Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Al-Aseeri is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Space Science Agency (NSSA).  Dr Al-Aseeri brings a wealth of extensive academic and professional experience to NSSA. He holds a PhD in Reactors Design from the University of Florida, USA. He also holds a Master’s degree in Reactors Design from the University of Florida, a Master’s degree in Bioreactors from the University of Manchester, and an equivalent certificate to Master’s degree in Academic Practice from the University of York St. John (UK), in addition to holding a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bahrain.  On the professional level, Dr. Al-Aseeri had worked as a Chief Executive Officer for Bahrain Polytechnic, Director of the Accreditation and Licensing Directorate under the Higher Education Council, Director of the Educational Resources and Techniques Directorate at the Ministry of Education, Project Director of the King Hamad Library, and Director of the Technical and Vocational Education Directorate at the Ministry of Education. 

Kamil is Regional Vice-President for Africa and Middle East (AME), representing IATA in 68 countries, serving 57 airlines across AME. Prior to joining IATA, Kamil was the CEO of Kuwait Airways and held various key positions at the airline. A national of Kuwait, Al-Awadhi holds an MBA in Aerospace Management from the Toulouse Business School and an Engineering degree in Aircraft Maintenance Management from Air Service Training (AST) in the UK.

H.E. Dr. Sedky introduced a major reform in higher education in both undergraduate and graduate education through various leadership positions which include Founding Provost and Executive President of Zewail City of Science and Technology, Provost of The American University in Cairo, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at University of Sharjah and Provost of Newgiza University. In addition, Dr. Sedky established three cleanrooms in Egypt capable of fabricating miniaturized devices. This enabled conducting applied research that can be transferred to industry with the objective of establishing local high Tec industry in Egypt and the Arab world. Dr. Sedky holds 19 patents in sensors and inertial systems. He published more than 100 scientific papers in prestigious international journals and leading international conferences. He is a recipient of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Prize, the Excellence in research and creative endeavors award offered by The American University in Cairo and the Egyptian state merit award in advanced technological sciences.

Heidi Grant is president of business development, where she leads a team representing Boeing’s defense, space and government services portfolios around the world. She joined Boeing in November 2021 from the U.S. Department of Defense, where, as a member of the Senior Executive Service, she served as director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency. She began her career at the Pentagon in 1989 and held key roles with the departments of the Navy and Air Force, Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff and two combatant commands. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Dr Radhakrishnan Durairaj joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during 1989. Aerospace Engineer by background with more than 33 years of experience in handling Space Programmes & Projects (Launch Vehicles & Satellites).

Eleni Giokos is a CNN anchor and correspondent, based in Dubai. A regular anchor across CNN's news and business programming, she also presents the network's Connecting Africa and Marketplace Middle East feature shows.

Omar Arekat is Vice President of Boeing's Commercial Sales and Marketing for Middle East and Africa. Named to this position in May 2019, Arekat is based in the Middle East and oversees the sales of the company's portfolio of commercial airplanes and related services in the region.

As the Vice President of Lockheed Martin International Government Affairs, Nancy Ziuzin Schlegel leads the corporation’s diplomatic and senior executive customer engagements for the company’s growing international business portfolio. Nancy has over 30 years of experience as an industry leader in the international trade, global defense, and aerospace sectors, with expertise in political advocacy, exports, and trade policy.

Holly is Editor of International Airport Review magazine, the leading information provider to the airport community focusing on passenger experience, airport operations, revenues and sustainability. Since joining the magazine in 2020, Holly has increased the magazine’s global reach and brand awareness and is well known in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London.

Sara is a Director in Bahrain Airport Company’s Executive Office. She has significant experience Enterprise Risk Management, Business Continuity Management, Information Security Management and Quality Management. She also works on compliance projects such as designing ESG framework and obtaining organization wide accreditations such as ISO certifications and other accreditations. Added to that, Sara plays a major role in incidents and accidents investigation.

