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Abdulelah Aloshayni is a seasoned Founder, Executive, advisor, and certified trainer in leadership, digital transformation, and technology spaces with over 16 years of extensive experience in helping businesses integrate digital technology into their strategies, operations, and processes. With a passion for breaking down silos and streamlining customer journeys, Abdulelah has successfully guided numerous organizations through the challenging process of digital transformation and technology implementations. Abdulelah earned an executive MBA, providing him with a deep understanding of business strategy, financial implications, and operations. This knowledge, combined with his expertise in technology, has allowed him to develop innovative solutions that drive increased efficiency and profitability. Throughout his career, Abdulelah has worked with companies of all sizes and across a wide range of industries, from healthcare to insurance to financial services to aviation and transportation. His approach is always tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each stakeholder, ensuring that they achieve their desired outcomes—which led the Ministry of Transport to accomplish the Golden Prize in Open-Source implementations among 144 government entities. As a CEO, Abdulelah is known for his ability to communicate complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand and actionable. He is a trusted partner to his stakeholders, providing guidance and support throughout the entire business growth and transformation programs.
Dr. Khaled, a Saudi national, holds a PhD in the principles of Islamic jurisprudence. He is deeply engaged in research and studies related to charitable work, focusing on the future of philanthropy and development, specialized scientific observatories in the nonprofit sector, and theories and terminology associated with charitable work. He has authored numerous research papers, studies, and academic articles, and has participated in various scientific committees for local and international conferences related to the nonprofit and endowment sectors. Dr. Khaled serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Ibda’a Association for the Development of the Nonprofit Sector and is a member of the Arab Association for Futures Studies. He is currently the General Director of the International Center for Research and Studies (MIDAD) and also sits on the boards of trustees for several endowments and grant-making institutions, while chairing the Executive High Committee at Waseera Financial Technology Company.
Bahar Alharbi is the Founder & CEO of Startups House Investment Company in Saudi Arabia, bringing over 10 years of expertise in investment, sustainable development, and entrepreneurial strategy. He holds an M.Sc. in Banking and International Finance from Toulouse Business School, a BA in Business from Al-Faisal University, and a Foundation Degree in Social Science and Philosophical Studies from Durham University. Bahar also serves on multiple boards, including SADU Business Solutions, Summit Event Management, Sadeen Living II Residential Development Fund, and Entrepreneurship Vision. He is an active member of the National Committee for Entrepreneurship at the Federation of Saudi Chambers and has completed executive certifications from Ernst & Young, Cranfield University, and Stanford. His leadership continues to shape the entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem in the Kingdom.
Hussein A. Attar is a venture capitalist, ex-entrepreneur and businessman with experience in technology management. He specialises in transforming institutes into automated digital processes and creating sustainable technological solutions. With a growth-hacking approach and a start-up mindset, Hussein has a strong network across the entrepreneurship and corporate ecosystem. He is a mentor and consultant to several entrepreneurs and institutes, providing hands-on leadership and strategic thinking to drive sustainability and growth.
Bana AlMohammad is a results-driven professional with extensive experience in operations management, quality assurance, business development, and debt collection within the finance and service sectors. With over a decade of expertise, she currently serves as Operations Manager at Mani International Debt Collection, where she oversees large-scale recovery operations, drives business growth, and ensures strict adherence to industry standards.
Renowned for implementing strategic debt recovery practices that boost efficiency and optimize outcomes, Bana’s leadership combines operational precision with client-focused innovation. She has also held key quality-focused roles, including Quality Manager and Quality Ambassador at SASO, where she spearheaded initiatives to embed ISO 9001 standards and foster a culture of excellence.
A certified trainer and active member of the Saudi Quality Council, Bana has delivered impactful training programs and led continuous improvement initiatives across organizations. Her expertise spans QMS, Six Sigma, strategic planning, and business development — positioning her as a trusted leader capable of bridging operational excellence with sustainable business growth.
