Neil Williamson
Senior International Sales Manager
Andy Grant
Vice President Programming
Jad Saab
Head of Digital
Hussein Fakhri
Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Producer
Alessandro Masaro
Chief Strategy Officer
Mohamed Elgohary
Head of Business Development
Nisrine Ghazal
VP Digital
Freddy Farhat
Senior Global Partnerships Manager
Lina Matta
Director Shahid AVOD Content, MBC 2, MBC 4, MBC MAX
Scott Weeman
Director of Partnerships
Kalpesh Barot
Vice President of Product
Rana Jerdak
Acquisition & Planning Supervisor
Darine El Khatib
Vice President - Film Productions
Sami Matri
Country Leader MENA
Basel Al-Tamimi
CINO
Mohamed Amin
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Shofha
Hugues Jédelé
Senior Manager Strategy and Investments
Raghida Abou Fadel
Chief Growth & Commercial Officer / Moderator
Shujah Farooq
Partnerships & Content Acquisition Manager
Richard Fitzgerald
CEO, Founder
Faris Sibai
Senior Vice President of Advertising & Sponsorship
Peter El Daher
Head of Business Development
Samer Majzoub
GM, Middle East & North Africa
Anam Amin
Moderator - Expert programmatic integration and consults on innovative media solutions
Saadeddine Nahas
Head of Product and Partnerships
Shayan Ahmed
Head of Media MENAP
Anshul Jaiswal
Director Performance- KSA
Aya Hammad
Marketing, PR & Digital Manager (MENA) | Warner Bros. Discovery | Kids Brands
Karim Fouad
Head of Brand & Media
Anna Vapnichnaya
Brand Director
Hamid Davari
Director of Ad Sales
Shyam Sunder
Vice President, Marketing
Devrim Melek
Senior Vice President, Strategy
Cecilio Chidiac
Head of Strategy and Business Planning - evision/ e& life
Niranjan Gopinath
MENA Partnerships Manager
Maroun Bedran
Head of Digital
Abdelnabi Alaeddine
Regional Director MENA – Digital & Partnerships
Ahmed Qandil
Director of Direct-to-Consumer Marketing – Shahid
Shruthi Nair
Multimedia Editor / Moderator
Tony Saab
Founder & CEO
Haik Boghossian
Associate Business Director
Rémi Olivan
Founder ( Moderator)
Mitin Chakraborty
Head of Marketing
Dania Dallasheh
Performance Business Director - LVMH
Sourav Dey
VP of Growth
Nesma Khalifa
Business Development Manager / Moderator
Hind Abou Lteif
Precision Marketing Lead
Islam Salama
Founder & Managing Partner / Moderator
Ksenia Alekseeva
Head of Paid Media Planning – Marketer / Moderator
Aditya Deb
Head of E comm Performance Marketing, Africa and Middle East
Mo Harb
Head of Partnerships
Arindam Saha
Head of Marketing
William Page
Co-Founder, Chief Strategy Officer, and General Counsel
Nitika Bhandari
Associate Director
Ulyana Vilkina
Regional Marketing Manager UAE
Samsung Ads is Samsung Electronics’ advertising ecosystem, spanning hundreds of millions of smart devices across TV, mobile, desktop, and beyond. Our deep understanding of consumers and unmatched position at the intersection of hardware, software and advertising delivers quantifiable results for brands on a massive scale. With the largest single source of TV data in the market, reaching 3 in 4 U.S. households, Samsung Ads unlocks unmatched opportunities to engage consumers during connected moments that matter. Today, Samsung Ads serves over 25 countries around the globe.
Neil Williamson is a highly experienced media professional with nearly 10 years of expertise in the
media industry, focusing on cross-platform advertising and strategic media planning. For over three
years, he has been a key member of the Samsung Ads team, effectively partnering with agencies and
advertisers across Samsung Ads’ global markets. By utilizing the company’s extensive network of 220
million+ global Smart TVs, Neil has consistently delivered customized media strategies that align with
clients’ CTV objectives.
Since the launch of Samsung Ads in the MENA market in 2024, Neil has played a pivotal role in
driving partnerships. With a strong track record of fostering client relationships and delivering
impactful results, Neil continues to be a key contributor to Samsung Ads’ growth and success. His
dedication to innovation and strategic thinking ensures that advertisers receive cutting-edge
solutions to maximize their media impact.
OSN is a media and entertainment company based in the Middle East and North Africa region, with its headquarters in Dubai. The company was formed in 2009 through the merger of Orbit Communications Company and Showtime Arabia.
