TEDxDilmun

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Ahmed Alsohaily

  Technology Innovator

  Dr. Ahmed Ali Alsohaily is a technology innovator and Board Director at Sheba Microsystems, a leading Canadian semiconductor company. Formerly Group Head of Technology at Red Sea Global, he oversaw the launch of the world’s first zero-carbon 5G network, recognized globally for delivering record internet speeds, and led major digital transformation projects across Saudi Arabia. As Chief Technologist and Advisor at the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), he pioneered Saudi’s 5G rollout and shaped national spectrum strategies that positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in wireless innovation. A licensed Professional Engineer in Canada, Dr. Ahmed previously held senior roles at TELUS Corporation and taught at the University of Toronto, where he earned his PhD. He is an HBS, MIT, and Stanford LEAD alumnus and a senior IEEE member driving next-generation technology advancement.

• Ben Queisser

  Innovation Advisor

  Benjamin Queisser is a senior leader at the forefront of the global energy transition. With a career spanning Europe, North America, Africa, and the Middle East, he has a proven track record of driving innovation and building ventures in complex international markets. From leading technology strategy for Saudi Arabia's giga-projects like NEOM to steering the innovation and ventures division for the Kingdom's national green hydrogen champion, Benjamin excels at bridging the gap between disruptive technology and industrial-scale commercialisation. He specialises in creating self-sustaining ecosystems by forging strategic partnerships between global tech pioneers, research institutes, and national stakeholders, accelerating the adoption of technologies crucial for a sustainable future

• Ghaya Alahbabi

  Youth Advocate & Environmental Changemaker

  Ghaya Alahbabi is a 14-year-old Emirati youth advocate, artist, and environmental activist who has been raising awareness on sustainability for over eight years. Appointed as a UNICEF Youth Advocate for COP28, she has represented the UAE on global stages including the United Nations in Geneva, the World Youth Festival in Russia, the Regional Green Economy Forum in Morocco, and Climate Week in Saudi Arabia. Known for her eloquence and leadership, Ghaya uses art, photography, and social media to inspire young people toward environmental action. She has received numerous honors, including the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award and the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance, reflecting her dedication to learning, advocacy, and creating a more sustainable future for all.

• Giorgio Torre

  Emerging Technology Expert

  Giorgio is a top tier consultant and an internationally recognized expert in emerging technologies, with 11+ years international experience in leading complex digital transformation, cybersecurity programs and innovation projects. Giorgio is a globally recognized expert in AI, Blockchain, and emerging technologies. During his international career, Giorgio has advises GCC and European governments, Central Banks and Regulatory bodies on their national business and innovation strategies, while advising on comprehensive critical roadmaps in matters of AI, digital assets and cybersecurity. Leveraging a tremendous mediatic influence in Europe and in the MENA region, Giorgio is regularly followed by nearly 165,000 professionals, leaders and Government officials, while his posts on LinkedIn reach more than 60 million people.

• H. H. Dr. Sayyida Basma AlSaid

  Mental Health Expert

  HH Sayyida Basma Al Said is a pioneering Omani mental health clinical specialist, humanitarian, and international speaker with over 26 years of experience. In 2011, she founded Whispers of Serenity, Oman’s first private mental health clinic, introducing innovative therapeutic approaches and setting new standards for compassionate care. Trained in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy from Harvard, and certified by Johns Hopkins, she has worked with major organizations such as Omantel, ASYAD, and Oman Airports. In 2014, she launched the Not Alone campaign, a landmark initiative reducing stigma and providing crisis support across the Middle East, including during the Beirut and Palestine crises. Her humanitarian work includes trauma-informed child interrogation rooms, post-incarceration rehabilitation manuals, and women’s abuse support collaborations in France. She serves as International Social Responsibility Ambassador and was the first Arab judge for The Diana Award.

• H.E. Fatima AlSairafi

  Tourism & Culture

  Mrs. Fatima Jaafar Al Sairafi is the Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Bahrain, she also serves on the UN Tourism Executive Council, the Bahrainouna National Committee, and the Higher Authority for Hawar Islands Development. Before her government career, she worked in investment and private equity with Ibdaar Bank, The Family Office, and Wells Fargo. Mrs. Al Sairafi holds an MBA from DePaul University, a BA from the University of Sunderland, and an Executive Fellowship from Wharton Business School.

• His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa

  Bahraini Royal Family

  His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is a prominent Bahraini royal and a key national figure whose leadership spans defense, energy, youth development, and national strategy. He serves as the Commander of the Royal Guard and National Security Advisor, where he plays a central role in shaping Bahrain’s defense posture and security initiatives. In addition, His Highness is the Chairman of Bapco Energies, overseeing the transformation and strategic direction of Bahrain’s energy sector. He also leads the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, championing programs that empower young Bahrainis, elevate athletic excellence, and strengthen the Kingdom’s global presence in sports. He has overseen humanitarian initiatives, supported community resilience, and contributed to efforts that enhance Bahrain’s social, economic, and security landscape. His multifaceted leadership continues to shape the Kingdom’s trajectory across defense, energy, and youth affairs.