Andrea Azzolari is an investment professional with experience across several high-growth industries, including contech, enterprise SaaS, fintech, AI, hospitality, and e-commerce. With a strong background in finance, Andrea currently leads the investment team for Plug and Play in Saudi Arabia (KSA), where he is responsible for identifying and backing innovative startups across key sectors. His expertise lies in not only sourcing high-potential ventures but also fostering partnerships and facilitating cross-market growth for companies at different stages of their development
Hashim Alfatayerji is the Founder & CEO of Cararak Ventures, a corporate innovation and venture solutions company helping organizations design, build, and scale new ventures. With over 25 years of experience in leadership, growth strategy, and mobility, he has guided corporates and startups in creating impactful solutions that drive innovation and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Dr. Fouad Basyyoni has over 16 years of leadership experience in management and operations development, holding senior positions across international and local public shareholding companies. He has successfully delivered mega projects across sectors and is deeply engaged in entrepreneurship through his work with Monshaat, MISK, KAUST, and NEOM. Fouad co-founded Startups House Investment Company, where he also served as Chief Marketing Officer. He is an accredited consultant by the World Bank and a certified SME Consultant by the American Association for SME Consultants. With expertise in marketing, PR, and trend analysis, he continues to contribute to the growth of startups and the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
By Founding Builtop, an AI Construction Technology Company, we're reshaping the industry landscape by integrating cutting-edge AI into construction processes. My role as Founder and CEO, coupled with a recent tenure as GM of Engineering at DACO, underscores a commitment to innovation and operational excellence. We're pioneering solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability, leveraging my expertise in project management and facility management.
Sultan H Ghaznawi is a serial entrepreneur, venture builder, and proactive investor with a strong track record in building and scaling companies across fintech and real estate. As the Chairman and Managing Director of Scene Holding, a Saudi-based investment platform, he leads strategic capital deployment while maintaining deep operational involvement. Under his leadership, Scene Holding has evolved from a founder-led venture studio into an institutional-grade investment company known for backing early-stage founders, driving post-investment growth, and fostering synergies across its portfolio. The firm focuses heavily on Fintech and AI, while maintaining exposure to sectors such as real estate, media & culture, and defense drone manufacturing. Sultan’s hands-on approach has been instrumental in the success of companies including Barq, Awaed, The Space Vibes, and Cultural Asset Group, as well as in incubating emerging platforms such as Myne, Lite, Salesfine, Yasmina AI, and Ebra AI — all aligned with Scene’s long-term vision for AI-powered fintech innovation.
Mohanad Al Aswad is a visionary leader and founder of R Saudi, a pioneering platform in Saudi Arabia's training and development sector. He specializes in strategic partnerships, curriculum development, and talent management. Under his leadership in different companies, program offerings have grown by 300%, contracts worth over 70 million SAR have been secured, and substantial revenue has been generated through managing training projects and professional certifications, including CIPD programs.
An advocate for innovation and digital transformation, Mohanad’s work has empowered individuals and organizations by offering localized, high-quality learning opportunities tailored to Saudi Arabia’s unique business and cultural landscape. His expertise lies in leveraging modern technologies to streamline processes and connect learners with professional development opportunities.
Mohanad is widely recognized within the startup ecosystem for his contributions and regularly collaborates with industry experts to drive growth and performance in the training industry. He is committed to fostering sustainable growth for startups and businesses, tackling key challenges such as access to training facilities, high training costs, and the availability of qualified trainers.
Isabella Williamson is the CEO of Tyde.AI, an AI consultancy that helps teams build resilience in the age of Generative AI. Isabella has led Generative AI projects for public and private sector entities, assisting decision-makers in creating strategies, optimising workflows, developing AI training programmes and managing risk. She has worked with names such as Edelman, Mubadala, the Saudi Arabia Data and AI Authority and a G42 company. As a thought leader in AI, Isabella has spoken about the impact of Generative AI on the GCC's workforce at events such as GITEX, AWE, Global Media Congress, HR Summit & Expo and Seamless.
Hanan Alahmari is a dynamic Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Specialist and Soft-Landing Program Lead at Startups House, where she helps international startups establish and expand in the Saudi Arabian market. With expertise in market entry strategies, financial valuation, and investment lifecycle management, she supports foreign companies from initial analysis to full integration. Hanan is also a published researcher with work on financial leverage and banking performance, and has contributed to multiple entrepreneurship reports. She has previously worked with OQAL Angel Investors Network, Fintactics Ventures, and MEDGULF. Fluent in Arabic and English, she is a recognized speaker, having presented at AIM Congress 2025 on the future of FDI and emerging technologies.
Excited to be at the forefront of innovation in the startup ecosystem! With a passion for driving change and a track record of success, I've had the privilege of contributing to the growth of MENA's first unicorn, Careem, and leading food aggregator Hungerstation. Now, I'm spearheading the development of MENA's first video-based food aggregator at Kitchenara, having recently secured a six-figure angel round. Join me on this exciting journey! #startup #innovation #foodtech
Motaz Abuonq is a Saudi entrepreneur, investor, and venture builder, recognized for his role in shaping the startup ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region. He is the Founder of Value Makers Studio (VMS), a venture studio that partners with startups to drive growth, product development, and real market traction.
