Musa Shaikh
Berkeley Middle East Holding
Group CFO & CEO

• Royal Family Investment Advisor
• Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director

Shaikh is a Certified Public Accountant, a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK, and a CGMA from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Associate member of the Institute of Financial Accountants, a fellow member of International Accountants. He is a Certified Internal Auditor from the Institue of Internal Audit, Florida, USA, a Certified Information System Auditor, and a Fellow Member of Securities and Investments from CISI, United Kingdom. He is a double graduate in law and business, LLB (Hons) from Buckinghamshire New University UK, a Master in Law from Kings College London, a Master in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, a Master in Public Administration from Chichester University, He is a Certified Project Management Professional from PMI, USA. He has amazing capabilities to innovate, equipped with deep knowledge of Artificial intelligence, system architecture, and data sciences. He is a certified Amazon AWS Data Analytics and certified Solutions Architecture Professional. He has more than 20 years of experience in leading financial strategies, planning & budgeting, corporate governance, FP&A, VC, Corporate finance, strategies for turnaround, Risk and compliance management, acquisitions for startups & large projects, financial modeling, due diligence, and advise on leading key business complex matters on a global scale.

Salma Al Qubaisi
Al Qubaisi Holding Abu Dhabi
President

• Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women Abu Dhabi – President
• The Investors Club – Board Member
• Government of Abu Dhabi – IT Planning & Strategy

Salma Al Qubaisi born in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is an Emirati Technology women leader, serving the Government of Abu Dhabi, the largest government organization in the oil & gas sector She is an innovative and inspiring personality in the field of Business, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain. She is instrumental in delivering value to IT professionals with her creative thoughts and leadership skills. Salma Al Qubaisi is a keen investor in Tech Projects, whether it’s a pre-seed, seed, Stage A, or B venture. She is an expert in Tech acquisition including projects based on SaaS, Robotics, Advanced machine learning, and Platforms of various types. She is having leadership skills, Project Management, Budget Planning and Control, Team Development, Business Plan development, Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning, Strategic Acquisition, and Negotiation.

Fiona Oster
Professor

• Assistant Professor – University of Birmingham Dubai
• Visiting Professor – Heilbronn University Germany

Fiona is an academic at the University of Birmingham Dubai, having previously lectured in both Germany and Ireland. Her specialist areas include Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Strategy. She has a first-class honours Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and Marketing and her doctoral research is in the field of open innovation in SMEs. Prior to her academic career she enjoyed a career in an international business environment based in Switzerland. She is passionate about all thing’s ‘entrepreneurship’! She is currently championing the entrepreneurship agenda at the University of Birmingham Dubai supporting the university’s ambition to make a genuine contribution in the region.

Dr. Deena Elsori
Rabdan Academy
Associate Professor and Academic Advisor to the Dean

Dr. Deena Elsori holds the position of Associate Professor and serves as the Academic Advisor for the Dean of Faculty at Rabdan Academy. Prior to joining Rabdan Academy, she held the role of Associate Dean of Student Affairs for the College of Health Sciences at Abu Dhabi University. Dr. Elsori has achieved notable accomplishments throughout her career and has been recognized as an exceptional professor, demonstrating exemplary leadership skills while imparting a wealth of knowledge to her students. Her exceptional contributions have been acknowledged through multiple distinguished faculty awards in the field of higher education. Dr. Elsori encompasses various roles, including that of an academician, researcher, mother, educator, and community builder. She played a pivotal part in establishing the public health program and the college of Health Sciences at Abu Dhabi University.

Salwa Arfaoui
Next Level Real Estate Dubai
Senior Regional Director

• Certified International Property Specialist Member at National Association of Realtors New Jersey Washington USA
• Rera Certificate, Dubai Land Department
• FIABCI “Fédération Internationale des Administrateurs de Bien-Conselis Immobiliers”
• Membership certificate At International Real Estate Federation (France) (US chapter)
• Bachelor of English Civilization & Literature
• MBA at Oxnard California University

A self-motivated, passionate, and high-energy multi-lingual professional, with years of progressive experience in the real estate industry and sales skills within the market property. Hardworking, reliable, and honest possessing a passion for delivering high-quality customer service, in addition to prove a good dealing with international members. Always seek a challenging and varied position that will enable me to raise my sales and management experience with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Salwa Arfaoui was awarded Best Women Leadership in real estate 2024 by untimatereality award and Best Women Expert 2024 on Women Achievers Award 2024.

