Omani women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders alike. She is associated with various organizations and holds important positions such as the Honorary Chairperson of the Oman-China Friendship Association, Oman-India Friendship Association, Oman-Turkey Friendship Association and membership of the GCC Women Forum. She has been actively involved at various international forums to understand and coordinate the development efforts of women and children internationally, and particularly in the Arab World. Steadfast in her efforts to provide the youth of the country with numerous growth opportunities while empowering women to scale new heights, she is known for her invaluable contributions to driving socio-economic progress in the Sultanate of Oman. She was recently appointed to the Board of the Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF). Her membership with the forum is a further testament to her active involvement with the community and keen focus on supporting causes that are targeted at the youth and women of the country. Similarly, as a Board Member of the Oman Olympic Committee, the Oman Football Association and Chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee, she has worked tirelessly to lay a sustainable foundation for women sports in the Sultanate of Oman. The strength of the legacy inherited from her late father, Mohsin Haider Darwish, and guided by his philosophy of “people first,” she brings a humane dimension to the nitty-gritty of managing a large, diversified business. She presides with élan over a hugely varied group of businesses ranging from technology to consumer durables to industrial solutions. Under her able leadership, the organization has seen exponential growth through expansion into newer categories. Adding to her list of accolades, she was ranked “23rd amongst the top 50 most powerful businesswomen” by Forbes Middle East in 2022 and ranked “34th amongst 100 most powerful businesswomen in the Middle East,” by Forbes Middle East 2020. She is the first Omani to receive a fellowship from the Royal Society of Arts, UK for her outstanding contributions as a change-maker, helping create a sustainable future for all. She also was the recipient of The Diamond Executive’s Award and Leadership Medal from the Harvard Business Council 2020 International Awards and Women of the year 2020 by International Business Stevie Awards. She is a multi-faceted personality who believes deeply in giving back to the community, is a person who assiduously works for the welfare and well-being of underprivileged persons and serves as an example and inspiration to all.

Sahar Hamad Al Marzouki is the director and owner of Al Faris International School in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is deeply committed to providing enriching academic environments that emphasize the importance of quality education and give students a competitive edge. The first Saudi lady to open an international school in the Kingdom, Sahar brings considerable expertise to her directorial position, having previously served in multiple managerial roles as Branch Manager and Deputy Head of Operations at the multinational Arab National Bank and the Saudi American Bank respectively. She is a keen advocate of a number of philanthropic causes and volunteering initiatives, as well as a frequent speaker at domestic and international education conferences with a focus on addressing key topics regarding sustainability, rights to education, and advancing education technology. Sahar’s passionate leadership propelled Al Faris International School to international recognition and accreditation, making it one of the few International Baccalaureate continuum schools in the region. More recently, she led the school’s effort to be the first international school to open in AlUla through a rigorous selection process conducted by the Royal Commission for AlUla.

An entrepreneur, a businesswoman, a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother - Amira Sajwani is the epitome of today’s spirited young Emirati woman. She is the Managing Director of Sales & Development at DAMAC Properties as well as the Founder & CEO of PRYPCO. In her role with DAMAC Properties, the flagship arm of the Group, Amira oversees the 360-degree development of properties to ensure product values are maximized including but not limiting to design, construction, sales, marketing and analytics. A key focus of Amira’s responsibilities include overseeing the operations of DAMAC’s network of direct and independent sales agents both locally and internationally, as well as the development of agent programs and initiatives which strengthens partnerships, and empowers agents with the tools they need to sell more effectively. With PRYPCO, Amira has helped create an opportunity to empower the real-estate ecosystem with knowledge and information to make it simple for people to own and manage their real estate transactions in the UAE. Amira is a graduate of both University College London (UCL) and London School of Economics (LSE). She is also known to be a passionate advocate for women in business and access to education.

H.H. Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud founded Global Culture House in 2022 as a Saudi boutique consultancy providing advisory and implementation services related to culture, creativity, and sustainable business. Global Culture House signifies Her Highness’s return to private sector after successfully establishing the Fashion Commission at the Ministry of Culture. Princess Noura joined the Ministry of Culture in June 2019 where she led Strategy Development for the fashion sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, building local and international partnerships with fashion institutions and nurturing Saudi fashion talent. She was part of the team that developed the Commission’s flagship outreach projects, including the Fashion Futures annual conference and digital platform, as well as mentorship program Saudi 100 Brands. Through her appointment as the Commission’s Ecosystem Integration & Program Delivery General Manager, Princess Noura oversaw the implementation of the strategy’s initiatives ensuring their delivery at standards of excellence with measurable impact. Princess Noura’s entrepreneurial career commenced in 2009 in the United States, and in 2015 she co-founded her first business, focused on talent and lifestyle, before launching Global Fashion House, a fashion consultancy based in Riyadh. It was with this company that in April 2018 Princess Noura organized the Saudi Kingdom’s first ever Fashion Week, bringing together international and local stakeholders and designers for knowledge-sharing, shows and collaborative opportunities. These efforts led to her being recognized as an expert and pioneer in the Kingdom’s fashion industry, frequently called upon by both public and private sector for advisory consulting. She graduated from Effat University in Jeddah with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing, and a master’s degree in International Business with a Japanese Perspective from Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan. She was an associate member of the “Saudi Fast Growth 100” program, launched by All World Network, an entrepreneurship organization, in collaboration with the General Investment Authority (SAGIA). Princess Noura speaks Arabic, English, French and Japanese, and is now learning Spanish.

A natural visionary Leader with unique Coaching and Transformational abilities with a phenomenal track record of challenging businesses turnaround. Having been in Pharma for more than 34 years, heading a mix of senior Commercial and General Management Leading roles over the last 25 years, the last 14 years, in particular, were strong career highlights.   Between 2009 and 2018, filled the senior Executive Roles as a Regional President leading Pfizer's various business segments, Consumer Health, Nutrition, and Pharmaceuticals, and leading businesses ranging from $400M - $B 1.3 in regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.  Currently the CEO of Jamjoom Pharma, one of the leading regional players in the Middle East.