Beyond VMS, Motaz is a Board Member at Metaspaces, a pioneering venture studio dedicated to building real estate technology startups with global ambitions. His contributions help guide the ideation, validation, and scaling of innovative proptech companies that enhance efficiency and value across the sector.
Motaz also serves as Chairman of several companies in healthcare, contracting, logistics, and consulting, and sits on the boards of DailyMealz, Nature Care Company, and Shadid Consulting Association. As an active angel investor and advisor to national initiatives such as Biban Forum, Waai Association, and Waqaya, he combines capital investment with hands-on mentorship.
Passionate about building both businesses and ecosystems, Motaz Abuonq continues to empower founders and create sustainable impact across industries.
Frankie is Co-Founder of MawHub, a Saudi-focused recruitment partner helping startups and scaleups hire faster and smarter. Frankie focuses on building hiring models that help founders secure top talent. With a background in building and leading talent acquisition teams, he focuses on helping founders hire efficiently and sustainably as they scale their businesses.
Aleena Nadeem is the Chief executive officer and Founder of EDUFI Private Limited. A student led fintech, launched in Nov 2021.
EduFi aims to provide student financing solutions to the masses. The vision of EduFi is to financially assist as many middle class citizens as possible, in gaining higher education. EduFi has raised over $6.1 million USD to date.
Aleena completed her high school from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where she also attained the regional distinction in Economics. She completed her bachelors from the Massachusetts’s Institute of Technology in 2016.
Post MIT, Aleena started her career working at Goldman Sachs London in the credit division after which she worked as the fintech investor at Ventura Capital London, a late stage private equity fund in London. She left as the youngest and first female principal partner at Ventura. She raised over $50 million USD as part of the series G raise for PayTM in India, $20 million USD as part of Railsbank’s A+ round and over $60 million USD as part of Upgrade’s series D round. She is also a director in her family’s office based out of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She serves as an active member of PEN (Progressive Education Network) which is a non for profit charity run by her family office which educates over 100,000 children for free every year. Aleena Nadeem also recently started as the youngest shark on shark tank Pakistan.
Tahir is a globally recognised leader in Data Privacy & AI Governance, known for his exceptional expertise and leadership. With a distinguished career spanning various industries including banking & financial services, healthcare & life sciences, travel & tourism, government & defense, petrochemical, telco, retail, and automotive, Tahir has successfully directed and advised complex digital transformation and compliance programs. His focus on embedding privacy and ethical AI best practices has earned him the trust of governments, regulatory authorities, and executive boards worldwide.
Dr. Nisar Ahmad Zafar is a distinguished leader in the ICT sector with over two decades of experience. As the Vice President of Sublime Wireless Inc., a top U.S.-based ICT solutions provider, he has been pivotal in the company’s recent expansion into Saudi Arabia. Dr. Zafar holds a Ph.D. in Business Management, an MBA, and certifications in project, risk, and portfolio management.
In his role as a Senior Investment Advisor for a prominent Saudi family office, Dr. Zafar oversees technology and investment due diligence from Seed to Series C stages in venture capital. A prolific writer, Dr. Zafar has authored numerous research papers on AI and cybersecurity, particularly focusing on their impact in Saudi Arabia. His global thought leadership has earned him appearances on the covers of several international magazines. LinkedIn has recognized him as one of the top 50 influencers from Saudi Arabia in AI, mentorship, and market strategy. He actively mentors startups through Misk, The Garage, and GAIA AI accelerator programs.
Dr. Zafar is also a renowned entrepreneur, managing the largest LinkedIn group in Saudi Arabia with 262,000 members. His passion for AI, digital twins, and cybersecurity drives his commitment to enhancing ICT systems’ performance and resilience. Recently, he shared his insights as a speaker at the United Nations Vienna office on AI for developing countries. He serves on the advisory boards of several AI startups and is an active member of esteemed organizations such as the World Metaverse Council, Fiware, Smart City Council, and the World Business Council. Through these roles, Dr. Zafar is significantly shaping the future of technology and its societal impact.
Dr. Mustafa O. Mousa is an accomplished entrepreneur and a Founder and the CEO of Sadeem International, a pioneering flood mitigation solution provider in the smart city sector. Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change challenges, Mustafa has successfully led Sadeem in delivering state-of-the-art flood mitigation solutions, both within the Kingdom and on a global level.