Mona Sulaiman
Public Speaker / Podcaster
Founder of Blink beauty

Fast growing influencer, involved in Red Crescent community that helps people and children. She has been an Ambassador of Emirates Football Club 2022, As an Ambassador of the Emirates Football Club, here efforts are directed towards mothers to encourage them to be part of the club, share their challenges, scout for solutions, create awareness about social issues such as breast cancer, navigating career and motherhood, etc. Being a board member with the Ladies in Business Magazine, UAE, provides her a platform to encourage more Emirati women to connect with women in developing countries to inspire and give them the push and required support to help them move out of their comfort zones.

Farah Huseynli
Founder of AWiP
Azerbaijani Women in Procurement

• Procurement and Supply Chain Professional
• Founder of Azerbaijani Women in Procurement ( AWiP)
• Texas A&M , MBA
• Harvard Business School

Iman Hasan
Life Coach

• Professional training ،teaching، coaching and consulting.
• Over 14 years of experience.
• NLP, Enneagram, Law of attraction, hypnotherapy, timeline, and life coaching and training.
• Certified ICF mentor coach and trainer.
• Feng shui consulting.
• Alternative medicine.

My mission is to assist people in discovering their true potential and aligning themselves with it for the purpose of mastering their life aspects whether in business or personal life using unique, scientific and simple tools and techniques. I envision a world where individuals are able to create a mind clarity, passion and self understanding and move in this state to create peace, success, wealth and happiness.

Nada El Gazzar
UpskillX Advisory & Coaching
CEO

Nada El Gazzar is Quality & Excellence Advisor, Certified Professional Coach (Neuro-linguistic Programming) – & Trainer. She is the founder and CEO of UpskillX Advisory & Coaching, a firm that provides advisory & coaching services in 4 pillars: Corporates, Women, Youth and Community building in UAE and Middle East. Nada holds Executive MBA in International Business from Swiss Business School Switzerland with distinction. Nada has more than 15 years experience in Innovation & excellence. Nada has started her journey in 2013 as certified Quality & Excellence Assessor for 10 awards in UAE. She worked with many government entities in UAE and Egypt leading Pioneering Excellence program in diverse sectors including oil and gas, transportation, water and electricity, shipping, and education. Nada has used her vast experience in Excellence and Coaching to work on developing and facilitating many training programs, facilitated and lead more than 70 empowerment workshops for organizations and individuals in the areas of Strategy, Innovation, Quality and Excellence, Coaching and Positive mindset and frequently called on international conferences and media as keynote speaker to share her experience and story. Nada has received 12 international awards in leadership and among them was the Global Woman in Leadership awards among 150 women from 70 countries around the world , Golden Bridge Awards , Stevie Awards – Social change maker of the year for her societal and professional initiatives. As thought leader she has received recently 2 silver awards in MENA Stevie Awards for her Excellence and Empowerment initiatives. She was recently selected as Asia’s Top 100 Women Power leaders 2023. In 2022, she launched her book “My Africa my identity” in cooperation with 17 other women of African origin sharing her success story as Female Leader, She was invited to donate 3 copies to the Mohammed bin Rashid Library – the largest library in the United Arab Emirates

Basma Rashad
Berkeley Middle East Holding
Relationship Manager

Basma is an accomplished marketing professional with a proven track record of success. With years of experience in the field, she possesses a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends. Basma is skilled in crafting innovative marketing strategies that drive brand awareness and engagement. Her expertise spans various digital and traditional marketing channels, making her adept at creating impactful campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Her studies are into Master’s in Business Administration, Bachelor’s in Commerce, Diploma in Business Administration, and Diploma in Psychology.