Alison Rehill-Erguven brings more than two decades of extensive shopping centers and real estate experience having been based in and managed joint ventures, assets, and teams across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. In addition, she has more than 10 years of experience in the U.S., working with global industry-leading commercial real estate companies and shopping mall operators, including with General Growth Properties. Prior to joining Cenomi Centers in 2022, she held the role of CEO for Pradera Retail Asia (PRA), a joint venture that was formed with Macquarie Bank’s MIRA division and based in Shanghai, China, for 5 years. This JV was subsequently acquired in 2021 by Brookfield Asset Management, one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers, where Alison led the transition of PRA into Brookfield acting as Senior Advisor and Head of Commercial Real Estate for Brookfield Properties based in Shanghai, China, where she was responsible for all retail assets including shopping centers, offices, and mixed-use developments. Before her role at Brookfield and PRA, Alison also held the position of Managing Director and Board Director at Pradera Limited, a retail property investment fund and asset management business with a 22-year history in the UK, Europe, China and the Middle East. She held the position in Istanbul, Turkey and led cross border teams to complete its successful repositioning and lead asset enhancement initiatives. Alison was also responsible for delivering on the company’s sustainability initiatives from 2015-2017 and served as the Head of Country for Turkey and Central & Eastern Europe, as well as an Investment Committee Member. Alison also spent almost 10 years as the Board Director of General Growth Properties, as the Vice President of International Asset management in Chicago, U.S., where she managed the performance of all assets in the Brazilian and Turkish joint ventures, overseeing a total of USD 400M worth of assets across 15 centres. Within the Group, she became Board Director of Aliansce in Brazil, and lastly stepped up as Board Director of ECE Group and General Growth Properties in Turkey. Alison was also a board member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) for Asia Pacific and Europe for 6 years and recently earned a Master of Science (MS) in Organizational leadership from Colorado State University.

After completing her master’s degree at Istanbul University, Department of Business Administration and Finance Institution, she founded “Güven Çini ve Seramik” in 1992. Since 1998, she has been leading the creative processes of all branches of the Gürok Group. Including award-winning brands as LAV, the 5th largest glassware producer in the world, Ali Bey Hotels & Resorts, which brings innovation in the tourism industry, JOALI Maldives, the luxury segment hotel, and JOALI BEING, the Maldives’s first well-being hotel. She has been appointed as the first female Chamber of Commerce and Industry president both in Turkey and Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Aiming to make a difference in industries, Esin Güral Argat focuses on sustainability, regional development and gender equality through the civil society studies she developed in the Board of TÜSİAD, TİKAD, GIRVAK and TÜRKONFED. As the Board Member of Fenerbahçe Sports Club- responsible of Fenerium- and as a member of Tourism Working Group, Social Relations Commissions, Women’s Working Group in the EU process, and Women 20; she continues to create space for projects that contribute to people and future.

An experienced senior executive, with deep expertise in delivering growth through commercial, marketing, and business-wide strategic activities, Natasha Matos-Hemingway is the Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer (CCMO) of video on demand (VOD) at MBC GROUP’s streaming platform division, Shahid. In her current role, Matos-Hemingway leads on the Group’s VOD business, with a focus on aligning the numerous teams involved across key growth initiatives to achieve scale and profitability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), as well as maintain Shahid’s lead as the preferred subscription video on demand (SVOD) platform in the region. Having built her career in “big tech” at giants including Google and Microsoft, Matos-Hemingway has overseen diverse teams across a number of functions, specialising in emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Prior to joining MBC GROUP, Matos-Hemingway was the Chief Marketing Officer responsible for doubling the paying base of MultiChoice’s SVOD, Showmax. There, she was credited with delivering substantial growth in Sub-Saharan Africa through high performing marketing and commercial campaigns, including the launch of new products and new markets. A creative and critical thinker, Matos-Hemingway has a passion for leveraging digital technologies to improve consumers’ experience and grow partners’ businesses. She is also known for her ability to solve complex problems with resolution and drive results through collaboration. A bold and empathetic leader, Matos-Hemingway has a remarkable ability of building high-performing teams, always with a keen focus on attracting and developing talent whilst driving business results. With roots in Portugal and South Africa, Matos-Hemingway enjoys working in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive organisations.

Moon Baz is the Creator Partnerships Lead, Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Meta. She leads the Creator Partnerships team across the video ecosystem for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. Moon works closely with strategic creators and public figures, supporting them to leverage Facebook and Instagram tools to maximize mutually beneficial objectives. Prior to joining Meta, Moon was appointed as the acting CEO for SuperMama, and worked in parallel as a freelance consultant supporting different strategic clients in the region including Deezer MENA in their market entry strategy, Vue International in their cinema business plan and financial due diligence, and GCAM Saudi Arabia on a turnaround plan to support the Pay TV industry. Before that, Moon was a Business Planning Manager at MBC group across the online platforms, VOD (Shahid), mobile services and distribution. Moon supported in annual business plans, actions plans and product roadmaps. Moon was also a Business Development Manager for Webedia Arabia (previously Diwanee), where she evaluated strategic positioning and identified new business opportunities, developed improvement initiatives and new processes for internal operations. Prior to that, Moon was a senior management consultant with Booz & Co, where she supported projects for the firm across the Consumer, Media and Technology practice. She worked on business planning, strategy development, financial modelling and valuation, and organization restructuring. Moon holds an undergraduate degree in Economics and a master’s degree in Financial Economics from the American University of Beirut. Moon has a dual citizenship French/ Lebanese and has been residing in Dubai since June 2012. She is fluent in English, Arabic and French.

Wesley Pabis, CEO of Augmento, a platform that empowers artists to showcase their work in AR and a trailblazer in the AI-driven AR revolution. striving to make AR an integral part of daily life. With global expertise in keynotes and a masterclass at Ithra Aramco, Wesley's passion and commitment inspire a future where augmented reality transforms our world. Join him on this exhilarating journey!

Marloes is known as a pioneer of the modern mixed-use developments philosophy that lies at the heart of lifestyle destinations. Her visionary leadership has helped carve an industry niche where ESG rests at the core of operations, business processes, as well as the whole value chain. Amplifying the brand from one brand in one country, to a global lifestyle group with over 45 projects, she has always remained loyal to her mission – to expand the lifestyle footprint across curated destinations where collaborations and a common Purpose drive all stakeholders. Her industry journey started with Hilton where she held senior operational and commercial management positions. She sits on a number of industry boards and supports the young generation.

Mona Kattan first entered the cosmetics industry as a cofounder of Huda Beauty, alongside her sisters Huda and Alya in 2013. Five years later, she launched her own perfume brand, KAYALI. Her products have since been used by celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Adriana Lima, Jen Atkin, Megan Pormer, Jackie Aina, Elnaz Golrokh, and Jacqueline Fernandez. In 2021, Kayali released two new fragrances. According to the company, it has increased its global distribution by 20% year on year.