With an impressive educational background, Mustafa holds a Ph.D. in Machine Learning Algorithms for Flood Estimation from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), specializing in the Electrical Engineering Division. Additionally, he is a distinguished graduate in the Automation System Engineering from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, where he excelled as the top-ranking student in his class.Mustafa's entrepreneurial journey began during his joint diploma program between UC Berkeley and KAUST, where he showcased exceptional leadership skills by leading his team to secure first place. His expertise encompasses various domains, including IoT wireless sensing networks, instrumentation, flood detection, and machine learning. He honed these skills through his extensive academic pursuits at KFUPM, KAUST, and the Department of Transportation Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.
In recognition of his commitment to professional development, Mustafa obtained certification as a Strategy and Business Development and Execution Professional from the prestigious KPI Institute in 2019. That same year, he also became an accredited Small and Medium Business Consultant through the Association of Accredited Small Businesses Consultant (AASBC), further enhancing his ability to provide valuable insights and guidance.
Mustafa's remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed in the business community. In 2018, he received the esteemed Best Entrepreneur Award at the 27th Annual Meeting of Oqal in Riyadh, KSA. Under his visionary leadership, Sadeem International has successfully deployed flood mitigation solutions in 16 cities across six different countries. Through tremendous success earned the company the title of Best Global Startup at GITEX 2017. Notably, Mustafa played a pivotal role in securing over 2.75 million USD in funding from Aramco and KAUST in 2020, further propelling the growth and expansion of Sadeem International.Currently, Mustafa is focused on spearheading the business expansion of Sadeem, utilizing his strategic acumen to drive growth both domestically and internationally. His dedication to tackling global climate change challenges and his remarkable accomplishments in the field make him an influential figure in the smart city andflood mitigation industry.
A Senior Executive and proven leadership with significant achievement in contributing to the business through growth, acquisition and change management with highly extensive experience in governments and private sectors.
Hossam Al Jamal is the CEO of Health & Life in Saudi Arabia, leading innovation and growth in healthcare services. With over a decade of experience in the medical supplies industry, he has held key roles at AME Company and KEMET Medical. Hossam holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and multiple postgraduate diplomas in Sales, Marketing, and Management. He is recently completed an MBA at AASTMT. Fluent in English, Hossam is dedicated to transforming healthcare through strategic planning and leadership.
Dr. Marwan Tawakol is a seasoned Organization Development professional and Senior Management Consultant with over 20 years of international experience in learning and development. His sector expertise spans FMCG, Insurance, Pharmaceuticals, Government, Financial Services, Manufacturing, and more. A proactive and versatile business consultant, he is passionate about developing organizations and empowering people. Dr. Marwan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and a Master’s in Business Administration. He is internationally certified as a Master Trainer and Assessor by globally recognized human development institutions such as Wilson Learning, Cegos Group, Miller Heiman, Market Wise Advantage, Mercer, and others. Throughout his career, Dr. Marwan has led and designed impactful learning and development programs for leading organizations across the Middle East, including Tawuniya Insurance, Savola Group, Master Foods, AZAQ, L’Oreal, National Electricity Company, California Gardens, Reckitt Benckiser, Elie Insurance, Al Tayer Group, Maghrabi Hospitals, BaAshen, BaAzeem, National Catering UAE, Ezz Steel, Al Rajhi Bank, SIPCHEM, Aon Brokerage, and more. His major achievements include establishing the Change Management and Transformation Office at the Ministry of Labor (Saudi Arabia, 2015), setting up Al Naghi Sales Academy (Jeddah, 2012), managing a large-scale talent recruitment project for GASTAT (Saudi Arabia, 2017), establishing Tawuniya Sales Academy (Riyadh, 2018), and building the Sales Force Induction and Training Curriculum for KDD (2023).
Mustafa Aldhaif, passionate about the gaming and Esports industry, with a background in Engineering and Master Degree in Project Management. Currently, he leads the RivalN App as CEO, where his mission is to revolutionize the gaming experience. His goal is to create a platform that allows gamers to socialize, play, collect, and redeem rewards, offering a more engaging and rewarding experience for the gaming community.
passionate about helping businesses adapt to the evolving digital world through geospatial data. It’s why I co-founded AlJazeera Falcons, to offer technological solutions to businesses in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Collecting and analyzing geographical data delivers key insights whether developing command and control center for smart cities, smart airports, defense, or UAV.
As an industry-leading start-up, at AlJazeera Falcons we deliver cutting-edge GeoAI, UAV and geographic information systems (GIS) to industries ranging from tourism to infrastructure and healthcare, and I personally specialize in Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems. We also offer space technology solutions such as remote sensing, global positioning systems and satellite navigation for aerospace, aviation, defense and other industries.
I have worked with several pioneering names, combining my IT expertise with engineering, drone operation and programming and AI. In particular, my time at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) gave me invaluable skills.