Sumaiya Muhammad
Mitel Networks
Field Marketing Manager – MENA & ASEAN

A quick learner and self-starter with a strong entrepreneurial attitude combined with sound knowledge of the Market Research, including analyzing and interpreting data to aid in decision-making efforts. Proficient in digital marketing tools & technologies and align business strategies into achievable outcome and strongly believe in the passion of results driven marketing. Always excited to leverage upon innovative strategies to drive business growth and brand awareness and keen to develop and execute marketing initiatives that resonate with target audiences and deliver measurable results.

Musa Shaikh
Berkeley Middle East Holding
Group CFO & CEO

• Royal Family Investment Advisor
• Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director

Shaikh is a Certified Public Accountant, a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK, and a CGMA from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Associate member of the Institute of Financial Accountants, a fellow member of International Accountants. He is a Certified Internal Auditor from the Institue of Internal Audit, Florida, USA, a Certified Information System Auditor, and a Fellow Member of Securities and Investments from CISI, United Kingdom. He is a double graduate in law and business, LLB (Hons) from Buckinghamshire New University UK, a Master in Law from Kings College London, a Master in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, a Master in Public Administration from Chichester University, He is a Certified Project Management Professional from PMI, USA. He has amazing capabilities to innovate, equipped with deep knowledge of Artificial intelligence, system architecture, and data sciences. He is a certified Amazon AWS Data Analytics and certified Solutions Architecture Professional. He has more than 20 years of experience in leading financial strategies, planning & budgeting, corporate governance, FP&A, VC, Corporate finance, strategies for turnaround, Risk and compliance management, acquisitions for startups & large projects, financial modeling, due diligence, and advise on leading key business complex matters on a global scale.

Dr. Eng. Hamsah Khalil
Sustainability and climate change Specialist

Hamsah Khalil is the Climate Change and Sustainability Director and Partner at ESAC Group, a leading environmental consulting firm. With a PhD in Sustainable Built Environment and extensive experience as a Sustainability Consultant, Hamsah is exceptionally knowledgeable in the field of waste management, environmental services, and sustainable development. She has a strong track record of driving innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges, and is skilled at handling corporate waste management projects with maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Hamsah is committed to promoting sustainable practices and advancing new technologies to address climate change and build a more resilient future.

Rolf Richard Keil
BESIX Concessions & Assets
Project Development Manager

Rolf is an economist by education; But his passion is water. Over the time he has gained an expert level of technical knowledge regarding sustainable water management;
He has already got Awards and was featured in Forbes & other magazines, for his drive to realize the vision for an advanced & integrated, truly sustainable water management around the globe. Today, Rolf, is driving several projects & initiatives ahead, on behalf of the more than 100y old BESIX Group, always aiming for new technologies for the water treatment industry.

Dr. Musa Shaikh
Berkeley Middle East Holding
Group CFO & CEO

• Royal Family Investment Advisor
• Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director

Shaikh is a Certified Public Accountant, a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK, and a CGMA from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Associate member of the Institute of Financial Accountants, a fellow member of International Accountants. He is a Certified Internal Auditor from the Institue of Internal Audit, Florida, USA, a Certified Information System Auditor, and a Fellow Member of Securities and Investments from CISI, United Kingdom. He is a double graduate in law and business, LLB (Hons) from Buckinghamshire New University UK, a Master in Law from Kings College London, a Master in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, a Master in Public Administration from Chichester University, He is a Certified Project Management Professional from PMI, USA. He has amazing capabilities to innovate, equipped with deep knowledge of Artificial intelligence, system architecture, and data sciences. He is a certified Amazon AWS Data Analytics and certified Solutions Architecture Professional. He has more than 20 years of experience in leading financial strategies, planning & budgeting, corporate governance, FP&A, VC, Corporate finance, strategies for turnaround, Risk and compliance management, acquisitions for startups & large projects, financial modeling, due diligence, and advise on leading key business complex matters on a global scale.