• Rashmi Swarup

  Innovative Educator

  Rashmi Swarup is the Director of Education for the Peel District School Board, the second-largest school district in Canada. Named a TED-Ed Innovative Educator, she is recognized internationally as a thought leader in education. Rashmi has engaged with international education systems in Finland, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, the UK and the USA. She has been invited to share her expertise on global education as a featured speaker in Denmark and India. With a compassionate, future-focused approach to leadership, Rashmi champions inclusive education and innovation. Her guiding belief is simple yet powerful: education must empower every learner to thrive as a global citizen in a rapidly changing world.

• Raza Jafri

  Digital Twins & Sustainable Development

  Raza Jafri is the award-winning Founder & CEO of MetaWorldX, recognized as one of the world’s leading AI-powered digital twin companies. Named “Visionary CEO of 2025,” Raza is reimagining how cities and infrastructure are designed, governed, and made resilient for the future. His work spans continents, with MetaWorldX powering next-generation digital twin solutions for iconic projects like NEOM and smart cities across North America, Europe, and the Gulf. With an Executive MBA from Queen’s University and a background in urban planning and sustainable development, Raza blends strategic foresight with deep technical expertise. He is a sought-after global speaker, known for making complex technology accessible and inspiring action at events like LEAP, VivaTech, and Smart City Expo. Raza’s mission: to bridge physical and virtual worlds, giving communities the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

• Reem Al-Ansari

  Physician

  Dr. Reem Al-Ansari is a physician and board-certified radiologist with advanced training in medical education and clinical simulation. She holds a Master’s in Medical Education and a Fellowship in Clinical Simulation from Harvard Medical School, and a Ph.D. in Health Professions Education from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute in Boston. A founding member of the simulation program at Arabian Gulf University, she now serves as Assistant Professor and Director of its Medical Skills and Simulation Center. Dr. Al-Ansari lectured at Harvard, leads feedback research at MGHIHP, and speaks internationally on medical education, leadership, and simulation.

• Salima Balouchi

  Holistic Wellbeing Advisor

  Salima Balouchi is a multidisciplinary healer, educator, and thought leader in holistic wellness. With a BA in Liberal Studies and a Doctorate in Homeopathic Medicine, she combines rigorous academic training with extensive experience in integrative health practices. Over the years, Salima has worked extensively with Fortune 500 business leaders, politicians, and high-profile creatives, guiding them through personal transformation, stress management, and peak performance. Her work focuses on practical, actionable methods for self-awareness, energy alignment, and holistic well-being — empowering individuals to navigate complex professional and personal landscapes with confidence and clarity. A passionate educator and communicator, Salima translates complex healing practices into accessible insights, inspiring audiences to embrace their potential, foster resilience, and create meaningful impact in their lives and communities.

• Tahani Amer

  NASA Aerospace Engineer & Space Exploration Leader

  Dr. Tahani Amer is a NASA leader with over 30 years of experience managing complex flight programs and missions. As Acting Associate Director for Flight Programs in the Astrophysics Division, she leads teams of engineers exploring the universe’s origins and evolution. She also served as Deputy Director for the Joint Agency Satellite Division, partnering with NOAA on GeoXO, LEO, and Space Weather programs. Previously, she was Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, overseeing more than 150 projects. Dr. Amer has contributed to key Earth Science missions including GeoCarb, SWOT, and AOS. She holds a Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management, M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University, and completed executive programs at Harvard, Villanova, and Wharton.

• Waddah AlHashmi

  Environmental Engineer

  A qualified environmental engineer by training, a chartered director with several vocational and academic qualifications. Waddah is a active lateral thinker who can be considered an academic industrialist. He has many publications including many papers and 12 international books he has been involved with authoring. He teaches as a visiting faculty in several universities and supports industrial advisory board for them. Waddah is considered an authority on the subject of environmental, health and safety governance and leadership and the work on high reliability organisations. He has served and still serves on several boards in the past 15 years of his career. His is the Chair of the Advisory Board of the GCC Board Director’s Institute. Waddah is a global speaker and currently chairs in international ISO working group to develop the Leadership and Governance Standard for Occupational Safety and Health.

• Yahye Siyad

  Accessibility & Inclusion Consultant

  Yahye Siyad is a tenacious accessibility and inclusion consultant, keynote speaker, and author of Unshakeable Will. Born with a visual impairment, he navigates the world using a white cane and screen-reader, leveraging his lived experience to inspire change. Yahye is the founder of Inclusive Horizons, focusing on accessibility, digital inclusion, and leadership coaching. With 16 years’ experience across social enterprises, media, banking, and digital transformation in the UK and UAE, he has co-led empowerment initiatives for multinational clients across Africa, Europe, and Asia. In 2023, he was named among the Top 100 Most Influential People in the UK Digital Industry by the British Interactive Media Association. Yahye holds a Master’s in International HR Management with a focus on diversity and inclusion and is a certified Co-Active coach and disability awareness trainer.