1st Edition

In the spring of 2024, we made history... and we’re only building from here

In February 2024, we brought over 500 guests from around the world to London for three days of events in celebration of progress, innovation and achievement led by Arab women. The 2024 Arab Women of the Year Awards and Arab Women’s Summit was our biggest and most impactful event yet, but it will only grow from here. In spring 2025, we will be hosting the 11th annual Arab Women of the Year Awards and 2nd Arab Women’s Summit in London with an elaborate series of events designed to form connections and empower the next generation of Arab women and girls.

Over the past ten years, we have had the great privilege of recognising and celebrating over 70 remarkable women from all walks of life, backgrounds and industries. These women have represented the very best of the Arab world, their diversity, grace, brilliance and innovation. The Awards have never had set categories, so the most deserving women can be recognised regardless of their chosen industry or their background.

We strive to place them on the highest possible platform and share their stories of overcoming obstacles toward success. The event is regularly attended by royal family members, ambassadors, government ministers and more. In 2022, we had the honour of welcoming HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh to the Arab Women of the Year Awards.

In 2024, we were presented with the great opportunity to further amplify the voices of Arab women through holding the first ever Arab Women’s Summit at the iconic royal palace, Lancaster House. Through this summit, we sought to do something different than other women’s summits. Instead of discuss- ing where women were held back, we proved where women are leading.

2024 Partners

2024 Speakers

Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

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The Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Theresa May served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2019 - the second woman ever to hold the office.

Her premiership marked the culmination of 21 years’ continuous service on the front bench, having held a total of 14 ministerial or shadow ministerial posts, serving as the first female Chairman of the Conservative Party and the longest-serving Conservative Home Secretary for over a century.

In addition to her duties as a Member of Parliament, Theresa regularly undertakes philanthropic and campaigning work around the world.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict and Minister of State (Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth)

Lord Ahmad was appointed as the Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict and as Minister of the State of the Commonwealth and the United Nations in 2017, a position he held until 2020. In 2022, he was appointed Minister for South and Central Asia, North Africa, United Nation and the Commonwealth until September 2022, when he took up his current position.

Lord Ahmad has had a long and diverse political career beginning in 2002, including positions in the Conservative Party Leadership, Home Office, Department of Transport, and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Prior to his political career, Lord Ahmad also had a 20-year career in banking and finance. His diverse background makes him an expert in a range of topics and gives him unique insight into the government and international relations.

In his position as the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Lord Ahmad has worked to strengthen accountability, provide greater support for survivors, ensure gender equality is fully integrated in all peace and security efforts, and deliver a more effective multilateral response to crimes of sexual violence in conflict. He also chairs the cross-Whitehall ministerial committee which brings together the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Ministry of Defence, and Home Office.

Nusrat Ghani, MP, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, Minister of State for the Investment Security Unit and Minister for Industry and Economic Security

Nusrat Ghani is the Conservative MP for Wealden, East Sussex, currently serving as Minister of State for Industry and Economic Security at the Department of Business & Trade and as the Minister of State for the Investment Security Unit at the Cabinet Office, with a portfolio scoping from the National Security and Investment Act, Ukraine reconstruction, supply chains and critical minerals, to advanced manufacturing including automotive, aerospace and maritime. Nusrat was first elected in 2015, becoming the first female MP to hold the seat.

Previously, Nusrat was the Minister of State for Industry and Investment Security at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Prior to that, Nusrat also previously served as a Minister for Transport, making British history in 2018 as the first Muslim woman to speak from the Dispatch Box as a Minister. Her portfolio included Maritime, HS2, Buses, Taxis, Accessibility and Year of Engineering.

She has previously served on the BEIS, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Select Committees and was elected as rapporteur of the NATO’s Science and Technology Committee. Nusrat was a runner up to Nancy Pelosi, in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Women for Peace and Security Award 2021, for her work on the plight of the Uyghurs, China, and Afghanistan. She also secured the support of Conservative MPs to serve as Vice Chair of the 1922 Backbench Committee between 2020-2022.

