TEDxAden Youth

Speakers

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

• Abdullah Al-arasi

  Marketing and Sales Director, Tadhamon Bank

  Abdullah Al-Arasi is the Marketing and Sales Director at Tadhamon Bank, as well as a trainer, consultant, and mentor specializing in marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and small business development. With more than 20 years of professional experience, he has led marketing strategies, business development initiatives, and organizational growth across multiple sectors. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with organizations and entrepreneurs, helping transform innovative ideas into sustainable and successful ventures. He believes that success depends not only on available resources but also on mindset, continuous learning, and the willingness to evolve. Passionate about empowering individuals and institutions, he combines extensive banking expertise with practical consulting experience to promote entrepreneurship through knowledge, innovation, and real-world application.

• Abed Anwar

  Student and painter

  Abed Anwar is an 18-year-old visual artist whose journey with art began in the second grade of elementary school. Since then, his passion for creativity has continued to grow, leading him to participate in numerous local and international exhibitions. Believing that every true artist should develop a unique artistic identity, Abed has combined his creative talent with an entrepreneurial mindset, transforming his passion into a meaningful career. Through his artwork, inspired by his roots and cultural heritage, he aspires to inspire young people and encourage them to pursue their own creative paths.

• Afnan Saleh

  Psychologist

  Afnan Farid Saleh is a psychologist and community activist with over five years of experience collaborating with multiple organizations and civil society initiatives. Throughout her career, she has actively led and participated in volunteer and community development programs focused on psychological well-being and social empowerment. She was also a member of the TEDxSealin organizing team, further strengthening her commitment to creating community-driven impact through innovation and meaningful engagement.

• Akram Aljabri

  Entrepreneur – Import & Export Trader

  Akram is an entrepreneur holding a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. His professional journey spans trading, import and export, and brand development. He founded and managed Aljabri Bookstore from 2011 to 2019 before moving into the automotive import business between 2020 and 2022. He currently serves as General Manager of Tashareef Import & Export Company and co-founded the perfume brands Dana and Granada. Passionate about entrepreneurship and startup development, he is committed to promoting branding culture and simplifying business concepts for aspiring entrepreneurs in Aden.

• Akram Mafraq

  Guitar player

  Akram Mafraq is a passionate guitarist who transforms the strings of his instrument into stories filled with emotion and expression. Through every melody he performs, he seeks to communicate feelings that words alone cannot capture. Driven by his deep love for music, Akram aspires to create meaningful performances that leave a lasting impression on every listener.

• Ala Ghulam

  President, Hadhramout Ouds Foundation for Musical Instrument Manufacturing

  Alaa Anwar Ghulam Maeen Al-Dain is an entrepreneur, public speaker, and master craftsman specializing in the design and manufacture of traditional musical instruments. As President of the Hadhramout Ouds Foundation, he has spent more than nine years transforming a personal passion and a self-directed learning journey into a thriving enterprise that has produced more than 190 handcrafted ouds, now played by distinguished musicians on major stages. His speaking engagements focus on self-empowerment, innovation in challenging environments, and transforming adversity into opportunity. Among his notable achievements are organizing Yemen’s First Oud Exhibition to preserve traditional craftsmanship and participating as both a speaker and exhibitor in entrepreneurship initiatives supported by UNESCO and SMEPS, where he advocates for self-reliance, innovation, and the creation of independent professional identities.

• Amani Essam

  Singer

  Amani Essam is an 18-year-old singer who began her musical journey at the age of seven. Growing up in an artistic family that nurtured her talent, she developed a deep appreciation for classical Arabic music and emotionally expressive songs. She has represented her talent in Yemen and abroad through concerts, radio programs, and artistic events, earning first-place awards in numerous school, cultural, and digital competitions. Above all, Amani believes that genuine emotion should reach the heart before the ear.

• Amr AL-Qassemi

  ICT Manager Freediving Athlete, Founder, and International Freediving Instructor

  Amr Al-Qassemi is an Information and Communications Technology professional with more than 15 years of experience managing ICT projects and technology solutions. Alongside his technology career, he is recognized as one of Yemen’s pioneers in freediving, holding multiple national records and representing Yemen in international competitions under AIDA and CMAS, where he has earned the title of Yemen’s Freediving Champion. He has played a leading role in introducing and promoting freediving culture across Yemen through youth initiatives, sports festivals, and educational programs aimed at building a healthier, more aware, and sustainable sporting community. He is also the founder of the Aden Freediving Academy, the first specialized freediving academy in Yemen, offering internationally certified freediving and swimming courses, recreational diving trips, and professional training camps based on globally recognized standards.

