H.E. Dr. Muhadditha Yahya Al Hashimi currently holds the position of Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), a government body established with the aim of regulating private education in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. H.E. also serves as the President of the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) and Chair of its Board of Trustees. SEA is a non-profit graduate school of education and professional learning institution for postgraduate studies in education.

Prior to her appointment, Dr. AlHashimi held several senior positions in higher education and healthcare institutions. These included serving as the Sharjah Campus Director of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Women & Men campuses, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences of HCT, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the HCT.

Dr. AlHashimi also held the position of the Chief Executive Officer of the Mohammed Bin Rashid AlMaktoum Academic Medical Center in Dubai, the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Healthcare City, the Director of Education at the Harvard Medical School Dubai Center.

Dr. AlHashimi is a member of the Board of Trustees for several educational and health institutions: Member in the steering committee of the Children’s Center “Kanaf”. Member of the Board of Trustees of Kalimat Foundation. Member of the Education and Human Resources Council (EHRC). Member of the Board of Directors of MediClinic International PLC. H.E. also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of several universities including the University of Sharjah, University of Khorfakkan, and University of Al Dhaid, and HE is a

Dr. Al Hashimi earned her Ph.D. in Public Health from the University of Texas. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences; and a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, both from the University of Minnesota in the United States.

Sheikh Fahim is a respected member of The Executive Council of Sharjah, an organization established to assist the Ruler of the Emirate, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, in drafting policies to raise the social and economic development of the Emirate.

In his role as the Executive Chairman of The Department of Government Relations, Sheikh Fahim leads the cooperation between Sharjah Government departments and International governments and NGOs. Working alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, the Department of Government Relations coordinates Sharjah’s international portfolio of trade, tourism, culture and educational ties across the globe.

Prior to joining the Sharjah Government, he worked in strategic advisory and performance monitoring of a portfolio of state-owned assets in the UAE. With a background in public sector strategy and investments, he supported the Government in developing policies to achieve both financial and socio-economic returns in state-owned enterprises.

Sheikh Fahim has been awarded the Grand Collar of the Order of Antonio José de Irisarri from the President of Guatemala. Sheikh Fahim serves as the Vice President of the Alliance Française of Sharjah. He holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge and speaks four languages: English, Arabic, French, and German.

Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is an entrepreneur, founder, and sustainability and climate change expert. In 2023 she was selected as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.

She is driven by the belief that creating change requires diverse stakeholders working together to find and implement interconnected macro- and micro-solutions that unlock progress. As a result, Sheikha Shamma has founded and leads a number of high-impact entities.

These include the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), which works to propel the growth of a thriving green economy by advancing green financing frameworks and advocating for effective policy and regulation, in order to accelerate the development and implementation of climate technology solutions. UICCA’s initiatives include a launchpad programme for climate SMEs, a policy think tank, and community engagement platforms intended to empower the most climate-vulnerable demographics, such as digital media resource The Climate Tribe.

Sheikha Shamma is also the Founder of Reset MENA, a consulting business which provides energy and water efficiency solutions, and Chairperson of Alliances for Global Sustainability, which identifies, advises and invests in high-performing sustainability ventures.

In addition, Sheikha Shamma is a senior advisor to and active member of many high-level councils, alliances and businesses, including the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center’s Women Leaders in Energy and Climate Fellowship (2022-2023 cohort); the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Net Zero Living; the Advisory Board of Yale’s Center for Environmental Law and Policy; the Emirates Green Building Council; and the UAE Circular Economy Council.

Sheikha Shamma is the Co-Founder of Aurora50, an enterprise with a powerful vision to achieve gender balance in the workplace, and holds an MSt in Sustainability Leadership and an MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Cambridge.

Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi is a Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She previously served as Minister of Culture and Youth, as well as Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs.

In addition to her ministerial responsibilities, Her Excellency formerly served as the President of Zayed University, Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, and chaired the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, in addition to other positions including CEO and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Media, in addition to chairing the Media Zone Authority in Abu Dhabi (twofour54), where she played a vital role in the founding process aiming to enable the creative community in the UAE.

Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi has contributed to the launch of several initiatives and projects for the development of the cultural and creative sectors in the UAE and enhancing relations with various countries. The most prominent of these initiatives include the launch of the National Creative Relief Program for creatives affected by the Covid-19, and the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries, to grow the sector to be among the 10 most important economic sectors in the country.

In addition to these, Her Excellency led the efforts for the UAE to become a member of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). She was also instrumental in the UAE’s cooperation with UNESCO for the restoration of heritage and cultural sites in the Iraqi city of Mosul as part of the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative.

Her Excellency has contributed to enhancing the educational environment and promoted innovative courses at Zayed University, through new programmes in the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, which ensures that students are equipped with all the skills and knowledge required to enter a dynamic labour market, and provide them with the necessary expertise to compete in the sector.

He Excellency is a Chevalier of the French Order of Merit in recognition of her efforts in developing relations between the UAE and France encouraging cultural and creative exchange.