Nicolas Peter is Professor in Space Policy and International Affairs at the International Space University (ISU) and is the ISU Resident Faculty responsible for Space Policy, Economics, and Law (PEL) education and activities. He is also the head of the “Space Policy and Entrepreneurship lab” at ISU that is a dedicated research laboratory addressing the issues and trends in the domains of space policy and the space economy, including New Space worldwide. He is also involved in the management of the ISU incubator dedicated to space.  

Olivier Bruslé is Head of Aerospace & Defense for KPMG Advisory in the Lower Gulf where he leads the Innovate & Engineer offering and the Operations practice.  Olivier is a post-graduate in Engineering from CentraleSupelec-Paris & Imperial College-London and in Management from London Business School (MBA). Olivier 34 years of experience in industry & consulting and entrepreneurship, he has led over 180 projects for over 100 organisations across all sectors and 5 continents, authored over 50 articles and presented at over 30 conferences.  In Aerospace & Defense, he has worked for Airbus, Air France, United Technologies, Raytheon, General Electric, Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, MODSAP, Royal Saudi Air Force and several tier 1 & 2 Saudi Aerospace firms.

Bassam Alfeeli is life-long space enthusiast trained by NASA astronauts and engineers at the Florida Space Institute. He is founder of a space startup and led several private space missions which included a science payload to the International Space Station in 2020, CubeSat in low earth orbit launched in 2021, and currently working on a lunar mission scheduled for 2025. He is passionate about making space accessible to all.

Co-founder and Director of SARsatX, a space-tech startup based in Abu Dhabi that provides satellite imagery insights from Synthetic Aperture Radar (or SAR) using AI/ ML. It serves Agriculture, Environment, Oil & Gas, and Insurance sectors.
Alzubairi received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Electronics & Communications) and master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. He is currently a scholarship Ph.D. candidate in Aerospace Engineering (spacecraft formation flying control).

Wolfgang Lehmacher is an independent supply chain and technology strategist; operating partner at Anchor Group and advisor at Topan AG, Switzerland. The former head of supply chain and transport industries at the World Economic Forum, Geneva and New York, and President and CEO Emeritus of GeoPost Intercontinental, Paris, is the founder and host of the Supply Chain Innovation Network; advisory board member of The Logistics and Supply Chain Management Society, Singapore, ambassador of The European Freight and Logistics Leaders’ Forum, Brussels, advisor of GlobalSF, San Francisco, founding member of the think tanks Logistikweisen, Germany, and NEXST, Singapore, and (co-)author of various books and papers, including  Disrupting Logistics and the Practical Playbook for Maritime Decarbonisation.

Yasmeen Fraidoon is the first GCC and Bahraini woman to earn the rank of Captain in a commercial airline, she is currently also a Training Captain where she conducts both training flights and simulator sessions to ensure the highest levels of safety are maintained among pilots.
Yasmeen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from the University of Bahrain and later worked at JPMorgan Chase Bank for 2 years. In 2006, her career path took a turn when she was selected to join Gulf Air’s Cadet Pilots Programme. She trained at Qatar Aeronautical College and earned her ATPL. In 2008, she joined Gulf Air as a Second Officer and worked up the ranks flying the Airbus 320, 330 and 340. In 2014, Fraidoon became a Captain and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Air Transport Management from City University, London in 2016.

