TEDxEmirates Hills

Speakers

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

• Capt Dr. Pradeep Singh

  Founder & Chairman of Aethon Group and Karma Developers

  "Capt. Dr. Pradeep Singh is a Master Mariner, entrepreneur, author, and lifelong advocate for the global seafaring community. Rising to become one of the youngest Merchant Ship Captains, he believes the ocean is the world’s greatest leadership classroom—teaching resilience, humility, courage, adaptability, and decisive leadership under pressure. These lessons became the foundation for building global enterprises across shipping, real estate, technology, and investments through Aethon Group and Karma Developers, with operations spanning multiple countries. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Capt. Pradeep is an alumnus of Alliance Manchester Business School and Harvard Business School, and has pursued advanced academic and executive education across business, finance, law, and leadership. He is also the bestselling author of No Map, Just Vision and The Asset Play, where he shares insights on leadership, wealth creation, and long-term thinking.

• Dr. Sana Minhas

  Neuro-science based Leadership University Professor and Executive Education Faculty | Researcher & Author

  " Dr. Sana Minhas — university professor, executive‑education faculty, researcher, and author — reframes leadership through rigorous study of leaders, well‑being, and happiness. Her 12+ years working in the tech industry with Fortune 500's such as LG, Microsoft, Google, and Samsung informed her doctoral research and continue to shape her ongoing research, which she translates into evidence‑based teaching for university students and executive programs and authorship. Her mission is to make leaders and people happier so they can perform better, personally and professionally. "

• Joe Nicolas

  Marketing executive & advocate for the responsible evolution of media

  "Joe Nicolas is the CEO of UM MENAT, the region's leading media agency, recognized by RECMA for the eight consecutive years under his leadership. With over 17 years of industry experience, Joe has built an exceptional career marked by record-breaking growth and transformative success at UM. His leadership is defined by humility, composure, and openness, qualities that have made him a respected and influential figure in the industry. Joe's deep understanding of the MENA media landscape, combined with his passion for creativity and innovation, has been instrumental in UM's sustained growth and success. He has expertly led teams and driven transformation across digital, tech, and data, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment creativity and innovation. What truly sets Joe apart is his unwavering dedication to mentorship and talent development. He has fostered a culture of continuous learning and growth within UM, helping to shape the next generation of industry leaders.

• Osama Qadan

  Managing Director

  Osama Qadan is a technology executive working across the Middle East and Africa in ICT, data centers, and IoT. He is currently Chief Commercial Officer of Tech964, where he leads the group’s commercial and strategic initiatives. He holds a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology, a Master’s from Georgia Tech, and an MBA from Johns Hopkins. His career began in the United States at Intelsat and Astrolink International in satellite communications, followed by a senior role at OPNET Technologies. In 2005 he founded Equinox International, a systems integrator delivering ICT infrastructure for government and enterprise clients across the region. Equinox was acquired by Fiber Misr, later Benya Capital in one of the most strategic deals in the MEA ICT sector, in 2018, after which he served as Chief Commercial Officer of Benya Group and worked on large-scale projects including the national fibre-optic network in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• Sumayya Falke

  Physiotherapist & Global Healthcare Education Leader

  "Dr. Sumayya Falke is a physiotherapist, healthcare education entrepreneur, and founder of Learnovate Healthcare, an award-winning platform that has trained more than 20,000 professionals across the GCC, India, Malaysia, and beyond. Her work sits at the intersection of clinical practice, education, psychology, and human transformation. She is known for translating complex healthcare knowledge into practical, high-impact learning that strengthens confidence, competence, and leadership. Through her work, she challenges symptom-focused care and advocates for a more integrated understanding of how the body, mind, identity, and lived experience shape recovery. Her mission is to transform physiotherapy education and build a more human, globally relevant future for healthcare. "

• Zeenat Lakdawalla

  Founder & Artist

  "Zeenat Lakdawala is the Founder, a Transformational Energy Practitioner and Spiritual Artist. Her journey began through her own experiences in relationships and health, which led her to question why lasting change can remain elusive even when the desire to change is genuine. That search gradually evolved into more than fifteen years of exploring the deeper patterns that influence our relationships, health, choices and lived experiences. Guided through Cosmic Intelligence, this exploration has evolved into an original body of work, including the creation of the world's first Light Language Sacred Geometry Crystal Grids. Alongside her work, Zeenat brings nearly two decades of experience in marketing, brand strategy and digital transformation. This background continues to influence the clarity, structure and communication of her work, enabling complex ideas to be translated into meaningful and accessible experiences.