Saif Akram Mohamed

Saif, at the tender age of twelve, stands as a beacon of awareness and activism in the realm of child rights. His profound understanding of these rights coupled with his unwavering dedication to making a difference has earned him widespread recognition and accolades. Saif was Born with an innate sense of justice and empathy, his journey towards becoming a child rights advocate began at an early age. Growing up in a nurturing environment that encouraged compassion and social responsibility, he developed a keen awareness of the challenges faced by children around him.
At the heart of Saif’s endeavors lies his passion for advocacy. Recognizing the prevalence of cyberbullying as a pervasive issue among his peers, Saif embarked on a mission to raise awareness about its detrimental effects. Through innovative projects and initiatives, he spearheaded campaigns aimed at educating children about online safety and fostering a culture of empathy and respect in digital spaces.
Saif’s commitment to combating cyberbullying garnered him prestigious accolades, including the esteemed Hamdan Award for distinguished student and DUPHAT recognition for his Bullying project. His innovative approaches and tireless efforts have not only elevated discourse surrounding cyberbullying but have also empowered countless children to navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience.
In addition to his advocacy in the digital sphere, Saif has also dedicated himself to raising awareness about physical disabilities, particularly spina bifida. Through educational programs and outreach initiatives, he strives to dispel misconceptions and promote inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. His efforts in this regard have earned him widespread acclaim, culminating in his Red Crescent Own award.

Fares Faisal Al Maari

From a young age Fares almaari was always keen about commerce and economics and he was fascinated by the business world and how it operates so he studied about it for 3 years and signed up in a financial course and is inspiring young kids around the UAE to follow their dreams and start a business and that you can turn your ideas into reality, and is applying what he learned to foster a extraordinary future and build a astounding reputation and show kids that anything is possible.

Nadine Hisham Abou El Seoud

Nadine Seoud is in year 7 and has been selected as class ambassador. Since the age of 6, Nadine Seoud started to fall in love with LoL dolls and she wanted to help people get to know more about interesting childhood topics and wanted to spend her time in a more useful way during lockdown where she started her instagram page @lol_sweets_by_nadine_seoud and posted many videos there using LoL dolls. As she wanted her message to reach as many people as possible, she shared it with her friends at school, her family and instagram followers.
Since she started to attend with her mother in her coaching workshops, she started to have courage in doing her class ambassador video and stand in-front of the camera and tried many times until she did the winning video then she loved the concept of videos and started raising awareness about many topics such as empathy, good friendships using LOL toys in roleplaying and giving lectures to her class mates too. Nadine has been interviewed on TV and kids magazines several times too. Nadine wants to be scientist when she grows up and wishes to explore the space too as she is so fascinated about it

Dr. Musa Shaikh
Berkeley Middle East Holding
Group CFO & CEO

• Royal Family Investment Advisor
• Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director

Shaikh is a Certified Public Accountant, a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK, and a CGMA from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Associate member of the Institute of Financial Accountants, a fellow member of International Accountants. He is a Certified Internal Auditor from the Institue of Internal Audit, Florida, USA, a Certified Information System Auditor, and a Fellow Member of Securities and Investments from CISI, United Kingdom. He is a double graduate in law and business, LLB (Hons) from Buckinghamshire New University UK, a Master in Law from Kings College London, a Master in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, a Master in Public Administration from Chichester University, He is a Certified Project Management Professional from PMI, USA. He has amazing capabilities to innovate, equipped with deep knowledge of Artificial intelligence, system architecture, and data sciences. He is a certified Amazon AWS Data Analytics and certified Solutions Architecture Professional. He has more than 20 years of experience in leading financial strategies, planning & budgeting, corporate governance, FP&A, VC, Corporate finance, strategies for turnaround, Risk and compliance management, acquisitions for startups & large projects, financial modeling, due diligence, and advise on leading key business complex matters on a global scale.