Anne-Laure Malauzat is a Partner with Bain & Company in the Middle East. Based in Dubai, she is the firm’s regional Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officer, and leads Bain’s Social Impact efforts in EMEA. Anne advises governments, philanthropists, and international organizations (such as UNHCR and Endeavor), focusing on education, economic development, and innovation. She has led the launch of multiple successful youth employment programmes in 5 MENA countries, and the design of the national Early Childhood Development strategy for a GCC country. She also works with private sector leaders in the retail space, supporting them in their growth, digitalization, and customer strategies. In addition, for the last decade she has served as mentor to start-ups and is a frequent speaker on topics related to gender equity, social impact, human capital development, retail, and innovation. Anne holds an MA from Georgetown University and a dual Bachelor from Mount Holyoke College. She was appointed a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2022. She is also an inducted member of the Phi Beta Kappa society, and a member of Georgetown’s MENA Board of Advisors.

“When you think about female empowerment; you have a vague figure of someone in your head, but then you meet Sima and you go like, oh wait a minute; that’s female empowerment, that’s what it looks like!”, said Eva Longoria at the Global Gift Gala in Dubai, before bestowing Sima with the Philanthrepreneur of the Year award. Sima Ganwani Ved is the Founder and Chairwoman of the Apparel group, one of the largest retailers in the Middle East based out of the UAE. The multi billion dollar company is home to 80+ brands with over 2025+ stores in 14 countries with 20,000+ human capital. Over the years, Sima has been the recipient of many awards professionally and personally, some of which are The Philanthrepreneur of the year, Retailer of the year, Great Place to work, Great Women’s award and Emirates Woman of the year. Sima was born in Africa and brought to Dubai by her self-made entrepreneur father in the 1970s. She studied in King’s College London to achieve her Bachelors degree and subsequently an MBA in business management. She began her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 20, working in her dad’s shopping mall in early 90s as the manageress of a department. To her, that set the tone of her value for hard work and business ethics. Sima is an active member of many world organisations like YPO and CEO. She is also the first female member in YPO to set up a regional chapter (YPO MENA STAR) that began with a vision of gender equality for its membership base. The chapter has achieved 52% female members, which is the highest in YPO globally. Her compassion for underprivileged children led her to mentoring her teenage daughter to launch her own Athleisure brand F5global, some of the profits of which will go towards the education of such kids. She simultaneously has mentored and founded a new social commerce beauty platform called NESSA with her eldest daughter Selina. Every decade or so Sima likes to embark on a creative journey. Back in 2000, she wrote a weekly column for 2 years. In 2010, she hosted a tv chat show on Star Plus where she interviewed Bollywood, Lollywood and some Royalty. So it is time to launch something new.

Lana Khalaf is the General Manager for Microsoft Qatar. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she has been instrumental in furthering Microsoft’s mission to transform businesses and industries, redefine learning, and fuel a knowledge-based economy to enhance the country’s global competitiveness. Khalaf began her career with Microsoft in 2006 as Regional Developer evangelist, and has since served as Education Lead and Public Sector Director. In September 2018, she was appointed General Manager of Microsoft Qatar, where she leads a team of 180 employees that spearheads the company’s efforts in supporting the country in its pursuit of the National Vision 2030. Khalaf is dedicated to empowering governments, enterprises, startups, communities, and partners to harness the power of technology to reimagine industries and economies. She has led crucial strategic initiatives, including Smart City initiative, Education elearning initiative, Health Hub initiative, Hosting FIFA world Cup in Qatar for the first time in the MiddleEast and the launch of Microsoft's cloud datacentres in Qatar. These facilities join the company’s Global regions making Qatar 55th region globally before any other region in MiddleEast. Khalaf has also launched first of its kind skills development programs and initiatives called Digital Center of Excellence to provide young people with access to the skills, technology, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed in the digital era. In addition, she has been committed to accelerating the Country’s sustainability agenda, helping governments, businesses, and startups access key tools and solutions to create a more sustainable future. She also drives Microsoft’s objectives in Qatar to promote diversity and inclusion, in order to bridge gender parity gap, as well as encourage the role of women in the ICT sector. Khalaf has been recognized by multiple industry publications for her contributions to the region and industry. Before joining Microsoft, Khalaf has held positions in organizations such as Samsung and Active Mania with involvement in areas such automation of business processes as well connected solutions for Smart Cities. She has an MBA with focus on leadership from the Lebanese American University, and majors in Computer Science from the American University of Beirut.

Ms Susanne Mikhail (Egypt/Sweden) is the Regional Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) for the Arab States. In this capacity, she leads UN Women’s normative, programme and coordination work in the Middle East and North Africa. Susanne brings with her over 20 years of experience in development and humanitarian work in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Before, she was the Head of Humanitarian Aid at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), covering over 25 countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. She has several years of experience in the UN system, including as the first Head of Office and Resident Programme Coordinator of UNICEF in South Sudan as well as the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, where she managed a number of regional protection programmes for children and women in countries such Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka, as well as humanitarian initiatives including on disarmament and reintegration of child soldiers in Afghanistan and Nepal. Prior to UNICEF, she worked as Regional Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa for ECPAT International. She has also supported World Bank’s programmes on community-based economic development in fragile settings. In 1999, Susanne started her international career at OCHA in Africa, covering countries such as Burundi, Kenya Rwanda and Somalia. A national of Sweden and Egypt, Susanne holds a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science from the Uppsala University of Sweden.

Halima Aden is a Somali-American fashion model. She is noted for being the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, where she was a semi-finalist. Following her participation in the pageant, Halima received national attention and was signed to IMG Models. She was also the first model to wear a hijab and burkini in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. In 2018, Aden became a UNICEF ambassador. Her work is focused on children's rights. In 2021 she was named as one of the BBC's 100 Women.

Meryem Uzerli is a Turkish–German actor and model, best known for portraying Hürrem Sultan in one of the most successful Turkish series of all time, 'Muhteşem Yüzyıl' ('The Magnificent Century'). The role marked her debut in the Turkish entertainment industry and has brought her numerous awards and accolades. However, Meryem started her journey as an actor with German short films and TV shows. She has been seen in German short films such as 'Journey of No Return' (2010) and 'Jetzt Aber Ballett' (2010). Meryem has been featured in many advertising campaigns and has been the face of numerous brands.

