This Year's Speakers

Dr Khaled Ghattas is a researcher and thinker known for his unique approach to simplifying scientific and philosophical concepts and connecting them to everyday life. Holding a PhD in Molecular Biology, his passion extends beyond laboratories into the realms of thought and personal development. Through his books and lectures, Dr Ghattas provides deep insights into human nature, society, and the power of ideas and words.

With a style that blends science, philosophy, and real-world experiences, Dr Ghattas has become an inspiration to many, encouraging critical thinking and challenging conventional wisdom. He has spoken at various events and conferences, delivering content that resonates with the essence of the human experience.

Author and Novelist

A Saudi writer and novelist, known for his works in the fantasy and historical fantasy genres. His writing style is characterised by a thrilling tone and cinematic storytelling. He has published around 32 novels, some of which have been translated into English.

Almuslim is particularly fascinated by the world of the seas and blends maritime myths with his imaginative worlds, showcasing these realms in several of his novels.

He has gained widespread fame in the Arab world, with his works enjoying a large following.

In 2024, he won the Literature Award in the fourth edition of the National Cultural Awards Initiative.

Content Creator

Abdullah Alraeesi is a content creator and media professional specialising in personal development and youth-related topics. He is one of the prominent content creators, where he contributes meaningful content focused on self-improvement and empowering young people.

Abdullah worked as an electrical engineer, and in one of his interviews, he shared his journey from being an engineer to becoming a content creator, emphasising the importance of following one's passion in the content creation field.

Abdullah Alraeesi is considered an inspiring example for young people seeking to combine their professional paths with their passion for creating purposeful content. He takes his followers on a journey of growth and development, adding a charitable dimension to his work with the aim of promoting peace, goodwill, and education.

Development Executive - Image Nation Abu Dhabi

Alia is a highly motivated development and production executive who has worked in film and television for over 8 years.

She is extremely passionate about writing and visual storytelling, as well as collaborating with other creatives on high-quality productions.

International Jewellery Designer, Founder of "Azza Fahmy Jewellery", and Chairperson of "Egypt Jewels" Company

An Egyptian jewellery designer and chairperson of "Egypt Jewels". She was the first woman to train in the jewellery district of Egypt.

Azza Fahmy graduated from the Faculty of Arts, Department of Interior Design, and drew much of her design inspiration from medieval jewellery.

In 2013, she established the "Azza Fahmy" Design Studio in partnership with "Alchemya".

Author

A British author and novelist, one of the most prominent contemporary writers of historical fiction, known for his exceptional skill in bringing history to life through his characters and events. He has created epic works such as the "Emperor" series, which explores the life of Julius Caesar, and the "Conqueror" series, which tells the story of Genghis Khan and the building of his empire.

Blending historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling, Iggulden takes readers on thrilling journeys through time, allowing them to witness the grandeur of empires and the struggles of their leaders. His works not only recount the stories of the past but make the reader live through them in vivid detail.

Historian, Academic, and Professor of History at Queen Mary University - London

A prominent British historian and one of the leading specialists in the 20th-century French history. He holds the position of Professor of History at the Queen Mary University of London.

He earned his PhD from Peterhouse College at the University of Cambridge, with a thesis focused on the Great Depression in France.

Dr Jackson has dedicated his research to studying the political and social history of France, with a particular emphasis on World War II, the Popular Front, and the Vichy regime.

Some of his major works include "France: The Dark Years 1940-1944" and "The Fall of France". His book "De Gaulle: A Certain Idea of France" (2018) won the Duff Cooper Prize and is a comprehensive account of the life of French leader Charles de Gaulle. In 2023, he published "France on Trial: The Case of Marshal Pétain", which won the Duff Cooper Prize for the second time.

Dr Jackson is a fellow of the British Academy and a member of the Royal Historical Society, reflecting his profound influence on the study of contemporary European history.

Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution

HE Maqsoud Kruse is the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution, a position he has held since its establishment in 2021. Prior to this, he served as the Strategic Communications Advisor to the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and was a member of the National Media Team appointed by the Cabinet. He also previously held the position of Executive Director of the Hedayah International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism, a role he undertook since its establishment in 2012. Hedayah is an independent international research and applied institution aimed at combating violent extremism in all its forms through dialogue, capacity-building activities, and research.

In addition to his leadership and advisory roles, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Think Tanks, Training, and Policy Centres at the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) in Geneva since its inception in November 2014. GCERF is a public-private partnership supporting local initiatives to counter violent extremism.

Earlier in his career, he held positions as Head of Planning and later as the Psychological Affairs Advisor at Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL), a subsidiary of Emirates Advanced Investments Group. He also started his career as an Organisational Psychologist, working in various fields related to applied psychology, strategic planning, and leadership development during his service in the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates.

He holds a Master's degree in Organizational Psychology from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the United Arab Emirates University.