Salma Al Qubaisi
Al Qubaisi Holding Abu Dhabi
President

• Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women Abu Dhabi – President
• The Investors Club – Board Member
• Government of Abu Dhabi – IT Planning & Strategy

Salma Al Qubaisi born in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is an Emirati Technology women leader, serving the Government of Abu Dhabi, the largest government organization in the oil & gas sector She is an innovative and inspiring personality in the field of Business, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain. She is instrumental in delivering value to IT professionals with her creative thoughts and leadership skills. Salma Al Qubaisi is a keen investor in Tech Projects, whether it’s a pre-seed, seed, Stage A, or B venture. She is an expert in Tech acquisition including projects based on SaaS, Robotics, Advanced machine learning, and Platforms of various types. She is having leadership skills, Project Management, Budget Planning and Control, Team Development, Business Plan development, Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning, Strategic Acquisition, and Negotiation.

Alia Al Ali
Associate, Global Investor Access
HSBC Youth Council – President

Alia is an energetic, people and goal-oriented individual who is passionate about connecting people, building bridges and creating opportunities. She values sincerity, striving for excellence and enjoying each learning process. Her enthusiasm and genuine interest in people enables her to initiate, drive and collaborate with different people by initiating, designing and delivering different engagement schemes resulting into favorable outcomes of multiple projects and change programs. This got materialised through her establishment of the very first youth council within HSBC and more. In the past 5-years, her experience with customer experience across MENAT has expanded her knowledge and experience created vast opportunities of delivering on world class experience, with covering several roles across the organisation up to her current role covering MENA within the Global Investor Access in HSBC MSS, being the first and only young Emirati in the role. Additionally, Alia holds a Bachelor degree in International Relations from University of Sharjah with highest honors and a Master degree in Strategic Leadership from the Abu Dhabi University. She is a self-driven learner who undertakes academic work and research as a core element towards knowledge expansion and continuous growth. Her passion for growth, leadership development and innovation is ceaseless. She thrives to fulfill key areas to increase the knowledge base of International Relations holistically, raise the cultural knowledge through influential figure, and create a societal impact of value that will contribute to the UAE’s progress in global competitiveness.

Asma Yousuf Zainal
The Futurist
Founder

As a renowned future foresight expert, Asma has made significant contributions both locally and internationally. Recognized as a distinguished member by the Association of Professional Futurists, she actively organizes and engages in global events, aiming to connect with leading future experts to navigate and decode the complexities of rapidly evolving future trends. Her expertise is backed by her role as a certified researcher for Dubai’s future and her academic accomplishments, including pivotal leadership programs in Dubai, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development and the Dubai Future Experts Program with the Dubai Future Foundation.

Asma is deeply invested in educating the youth about the future and has shared her insights through various platforms, including conferences and publications. With over six peer-reviewed papers on innovation, advanced technology, and future studies, and co-authoring two books on excellence and future design, her scholarly output is both prolific and influential. She holds a Master’s degree in Innovation Sciences and Change Management and is currently advancing her research in Strategic Planning and Future Foresight towards a Ph.D. Asma has also founded a platform dedicated to fostering future foresight and design awareness in Arabic, demonstrating her commitment to shaping a forward-thinking society.

Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri
Hanan Empire
Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri, a distinguished life and career coach, holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Business, specializing in the areas of knowledge management, leadership and organisational culture. With over 16 years of expertise in the Dubai Government Sector she has obtained many prestigious awards, including the Young Emirati Researcher Prize and the Young Emirati Mobility Researcher Prize. Her journey began at Dubai Police, where her outstanding contributions led her to head the Knowledge Management Department. Driven by her passion, she later joined Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Notably, she played a pivotal role in securing ISO certifications for Knowledge Management and Innovation Management at DEWA. An accomplished speaker, Dr. Al Mheiri has presented at international conferences, showcasing her insights on Knowledge Management and women’s empowerment. She has published extensively and garnered numerous awards and accolades. In 2023, she founded Hanan Empire, a platform dedicated to unleashing organizational and individual potential. Dr. Al Mheiri’s expertise spans Knowledge Management, Leadership, Organizational Culture, Innovation, and Excellence. She offers tailored coaching and consultation, focusing on areas like goal setting, career coaching, awards preparation, and guidance for aspiring Ph.D. students. With an impressive track record, she’s committed to nurturing innovation and success in both organizations and individuals.

