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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

H.E. Dr. Saif Mohamed Obaid Almoaili

• Individual and enterprise development expert
• Expert and practitioner of etiquette and international protocol
• Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fujairah Scientific Club

Saada Al Taee
Abu Dhabi Government

A visionary leader, change management champion, strategic thinker, highly motivated, self driven, result oriented professional with 18 years of progressive experience in business, strategic projects and operational excellence in global organisations in service industries. Expertise in managing business demand by balancing external client delivery, internal revenue growth, cost reductions and effective risk management. An enterprising leader with excellent decision making, controlling & problem-solving skills. Established and leading the 100% Emiratization back office project in Etihad Aviation Group, developed in the past 4 years as a center of excellence, serving Etihad Airways and partners, and turning it into a long term sustainable organization. Embraced the core values of integrity, innovation, and growth; consistently acknowledged as a future leader in Etihad and engaged in various leadership forums.

Asma Al Mansoori
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Relationship Manager

Asma Al Mansoori, has banking experience with almost 18+ years. She is currently Working as in ADCB.

Aamna Mohammed Alshehhi
Ras Al Khaimah Government

• Emiratization & Career Development Dept Manager – Human Resource Department
• President of Ras Al-Khaimah Leadership Arabic Tostmaster Club
• Vice President of Ras Al-Khaimah Social Center
• Maxwell Leadership International Team Member
• Doctoral researcher in the field of Business & Economics at the United Arab Emirates University

Dr. Salwa Abdulatif AlHammadi
Abu Dhabi Government
Director Quality & Excellence Office

• Established Investment policy, principles and scope of planning that guided the investment decision-making process based on transparency and investment values applied in Abu Dhabi Government.
• Chaired the investment financial studies committee & delivered investment feasibility studies enabling senior executives to make effective strategic decisions
• Led Economic & Strategic research studies for the implementation of strategic initiatives and a range of external data reports to support decision making.
• Conducted strategic data analysis on a range of external data (political, economic, regulatory elements) to produce insightful Economic reports that leads management’s strategic direction and decision-making to execute organization’s branding strategy and transformation journey.
• Performed Relationship Management, establishment, and maintenance of key Financial Institutions Relationships to leverage business objectives and achieve pre-set financial goals, with direct contact and communication with customers globally
• PhD, Educational Leadership – University of Phoenix – Arizona, US
• Post Master Degree in Higher Education Administration- University of Phoenix – Arizona, US
• Executive Education Degree (Developing & Implementing Policy for Public Value) Harvard Kennedy School
• Master of Business Administration- University of Liverpool – UK
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSc. MIS) University of Sharjah – UAE
• Certified On-Line Educator (Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University
• Advanced Leadership Certification&Executive Leadership Certification (NSLS) (National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
• Certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Trainer & Speaker
• Certified Service Leader facilitator “UP Lift !” by (Ron Kaufman)

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.

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.

H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al Falahi
RAK Chamber of Commerce
Board Member

• RAK Insurance Company – Board Member
• Emirates Sports & Cultural Club – Board Member
• RAK SME Association – Member of the Board
• RAK Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Committee​ – Chairman
• Business Industrial Academic Council Committee HCT, UAE – Member
• Computer Information Sciences Industrial Advisory Committee in HCT, RAK – Member
• Women on Board Circle (2020) formed by Sh Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan – Member
• Senior Branch Manager in one of the leading banks in UAE with a total 20 years experience in 3 main leading banks – Vice President

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.

Saada Al Taee
Abu Dhabi Government

A visionary leader, change management champion, strategic thinker, highly motivated, self driven, result oriented professional with 18 years of progressive experience in business, strategic projects and operational excellence in global organisations in service industries. Expertise in managing business demand by balancing external client delivery, internal revenue growth, cost reductions and effective risk management. An enterprising leader with excellent decision making, controlling & problem-solving skills. Established and leading the 100% Emiratization back office project in Etihad Aviation Group, developed in the past 4 years as a center of excellence, serving Etihad Airways and partners, and turning it into a long term sustainable organization. Embraced the core values of integrity, innovation, and growth; consistently acknowledged as a future leader in Etihad and engaged in various leadership forums.