Interviewer, serial entrepreneur, and mentor are all titles that follow Anas Bukhash. Provocative with a purpose, Anas has been acknowledged for his ability to spot trends, uncover hidden opportunities, and for the courage to take on risks. In 2014, with the explosion of social media in the region, Anas was the 1st in the UAE to start an influencer marketing agency by founding Bukhash Brothers, which has grown to become a renowned digital marketing agency that builds brands and escalates its digital growth. Four years later, Anas launched #ABtalks; a celebrity talk shows that discovers the human behind the title. A YouTube show, with 2 seasons currently streaming on Netflix, that consistently challenges the status quo and brings humanity to the forefront. Today, #ABtalks is the #1 show of its kind in the MENA region, with over 1 million subscribers, 1 billion YouTube impressions, and 14 million hours of watch time. His other entrepreneurship ventures include – CHALK, the first unisex hair salon of its kind empowering men and women to express themselves, and Not (So) Guilty, an F&B concept that offers sentimental Emirati favorites with a twist. Anas's work has been recognized globally by a diverse audience, including features in publications such as Forbes Middle East, Entrepreneur Magazine, Esquire, VOGUE, GQ, and more. Currently boasting over 1 million followers on Instagram, from the youth across the world, celebrities, ministers, business professionals, and key opinion leaders, he leverages his platform to provoke thought and a change for the better. Through his lectures and TEDx talks, Anas inspires people to take their chances and create a life fueled by their passion.

Prior to the war in Syria, Yusra was a competitive swimmer who represented her country in international competitions. As the war intensified, Yusra and her sister left Damascus in early August 2015 and reached Berlin in September 2015. Since then, Yusra has been training at the Wasserfreunde Spandau 04 club, which is a partner of the Elite Schools of Sport in Berlin. She was selected to compete at Rio 2016 as part of the first ever Refugee Olympic Team and was appointed the youngest ever UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in April 2017. In November 2022, a biographical film, inspired by Mardini's life and titled "The Swimmers", was theatrically released and distributed on Netflix later the same month.

Maguy Bou Ghosn is a Lebanese actress who managed to grow a huge fan base around the Arab World throughout the years. She is now considered one of the best and most powerful Lebanese actresses. Bou Ghosn's childhood dream was always to become a successful singer; however, she ended up entering the acting industry. She started her acting career in Syrian Drama; she made her breakthrough in Lebanon with the drama TV series, Bou Ghosn's career continued achieving success in Lebanon throughout last year, especially when she plays the leading role the movie "Bebe" and "Vitamin". Additionally, she won the Murex d'Or 2021 as the Best Lebanese Actress award for the series “Till Death 2”.

Sawsan Albahiti, known to be the first Saudi opera singer and vocal coach, has trained as a soprano since 2008 with various opera singers and conductors around the world driven by her passion to learn this art form and perfect it. She also became certified as a voice teacher from the New York Vocal Coaching Studio and then opened her own vocal coaching studio, The Soulful Voice, in 2018, making it the first official center in the Kingdom specialized in voice training. Albahiti set a record for another first when she performed her debut in 2019, opening for La Scala di Milano for their concert in Riyadh where she sang the Saudi national anthem in an operatic rendition making her the first Saudi woman to perform her country’s anthem publicly. Since then, she has been developing her operatic talent with experts from around the world, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Queen's Chapel in Belgium and Strasbourg opera house, and performing heavily in the Kingdom and abroad. She is currently working with the Music Commission in the Ministry of Culture participating in establishing the music industry in Saudi Arabia.

Nour Al-Ghandour is an Egyptian TV presenter and actress. Born in Kuwait, the actress has perfected the Gulf dialect and has proven her presence in the Khaleeji drama industry. She launched her career in 2011 after presenting the program “Matbakh Ilham.” A year later, she presented episodes of the singing talk show “Sawt al Sahary.” In 2013, she entered the acting industry through her participation in the series “Sakan AlTalebat” and won the admiration of viewers. She has taken part in a number of drama series including “Awwal AlSubh,” “Burkan Na’am,” “Al Bayt El Saeed,” “Hodon El-Shook,” “Jumna,” “Zaman,” and “Daf3at Beirut.” In 2021, she took part in the series “Ya Baada.” In 2022, she took part in the series “25 minutes” and the Kuwaiti series “Men Sharea Al Haram Ela,” in which she played the role of a character who spoke the Egyptian dialect. Her latest series is “Dahab Bint Al-Awtel” on Shahid.

Sham AlZahabi is a highly respected scientist & founder of Dao Derma skin clinic. She attained both her bachelor’s & master’s degreee in chemistry at the American University in Cairo. In 2018, She was granted full scholarships to continue her PhD graduate studies at both Oxford and Cambridge universities. She chose Cambridge University to study collagen and bio mimicry of skin with the Duer group. Sham’s graduate studies have always entailed understanding skin from a scientific perspective. Her Master’s thesis was done in collaboration with Eva cosmetics where she worked for 4 years as a senior R&D specialist for skin formulations, and was able to develop a nano carrier made of bio-materials that enhances the efficacy and penetration of actives in cosmetics. Her graduate studies in Cambridge and now continued in AUC aim at understanding the molecular changes that takes place in the skin both due to extrinsic & intrinsic factors. In a short time, Sham was able to distinguish her business with the scientific edge she employs, and natural regenerative approach of skin she advocates for in her work. Her slogan is “Beauty comes from within”, where she has been a pioneer in the market for bringing IV vitamin therapy for the first time in Egypt. Using a sophisticated tailoring of both skin & nutrition programs that uses high technology machines such as skin analysers, so-check AI, and genomics, the services offered made Dao Derma stand out in the market.Dao Derma has served more than nineteen thousand patients since 2019, with an annual growth of 58.7% in 2021 and 66.6% in 2022. Sham is currently working on expanding into Saudi Arabia, and branching in Egypt due to the market demand for her expertise and unique services. Sham’s goals do not stop there, instead, she continually invests in research where she collaborates with Nawah scientific laboratories & research groups at AUC university to further explore and innovate in the fields of regenerative medicine. Sham developed an autologous technique using blood samples to extract highly purified fibrin rich plasma that is superior to the traditional PRP treatments for hair and skin. She also hosts scientific meetings where she invites renowned Professors and pioneers in the field to share their expertise and discuss the future in the industry. Sham inherited her love for the arts and adopted piano as her tool to take out her passion for music. She finished all grades in Trinity college with excellence in performance and continued further studies in piano at Le Conservatoire, Cairo, while doing her Masters in Chemistry. Sham’s diverse talents and love and care for her family and philanthropic work has made her gain popularity at a young age as a young influencer in 2014 when her instagram profile became public, now reaching 1.7 Million followers. Her brand Dao Derma has also gained popularity reaching 400K+ followers on all social media platforms. She is now a brand ambassador for L'Oréal and formerly served as an ambassador for Aveeno.