Nusrat is the only female Member of Parliament to be sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Party, and she has also been sanctioned by Russia for her tough stance on the invasion of Ukraine, which makes her the only woman in Parliament to be sanctioned by two countries.

HE Shaikh Fawaz Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Dean for the Council of Arab Ambassadors and Ambassador for the Kingdom of Bahrain

His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohamed Al Khalifa has been the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s since 2015, with accreditation also to the Republic of Ireland, the Kingdom of Spain and, since February 2023, Iceland.

Prior to his appointment as Ambassador in London, H.E. Shaikh Fawaz held several senior positions in Bahrain, including Minister of State for Communication (2012-2014), President of the Information Affairs Authority (2010-2012), and President of the General Organization for Youth and Sports (2000-2010).

His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the American University in Washington, DC, and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He also graduated from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

The Ambassador has received several notable awards for his outstanding contributions to Bahrain, including the Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, 1st class, the Order of Bahrain, 1st class, and the Order of Achievement, 1st class, as well as the Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for Medical Merit in recognition of his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Omar Bdour, CEO of London Arabia Organisation, and Arab Women's Summit

Omar Bdour is the CEO and Founder of London Arabia Organisation: an organisation started with the aim to strengthen cultural and business relationships between the UK and the Arab world. Omar oversees the Arab Women of the Year Awards and London Arabia Art & Fashion Week, which celebrate the incredible Arab culture in London and the United Kingdom.

Omar is passionate about his personal mission to encourage better relations between the two regions, an aim evident in his previous work establishing LocalArabia as the first bilingual Arabic-English Newspaper, as well as work in the Arab British Chamber of Commerce from 2007-2015. His previous experience throughout his two-decade career has given him unique insight into relations between Arab and British businesses, governments, brands, and diplomats. For this, he is widely known in London as a leader in cultural exchange and international relations.

Omar is also the author of Trust Me, I’m An Arab, a book that serves as a guide to difference between Arab and Western business, in order to bridge the gap and aid in the forging of successful business relations. This is the culmination of many years or work teaching western companies and organisations on how to improve cross-cultural communication with their Arab colleagues, clients, and counterparts. He has also moderated and spoken at different events with a focus on Arab women and cross- cultural communications.

HH Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, Pilot and Board Member of Shehana Women in Aviation Association

Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum achievements are just as impressive as her family lineage.
The youngest in her class at the Oxford Aviation, she was only 17 when she was admitted. She obtained her commercial pilot licence first and then later joined the Dubai Police Airwing as first lieutenant pilot, becoming the first woman in the UAE and the Gulf Region, and the first member of the Royal Family in aviation. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Air Transport Management from Coventry University, UK, and Emirates Aviation University.
Her ambitions are only matched by her determination to create a legacy of her own, opening doors and enabling other women to enter a career in aviation.
With this mission in mind, she set in motion the establishment of “Shehana”, the Women in Aviation Association, with the sole purpose to create opportunities and a framework for increasing the number of women joining the aviation sector.
Her motto is: “Reach altitude with the right attitude”.

Baria Alamuddin, Award Winning Journalist, writer, Middle East Expert and Activist.

Baria Alamuddin is an award-winning international journalist and broadcaster. She has interviewed numerous heads of state, including Margaret Thatcher, Benazir Bhutto, King Hussain of Jordan, Yasser Arafat and Fidel Castro, to name a few. Baria was the last journalist to interview Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Over the course of her career she interviewed hundreds of Western, Arab and global politicians, diplomats, cultural figures and other luminaries.

Baria is also considered an expert on the Middle East and is frequently consulted for her insight and opinion by government and institutions, and frequently lectures at universities and education centres.

Baria is also a firm advocate for women’s rights and works tirelessly support women’s empowerment wherever she can. She is known for taking a hard stance to support human rights and the values she believes in.