She is also a recipient of the Diplomatic Service Medal – Gwanghwa Medal from the then President of the Republic of South Korea, Moon Jae-in, in recognition of her efforts in supporting UAE-Korea relations.
Her Excellency enjoys reading, yoga and spinning.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, has played a significant role in establishing a global presence for SBA through its initiatives and programmes designed to boost the Arab book industry while also helping preserve Arab culture and language.Since its inception in 2014, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri has been at the helm of SBA – the entity that organises the annual Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF). SBA’s flagship initiative, the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) is the world’s first-of-its-kind free zone dedicated to offer a complete ecosystem for businesses in the publishing and printing industries. The Sharjah Library and several other cultural initiatives also operate under the SBA.

Under Al Ameri’s leadership, SIBF continues to grow in stature every year and was recognised as the world’s largest book fair in its milestone 40th edition in 2021 after attracting the participation of 546 publishers and literary agents from 83 countries looking to network, matchmake and do business with each other.

Having gained valuable experience as the Head of Finance and Administrative Affairs at the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah, a post he held for over 10 years, Al Ameri’s ambitions for the SBA and its high-profile events continue to grow. Al Ameri works tirelessly to promote all events organised by SBA especially the Sharjah International Book Fair on the international stage. Under his leadership, SBA continues to participate in regional and international book events and festivals to establish deeper connections between Emirati and foreign cultures. Al Ameri studied at the prestigious Strayer College in Washington DC, United States, and holds an AA (Hons) Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He followed this with an Executive Master’s in Business Administration (Perception in Service Quality) from the University of Sharjah, UAE, in 2003.

Mr. Mohamed Abdalla is the Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Islamic Bank. He is an influential figure in the finance industry remarkably recognized individually and also on behalf of the organization by prominent awards including Forbes Award for Most Powerful CEO in Financial Markets – UAE, Best Emirati CEO Award, Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award in the Financial Services category, Sharjah Economic Excellence Award, Human Resources in Banking Sector Award, Highest Emiratization in private sector institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council, “Wachovia” Award, Dubai Award for Human Resources Development, Dubai Quality Award, Best Sukuk Structuring House in UAE held in London Sukuk Summit, Union of Arab Banks Award, UAE Emiratization Award (Large enterprise Class) etc., among others.He currently holds vital positions in various prominent institutions namely-

Member of the Board of Trustees – University of Sharjah.
Chairman of Finance Committee – University of Sharjah.
Board Member of ASAS Company.
Board Member of Sharjah National Hotels.
Board Member of Sharjah Equestrian Club.
Board Member of Emirates Institute of Finance

Ahlam Bolooki graduated from Al Mawakeb School in Garhoud in 2006, after which she got her Bsc. in International Hospitality Management from the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

Ahlam is the CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, established to nurture a love of literature in the UAE and across the region through a year-round programme of events promoting diversity and cultural expression supporting the four pillars of the writing community; readers, writers, publishers and librarians. With an aim of inspiring all to read for pleasure, it is the home of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, of which Ahlam is the director. The Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, it provides a platform for open dialogue and forward thinking, promoting a more empathetic society. Ahlam is also the General Manager of ELF Publishing, the publishing house under the Emirates Literature Foundation umbrella with a mission to publish strong regional narrative that deserve to be read. Ahlam is also the leader of the UAE Wikimedia User Group and founder of the Kateb Maktub movement which cultivates free information culture and enriches Arab authors data online.

The Emirates Literature Foundation was established in 2013 as a non-government, not-for-profit organisation.

Fuad Mansoor Sharaf holds the esteemed position of Managing Director for UAE Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties, where he orchestrates & oversees the long-term strategies for all Shopping Malls in the UAE. His responsibilities encompass key areas such as leasing, marketing, and property management.

Fuad’s career in shopping and property management began in 2004 as Operations Manager at City Centre Deira. He has since held multiple positions that have contributed to enhancing shopping malls across the region. He has managed nine shopping malls in GCC countries and has successfully enhanced many strategic partnerships. Fuad currently manages 18 leading shopping destinations in the United Arab Emirates, with operational areas exceeding one million square meters of total leasable areas. These destinations include prestigious and leading shopping centers such as Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, and City Centre Mirdif, with total sales exceeding AED 22 billion annually.

At the beginning of his professional career, Fuad Mansoor Sharaf held the position of Head of the Quality and Productivity Center at the Dubai Department of Economic Development, where he supervised and led many programs during this period, such as the Dubai Human Development Award, the Dubai Service Excellence Program, and the Dubai Quality Award.

Fuad Mansoor Sharaf holds a Master’s degree in Quality Management from the University of Wollongong in Dubai and a Higher Diploma in International Business, specializing in Banking and Financial Sciences from the Higher Colleges of Technology.