MBC Media Solutions (MMS) is the in-house commercial advertising and sales arm of MBC Group, established in 2020 to connect brands with premium content and audiences through integrated media services across TV, digital, radio, and OTT platforms like Shahid. MMS provides data-driven, technology-enabled advertising solutions for MBC Group's extensive channels and platforms, including Al Arabiya and Saudi Sports Company, aiming to drive audience engagement and brand growth.
Katara Studios facilitates complete motion picture production services for the ever-changing landscape of both studio and independent filmmaking. Locations, transportation, casting, set design and construction, crewing, wardrobe, post-production – we handle it all. Specializing in all moving media including feature films, commercials and television production and headquartered in Doha, Qatar, Katara Studios has also extensively produced in Europe.
With production savvy and experience, filmmaker-friendly philosophy and extensive relationships in all aspects of the business, Katara Studios is an invaluable partner to any film production. Reliability, accountability, dependability, experience and a proven track record are just some of the things that we are known for. With highly experienced Qatari, European & American production executives and the best local production managers in Qatar and Central Eastern Europe with years of major motion picture and commercial experience, Katara Studios boasts a winning combination that instills complete confidence in even the most discerning film makers.
We have proudly established a proven and valuable infrastructure in Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, where production value can be achieved at one-third the cost of North America. Katara Studios is a FULL-SERVICE production service company, including post- production. Our brick-and mortar facilities are primarily a multi-studio music recording, mixing and mastering facility, as well as a full Dolby Atmos, 5.1, post-production facility, providing full picture and sound offline and online services for external clients and internally generated film and TV content.
With over two decades of strategic marketing leadership experience, Hussein is a seasoned commercial executive who has shaped brand narratives across diverse sectors in the Middle East and Europe.
Following his education at Dublin Business School, Hussein established his foundation in advertising technology and digital marketing in Ireland before relocating to Qatar in 2004 to join Qatar Airways as Marketing Manager. His career trajectory continued as he spearheaded marketing and communications divisions for prominent financial institutions including Rayan and Barwa Bank.
An entrepreneurial vision led Hussein to establish multiple successful ventures in Doha, specialising in advertising, film production, and talent services. In 2018, he joined the leadership team as founding CEO at Katara Studios.
STARZ ON offers Hit Movies, popular TV shows, Arabic originals, live streaming of sports & live TV on STARZPLAY + Free movies & Free TV series in full HD.
Alessandro is currently the Chief Strategy Officer at STARZPLAY, in charge of data analytics, business planning, M&A, fundraise and special projects. Alessandro joined the company in 2021 to lead the transformational fundraise where e& Group and ADQ took the majority of STARZPLAY and injected $100m of primary capital to support its growth. After that, Alessandro was key to conceptualise and execute the Sport and Advertising strategy that fuelled STARZPLAY growth in the last 2 years. Before that, Alessandro was a principal investor at Delta Partners Capital, a $200m growth capital fund investing in technology companies across several markets. In his role Alessandro invested in more than 20 companies with several exits including Ciphercloud (acquired by Lookout), Knowlarity (Gupshup), Aricent (Altran) and Virgin Mobile Poland (Play)”
Yango Play lets you watch TV series and movies, listen to music, play games — all in one app. With Yango Play, you will also get unique trophies while watching TV series and movies and listening to music. Use these trophies in the Yango City game to decorate your city.
Mohamed Elgohary is the Head of Business Development at Yango Play, a cutting-edge AI-powered entertainment streaming Super App. He oversees the B2B distribution strategy, forging partnerships with leading telecom operators, eCommerce platforms, voucher distributors, and big screen providers across the MENA region.
With a rich background in sales management, partnerships, and commercial operations, Mohamed has successfully led initiatives across the OTT, broadcasting, e-commerce, telecommunications, and retail sectors. He has been instrumental in driving revenue growth for global brands by negotiating and managing key relationships with telecom operators and OEMs in the region. His expertise lies in building strategic alliances, navigating complex commercial deals, and expanding market presence for digital and entertainment platforms
Rotana Media Services, or RMS, was founded in 2004 and serves as the media, marketing, and advertising arm of Rotana Media Group. As the exclusive advertising agent, RMS is responsible for selling and promoting all of Rotana TV channels. With its diverse portfolio of high-quality integrated businesses, brand partnerships, outdoor advertising vehicles, and investments, RMS has become the premier media representation and outdoor advertising company in the region. Mission: To help brands maximize and optimize their MENA reach, especially in key markets like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Vision: To maintain its position as the region's most flexible customer-centric media solutions provider through the use of unique and innovative initiatives.
coming soon
Dentsu Sports International (DSI) is a global sports marketing agency born out of the Dentsu Group with one focus: to act as a gateway, connecting brands to the world of sports. We help brands and properties move at the speed of today’s fans, transcending culture and borders.