• Ayman Al-Jailani

  Oud player

  Ayman Al-Jailani is a Yemeni singer and musician specializing in the oud and keyboard. Originally from Aden, he has become one of the city's prominent young artists, recognized for his expressive voice and dedication to preserving Yemen's musical heritage. His performances celebrate authentic Adeni, Sana'ani, and traditional Yemeni music while presenting these timeless genres to modern audiences. Ayman is widely known for performing at concerts, cultural events, weddings, and musical evenings across Aden.

• Ghadeer Al-Maqhafi

  Corporate Governance and Entrepreneurship Consultant

  Ghadeer Al-Maqhafi is an economic researcher and corporate governance consultant with over a decade of experience supporting Yemen’s private sector. She is an Independent Certified Board Member accredited by the IFC and the Yemen Institute of Directors, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and E-Commerce. From 2017 to 2023, she served as Executive Director of the Yemen Business Club, managing the Yemen Institute of Directors and Business Support Center. Her work includes developing corporate governance guides for Yemeni banks and SMEs, and coordinating Yemen’s participation in global competitiveness and risk initiatives.

• Hamzah Mustafa

  Director of Photography & Filmmaker

  Hamzah Mustafa is a filmmaker and Director of Photography with over nine years of experience in cinematography. He has worked on commercial, cinematic, television, and advertising productions across Yemen and internationally in Malaysia, Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. His notable credits include The Burdened, Hamlet, What Brought You Here?, and A Broken Vase. He recently filmed a documentary in Socotra and is committed to mentoring emerging filmmakers through specialized workshops with Aden Again Center, Rowah Foundation, and Aden House Cinema.

• Ismail Al-Duais

  voice-over artist and content creator

  Ismail Al-Duais is a 23-year-old voice-over artist and content creator from the city of Aden. To him, a voice is far more than sound—it is a message that carries meaning, purpose, and emotion. Through voice acting, dubbing, and narration, Ismail expresses his passion for art while continually developing his skills through new experiences. He hopes to become a proud representative of Yemen, showcasing the country's rich artistic talent with authenticity and excellence.

• Khadijah Osama

  Mechatronics Engineering student and public speaker

  Khadijah Osama is a 19-year-old Mechatronics Engineering student and public speaker. As a former debate team member, she has developed strong communication and presentation skills that empower her to connect with audiences. She believes that confidence is the driving force behind every successful generation. Through public speaking, Khadijah aims to inspire young people to communicate with intelligence, purpose, and authenticity while proving that every voice has the power to create meaningful change.

• Maged Aljaberi

  Chief Executive Officer, DONE Logistics & E-Commerce Group

  Majed Aljaberi is an entrepreneur and CEO of DONE Logistics & E-Commerce Group, with e-commerce experience since 2013. He has led online stores fulfilling over 200,000 orders and founded several ventures in e-commerce and logistics. He also advises entrepreneurship programs, serves on the Yemen Football Association’s Marketing, Investment, and Broadcasting Rights Committee, and chairs Wesal Foundation for Development. His work has supported entrepreneurs and strengthened Yemen’s e-commerce ecosystem. Under his leadership, DONE was recognized at the Tadhamon Development Forum for its impactful community initiatives.

• Maram Abood

  Founder & CEO, MARAM ABOOD | Architectural & Construction

  Maram Abdulhakim Abood is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MARAM ABOOD | Architectural & Construction, an engineering firm specializing in architecture, structural engineering, construction, and engineering consultancy. She has extensive expertise in architectural and interior design, construction supervision, project execution, and the diagnosis of structural challenges using advanced technologies. In addition to her professional practice, she develops initiatives that bridge the gap between academic education and real-world engineering practice. She is also the founder of the MA | EQP Engineering Qualification Program, an initiative designed to prepare engineering graduates for the workforce through hands-on training and strategic partnerships between academia and industry. Maram believes that innovation begins with the way we think before the tools we use, and that the greatest opportunities emerge when we choose to view challenges from a different perspective.

• Najm Aldeen Al-Orabi

  University Student

  Najm Aldeen Al-Orabi is a Yemeni singer dedicated to preserving and celebrating Yemen’s musical heritage. His artistic journey bridges Sana’ani music with the rich traditions of Hadhrami music, creating a unique cultural fusion. He was a contestant on The Voice Kids in 2018 and has performed in numerous concerts, cultural events, and musical theatre productions. Following his move to Hadhramout, he deepened his expertise in Hadhrami Dan, enriching his artistic identity. He also participated in the concert Melodies of the Golden Era, conducted by Mahmoud Al-Hindi. His performance of “For the Sake of Your Eyes” surpassed one million views on YouTube, reflecting his growing impact on Yemeni audiences. Through his work, he seeks to preserve authenticity while introducing fresh artistic interpretations that connect tradition with contemporary audiences.

