TEDxThaqafah St

Speakers

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

• Dr. Amer Al Rawas

  Serial Transformation Leader and AI Advocate

  Dr. Amer Al Rawas embodies the spirit of transformation, with a passion for science, technology, and innovation that has shaped a distinguished career across academia, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship. Holding a PhD in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from Sussex University, UK (1997), he currently serves as Professor of AI and Innovation and Dean of the School of Information Technology and Business at New Vision University, Georgia. His leadership extends beyond academia, having served as Chairman of the Industrial Innovation Center (IIC) from 2019 to 2021, where he championed the growth of knowledge-based industries in Oman. He currently chairs Concordia Group, an investment company focused on sectors including healthy living, real estate, technology, human development, and logistics.

• Yousef Al Ibrahim

  Head of Department - AWJ Innovation

  An Omani innovation strategist, urbanist, and co-founder of two creative ventures: Studio Maskat, a design firm reimagining urban futures, and Herum, a niche perfumery house that revives Omani heritage through scent. With a background in architecture and urban planning, innovation management and an MBA in progress at WU Vienna, Yousuf aims to bridge the creative and the strategic often in national-scale systems. As Head of Department of AWJ Innovation, leading dotnxt ecosystem, Oman’s biggest generator of future jobs, talent transformation initiative. At its heart is Jadeer, a 9-month program designed to equip Omanis with the capabilities to thrive in the future economy, not just through training, but through real-world integration. To extend that mission, Yousuf also oversees GIG, an ecosystem built to turn Jadeer graduates into earners, collaborators, and contributors to national innovation.

• أيام الخروصية

  Founder of ReWord

  A question artist who enables people to find clarity in tough conversations. After nearly a decade of shaping her own path, she learned that clarity isn’t found in having answers, but in asking with intention. Her work enables people to communicate with purpose and create opportunities.

• ثرياء المعولية

  Head of the Cultural and Creative Industries Department

  As Head of the Cultural & Creative Industries Department at Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Thuraya Al Maawali champions the growth of art, design, and creative entrepreneurship. Her work nurtures the ideas of today so they can inspire the cultural movements of tomorrow.

• د. إسحاق الشرياني

  Eghnaa Academy CEO

  Entrepreneur, trainer, and founder of Nuzul Al-Dar, he champions economic development and community growth. Through education and cultural initiatives, he invests in people today to create opportunities for tomorrow.

• د. منى الحبسية

  Genetic lab specialist

  Dr. Muna Al Habsi is a genetic scientist at the National Genetic Center in Oman, where she focuses on the molecular genetics of cancer and the development of precision-based treatment strategies. As a former PhD researcher and team member under Nobel Laureate Professor Tasuku Honjo in Kyoto, she contributed to groundbreaking work in cancer immunology. Her research bridges molecular science and patient-centered care, with the aim of transforming how cancer is diagnosed and treated in the region. Beyond the lab, Dr. Al Habsi is a passionate advocate for science communication, innovation, and the empowerment of women in STEM, believing in the power of knowledge to create lasting societal impact.

• صبا السنانية

  Co-founder/D-CEO @ Nova Esports + Owner/MD @ Squad Up Gaming

  Omani entrepreneur with over 8 years of experience in gaming, esports, and interactive entertainment. She is the Co-Founder and Deputy CEO of Nova Esports, a leading organization developing both female and male pro players, hosting national tournaments, and empowering digital creators advancing a vision aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Her journey began at a young age, driven by a belief in gaming as a platform to unlock talent, foster identity, and build community. She holds a degree in International Business and Service Management, which she applies to develop scalable, purpose-driven initiatives. Founder of Squad Up Entertainment, under which she has organized over 50 events across Oman for both government entities and the private sector, bringing gaming and tech-based experiences to the forefront of public engagement. She also founded Beyond the Bottle, a charity that raises environmental awareness through entertainment targeting children at community events and youth.

• علي المقرشي

  Content Creator

  Tech enthusiast, blends digital storytelling with innovative thinking to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and digital pioneers.

• مريم العامرية

  Founder and CEO of Matterz Group

  Maryam Al Aamri is the Founder and CEO of Matterz Group, a leading innovation and social impact consultancy based in Oman. She holds a Master’s degree in Innovation in Entrepreneurship and Management from Bournemouth University (UK), and serves as an advisor and trainer in the fields of innovation strategy, leadership development, and institutional design. Maryam is a Certified Chief Innovation Officer and was recognized as the Innovation Ambassador for the Middle East by the Global Innovation Institute (GInI). She is the founder of Innovation Hub, a specialized institutional innovation consultancy, and Skillerz, the capacity-building arm of Matterz. With a strong track record in building innovation culture within government and corporate institutions, Maryam leads transformational programs that integrate strategic thinking with human-centered solutions. Her work blends vision, systems thinking, and practical implementation to drive sustainable impact.