Freddy is a seasoned sports and media executive with over a decade of experience driving commercial growth across the MENA region. Currently serving as the Senior Commercial Manager at Dentsu Sports International, he leads strategic partnerships and rights commercialization across key sports properties and brands.
With a track record of delivering innovative sponsorship solutions Freddy has worked with rights holders, broadcasters, brands, tech platforms, and government entities to activate impactful campaigns and drive ROI through sport. Prior to joining Dentsu, he held senior roles at VUZ and before that Opta (Stats Perform), where he pioneered immersive content initiatives with leading sports leagues and events across football, combat sports, and esports.
MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa, dedicated towards enriching lives through information, interaction, and entertainment.
With a rich history of growth and expansion, MBC GROUP’s first presence came in London in 1991 in the form of the private satellite TV channel, MBC1. A decade later, MBC GROUP relocated its headquarters to Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates, in 2002.
Building on its immense success in recent times, MBC GROUP proudly inaugurated its new headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in September 2022.
With a commitment to serving audiences worldwide and featuring in key markets, MBC GROUP is home to a plethora of iconic brands, departments, and entities that include TV and radio offerings, a streaming platform, production and talent houses, and more.
Today, MBC GROUP operates over 13 free-to-air TV channels and 3 radio stations, such as the flagship MBC1, as well as MBC2, MBC3, MBC4, MBC5, MBC MASR, MBC IRAQ, and MBC LOUD FM.
The Group also operates Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform that’s home to highly rated original productions from the Arab world, a wide range of exclusive series, movies and other premieres, as well as live TV channels, sports, kids offering, international content, and more.
MBC GROUP is also home to MBC STUDIOS, a global production powerhouse, born to realise the unrivalled, untapped storytelling potential of the Middle East.
With a mission to mentor, educate, and nurture the talent of tomorrow, MBC GROUP runs MBC ACADEMY, an educational and training platform with the mission to discover, upskill, and nurture Saudi talent in the media and production space. Since its launch in 2020, MBC ACADEMY has successfully gone on to train over 18,000 individuals.
As Channel Director for MBC 2, MBC 4, MBC Max and Shahid AVOD content, Lina Matta steers the
creative and strategic vision of the channels as well as works on achieving the ratings and financial
milestones. On AVOD she does a balancing act between TV & AVOD while shepherding new initiatives
like launching FAST channels and integrating podcasters and YouTubers to enrich the platform’s offering.
Matta also sits on the Content Coordination Unit (CCU) that assesses all pitches submitted to MBC, and
on the Content Board that makes the case for getting the selected projects greenlit.
Before joining MBC GROUP, Matta was a media consultant at Dubai Media Incorporated, where she
masterminded the transformation of Dubai One, overseeing everything from content acquisition to
production.
As the co-founder of the New York based Brown Hats Productions, Lina Matta co-produced two award-
winning documentaries Running for Bogota, and Prison Lullabies, and a digital talk show about books,
Titlepage.tv . Since 2012, Matta has curated ANA an annual film series at BAM in Brooklyn that
celebrates the best of Contemporary Arab Cinema.
Matta sits on the Advisory Board of the Mohamed Bin Rashed School of Communication (MBRSC) at
AUD and is a voting member of BAFTA.
A native of Lebanon, Lina Matta has an undergraduate degree in Mass Communication from LAU and a
Master’s degree in Film Production from Boston University.
She divides her time between Riyadh, NY, Dubai, and Lebanon
SHAHID is the number 1 Arabic VOD service in the world, offering the best shows, documentaries, movies & series/dramas
Scott heads B2B distribution and partnerships for the Shahid VOD service at MBC GROUP, focused on enhancing Shahid’s network of partnerships with telecom operators, connected device manufacturers, payment services, and a variety of consumer finance, retail, travel and digital service companies.
Through 25 years’ experience in the ICT sector, Scott has conducted business in over 50 countries on six continents. Following his passion for leading expansion in international growth markets, he relocated to Dubai in 2009, and has since helped open distribution and operations across the Middle East, African and Asia. Prior to Shahid, Scott has worked with Mondia Group, Docomo (Buongiorno!) and Motorola, and holds an MBA from the University of Miami Herbert Business School
STARZ ON offers Hit Movies, popular TV shows, Arabic originals, live streaming of sports & live TV on STARZPLAY + Free movies & Free TV series in full HD.