Felicity Buchan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Felicity Buchan entered Parliament at the 2019 general election, unseating Labour's Emma Dent Coad with a majority of just 150.
In October 2022 she was appointed a junior minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Her responsibilities include:
• The Union and Constitution, and local government engagement in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Joint lead on Ukraine with Baroness Scott
• Hong Kong BNOs and Afghan Resettlement programme
• Homelessness and rough sleeping
• Private rented sector
• Supported housing (including domestic abuse)
• Supporting Families programme
Previously she spent a month as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, before which she was Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for a year.

She was born in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire and attended the local school, Fraserburgh Academy. From there, she read Law at Oxford University.
She spent 17 years in banking, becoming Managing Director by the age of 30 and going on to run two significant business units. Her expertise was raising money for companies rather than in any form of “casino banking”.
She has lived in the Kensington area for the last 25 years, and prior to her selection was the treasurer of the local Conservative Association.
She contested South Down in 2015 and South Shields in 2017.

Hala Kazim, Founder of Journey Through Change Life Educational Coach & Influential Media Figure

Hala Kazim, the first Emirati influencer to devise a transformational program for women. In early 2010, Hala established “Journey Through Change” a company dedicated to guiding women to improve their lives positively through different activities, such as counseling, coaching, workshops, lectures, team building hiking trips, and activities. She also published her first book “Hala and Change” in early 2015, and her second book, “Hala and Life” in 2017.

Anthea Peers, President of - Christie’s Europe, Middle East and Africa-

Anthea Peers is President, Christie’s EMEA, following her appointment to the position in March 2022.

Anthea Peers joined Christie’s in 2006, successfully developing a diversified career, prior to her current role holding the position of Global Managing Director of Private Sales (since 2019), an area of the business which saw its best year to date in 2021, leading the market with $1.7B in private sales. Prior to this, Anthea was Client Strategy Director for the Classic Art Group and led plans for the then new Classic Week series of sales, now a regular auction fixture globally at Christie’s. She has also worked as Business Director in Old Masters, as a paralegal, in client development, and across many departments including 20/21, and Estates, Appraisals and Valuations. Anthea has been at Christie’s for 17 years.

Capitalising on strong institutional knowledge together with a strong talent for problem-solving and management, Anthea is well positioned to lead the EMEA region. In this leadership role for EMEA, based in London, Anthea joins Christie’s dynamic team of regional presidents, alongside Bonnie Brennan, President Americas, Cécile Verdier, President France, and Francis Belin, President Asia Pacific.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Group CEO at Co-op and Director on the Co-op Board

Shirine is Group CEO at Co-op and has been a Director on the Co-op Board since joining in 2019. Shirine joined the Co-op in August 2019 as Chief Financial Officer and later also became Chief Executive Officer Life Services, leading Co-op Funeralcare, Insurance and Legal Services.

Before joining the Co-op, Shirine was Chief Operating Officer for the Lloyd’s insurance market, which comprised of more than 50 leading insurance companies operating with over 200 Lloyd’s brokers. She also led the digital modernisation programme for the wider London insurance industry.

In addition to holding senior positions at IBM, McDonalds and insurer, Catlin Group, Shirine has worked in a number of regulated sectors in the UK and overseas including retail, IT, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.

Shirine is also a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at Persimmon Plc. Previously, Shirine was a Non-Executive Director at the Post Office.

Her Excellency Rym Al Falasy, Secretary General of The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood UAE

Appointed by a federal decree issued by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in July 2013, Her Excellency Rym Abdulla Al Falasy serves as the Secretary General of The Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood. She is also a Board Member of the UAE Gender Balance Council, Member of the United Nations' High-Level Advisory Group for "Every Woman Every Child" for 2016 – 2018, Member of the Faculty of Education’s Advisory Board and Member of the Higher Committee of the Fifth International Conference of the Faculty of Education at UAE University, Member of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority Board of Trustees. Additionally, Her Excellency Chairs the Advisory Board of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Center for Maternal and Child Research, member of the higher committee of Fatima bint Mubarak Forum and Motherhood & Childhood Award. Member of the jury committee for the Quality Mark Initiative for a supportive work environment for parents in the first cycle of the initiative.