Khulood Alawadhi
Moro Hub DIGITAL DEWA COMPANY
Director – Advanced Technology Services

“A highly committed and passionate leader with over 16 years of experience in spearheading and optimizing complex Technology/IT Infrastructures and dynamic critical operational environments. I’m passionately devoted to driving transformative change and achieving tangible outcomes in innovative organizations. With proven track record, I’ve successfully implemented strategic government initiatives and have led multi-functional teams through digital transformations to meet demanding business requirements and enhance organizational efficiency.

Dr. Hajar El haddaoui
Circular Economy Company
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• • Vice Chairman of the Board – Global Compact Network Saudi Arabia
  • Member Board of Directors – Swiss Leaders
  • Head of Region West & Tessin – Swisscom

Dr.Hajar el haddaoui is a Chief executive officer and member of the executive Board at Circular economy company Ltd and has been with the IT industry for over 20 years. Furthermore, Hajar is also a leader in global Sustainability Practice, and works with companies as well as stakeholders on regulatory and political issues related to the energy transition, water, and the circular economy. A proven executive with global experience, client leader and change agent she has been appointed as Vice Chair of the Board of the United Nation Global Compact. She has held global and regional roles focused on Corporate Strategy, Transformation, Change and Innovation. Combining an MBA degree from IMD with Law background, Hajar focuses on balancing both the business and human perspective in all my work. Her passion lies in creating inclusive and empathetic work environments in which people are encouraged and supported to be the best they can as their most authentic selves. Hajar has had the privilege to live and work in Europe, Canada and the Middle East.
Hajar sits in multiple boards and is a guest lecturer at the American university of applied sciences in Switzerland, Geneva University and is an affiliate professor for Economic & Sustainability at Princess Noura University. Dr.Hajar El Haddaoui is considered an global ambassador for digitalization, being a renowned thoughtleader advocating the humanization of technology to create a better smart future. She is among the world’s most powerful women leaders in business and technology. She has also been awarded the Business leader for best all-round female In IT in Europe and Global Influencer leader award. She is a dynamic and influential speaker and presents regularly at corporate, United Nations and international conferences.

Dr. Samar Alghalebi
Falak Tayyeb Platinum Government Services L.L.C
Head Sustainability Strategy and Growth
Representative of the United Nations in Saudi Arabia (KSA)

• • Energy Experts specializing in Circular Carbon Economy and Waste Management
  • Commercial Development Manager – Sustainability Partnerships
  • Sustainability Project Manager
  • Regulatory Analyst – GCC Energy Market
  • Speaker Sustainability Podcast Host platform and Green Impact Leader
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Business Management) 2023-2027 University Leiden, Netherlands
  • Masters in Energy Management 2017-2019 (UNITEN), Malaysia
  • Bachelor’s Degree, International Business Management 2009- 2012 LIU, Lebanon

Sarah Al Bakeri
Tabreed
Vice President Human Capital

As Tabreed’s Vice President of Human Capital, Sarah Al Bakeri leads the department with comprehensive initiatives to cultivate a strong company culture, drive large-scale employee experience programmes, and implement effective rewards and talent management strategies. With more than a decade of experience in Human Resources, her seasoned leadership has played a pivotal role in Tabreed’s success. Under her guidance, the company secured six prestigious awards in 2023 and three accolades in 2022, building upon a history of numerous other achievements. These recognitions encompass distinctions such as Best HR Team of the Year, Best HR Practices, Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Excellence in Health & Wellbeing, and Excellence in Women Empowerment, bestowed by esteemed regional institutions. In addition to her responsibilities at Tabreed, Sarah holds board positions in companies such as Tabreed Operation and Maintenance Company and Bahrain District Cooling Company. She has earned two Executive Master’s degrees: the first from INSEAD, one of the top business schools, in Executive Masters in Change, and the second, an Executive Master’s in public administration with Distinction from Zayed University. She is a Certified Professional by the Society of Human Resources Management and an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coach Federation. Sarah brings expertise in Organisation and Relationship System Coaching and Leadership Circle Profile to her diverse skill set, as well as being a public speaker and influencer in other platforms.