Evlin Abdullah Khalifa is Miss Universe Bahrain 2022. She made headlines during the Miss Universe competition with her strong message of ‘Equality’ during the swimsuit round segment of the competition where she stood out wearing a pink burkini. The 24-year-old Russian-Bahraini model was crowned Miss Universe Bahrain in September and competed in the 71st Miss Universe pageant last 14 January 2023, which took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. She calls Riffa, Bahrain home – and is very close with her family.Born to a Russian mother and Bahraini father, Evlin Abdullah-Khalifa grew up in the Kingdom’s second-largest city, Riffa. She is a trained pianist and Taekwondo artist. She graduated from 5 different schools: music, dancing, modeling, taekwondo and comprehensive. Evlin is passionate about education in different ways. She’s working to raise awareness for various charities and initiatives. She closely works with Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft charity that works to raise funds so children around the world can have their clelt-palettes and lips corrected with reconstructive surgery. During her reign, she visited the Philippines to work with the Philippine Red Cross and Philippine General Hospital to create awareness about education in kids and access to free medicine for pediatric patients. She believes that it’s never late to study. After graduation from the university (bachelor’s degree of finance and banking) she continued her education through online classes by consistently improving her Arabic and English skills and studying psychology through the books. Evlin believes in the power of education and it should be provided and accesible for everyone.

Yasmina Ismail Zaytoun is a Lebanese model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Lebanon 2022. She represented Lebanon at Miss Universe 2022 and will also compete at Miss World 2023. As well as being the ambassador of “Children’s Cancer Center” & “Lebanese Food Bank”, she hosts the With Yasmina Show on Instagram, which she describes as an educational show and on which she interviews notable Lebanese media and sport personalities.

Annabella Hilal is a Lebanese media personality, television host, and model. She is best known for hosting the hit show Celebrity Duets airing on Lebanese MTV across the Arab speaking world with an estimated viewership of over 1 billion people. Born and raised in Beirut, Annabella Hilal holds a master’s degree in law and doctorat in civil law. She started her career in television after participating in the Miss Lebanon beauty pageant in 2005 and Miss World in 2006, in which she ranked among the top five contestants. Hilal began as an anchor on the variety shows Mission Fashion and Helwe w Murra airing on the Lebanese TV station LBC. She joined the MBC team, to present their lead show Arab Idol before moving to MTV where in addition to Celebrity Duets, she has actively presented a number of TV specials including Miss Lebanon. She joined the MBC team one again to present their first season of The Voice Seniors as well as the third season of The Voice Kids. In addition to her TV career, Hilal markets her own brand of Cosmetics, a Swiss luxury brand she has perfected with her husband, famed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nader Saab. Annabella attributes her success to a multidimensional professional background, a charismatic presence and her spontaneous personality that has become her trademark. She is also an active philanthropists collaborating wit several NGOs and awareness campaigns. She is also a regular trending figure on Twitter. Annabella is one of the leading influencers on social media and one of the only Arab celebrities to have surpassed 3.5M followers on Instagram.

My name is Dania Akeel, and I’m from Saudi Arabia. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in “Modern History and Politics” from the Royal Holloway University of London in the UK, then moved to complete a Master’s degree in “International Business” at Hult International Business School before moving into the field of consulting. I am a passionate motorsports athlete. I received the first Saudi female license for Motorcycle Circuit Racing and participated in my first motorcycle racing season for the Ducati Cup in the UAE National Sportsbike Superseries 2019/2020 season. I performed well and got awarded the trophy for ‘Rookie of the Year.’ I also raced in the BMR600 Championship in Bahrain. Before the end of the year, I had an accident on the track, which gave me time to reflect on my life. I decided to write down my findings and share them with others. They have been published into a book under the title “Freefall” at a publishing house in Saudi (Kaaph). The book includes perspectives of some experiences I’ve had and is written in the form of short stories, all of which are true. After my recovery, I moved into the rally racing world, where I became the first Saudi female to participate in an International Rally Competition. I completed two rounds of the FIA Cross-Country Bajas World Cup, finishing 1st in the T3 Category and 8th overall in both races.

Dina is the Founder and CEO of Etijah Coaching and Consulting - a social enterprise devoted to cultivating leadership and development in young professionals through programs that help them discover their passions and purpose. She is the winner of Visa “She’s Next” Competition (in 2022); and host of “Designing Your Life” podcast. She has had the honor of working with governments, multinational corporations, and international philanthropic organizations on leadership and development programs over the past 12 years through Etijah. She also has extensive experience in the consulting & financial services space which started in the early 2000’s in the US in equities research. Dina loves supporting entrepreneurs and helping female founders (specifically) grow their ideas and find freedom through their work. She has been doing this since 2014 when she was on the board of OQAL (an angel investment network) and was mandated (as the first female member) to grow its female membership. Dina is also a lover of the water, always living by the coast, and currently serving a second term on the Saudi Sailing Federation board in an effort to grow the amazing sport in Saudi Arabia.

Amnah Yaqoub is a dynamic and accomplished entrepreneur with a passion for innovation and technology. She is the Founder and CEO of Smartista app, a cutting-edge mobile platform that connects artists and creatives with potential clients. In addition to her work at Smartista app, Amnah Yaqoub is an active member of the communications and technical committee at the Sharqiyah Chamber, where she advocates for policies that support entrepreneurship and innovation. Amnah Yaqoub holds a master's degree in arts and Culture Management from the Rome Business School, where she gained a deep understanding of business strategy, marketing, and project management. With her experience in startups, she has developed a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a keen eye for identifying opportunities and driving growth.