Fuad Mansoor Sharaf’s commitment to the leadership role he has taken on to elevate Majid Al Futtaim’s group of shopping malls and to highlight the United Arab Emirates as an advanced center for the growth of diverse businesses. His valuable contributions confirm his position as a proud model for the citizens of the United Arab Emirates.

تعيش إيزوبيل أبو الهول في دبي منذ العام 1968، وشاركت في تأسيس سلسلة مكتبات المجرودي في العام 1975 والتي لا تزال مزدهرة ولديها ثمانية فروع في جميع أنحاء الإمارات العربية المتحدة. في العام 2008، أسست إيزوبيل مهرجان طيران الإمارات للآداب؛ وهو أكبر احتفاء في الشرق الأوسط بالكلمة المكتوبة والمنطوقة. في العام 2013، أصدر صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، نائب رئيس الدولة رئيس مجلس الوزراء حاكم دبي، وراعي المهرجان، رعاه الله، مرسوماً بإنشاء مؤسسة الإمارات للآداب، وتسمية السيدة إيزوبيل أحد أمناء مجلس الإدارة، وهي تشغل فيه كذلك منصب الرئيس التنفيذي.

إيزوبيل أبو الهول هي أيضاً عضو في مجلس أمناء الجائزة العالمية للرواية العربية، والأمين العام لمؤسسة كلمات، ومدير مجلس إدارة مكتبة محمد بن راشد. وعلاوةً على ذلك، انتُخبَت السيدة إيزوبيل للجنة الوطنية العليا للتسامح، وانتُخبت عضواً في المجلس الاستشاري للشرطة لخدمة المجتمع.

حصلت السيدة إيزوبيل على العديد من الجوائز والأوسمة خلال مسيرتها المهنية؛ ففي العام 2010 كرمها صاحب السمو الشيخ الدكتور سلطان بن محمد القاسمي، عضو المجلس الأعلى حاكم الشارقة، رعاه الله، بلقب “شخصية العام الثقافية”، وحازت في العام 2012 على وسام الإمبراطورية البريطانية (OBE) من جلالة الملكة إليزابيث الثانية ملكة بريطانيا العظمى. ولايزال شغف السيدة إيزوبيل نحو الثقافة والتعليم والأدب متوقداً كما كان على الدوام.

يتولى مجيد جعفر منصب الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة نفط الهلال؛ وهي أول شركة خاصة تعمل في مجال النفط والغاز الطبيعي في الشرق الأوسط. كما يشغل منصب نائب رئيس مجلس إدارة مجموعة شركات الهلال ذات الاستثمارات في مجالات متنوعة؛ مثل إدارة الموانئ، والدعم اللوجستي، والمقاولات، والأسهم الخاصة، والعقارات. وهو أيضاً عضو مجلس الإدارة المنتدب لشركة دانة غاز، الشركة المساهمة العامة الرائدة في مجال الغاز الطبيعي في منطقة الشرق الأوسط، والتي تُمثل مجموعة الهلال أكبرَ مساهمٍ فيها.

وإلى جانب ما اكتسبه من خبرات سابقة خلال عمله مع أقسام الطاقة والغاز والإنتاج والاستكشاف العالمية بشركة شِل، وإضافة إلى التزاماته المهنية، فهو كذلك مؤسس مركز التنمية الاقتصادية (CEG) بالشراكة مع كلية إنسياد أبوظبي (INSEAD)، وهو عضو في مجلس أمناء كل من مؤسسة الملكة رانيا (QRF)، ومؤسسة كلمات، والمنتدى العربي للبيئة والتطوير (AFED)، ومعهد الطاقة العراقي، إضافة إلى عضويته في مجلس الزمالة لكلية هارفرد الطبية، وفي المجالس الاستشارية الدولية للمعهد الملكي للشؤون الدولية (شاثام هاوس)، وهو أيضاً عضو في المجلس الاستشاري الدولي لمؤسسة برينس ترَست إنترناشيونال، ومجلس استشاري الأطلنطي. كما أنه عضو في معهد مجالس الإدارات لدول مجلس التعاون الخليجي ومنظمة الرؤساء الشباب (YPO)، ومدير معتمد في معهد المديرين (مدراء) في دبي، كما أُطلق عليه لقب أصغر قائد عالمي من قبل المنتدى الاقتصادي العالمي.

درس السيد جعفر في كلية إيتون وتخرَّج في جامعة كامبريدج (كلية تشرتشل) حيث حصل على درجتي البكالوريوس والماجستير في الهندسة (ميكانيكا الموائع والديناميكا الحرارية)، كما نال درجة الماجستير مع مرتبة الشرف في الدراسات الدولية والدبلوماسية من كلية الدراسات الشرقية والأفريقية (SOAS) جامعة لندن، وحصل على ماجستير إدارة الأعمال مع مرتبة الشرف في كلية هارفارد لإدارة الأعمال، وشهادة تنفيذية في السياسة العامة من كلية هارفارد كينيدي للإدارة الحكومية.