ValU, Founder & CEO, Chairman of Kiwe, Board Member of Forset Hayah & Robinson College of Business, Egypt
organization
Walid Hassouna Founder and CEO valU Walid is the CEO of valU, the Chairman of Paytabs Egypt and the Vice Chairman of EFG EV Fintech. He sits on multiple boards including, KarmSolar, and Bedaya for mortgage finance Walid’s leadership of the NBFI platform at EFG Hermes over 5+ years has seen it grow multiple businesses and launch innovative brands. Prior to joining EFG Hermes Holding in 2016, Walid had a successful 17-year banking career. He was General Manager and Head of Structured Finance and Investment Banking at Bank Audi, where he closed structured and project finance transactions in excess of USD 15 billion. He first started in Misr International Bank, structuring and executing several award-winning deals, in project finance and M&As within Egypt and the GCC. He was the Head of structured finance and syndication in Banque Misr where he successfully managed to top the league table of the MENA region in syndicated loans. Walid holds a Cairo-University B.B.A with highest honors, an MBA from J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University and an Islamic Finance Qualification from CISI- UK.
, KamKalima, Co-Founder & CSO, Lebanon
Nisrine El Makkouk is a seasoned leader and education innovator with over 20 years of experience in designing impactful programs across K-12 education, public-private partnerships, and government institutions. As the CEO of Kamkalima, she drives the company’s mission to transform Arabic education through technology and meaningful content, while fostering strategic partnerships and growth across the MENA region. Nisrine is renowned for her expertise in pedagogy, youth literacy, and educational reform, having previously worked with UNICEF to shape global adolescent learning guidelines. Her academic background includes executive studies from Columbia University Teachers College, and a Master’s in Sociology of Education from the American University of Beirut.
, Ibtichar, Founding Partner & CEO, Qatar
Nayef Al-Ibrahim, Founding Partner and CEO of Ibtechar, is at the forefront of providing practical innovative solutions in the capacity development domain. With over a decade of experience, his work has significantly impacted the field, earning Ibtechar recognition from the World Economic Forum twice and inclusion in Qatar's Best 50 SMEs list twice. Nayef's expertise spans strategic thinking, team management, and applying the right frameworks for success.
He holds a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Qatar University and an MBA from the American University in the Emirates. Before Ibtechar, Nayef's career in real estate involved overseeing projects from ideation to implementation, managing projects worth over a billion dollars. Beyond his professional endeavors, Nayef values family time and reading, continually seeking personal growth and knowledge.
Torba Market & Intaj.Inc, Venture Partner Middle East of Utopia Capital Management, Founder, Qatar
Fatma Al-Khater, founder of Torba Market, is a distinguished sustainability and wellness advocate in Qatar. She drives social change by empowering local entrepreneurs, promoting community engagement, and advocating for sustainable living through Torba. Fatma's commitment extends to promote the future of food through advocacy and advises policy-makers, startups focused on food incubation, food security, and climate change.
FinMark Communications, Managing Director, Bahrain
Zahraa is a seasoned communications and events strategist with nearly 20 years of experience developing and executing impactful marketing, PR, and event strategies across the GCC. A native of the Gulf region and fluent in Arabic, Zahraa brings deep cultural insights that enable her to guide clients through the intricacies of Arab media, business, and investor landscapes. She began her career at the Arab Insurance Group (ARIG), the region’s largest insurer, where she honed her expertise in corporate communications. Later, she established EVENTSCOM, a full-service PR and events consultancy, before co-founding FinMark Communications, a specialist firm focused on business and financial PR, serving clients across the Gulf and Europe. Zahraa is also actively involved in several non-profit and professional organizations. She is a founding member and Board Member of the Bahrain International Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPW), a Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), Bahrain, and the Bahrain India Society. Additionally, she served on the Board of the EO Bahrain Chapter and represent
WE4F & SMEs Programs, Water and Energy for Food (WE4F), Senior Director, Lebanon
Biography
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Director of Business Development, Qatar
organization
Ali Ahmad Al-Mawlawi is the Director of Business Development at Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He focuses on economic growth through innovative policies that enhance the ease of doing business and foster public-private partnerships. With a background in engineering and strategic business management Ali combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks.
Communities Connect Cities (C3), Founder & CEO, Saudi Arabia
Laila is a visionary and global futurist leader with over 20 years of experience in the government and private sector. She is the Managing Director of Communities Connect Cities (C3), a leading advisory company in smart and sustainable cities that empowers organizations to achieve their goals and create positive impact. She is also the first appointed executive director in Oman IT Society. She is also a recognized expert and advisor in metaverse, digital transformation, innovation, and tourism, with multiple publications and awards in these fields. With a strong focus on the Middle East, Laila has been instrumental in shaping the smart cities agenda and strategy for various governments, UN organizations, and consulting firms. She is the founder of the Smart Cities Ambassadors program, a global initiative that nurtures and mentors individuals to become leaders in the field. She is also a sought-after global keynote speaker and author, who shares her insights and vision on the future of smart and sustainable cities, metaverse, and tourism. Laila is passionate about creating a better world for everyone through technology, collaboration, and innovation.
Albert William Jewelry, Private investor, Morocco
Bouchra is an accomplished professional with a unique blend of expertise in humanitarian diplomacy, sustainable investment, and jewelry design, dedicated to fostering sustainable development and creating positive social impact. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and is an active member of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility and the International Center of Humanitarian Diplomacy in Qatar. An international expert in the Sustainable Development Goals, diplomatic negotiations, and humanitarian diplomacy, Bouchra is fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, with a foundational knowledge of German. She is a member of Aspire Sports Academy and an Elite swimmer, advocating for the importance of mental and physical health as part of holistic human development. With a passion for antique jewelry, art, and classical music, Bouchra also champions human rights and is a firm believer in world peace.
Qommunication, CEO, Qatar
Dr. Noora Buhelaiqa is passionate about all things media. She founded Qommunication, a Qatari Social Media and communication agency to overcome the lack of local Qatari PR agencies. Noora built Qommunication on principles and values of the Qatari Community. Today her agency is one of the biggest in doha and her clients include top government and private sector brands. She specializes in creating campaigns and representing social media influencers, media training, crisis communication and social media strategies. She studied political science at durham university, holds an executive masters in Strategic Business Management from HEC Paris and has a Juris Doctor in HBKU."
International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), CEO, Saudi Arabia
organization
Biography
IPE / Program Coordinator at the International Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, UNIDO ITPO, Bahrain
Biography
Qatar Development Bank, Vice president Enterprise Development, Qatar
Mr. Khalid Al-Mana holds the position of Executive Director of Qatar Export Development Finance and Promotion Agency “Tasdeer” at Qatar Development Bank. In his current position, Mr. Al- Mana is leading QDB’s export development, Finance, and promotion programs, aiming to support the private sector in reaching global markets in line with the National Vision 2030. Mr. Al-Mana previously held leadership positions at Royal Dutch Shell and Qatar Foundation. He held international posts in Washington DC and The Hague. Mr. Al-Mana holds a BSc in Finance from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, and an MBA from HEC Paris. He also received specialized diplomas from London Business School and the Brookings Institute. He is currently Board Member of ELAN, Board Member of International Trade Centre, Board member of Middle East Leadership Academy (MELA)"