Lama AlOraiman is one the Co-Founders of Kuwait's first Space Exploration and Research company - Ignition LLC, and an Emerging Space Leader Awardee. Lama stepped into the space field in 2018 by becoming Kuwait’s National Point of Contact for the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), and the National Coordinator of the World Space Week Association. Both positions opened the door to new opportunities and allowed her to become proactive within the space community. Her involvement in the field was through delegating and presenting at the world's biggest space conferences annually, giving TEDx talks, competing in global hackathons that solve real-life problems using space technology, and organizing large scale events locally and internationally to raise awareness on the importance of space exploration. Most importantly, was utilizing SGAC’s seat at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) to promote the voice of Kuwait’s youth to the global space community, which helped the country become a member state in the committee in 2022. Recently, Lama Al-Oraiman was granted with the Emerging Space Leader Award by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and has been received by Kuwait's Crown Prince, Sheikh Mishaal Al-Sabah who named her “Kuwait’s Space Ambassador”.

Sara Sabry is an accomplished astronaut, leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for increasing accessibility and opportunity in the space field. As the first Egyptian astronaut, the first Arab woman in space, and the first woman from the African continent to go to space, Sabry has made history with her contributions to space exploration. Sabry founded and serves as executive director of Deep Space Initiative (DSI), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing accessibility and opportunity in the space field while enabling deep space exploration for all. Her leadership has enabled DSI to provide opportunities in research and education that are open to all audiences, regardless of nationality or resources. As a PhD student in Aerospace Sciences, Sabry is currently conducting research on the engineering of the next generation of planetary spacesuits at the NASA-funded Humanspaceflight lab. Sabry is an international speaker, passionate about increasing representation of Egyptians, especially women, in the space field, and hopes to inspire younger generations to dream bigger. Sabry is also a successful entrepreneur, having founded several companies, and is actively working on new ventures. Her humanitarian efforts in the space industry earned her the prestigious IAF Emerging Space Leader award. Along with her impressive contributions to the space field, Sabry has expertise in several areas including Mechatronics, Robotic Surgery, Stem Cell Development, Augmented Reality, Formula 3 Car design, and Bioastronautics. Sara Sabry's accomplishments as an astronaut, leader, entrepreneur, and advocate demonstrate her dedication to making a positive impact on the world, and she continues to inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams.

Michelle arrived in Dubai, UAE in 2022, after eight years with the marque, where she previously worked on a wide variety of exciting and exquisite projects, including Phantom The "Six Elements" series and the Bespoke, one-of-one Phantom Serenity, which captivated the world with its unique appointments and material treatments that redefined the luxury of tranquillity. Michelle earned a first-class honours degree in interior textiles and surface design from the University of Plymouth before starting her design career and joining Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2014. Michelle's family has a deep-rooted heritage in the textiles and fashion industry and her grandmother was an expert seamstress for the Luxury leather handbag company, Mulberry. Michelle is inspired by Fine art, and in particular traditional printmaking and etching techniques. She often works on her own art, etching metal plates by hand, Iino printing, and screen printing. She enjoys the mix of traditional and modern craft, a passion that is harmonious within RollsRoyce, and is often her inspiration for new designs, materials and techniques. In her spare time Michelle loves being outdoors and hiking in the countryside, or exploring the city and admiring modern architecture. She is also a keen horse rider having competed in dressage competitions from an early age.

Hady Hajjar is a marketing and advertising professional with 20 years of experience in the fields of celebrities, media and most recently digital media. Before starting HuManagement, a leading digital marketing agency in the UAE that services the GCC and MENA region, he worked for 15 years as the Chief Marketing Officer at the region's pioneer record label, Rotana Audio Visual. Hady now leads an agency that caters brands and personalities with marketing strategies and connects both parties through digital, conventional and out of the box marketing strategies.

Owner of #StyledByCed, Cedric Haddad is a personal and celebrity stylist for top celebrities in the Middle East. He started his career in the field of advertising campaigns and TV shows . He never feared in accepting new challenges since fashion is his ultimate passion. Celebrities trust his taste and professionalism specially in their main appearances from TV interviews, to cover magazines, red carpets, events, music videos ... He also consults people (diplomats, VIPs, politicians, royal families) by offering them an unforgettable shopping experience and previously the “Personal Shopper” of Four Seasons Hotel in Beirut. He travels around the GCC and give luxury training sessions for luxury brands which enhances and improves the essential styling techniques. He is MBC Beirut main stylist doing all their international formatted shows like The Voice, Arabs Got Talent, Arab Idol, The X Factor ... styling the jury members and the presenters. He also hosts events and collaborates with different international brands and stores like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Balmain, Versace, Fendi, Harvey Nichols and many others. Last but not least, he continuously gives seminars and workshops that always aim to direct fashion lovers to look unique, stylish, and fashionable. His “Personal & Celebrity Styling” course is given at the Lebanese American University (LAU) under the Luxury Brand Management Diploma and at Dubai Fashion Institute in Dubai, Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Born in AlKhobar Saudi Arabia, Razan is a true internationalist who spends most of her time with her family in Geneva & London. It was as a young girl that she first discovered her love of fashion, influenced by her mother’s immaculate style. Razan went on to study Art and Sculpture in Boston at Tufts University. Her creative and entrepreneurial spirit saw her return to Khobar in 2008 to open a manufacturing facility, nested in a 1950’s-built house in Alkhobar; it was the first of its kind in the region. Thus, starting her career in Art as a curator, Razan closely observed what women want from a wardrobe and learnt about their shopping patterns. During this period, Razan was inspired by historic embroidery and became fascinated by its versatility and sculptural aspects. Razan’s pieces maintain sculptural and artistic integrity, as well as transport the wearer into the glamorous and sophisticated realm. The art influences remained with her and in 2008 Razan with both sisters Salwa & Raya launched their womenswear brand, “Razan Alazzouni”, setting up a studio in AlKhobar & later in Riyadh. Razan Alazzouni clothing is all about exuding the femininity, delicacy and grace of the female form. Razan derives most of her inspiration from women themselves and their natural poise. Each piece in her collection is intended to show off its wearer in an elegant light, while maintaining a sense of playfulness as well. Every season a new chapter evolves, and Razan tells a different story in her embroidery. The designer enjoys collaborating with inspirational muses, stylists & international brands including Coca Cola, Rene Caovilla & Judith Leiber. The brand has also been elected to be the face of the Young Generation Saudi Vision 2030 which was promoted by CNN globally & featured in Times Square, New York City. Razan Alazzouni started focusing mainly on the Middle Eastern market in 2008 & managed to extend its sales globally by having retail partners & online presence. The brand now ships orders weekly to international clients in 57 cities around the world.