Sue Donoghue is the definition of grit, hard work and humility.​
​ She started her career in 2006 as a temporary receptionist for a project forwarder and worked her way up to a Senior Project Manager, managing multiple projects. She joined the DHL family in 2006, first as Head of Industrial Projects in London and in 2012, became the Global Business Process Manager for the organization. She then took on the role of Global Head of Operations and Implementation in 2016.​
​ In 2018, she took the opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia where she was Project Director and most recently became Managing Director for DHL Global Forwarding in the Kingdom.​
​ From a temporary job that has led to an impressive 25 year career in the Logistics Industry, Sue Donoghue is currently the CEO of the Arabian Cluster and the Managing Director of DGF Saudi Arabia. She is also at the forefront of the Women in DGFF program, building and encouraging more women to take on more leadership roles in Freight Forwarding.​

Adel Al Ali is well known for being at the forefront of the development of modern aviation. His innovative achievements and contribution to air transport and tourism sector in the wider Arab world are globally recognised. He managed to transform Arab aviation in October 2003 when he set up Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first low-cost carrier (LCC), opening up a market niche in the region whose existence few had suspected.
The pioneering aviator drove Air Arabia’s growth in the next decade into the largest low cost carrier in the MENA region, as well as the first publicly owned airline in the Arab World and it’s largest by market value. Drawing on his multiple years of experience with industry leaders such as Gulf Air and British Airways, Adel has also been able to guide Air Arabia to become amongst the world’s best run Low Cost Carriers, delivering a profit for every year in succession.
Under the leadership of Adel, Air Arabia’s business model has gone from strength-to-strength, enabling it to expand operations, enter new ventures and diversify into new revenue streams. Today, the Group holds a portfolio of successful businesses and projects, offering travel, tourism and hospitality services across the globe.
In addition to being the Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, Adel is also the chairman of Sharjah Information Systems Associates, Alpha Aviation Academy and Cozmo Travel and he is a board member of Sharjah Aviation Services.
Adel has been awarded ‘Airline CEO of the year’ by various industry forums. He recently received the prestigious 2020 Laureate Award for extraordinary achievement in airline strategy. Earlier he won the “Airline Business Award” at the esteemed Airline Strategy Awards and he was also named ‘World’s best Low Cost Carrier CEO’ during the World LCC Congress. Adel has also entered the “Hall of Fame Award” in honouring his contribution to the Middle East Aviation.

Daisy has been in her current role with Rolls-Royce since April 2019. She joined the aeroengine manufacturer from Qatar Airways where she was a Senior Communications Manager at its headquarters in Doha from 2014. Prior to her time in Qatar, Daisy spent 4 years working in Spain and 8 years in Dubai in a variety of high-profile communications roles. Daisy started her career in London working as an editor for leading contract publisher the Illustrated London News Group. She is also on the steering committee of the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter. 

Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah is the Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Airport Company WLL (BAC), which has been responsible for managing, operating and developing Bahrain International Airport since 2010. On joining the company in 2012, driven by a clear vision to elevate and position Bahrain International Airport as a friendly and efficient regional hub, Mohamed has led the team working jointly with the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications since 2014 to deliver the $1.1bn Bahrain International Airport Modernization Program with the aim of enhancing the airport's infrastructure and sustaining the growth of Bahrain's aviation sector in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Award-winning British journalist, 10 years at BBC News and programmes. Presented on the London Olympics opening ceremony watched by a record 27 million TV viewers. Freelance since moving to the United Arab Emirates and working internationally, previously for Al Jazeera English programmes and BBC World TV, in over 30 countries. Now as a MC and Moderator trusted for exclusive events with senior government ministers and officials, VIPs, heads of industry, global icons and thought leaders. High profile UAE clients for events: EXPO 2020, Dubai Airshow, GITEX UAE Vision, Global Aerospace Summit - Mubadala, Department of Culture and Tourism, Masdar Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, GISEC Cybersecurity, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Abu Dhabi International Book Fair - and for public speaking and media training. And building on a broad international career, one of only two reporters in the UAE recently selected for a fellowship in mental health journalism by The Carter Center in the United States, founded by President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Born in London, a global citizen with intercultural empathy, from a humble - but proud - start in life as a daughter of Punjabi, Indian immigrants. Graduated with Bachelor of Arts and Masters in English Literature from the University of Cambridge.

