As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the DIFC Authority (DIFCA), Alya is responsible for setting the strategic direction of DIFCA’s operations and client experience. She brings more than 20 years of experience in developing and delivering technology-driven business services and solutions, providing outstanding client service, and driving internal efficiency through policy, process and digital transformation.

Eng. Yousif Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water & Electricity, leads the UAE’s energy and utility sector with over 20 years of experience in energy and petrochemicals. He also chairs the Naqaa Desalination Plant and previously held senior roles at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Masdar Clean Energy, overseeing global renewable projects.

Captain Saif Al Mheiri oversees the Group’s ESG strategy. With over 20 years of experience across senior roles at ADNOC, ADNATCO, and more, he has expertise in maritime strategy, planning, and digital innovation. He also contributed to Abu Dhabi’s Plan Maritime, advancing the emirate’s maritime sector development.

Eng. Yasser Zaghloul is the Group CEO of NMDC Group, a leading energy and marine services EPC firm in MENA and South Asia. He has led NMDC’s global expansion and its merger, forming NMDC Energy, NMDC Construction, and ADEC. He also chairs The Challenge and serves on the Board of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Bräunl has driven Porsche’s 40% sales growth since 2019, launched the region’s largest car event, Icons of Porsche, attracting 27,000 fans in 2023, and led impactful campaigns like ‘Drive2Extremes’ for the Taycan. With over 30 years in luxury automotive, he brings a global perspective and vision to Porsche’s regional success.

Ian Johnston, a global financial regulation expert, having advised regulatory bodies across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. He has held senior roles at ASIC and the Hong Kong SFC, chaired the Joint Forum, and is Vice Chair of IOSCO’s Africa and Middle East Regional Committee.

Tarek Sultan is the Chairman of Agility Global, a subsidiary of Agility Public Warehousing. Since 1997, he has led Agility’s growth into a global supply chain leader with over 54,000 employees. He is also Vice Chairman of Agility and serves on advisory boards, including the WTO’s Business Advisory Group and the WEF’s International Business Council.

Sky Kurtz, recognized by Forbes as a 2024 Middle East sustainability leader, pioneers Agritech innovations at Pure Harvest Smart Farms, delivering resource-efficient, year-round fresh produce across MEASA’s extreme climates. Previously, he co-founded Vence and held senior roles at the $24 billion investment firm Francisco Partners.