Dr. Salwa Abdulatif AlHammadi
Abu Dhabi Government
Director Quality & Excellence Office

• Established Investment policy, principles and scope of planning that guided the investment decision-making process based on transparency and investment values applied in Abu Dhabi Government.
• Chaired the investment financial studies committee & delivered investment feasibility studies enabling senior executives to make effective strategic decisions
• Led Economic & Strategic research studies for the implementation of strategic initiatives and a range of external data reports to support decision making.
• Conducted strategic data analysis on a range of external data (political, economic, regulatory elements) to produce insightful Economic reports that leads management’s strategic direction and decision-making to execute organization’s branding strategy and transformation journey.
• Performed Relationship Management, establishment, and maintenance of key Financial Institutions Relationships to leverage business objectives and achieve pre-set financial goals, with direct contact and communication with customers globally
• PhD, Educational Leadership – University of Phoenix – Arizona, US
• Post Master Degree in Higher Education Administration- University of Phoenix – Arizona, US
• Executive Education Degree (Developing & Implementing Policy for Public Value) Harvard Kennedy School
• Master of Business Administration- University of Liverpool – UK
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSc. MIS) University of Sharjah – UAE
• Certified On-Line Educator (Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University
• Advanced Leadership Certification&Executive Leadership Certification (NSLS) (National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
• Certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Trainer & Speaker
• Certified Service Leader facilitator “UP Lift !” by (Ron Kaufman)

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.

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.

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.

H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al Falahi
RAK Chamber of Commerce
Board Member

• RAK Insurance Company – Board Member
• Emirates Sports & Cultural Club – Board Member
• RAK SME Association – Member of the Board
• RAK Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Committee​ – Chairman
• Business Industrial Academic Council Committee HCT, UAE – Member
• Computer Information Sciences Industrial Advisory Committee in HCT, RAK – Member
• Women on Board Circle (2020) formed by Sh Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan – Member
• Senior Branch Manager in one of the leading banks in UAE  with total 20 years experience in 3 main leading banks – Vice President

Dr. Shamma Lootah CM.NLP, C.NLC
Entrepreneur, Adjunct Professor, Certified NLP Coach

Dr. Shamma Lootah is a high-energy, future-focused entrepreneur who excels in dynamic business environments. She has served the government, specializing in organizational excellence and strategic management for over 17 years. Dr. Shamma previously worked as a Senior Project Manager at the Prime Minister’s Office and as the Deputy Senior Manager at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, where she played managerial roles and led teams in mega projects. Dr. Shamma earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration with a focus on Management and is currently an adjunct professor at several reputable colleges in the Emirates. She practices NLP coaching and is a Certified Master Practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming and a member of the National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming. Dr. Shamma’s extensive experience and credentials make her a distinguished figure in the fields of business administration, strategic management, and NLP coaching.

Jouhayna AlMheiri
UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
Air-Traffic Controller

• On-The-Job Training Instructor
• Certified Professional Life Coach

As a prolific speaker and Master of Ceremony, Jouhayna can cater to the most challenging of themes, audiences and situations whilst maintaining engagement and high-energy. From the Metaverse, Air Traffic Control Management, to Innovation, Jouhayna has been able to headline events and achieve impact for both local and international conference organisers.

Alya Almatrooshi
McKinsey
Business Analyst

A fresh grad Emirati Industrial and data engineer currently working at McKinsey & Co, founded multiple initiatives for women in engineering, consulting and logistics. Passionate novel and poetry writer.

Sara Al Mosawi
Emirates NBD
Agile Coach

Lead Agile Coach with over 12 years of experience specializing in Agile transformation across portfolio, program, and team levels. Orchestrating digital transformation initiatives that scale Agile practices effectively within large organizations. Proven track record in leading Agile adoption, driving significant improvements in process, culture, and delivery results. Recognized for my ability to mentor and develop leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and resilience in dynamic business and IT environments.

Dr. Corrie Block
Forbes Coaches Council – Official Member
Chief Executive Coach, Paragon Consulting, UAE

• Professor of Strategic Management, Monarch, Switzerland
• With over 25 years experience spanning over three continents,
• An expert in business strategy & restructuring, organizational behavior, and leadership development. Provided strategic consulting to the World Bank and the U.N., MNEs, family firms, SMEs, tech start-ups, and multi-national companies in 30 countries. Founded 5 successful businesses in Europe and MENA, and has received awards for product innovations. He is a Professor of Strategic Management at Monarch Business School in Switzerland.
• Exited 5 successful companies
• Worked with 150+ companies in 30 countries
• 25 years in management and strategy
• Executive Training & Coaching from Startups to MNEs
• Author: Entrepreneur Mag  |  Fortune Mag  |  CEO Mag. Consulting Mag.  |  Gulf Business  |  MEED  |  Routledge Academic  |  Oxford  |  Journals  |  AshEse Journal of Business Management  |  IGI Global
• Education: Doctor of Business Administration – Monarch, Switzerland  |  Doctor of Philosophy – Exeter, UK  |  Master of Arts in Global Leadership – Fuller, USA  |  Master of Arts in Business Administration – Monarch, Switzerland  |  Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Business, MIT, USA  |  Certificate in Leading with Finance, Harvard, USA
• Certificates: Forbes Coaches Council  |  NLP Level II Business Practitioner  |  Advanced Financial Statement Analysis  |  Certified Executive Coach  |  Certified Wellness Coach

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.