After graduating in Informational Technology from the King Abdulaziz University, I began my career as Coordinator of the Hajj Season 2012 at King Abdulaziz International Airport. From 2016 to 2019, I represented GACA at international conferences for GIS and UAV systems.
During this period, I was GIS Project Manager for Saudi International Airports and served on the GIS Committee for Saudi domestic and regional airports.
Completing courses and certifications, I have dedicated my career to developing innovative solutions that empower companies to pivot into the digital world. It is this expertise and dedication that was the basis for my co-founding of AlJazeera Falcons.
Completing courses and certifications, I have dedicated my career to developing innovative solutions that empower companies to pivot into the digital world. It is this expertise and dedication that was the basis for my co-founding of AlJazeera Falcons.
As a certified UAV pilot and a Guinness World Record-holder as a participant in the largest gathering of drone and AI programmers, my eyes are always turned to the sky.
Turki Hammas is an expert in fundraising and investment with over 8 years of experience in venture capital and innovation.
Shreya Rammohan is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Playbook, a globally recognised platform transforming how women grow in their careers, build wealth, and access leadership opportunities. With over a decade of experience in brand strategy, research, and marketing across the GCC, Shreya has led growth and creative teams across multiple markets and scaled high-impact campaigns for startups and established brands. At Playbook she drives enterprise partnerships and growth to deliver real outcomes for women at every stage of their professional journey.
Dr. Musaed Alkhlifi is a marketing strategist and co-founder of Peaks for Marketing Solutions, where he designs data-driven growth and thought-leadership initiatives for brands in Saudi Arabia and the region. He previously led distance education and digital learning programs, chaired the board of AmadX Production, and founded several social-impact initiatives in sustainable development and education. Dr. Alkhlifi holds a PhD in Business Administration and an MBA from King Saud University.
A Misk 2030 Leader, an Industrial Engineer, an MBA graduate, and a Certified Stanford Advanced Project Manager with over 19 years of experience in business development, project management, production management, operations, and supply chain management. Hasan has a proven track record in leadership, teamwork, people management, analytical problem-solving, and consistently achieving results and targets.
Abdel Rahman Ghaleb is a seasoned speaker and thought leader, active since 2015 in the fields of entrepreneurship, design thinking, and startup ecosystems. Over the years, he has delivered over 30 impactful talks across MENA, guiding early-stage entrepreneurs and business owners on how to successfully launch and grow their businesses in today’s fast-evolving market landscape.
Known for his engaging and insightful presentations, Abdel Rahman focuses on practical strategies to foster innovation, sustainable business models, and agile thinking. He has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs develop their ideas into viable ventures by offering key insights into design thinking methodologies, lean startup principles, and ecosystem-building techniques.
Abdel Rahman serves as an advisor to multiple chambers of commerce, where he provides strategic insights to support business development and economic growth. Recently, he founded SILNI, a cutting-edge AI B2B business matchmaking application. His involvement in the AI ecosystem is further demonstrated through leading a community of 300 AI enthusiasts and experts in MENA region in addition to the various training programs he conducts, empowering organizations to adopt and integrate AI practices effectively into their operations.
Maged Harby, a seasoned business leader, became General Partner at VMS.sa (Value Makers Studio) in January 2025. He previously led EdVentures from 2019 to 2024, where investments in 21 startups reached a valuation exceeding 250 million USD.
At VMS.sa, Maged drives regional innovation, manages seed funding for early-stage startups, and supports entrepreneurs across the MENA region. His role involves developing partnerships, facilitating market entry for international startups into Saudi Arabia, and allocating resources to scale impactful ventures.
With over 17 years of experience spanning education and venture capital, Maged consistently fosters growth and innovation in the startup ecosystem.
Mamdoh Alzhrani is an experienced cybersecurity professional and angel investor with over 17 years in the banking industry. His expertise spans governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), as well as advanced cybersecurity operations and strategy.
He is the Founder of SIYEB – a GRC platform designed to streamline risk and compliance management. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading financial institutions including Alinma Bank, SNB, SAIB Bank, and STC Bank.
Mamdoh holds an Executive MBA and an MSc in Cybersecurity, along with multiple globally recognized certifications such as CISM, GCTI, GCIH, GMON, CEH, and Security+. As an angel investor, he actively supports innovation and early-stage startups within the technology and cybersecurity ecosystem.
Ghaya Alboghail is a results-driven Business Advisor with an entrepreneurial mindset and hands-on experience leading complex mega and giga initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030. She brings a strategic perspective, guiding organizations through innovation, transformation, and sustainable growth.