Salwa Arfaoui
Next Level Real Estate Dubai
Senior Regional Director

• Certified International Property Specialist Member at National Association of Realtors New Jersey Washington USA
• Rera Certificate, Dubai Land Department
• FIABCI “Fédération Internationale des Administrateurs de Bien-Conselis Immobiliers”
• Membership certificate At International Real Estate Federation (France) (US chapter)
• Bachelor of English Civilization & Literature
• MBA at Oxnard California University

A self-motivated, passionate, and high-energy multi-lingual professional, with years of progressive experience in the real estate industry and sales skills within the market property. Hardworking, reliable, and honest possessing a passion for delivering high-quality customer service, in addition to prove a good dealing with international members. Always seek a challenging and varied position that will enable me to raise my sales and management experience with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Salwa Arfaoui was awarded Best Women Leadership in real estate 2024 by untimatereality award and Best Women Expert 2024 on Women Achievers Award 2024.

Laura Merlini
CAIA ASSOCIATION
Managing Director, EMEA

Laura Merlini is a senior financial industry professional with a strong interest in education and governance. Laura currently serves as Managing Director for EMEA at the CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) Association and has 20 years of experience in the European alternative investments industry. During her previous role at Fortis Prime Fund Solutions in Milan, Madrid, and Geneva, Laura advised on the areas of fund set-up, administration, banking, and custody. She earned the CAIA charter in 2007 and has been an active CAIA proponent and member-volunteer, being the co-founder of the CAIA Iberia Chapter (based in Madrid) in 2008 and leading the CAIA Switzerland Chapter in Geneva since 2010. Furthermore, she chaired the 100 Women in Finance Educational Committee in Geneva from 2016 to 2018. Laura earned a BA in Business Administration at Bocconi University in Milan, received the CEMS MIM (Community of European Management Schools) MSc in International Management in 2002 and is a member of the inaugural class (2014) of the Executive Master in Positive Psychology, Leadership, and Strategy form IE in Madrid in 2014. She is a Certified Investment Fund Director by the CIFD Institute, she was a member of the UN PRI HF Advisory Committee, and sits on the board of Agave Advisors, an independent wealth management company in Geneva. Moreover, Laura is a certified sommelier and enjoys travelling to discover new terroirs.

Sai Mahesh
ICM.com
Senior Business Development Manager

Sai Mahesh is a dynamic Senior Business Development Manager at ICM.com who leads a large team of qualified financial experts, leveraging expertise in financial markets to drive growth and foster strategic partnerships. With a knack for market analysis and client relationship management, Sai excels in expanding the company’s market presence and maximizing revenue opportunities.

Sai has +15 years of experience in leading financial strategies and developing businesses. His expertise in leading key complex business matters globally was a treasure for ICM, walking together along a long path of success.

Adam Ashcroft
The Advantage Coach
Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Adam Ashcroft is a highly regarded Business Leader & Accredited Executive Coach with over 20 years extensive international experience developing and growing companies and supporting executives. Adam has taken his deep rooted knowledge of successfully scaling companies globally to revolutionise the approach to coaching executives, leadership teams and organisations so that they can reach their full potential in the business of life. With a passion for supporting and coaching senior executives across global markets Adam Ashcroft helps identify client’s passions & purpose whilst creating clear goals, through a strengths based approach, which enables CEOs, business owners and senior executives to achieve exceptional progress in their lives and careers. Adam has harnessed his diverse experience of starting (and selling), leading & running businesses to create “The 3Ps to Succeed”, “The 7 Steps for Success” and “Advantage Success Playbooks” that guides coaching clients through an accelerated growth program so that companies, leadership teams and executives can utilise his vast range of “Playbooks” to reach their full potential. Adam and his team of highly experienced Executive Coaches have so far been leading, mentoring and coaching in Dubai, the UAE, Saudi Arabia (KSA), London and across Europe, as well as in USA, using The Advantage Coach Playbooks which are an accumulation of industry best practices that have been collated over the past 20 years whilst working with the world’s foremost companies. Combined with Adam’s passion for executive coaching, business coaching and life coaching, these Playbooks and best practices create the catalyst for client’s accelerated success so they can reach peak performance, heightened performance as well as overall happiness and success in the business of life.