Al Falasy strives to achieve the Council’s driving objectives which includes promoting the participation and empowerment of motherhood and childhood, and ensuring support is granted for all mothers and children in all sectors. Her efforts are devoted in achieving a safe and nurturing environment for mothers and children through policy development, suggesting amendments in legislation, overseeing and evaluating development plans, encouraging research and spreading awareness to achieve sustainability in the sector.

She worked on formulating an advisory council for children, which consists of nine children, each child represents the children in the emirate. She personally oversees the work of the children advisory council, the most important of which is the launch of the Emirati Children’s Parliament which embodies the right of child participation. In line with the full commitment of the UAE government to support the rights of the child as stipulated in (Wadeema) Law and adherence to the guiding principles of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child: “The right of the children to express their views in all matters relating to the child and to take them into consideration.”

She received a Medal for Community Service awarded by Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan – United Arab Emirates’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior -, and “the Arab Women of the year awards” from London Arabia Organization in 2019.

Before joining the Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood, she managed the Strategic Communications Department of the General Secretariat of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and was the head of the media department in the Abu Dhabi Office of Media Identity from 2008 till 2012.

She has obtained her BA in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, Certificate in Business for International Professionals (BUSIP) from the University of Washington and Master in International Law, International Relations and Diplomacy from Sorbonne University-Abu Dhabi.

Professor Yasmine Belkaid President of the Institut Pasteur

Yasmine Belkaid, 55, was born in Algiers in 1968. She has Algerian citizenship by her father and French citizenship by her mother, and she also holds US citizenship.

Yasmine Belkaid graduated with a Master's degree in biochemistry from the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene in Algiers, as well as a Master of Advanced Studies (DEA) from Paris-Sud University. She completed a PhD in immunology at Paris-Sud University and the Institut Pasteur in 1996, where she studied innate immune responses to Leishmania infection.

After her PhD, she moved to the United States for a postdoctoral fellowship in intracellular parasite biology at NIAID's Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases (NIH). In 2002, she joined the Molecular Immunology Division at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (Ohio) before returning to NIAID in 2005 as Head of the Mucosal Immunology Unit in the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases.

From 2005 onwards, she occupied various positions at NIAID and NIH, and from 2021 she led the Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome at NIH.

Yasmine Belkaid has published more than 220 scientific papers on infection, immunity, immunology, microbiota and nutrition.

She has received numerous awards and honors, including the Robert Koch Prize (2021), the Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences (2019) and the Sanofi-Institut Pasteur Prize (2016).

She is a member of several scientific committees and advisory boards, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and the National Academy of Sciences, as well as the Microbiome Technical Advisory Group at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the NIH Anti-Racism Steering Committee, the American Society of Microbiology and the Genentech Scientific Resource Board.

Her Highness Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud FOUNDER, CULTURE HOUSE

Her Highness Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud founded Culture House in 2022 as a Saudi boutique consultancy providing advisory and implementation services related to culture, creativity, and sustainable business. Culture House signifies Her Highness’s return to private sector after successfully establishing the Fashion Commission at the Ministry of Culture. Princess Noura joined the Ministry of Culture in June 2019 where she led Strategy Development for the fashion sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, building local and international partnerships with fashion institutions and nurturing Saudi fashion talent. She was part of the team that developed the Commission’s flagship outreach projects, including the Fashion Futures annual conference and digital platform, as well as mentorship program Saudi 100 Brands. Through her appointment as the Commission’s Ecosystem Integration & Program Delivery General Manager, Princess Noura oversaw the implementation of the strategy’s initiatives ensuring their delivery at standards of excellence with measurable impact.
Princess Noura’s entrepreneurial career commenced in 2009 in the United States, and in 2015 she co-founded her first business, focused on talent and lifestyle, before launching Global Fashion House, a fashion consultancy based in Riyadh. It was with this company that in April 2018 Princess Noura organized the Saudi Kingdom’s first ever Fashion Week, bringing together international and local stakeholders and designers for knowledge-sharing, shows and collaborative opportunities. These efforts led to her being recognized as an expert and pioneer in the Kingdom’s fashion industry, frequently called upon by both public and private sector for advisory consulting.
She graduated from Effat University in Jeddah with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing, and a master’s degree in International Business with a Japanese Perspective from Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan. She was an associate member of the “Saudi Fast Growth 100” program, launched by All World Network, an entrepreneurship organization, in collaboration with the General Investment Authority (SAGIA). Princess Noura is fluent in Arabic, English, French and Japanese.
In 2023 Princess Noura was recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and became Chairwoman of the Forbes Middle East Women’s Summit, a position that she continues to occupy.