Denise Daniel, graduated as an interior designer from the Lebanese University, sawed her own garments throughout her childhood with a fondness for needle and thread. She began her journey as the wife of Basil Soda, the founder of Basil Soda Fashion House, in 1992. Through his exceptional creative talent, he attained international acclaim. Denise Soda grew in the atelier alongside her husband, helping him out and attending all of his haute couture shows across the globe while emulating his technique, exquisite lines, and artistic sense. The fashion house lost the incredibly talented international Lebanese designer BASIL SODA in March 2015. yet, since his untimely passing the design house continues to flourish under the helm of Denise Soda with the assistance of her young talented son Jad Soda along with their team, they continue to create and aspire. Basil Soda legacy continues.

The ubiquitous name behind the iconic, luxury caftan label and the Moroccan French designer who breathes modernity, magnetism and magic into fabric. Selma Benomar stands for the woman who is bold, elegant and yet unafraid to celebrate their heritage, preserve their cultural traditions, and make a statement about who they are. Her collections include caftans that are made-to-measure and also include ‘limited design’ pieces where no two caftans will ever be the same - a tribute to the diverse personalities and tastes of the modern woman. Since 2012, Selma Benomar has unflinchingly proven that her Caftans are pieces that belong to red carpet events and lavish ceremonies. Today, every design that leaves the doors of Selma Benomar is impeccable, colorful, timeless, light and contemporary – sought-after by celebrities around the world. Handmade at her atelier in Dubai by handpicked Artisans, who can spend up to 2 weeks to complete an embroidery pattern, Selma definitely infuses brave elements of modernity into traditional craftsmanship. The unique use of rare materials and embellishments sourced from across the world, an awe-inspiring color palette, fresh twists to traditional techniques of embroidery and the extraordinary expertise of her artisans, make the brand an inimitable name to reckon with.

Sonal Vara-Parmar, is an entertainment industry expert, with over 22 years of international experience. The founder and CEO of IAM Entertainment, Middle East first female led entertainment company. Further cementing her position as a power player in the region’s entertainment industry, IAM secured multi-million dollar funding to grow their global operations. www.i-a-management.com IAM Entertainment is the leading agency in the Middle East for both direct access to A list Talent and Strategic Prowess. Sonal also advises on soft power initiatives for the UAE Prime Minister’s Office. Her illustrious client list include: EXPO2020, Vogue Arabia, Qatar Airlines, Etihad, Dubai Tourism, Dubai World, Atlantis, UAE Government. Sonal is skilled in strategic brand positioning, live events and shows, brand Management, celebrity endorsement and film production. Most recently inspired to work with leading entrepreneurial females in the region, Parkwood Entertainment, the entertainment firm founded by Beyonce, partnered with IAM Entertainment to deliver the largest private show ever booked in the world with Global superstar Beyonce, to secure her first performance in over 4 years for the opening of Atlantis The Royal. IAM’s illustrious talent roster includes American Celebrity Steve Harvey, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Kevin Hart, Coldplay, Black Eye Peas, Idris Elba, producer and entrepreneur Akon, sits on the board of her company. Sonal is also a Film Producer and worked with DCT to produce a film called North of the 10 for worldwide distribution. Sonal was integral in fusing the cultures of East and West to bring awareness to the UAE in a progressive and positive light. At the forefront, Sonal is a champion of the UAE, a place she calls home for the last 15 years. Through all her celebrity cliental her focus is to project The Emirates in a positive light through philanthropic initiatives and inspirational events.

Sarah Al Ayed is a prominent Saudi businesswoman who is recognized as one of the GCC’s leading female PR practitioners. In addition to her extensive experience as a communications consultant with prestigious public and private sector organizations, she has contributed to the success of multiple entrepreneurial development and CSR programs. In April 2019 Sarah was appointed as a member of the board of the Jeddah Chamber by His Excellency Dr. Majid AlQassabi the Minister of Commerce for the 22nd board cycle till March 2023.

Through her experience as Co-Founder & Chief Commercial officer of CBC TV Network - one of the leading TV networks in the Middle East, Manar El-Amin succeeded in introducing and profiling the network as one of Egypt’s media scene leaders. During her tenure, El-Amin acted as a market leader in content strategy, creating attractive advertising opportunities for different brands through tailored product integration and commercial strategies that fit the nature of each brand. In addition, El-Amin led some of the top ranked media organizations in the MENA region over the past 13 years, boasting a successful track record in brand power, eventually bolstering an iron clad on constructing and optimizing commercial and communication strategies. Believing in the power of the Global social impact of corporates and brands, Manar ElAmin is pursuing an Executive MBA from London Business School (LBS) and moved on to become the CEO of RIZEK Egypt. which was the starting point for a great exposure to the Tech-Scene and start-up field in addition to managing multiple startups in the digital space. This loaded career, with all the experiences of each and every challenge in different fields, has put her in the right position, leading the commercial development of top ranked companies.

Hadley Gamble is an award-winning international journalist and presenter with a special focus on energy, geopolitics, and financial markets.  She regularly reports from the World Economic Forum in Davos, moderating panels and speaking to world leaders about the challenges facing our planet today. Her October 2021 interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin made global headlines as the president denied using energy as a weapon, reaffirmed his alliance with Beijing, claimed his country is in an arms race with the United States and discussed the lack of trust he has with NATO. Hadley was the first international journalist to report live from Saudi Aramco following the September 14 terror attacks that knocked production offline by millions of barrels per day. She was also the first journalist to speak live to a Saudi official following the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Hadley regularly speaks to world leaders, international CEOs and philanthropists. Past guests on her programs include Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and then- U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Hadley has covered the Russia-Ukraine conflict from Brussels to Kyiv to Moscow, speaking to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Her interview with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, live from the tarmac on February 24th was the first comment from a Ukrainian official following Russia’s invasion. She is a passionate advocate for women in the workplace and their advancement around the world. Five years ago, Hadley moderated the first ever women’s business forum in Saudi Arabia.  She has extensively covered the Kingdom’s evolution under Vision 2030 and its impact on the lives of Saudi women. An experienced journalist, Hadley has also worked for CNBC, ABC News, CNN and Fox. Anchoring, producing news programs and covering national and international political events, including the 2008 Presidential Debates, Election Night 2008 and the Inauguration of US President Barack Obama.