Emma Graham
CNBC
Head of Middle East

I run CNBC International’s operations across the Middle East, based out of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I cover markets across the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia and follow regional business, financial and geopolitical stories for CNBC’s global audience. I directly manage a team of four women, all from the region who innovate and create news each day for CNBC, and run a team of 10 out of our regional hub in the UAE. I produced CNBC’s coverage out of Saudi Arabia days after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. I led production on the network’s exclusive interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2021 as Europe entered into a gas crisis, and I have helped lead the network’s coverage of all major stories in the region during my time at CNBC. I follow OPEC+ policy closely and has conducted and secured interviews with energy ministers across the globe. I have covered 4 Israeli elections, 2 Turkish elections and Lebanon’s economic meltdown closely during my time in the region. I also covered the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2021, breaking first on NBC news that President Ashraf Ghani had left Kabul and was seeking asylum in the UAE. I have led coverage for CNBC’s flagship events including Davos, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Munich Security Conference, NATO, OPEC Meetings and G20 Meetings. Before helping to launch CNBC’s bureau in Dubai, I worked at Bloomberg in London covering Brexit and European markets. Before that, I worked at Al Jazeera America in New York City. I have a masters degree from UCL in Human Rights and an undergraduate degree from George Mason University in Government and International Policy. I am passionate about human rights focused journalism, reporting on the human impact in countries and regions facing economic crisis, and promoting equity and opportunity through my reporting.

Fatema Al Rashidi
Blonde Luxury Beauty, Blonde Speciality Cafe, FR Fashion, and FR Marketing
Founder & CEO

At the helm of Blonde Luxury Beauty Lounge and the distinguished Blonde Specialty Café stands the visionary founder, Fatema Al Rashidi, a trailblazer in the realms of fashion, beauty, and entrepreneurship. With an innate passion for elegance and luxury cultivated since youth, Fatema’s journey embodies a dedication to sophistication and excellence. Her entrepreneurial acumen, honed from pivotal roles in the Department of Economic Development’s quality and excellence section, led to the creation of her first salon in 2016.
Beyond her renowned beauty lounge, Fatema’s ventures extend to curating extraordinary coffee experiences at Blonde SpecialtyCafé, reflecting her unwavering commitment to crafting spaces where opulence converges with exceptional quality. Her illustrious endeavors, including the acclaimed perfume line Ciel de Paris, exemplify Fatema Al Rashidi’s relentless pursuit of redefining luxury and refinement in every facet of her ventures.

Khulood Shaban
Berkeley & Lords
CFO & CEO

Khulood is a philanthropist, a business leader, successful business entrepreneur, and the most influence Arabic women in Gulf region. She is the CFO & CEO of Berkeley Middle East holding an American Emirati Joint venture conglomerate with a diversified portfolio. Khulood career is diversified over several roles including CEO, Director Finance, Financial Controller, & Chief Financial Officer based on decade of experience. Khulood core expertise to manage financial transactions for the whole group and in ongoing projects, arises through Merger or acquisitions, study the fundamental and technical feasibility, evaluate the investment risks by applying high level financial management tools for stakeholders keeping ERP, budgeting, variance reporting aligns with financial strategy of the shareholders. Her strengths are innovative & creativity toward a particular business venture, preparation of business plan, coordination with external auditors, lenders, regulatory authorities, compliances, meeting with investors for arranging of Funds, building a capital Structuring simple and complex, IPO’s securities, active management, & financial decision making.