Sheikha Alanoud Bint Hamad Al-Thani, Deputy CEO of Qatar Financial Centre

Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al-Thani is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Business Officer of Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), where she plays an integral part in achieving QFC’s vision of transforming Doha into a leading global financial and commercial hub by attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) towards developing a sustainable local economy.

Previous to her current role, Alanoud was instrumental in driving the organisation’s record growth over the past five years and sustaining growth even during the pandemic- increasing by almost 80% the number of firms registering on the platform in 2020.

Prior to joining QFC, Alanoud served as the Qatar Country Representative and Director for Silatech, a Qatar-based social initiative that connects young people to employment opportunities across the Arab region. Out of her deep belief in the need to support Qatari youth empowerment, Alanoud greatly expanded Silatech’s operations within Qatar, helping to connect thousands of young people to private sector opportunities and supporting economic development across the Arab region. Her efforts here extend to several positions within UN agencies and international organisations specialising in economic development, education and youth employment.

She was recently selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and has previously received numerous honours and awards including Young Arab Achiever in 2011 and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Education Excellence Awards in 2008 and 2012.

Alanoud has graduated from the London School of Economics, the University of Oxford and HEC Paris and has authored numerous reports on private sector development and FDI.

Kiran Haslam, Chief Marketing Officer at the Diriyah Company

Kiran currently holds the position of Chief Marketing Officer for Diriyah Company and is responsible for re-establishing Diriyah’s position within the Kingdom and globally as not just as the birthplace of the Kingdom, but also as a centre for the preservation of heritage and perpetuator of Saudi culture and heritage. This pedestrian and urban city, anchored on the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif, will play a significant role in redefining Saudi Arabia as a destination.

Prior to joining Diriyah Company, Kiran’s career spanned multiple continents, where he played a key role in reinventing two of the world’s most powerful luxury brands in both the luxury yachting and luxury automotive spheres. He has established and branded progressive media platforms in the Middle East; authored two children’s story books; toured the world as an acclaimed musician and composer - and has been recognized as an influential and powerful public speaker with a creatively disruptive and strategic mind. The Australian, Perth-born, nomad studied Marine Biology and graduated in Engineering Technology from Deakin University before pursuing his Masters in Guitar from Berklee (Boston), and has lived, studied and worked across South and Central Asia, the Middle East, Central Europe, and the United Kingdom, with his wife, 2 children and 17-year-old cat.

Flick Drummond, MP, Co-Chair of the Women and Work APPG and Member of Parliament for Meon Valley

Flick Drummond has been in public life for more than 30 years and has the honour of being the MP for Meon Valley since 2019. Flick will be standing for the new Winchester seat at the next election.
Outside of parliament she has been an Ofsted lay inspector and school governor, and education and its reform remains one of her passions.
Foreign affairs are also an area of interest and, in particular, Yemen where she was born. Flick has also been a Winchester city councillor and she was MP for Portsmouth South from 2015 to 2017.
In between her two spells in parliament, she was the Chair of the SE Region Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee, a Board Trustee of the National Citizens Service as well as local charities.
Flick set up the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Cyber Security and the APPG on Women and Work in her first term as an MP.
Previously, she was a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) at the Department of Work and Pensions - an unpaid junior position in the Government.
Flick is currently a member of the Education Select Committee and Public Accounts Committee.