Muna AbuSulayman is an award-winning strategic development leader and one of the Arab World's most popular media personalities whose work has focused on systems thinking solutions to ensure universal opportunity for all. She was repeatedly voted as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World; she has helped co-found several organizations and companies that deal with Women Empowerment, Media, Employment, Gender and Equity, and Education. With over 24 years of cross-functional experience in managing strategic organizational initiatives, both in the private and public sectors, she works with some of the world's leading philanthropists and organizations in the Arab world by advising, designing, and implementing innovative programs to solve problematic issues facing the MENA region. As the former Secretary-General of the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, she supported innovation and strategic initiatives to combat poverty, empower women, and reframe the Islam-West dialogue. She is focusing her development efforts on unemployment and entrepreneurship in the Arab world. She is co-founder of 3S Consulting, ADRI, Healthkey Tech, and a Partner at Transform VC which aims to help Deep Tech MENA and Marginalized Entrepreneurs be supported to reach unicorn status.

Saudi Arabian television host and presenter who is known for her appearances on the #1 morning show in the Middle East called “Sabah Alkhair Ya Arab” on MBC. In the beginning of 2023, Sara hosted the successful first season of Saudi idol flagship show. Sara started her career as a fashion presenter on Rotana channels in 2013. She is also known for her work with luxury fashion and beauty brands on social media.

Lubna Abdulaziz is considered one of the most influential Saudi names in the field of women empowerment . An activist, who seeks to raise awareness regarding women’s leadership in society. She presents the “Sayidaty” show that airs on Rotana Khalijia through which she presents and raises women’s social issues. Lubna has been shining lately as an actress appearing in Saudi dramas.

Mahira soared as an architect. Her thesis won the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal for Excellency. Started as a Business news correspondent for CNBC Arabiya to having her own real estate show and then hosting the Morning Show on AlArabiya TV. Hosted a women’s show and then her own talk show on MBC. Received Best Economic Show Award in the GCC and was chosen by Mohammad Bin Rashid Foundation to host the annual Arab Hope Makers event. Worked closely with the UN on several initiatives, like visiting a Syrian Refugee Camp in Lebanon. Worked with several international fashion, beauty, and luxury brands. In 2020, Mahira became a very promising actress in the acclaimed series “The Platform” on Netflix. She then starred in the biggest Arab production “The Ambush” movie. Chosen by Tiktok as the first presenter ever to host an educational show under the global initiative #LearnOnTikTok

Sally is an international speaker and presenter who has interviewed many of the world’s most influential change-makers across every field. From Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal to Nobel Laureates Orhan Pamuk and Kailash Satyarthi and Oscar-nominated film director Nadine Labaki, Olympic-medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad to superstars Jay Shetty, Lilly Singh and Dr Jane Goodall amongst many others, Sally has a gift for telling the stories of those who have made a global impact, revealing deeper insights that others miss. Sally is also a highly requested keynote speaker at events including TEDx, Snap Inc, Riyad Bank, Global Unstereotype Alliance Summit, AIESEC Asia Pacific Innovation Challenge, Tounche Summit, amongst others. She has also hosts and moderates high-level summits and events, including Fast Company Middle East, the ABLF Awards, the World Government Summit and more. She has been a presenter on some of the region’s top media platforms, presenting and producing outstanding live programs that highlight stories that speak to and inspire a global audience. Recently Sally was appointed as a global ambassador for the world-renowned Fred Hollows Foundation that works to restore sight to millions of people around the world. Sally has been featured in Vogue Arabia and was also a finalist for the Arab Woman Awards, under the patronage of HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan in partnership with UN Women.

Mariam Farag is a powerhouse social entrepreneur, media specialist, humanitarian, and international keynote speaker dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. As the founder of Humanizing Brands, Mariam helps businesses and media develop global strategies and values for sustainable, diverse, and inclusive operations. Part of her journey has led her to currently become the VP of Corporate Communication, Digital Media, and Content at DAMAC Properties, one of the leading property developers in the Middle East. Mariam's impressive career spans various industries and sectors. She previously worked with MBC Group, one of the MENA region’s top media conglomerates, where she established impactful partnerships as the Founding Head of Brand Reputation, Communications, and Social Impact. She also headed a number of CSR initiatives, including a Ramadan program centred on changing attitudes towards refugees that generated an audience of 25 million. Her previous roles involved initiating partnerships and outreach programs that addressed the problems plaguing the youth and community. She is also a humanitarian and has collaborated with global NGOs such as UNICEF and SOS Children’s Villages to initiate partnerships and outreach programs aimed at addressing problems facing youth and communities. Mariam's work has been widely recognised, earning her the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year Award at the C3 Summit during the UN General Assembly in NYC. She is a global citizen who has lived, worked, and studied in various countries, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a specialisation in International Relations, as well as a Master’s in International Relations and Political Theory. Mariam's passion for media and technology for impact is contagious, and she is often invited to speak at regional and international media and forums, including TEDx. Her keynote speeches cover tech for good, women empowerment, community impact, and youth development. Mariam is a firm believer in humanity, positivity, and building genuine relationships for a sustainable, empowered future generation.

Ramia is a Senior Producer and Presenter at Forbes Middle East, as well as a Moderator with a long history of hosting a variety of public and private sector events. At Forbes, Ramia hosts the Daily Brief, an online twice daily show focusing on breaking business news. She also conducts interviews with international business and world leaders. From its launch in 2007 until 2021, Ramia led the Emirates News broadcast on Dubai One TV as the Presenter and News Bulletin Editor. Previous to her role at Emirates News, from 2002 to 2007, Ramia presented and produced the program Business Arabia, which aired internationally on CNBC. Ramia has interviewed several world leaders including General Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan, Mohammed Khatami, President of Iran, Gerhard Schroeder, Chancellor of Germany and Jimmy Carter, US President. She is a moderator at major events including the World Government Summit in Dubai, the Middle East Investment Forum, and the Forbes 30/50 Summit, to name a few. Ramia holds a MA in Global Diplomacy-International Relations from the University of London, SOAS, as well as a BA in Communications from the University of Winnipeg and an associate degree in Journalism from Red River College.

Samar is an online editor, covering the latest on celebrities and the business of fashion, music and media. She has a Master's degree in Journalism from The University of Melbourne.

Jayda is a content producer at Forbes Middle East; her experience ranges from writing and editing to video production across radio and television. As a member of the multimedia team, Jayda has conducted many interviews with experts in various fields and frequently covers macroeconomic, tech, and energy news. Jayda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Monash University and is currently pursuing her Masters in TV & Digital Journalism at the American University in Cairo.