• Osama Al-Mathhajy

  Founder & Chief Executive Officer, TravelX Group; Chairman, Athka Holidays

  Osama Al-Mathhajy is a Yemeni entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of TravelX Group, a company specializing in technology investment and digital transformation, as well as the Founder of Athka Holidays, a travel and tourism company. With more than 14 years of experience, his expertise spans tourism, technology, digital marketing, business development, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, he has founded and led multiple ventures across the tourism, technology, digital services, and e-commerce sectors. Today, he focuses on helping traditional businesses evolve into sustainable, system-driven organizations through corporate governance, modern technologies, and artificial intelligence. He strongly believes that building resilient organizations capable of adapting to change is one of the most important drivers of sustainable economic development and entrepreneurship.

• Ruaa Yaser

  Founder and Brand Manager of Socotra Herb, a natural haircare brand, and Entrepreneur

  Ruaa Yaser Ahmed Hamood is a Yemeni entrepreneur and co-founder of Socotra Herb, a brand specializing in natural haircare products inspired by indigenous Yemeni ingredients. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Translation and successfully transformed a modest home-based venture into a recognized brand with products distributed across multiple Yemeni governorates. She has participated in entrepreneurship exhibitions and business events and was nominated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to represent Yemen at an international exhibition in China as one of the country’s promising young entrepreneurs. She is passionate about strengthening Yemeni national branding and promoting local products through quality, innovation, and excellence.

• Safiya Ibrahim

  Student - qanun player

  Safiya Ibrahim Saghiri is a qanun player and one of Yemen's youngest musicians. At only 13 years old, she has already participated in numerous celebrations and cultural festivals, demonstrating exceptional talent at an early age. Currently an eighth-grade student, Safiya has earned multiple certificates of recognition, including participation in TEDx 2025. She aspires to continue developing her musical talent while proudly representing Yemen's rich cultural heritage through her performances.

• Salem Fadaq

  Singer

  Salem Fadaq is a vocalist and composer whose voice carries the spirit of Yemeni music while giving it a fresh contemporary identity. Through his performances and compositions, he strives to preserve Yemen's rich musical heritage while presenting it in a way that resonates with modern audiences. His mission is to create music that reaches hearts before ears, keeping tradition alive through creativity and passion.

• Sami Suhaim

  Singer

  Sami Suhaim Hassan is a 21-year-old Yemeni singer who has dedicated his life to music, viewing it as both the nourishment of his soul and the language through which he expresses his emotions and ideas. Throughout his artistic journey, Sami has participated in performances both inside and outside Yemen, earning recognition for his distinctive voice and authentic artistic identity. He believes that music is a meaningful message and that true singing is defined not only by vocal ability but by sincere emotion. His ambition is to represent Yemeni music on regional and international stages while continuing to grow through passion, creativity, and dedication.

• Samira Abdullah

  Sign Language Teacher and Trainer

  Founder and President of the HUN Initiative for Deaf Girls, dedicated to empowering Deaf women through education, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.

• Taif Mohammed

  Singer

  Taif Mohammed is a 22-year-old singer who was raised in an artistic family and began performing at the age of eight alongside her sister. Over the years, her passion for music continued to grow through school performances, artistic programs, cultural events, and public celebrations. She has received numerous certificates of recognition and achieved first place in several school and cultural competitions. For Taif, music is more than entertainment—it is a message, an emotion, and a heartfelt expression that she strives to share with every audience she meets.

• Wasan Almashdali

  Executive Chef, Culinary Consultant & Media Personality

  Wasan brings over nine years of professional experience in the culinary industry. She is the co-founder of Sense Restaurant, where she spent three years developing its culinary vision, and has more than four years of experience consulting restaurants on menu development, concept creation, and chef training for emerging hospitality businesses. She has appeared as a culinary presenter on Dubai TV (Dubai This Morning), MBC’s Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab, Sharjah TV, and Fujairah TV, in addition to hosting the programs Hani wa Afiyah and Laffa on Sama Dubai TV. Through her digital platforms, she creates culinary content featuring diverse recipes while documenting and promoting authentic Yemeni cuisine to a broad international audience.

• Wisam Nasr

  singer

  Wisam Nasr is an Adeni singer who transformed his passion for music into a professional career in 2019. From the beginning, he chose to pursue a unique musical style that differed from what was common in the local music scene. Although his journey was met with challenges and skepticism, his originality eventually earned the appreciation of audiences. Today, Wisam continues to build his artistic career while remaining committed to creating music that reflects his distinctive identity.

• Yosra Sadeq

  Founder, Al Yusr for a Greener World

  Yosra Sadeq is the founder of Al Yusr for a Greener World, an agricultural entrepreneurship initiative dedicated to promoting home gardening and sustainable lifestyles. She possesses advanced expertise in agricultural production, including seedling cultivation, ornamental and succulent plant care, landscape design, modern irrigation systems, and specialized fertilization techniques. In addition to her technical expertise, she has extensive experience in project management, team leadership, and partnership development with local organizations. She also serves as a trainer in climate change awareness and environmental peacebuilding, empowering communities to adopt more sustainable environmental practices.