Areej Mohsin Darwish, Chairperson of ACERE cluster of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC

Areej Mohsin Darwish is the Chairperson of ACERE cluster of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC. Having joined the company 27 years ago, she has been playing a key role in MHD’s business operations. She spearheads the Automotive, Construction Equipment, and Renewable Energy (ACERE) division of the family business.

She graduated from Sultan Qaboos University with a Bachelor in Computer Science and started her career with Petroleum Development Oman. She joined the family business in 1994. She leads the organization to develop better practices and aims to carry the family legacy to greater heights. She has under¬taken several developments which reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability and diversity in the workforce and highlights its alignment with Oman’s Vision 2040.

Her business acumen & astuteness in the business arena is well recognized & she represents at the Board of public & private sector organization. She is the Board member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Chairperson of Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives SAOG, & Duqm United Logistics and Board Member of Muscat University, and Member of UNICEF Leadership Circle. She is Chairperson of the Oman Business Forum, a professional platform comprising of members from public and private sectors. She is Council Member -AACID -Arab African Council For integration and Development and Board Member - Sultan Qaboos University –The College of Engineering Industrial Advisory

The numerous awards received over the years in recognition of her leadership by global bodies motivates her to go above and beyond.

Some of her recent accolades are
• Forbes named her as The Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2023, Middle East’s 50 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2022 & also The Middle East's Most Influential Women Heading Diversified Conglomerates

• Achievement in Business Award at the Arab Women of the Year Awards 2022 from London Arabia Organization

• Received Gold, Silver & Bronze Stevie Awards 2021 for Women in Business & International Business Awards

• Arabian Business Listed her in 100 Most Influential Arabs 2023, 50 Inspiring Female Business Leaders 2022 as well as Most Influential Arabs 2022

• She also won award for her leadership from Harvard Business Council International Awards

As a successful business leader & entrepreneur, she is an inspiration and role model for the younger generation of business leaders who aspire to be like her.

Farrah El Dibany, International multi-awarded Mezzosoprano, Egyptian Opera singer

At 14, Farrah embarked on a journey from her hometown Alexandria to the prestigious Paris Opera & to various international stages, making history, like performing the French National Anthem at the final match of the FIFA 2022 at Lusail stadium and months before performing it at the re-election ceremony of President Macron.

At 7, she started piano & Ballet lessons. After graduating from the German school, she simultaneously obtained a BSc in Architecture, a BA & MA in Opera Singing from Berlin’s Universities.

She was accepted as a resident artist at the prestigious young artist program of the Paris Opera house, being the first Egyptian and Arab to sing at the Paris Opera. Farrah has been awarded the rank of "Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" by the French Ministry of Culture being the youngest Egyptian to achieve this rank.

Farrah is a multi-awarded Artist and has been honoured by the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Farrah performed several title roles of the big operatic repertoire, most importantly several productions of Carmen. This is how she got her title “THE EGYPTIAN CARMEN”. She was named best young upcoming lyrical artist of the year by Opernwelt Magazine. France musique released a portrait about Farrah as part of their Interview series with rising Opera stars, highlighting her outstanding Carmen and Dalida.

She regularly engages with UNHCR, UN WOMEN and SAVETHECHILDREN to support their various campaigns to promote women, the Arabic language and cultural exchange.

Caroline Faraj, CNN VP, CNN Arabic Editor-in-Chief and award-winning journalist

Caroline Faraj, CNN VP and CNN Arabic Editor-in-Chief is an award-winning Journalist with over 30 years’ experience. She was named winner of the Arab Woman of the year Awards 2022 as a leader in media, and in 2021 she won the Arab Woman Awards/ media category in the UAE.