Ammar A. Al-Harbi General Manager, Special Economic Zones Department General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia Ammar A. Al-Harbihas been serving as the General Manager of Special Economic Zones at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) since September 2022.
Prior to his work at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Al-Harbi served as the Chief of Network Operations and Gateways at AJEX where he spearheaded the development of the company’s regional and global network operations as well as the company’s strategy to solidify its presence in the Kingdom through the establishment of 3 gateways in the Kingdom’s main airports.
Mr. Al-Harbi also rendered invaluable services to the company through the development of their business strategy planning for establishing operations in special economic zones as well as bonded zones. Mr. Al-Harbi has also served at NaqelExpress for 8 years, making his way up from an Operations Engineer to the Executive Director of Gateways & Aviation. During his time at Naqel Express, Mr. Al-Harbiled the development and establishment of 3 Gateways for the company as well as the development of the company’s 77k SQM Bonded Zone project in Jeddah Islamic port.
Mr. Al-Harbi also successfully led the company’s initiative to increase the efficiency of their handling, clearing, and sorting operations to a 90% service level rate over the span of 3 years. Mr. Al-Harbi’s contributions to the company also spanned across his service as the official media spokesperson for the company, the Chairman of the KSA Facility Committee, and a member of the IPO Committee. Mr. Al-Harbi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and is currently obtaining his CMA and MBA.

As Director of Talent, Learning, Engagement & Diversity at IATA Jane has been pivotal in driving a refreshed approach to people and talent management to deliver tangible business results   As an HR leader, her mission is to inspire people to succeed, and she has a track record of doing just that at all levels. Whether designing programs for the attraction and retention of talent or managing learning initiatives that foster both leadership and technical growth, she is able to create a strategic vision across all elements of HR, inspire others to follow and successfully execute it in highly competitive and demanding environments.     

Corrin Higgs, Environment & Sustainability Marketing Director, joined Airbus in the UK in 1997 as an engineer, subsequently working from France and Dubai. In various marketing and product development roles he has shared the voice of diverse customers within his organisation. Now specialised in sustainability, Corrin is raising awareness on the challenges and solutions to the industry’s decarbonisation objective.

Alex is the Managing Senior Partner of McKinsey’s Boston office and also leads the Firm’s global Travel practice, an area of passion and interest that is reflected in his client work.  Alex’s work in the sector cuts across functions, industries, geographies and focuses on driving step changes in operational, financial and organizational performance in Travel Companies in the U.S., Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. During the last 23 years at McKinsey, Alex has worked with over 35 airlines and dozens of players in the hotel, cruise, general aviation, and travel space. He has been at the center of some of the most successful transformations in the industry. Prior to joining McKinsey, he spent 8 years at Continental Airlines where he was a pilot, instructor and check-airman.

Fahd H. Cynndy is a distinguished transformation leader whose career focus has been on unleashing the potential of organizations and their people, and building value for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Fahd’s experience and achievements span 20 years in the energy, aerospace, and new business development sectors.

Ali Al Mudaifa is the Chief Business Development Officer at the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), heading the business development team responsible for attracting and retaining inward FDI into Bahrain across key growth sectors. Prior to assuming this position, Ali headed the Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics business development team. Ali was a Private Banking and Wealth Management Account Manager at Kuwait Finance House (Bahrain) prior to joining the EDB in 2013. He is a Loughborough University graduate, majoring in Banking, Finance & Investment Management.

Director-Technical & Administrative Affairs Airports Council International–Asia-Pacific

SL joined Airports Council International (ACI) in 2004 after a long career with Airport Authority Hong Kong where he was responsible for capacity and facilities modeling, planning and traffic forecast for the new Chek Lap Kok airport.
At ACI, SL is responsible for the coordination of safety, security and other technical issues in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.
An engineer and applied mathematician by training, he is also experienced in facilities and capacity planning in the logistics and electronics manufacturing industries. He was previously employed as regional facilities planner for North Asia with United Parcel Service.