Based in Dubai, Caroline joined CNN in 2001 and has overseen the content and management of CNN Arabic, which she launched in 2002. She has managed CNN Arabic during a time of great regional upheaval which encompassed the US-led invasion of Iraq, the Arab Spring, and the rise of Islamist militant group ISIS.
In 2014, Caroline led the site’s comprehensive re-launch to embrace rapidly evolving consumer needs.

Caroline is an active Board Member of the International Humanitarian Council, which was founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Foundation founded by the world known Surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub. She’s also a member of the Advisory Boards for City University of London, Zayed University in Dubai, American University of Sharjah, University of Wollongong in Dubai and non-government organizations including e7 Daughters of the Emirates, Womanity, Bayes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and WBD International Diversity Council. Caroline is an advocate for female enablement and advancement through mentoring people at CNN and across the industry, being an ambassador at Re:Set, The Playing Field, and as a board member of Cass Global Women’s Leadership Program.

In celebration of the International Women’s Day 2022, Caroline was featured on Facebook’s #SheCreates ebook. She has been a judge several times for the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Awards (Emmy Awards) and Hult Prize which is also referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Students” by Noble laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Before joining CNN, Caroline’s roles included senior political reporter for Al Rai – the leading Arabic daily newspaper in Jordan, managing editor for English-language newspaper the Jordan Times and regional correspondent for the US Défense News. She also held positions in London and Jordan for some regional TV stations. Caroline also conceived and hosted Jordan’s first live morning television talk show Youm Jadid.

Caroline was born in Amman, Jordan. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications – radio and television from Yarmouk University in Jordan, a Master of Arts in International Journalism, and an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from City University of London. Caroline also received the Distinguished Jordanian medal, awarded by King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan himself during the 2022 celebration of Jordan’s Independence Day.

Joseph Fowler, Head of Arts and Culture at the World Economic Forum and Cultural Leader

With over 20 years as an Artistic Director, Cultural Programmer and Producer, Joseph Fowler has established himself as a dynamic cultural leader with an innovative professional identity and unique vision. Prior to his current position as Head of Arts & Culture at the World Economic Forum, Joseph has held multiple prestigious leading positions in the arts and cultural sector which include Resident Director at Theatre du Chatelet (Paris), Artistic Director at Dubai Opera, Movement Director at La Comédie-Française (Paris), Associate Director at Regents Park Open Air Theatre (London) and Director of Opera, Arts & Culture at Expo2020. Joseph spent a decade professionally based in the Gulf and has programmed international festivals, and commissioned work in collaboration with some of the world’s leading artists and cultural institutions. He has also collaborated with some of the largest international organizations, including UNESCO, UNHCR and the United Nations. He is the recipient of several awards including the Joan Lawson Award, the Kenneth McMillan Award and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patron of the Arts Award.

Nada AlShammari, Entrepreneur and Educator, Chief Inspiration Officer, Orbital Space

Nada AlShammari is a truly interdisciplinary educator and space technology entrepreneur. She has had a varied career with many achievements across the STEM subjects, including being credited as one of the only Arab women to manage a successful space mission. However, she has also worked extensively in critical and creative communications both globally as well as in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. She firmly believes that art and science go hand in hand and has proved this in her diverse and successful career. Nada’s career has also included work as a photojournalist, environmentalist, and writer, in addition to her other achievements. 
Nada has used her success and the publicity she has gained to advocate strongly for education and opening opportunities for women and young people. She has worked on many interdisciplinary projects that foster broader engagement and dialogue in youth education, women’s empowerment, science communication, and supporting innovative ideas to come to life. She believes through these programmes, more opportunities will become available for women and young people, breaking the barriers they often face. She works alongside media artists, teachers, technologists, engineers, and scientists to achieve her goal of opening opportunities in both science and art for young people and women, through education.  
Nada also founded the MAPP-Kuwait, an Applied Media Arts research and education platform that combines art and science in sustainable development. She is also the director of TEDxKuwaitCity and is the current co-director of the Stars Camp. Through all of these roles, and the positions she has had throughout her career, she has supported those around her whenever possible and opened doors for future generations to follow in her footsteps.