Kalpesh Barot, Vice President of Product at StarzPlay, brings over 15 years of leadership in the OTT and digital media space. A pioneer in shaping scalable streaming experiences across MENA, Kalpesh has led transformative product strategies at Shahid and now at StarzPlay—delivering innovations in SVOD, AVOD, sports interactivity, and cross-platform UX. His approach is rooted in data-driven design, AI-powered personalization, and innovative monetization strategies that elevate user engagement and business growth
Al Mashhad Media (Arabic: المشهد) is a pan-regional news and infotainment multi-media platform, led by Lebanese media personality and presenter Tony Khalife. It is based in Dubai Studio City, Dubai and is part of Info Arab Media organization.
Rana Jerdak is an accomplished Acquisition & Planning Supervisor at Al Mashhad,
where she leverage her extensive experience in content acquisition and strategic
programming. With a strong background in the media industry since 2014, Rana
Jerdak previously held key roles serving as a Senior Programming Executive and
later as an Acquisition Executive.
She improved her skills in identifying and securing high-quality content, developing
programming strategies, and fostering relationships with content providers. Her
expertise in market trends and audience preferences has consistently contributed to
successful programming initiatives and audience growth.
Passionate about delivering compelling content, Rana Jerdak is dedicated to
enhancing the viewer experience and driving the success of Al Mashhad’s
programming lineup.
VOX Studios, rooted in Majid Al Futtaim's legacy, crafts resonant Arab films by collaborating with local talents.
Darine El Khatib is the Vice President – Film Productions, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment. With over 20 years of experience in regional and international broadcasting and media industry, she is a senior media executive and storyteller who strongly believes in women empowerment and providing a platform for upcoming and passionate talent. Darine’s widespread knowledge in high quality production, content and brand development best position her to reflect the regional audiences’ demands and expectations.
In her current role, Darine is responsible for building capabilities to source, review scripts, validate the development and production budgets, and oversee the different stages of film production from pre-production to release. Prior to joining Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Darine was the Senior Vice President – Original Productions & Arabic Services at OSN, where she oversaw the new content umbrella dedicated to the production of regional content such as OSN+ Originals.
Previously she was the Senior Director at Warner Media where she oversaw the Creative/Content Strategy & Brand Development and have successfully strengthened the brand’s presence and competitiveness in MENA, Turkey, Greece & Cyprus. Prior to joining Warner Media, she spent a decade at Discovery Networks as Channel director, to launch and oversee multiple Channels in the region.
Darine played a key role in launching the Middle East’s first dedicated 24-hour food network ‘Fatafeat’ and securing the first deal of having a local media brand acquired by Global Media Company – Discovery.
She has helped develop and commission numerous successful original programming formats and content across the region. Pursuing her passion, Darine directed the mid-length film Barriers of Time, screened at the Monaco Film Festival. Notably, she was the lead actress in the feature film ‘Love’s Improvisations’ screened at the Dubai International Film Festival and shortlisted for ‘Best Actress’ at the Madrid International Film Festival & St. Tropez International Film Festival in 2013. She also has a Travelogue show “My World to You” among other TV shows. Darine is the UNFAO Goodwill Ambassador for Zero Hunger in the Middle East & North Africa. She holds a Masters in Fine Arts degree (MFA) in Film Directing from California Institute of the Arts, CalArts
Orange S.A. is a French multinational telecommunications corporation founded in 1988 and headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, near Paris. Orange has been the corporation's main brand for mobile, landline, internet and Internet Protocol television services since 2006.
coming soon
VUZ is an innovative live-streaming app that creates the illusion that you are teleported into a virtual world. We offer the best virtual reality platform, which takes you to different locations all around the world in just a split second. We remove all the physical barriers and allow users to immerse themselves in the 3-dimensional world of live streaming.
Are you stuck at home? Watch exclusive 3D videos by downloading the VUZ VR VOD and Livestream apps. Stay up to date with the latest sports news, interviews, racing, and car drifting from the comfort of your own home. You can engage with the panoramic videos and control what you want to see from each angle by touching your screen.You can also use VIP voice chat to communicate with celebrities, YouTubers, and influencers.
Visionary Tech Executive with over 15 years of experience in driving innovation and leading digital transformation. Specializing in digital strategic management, product development, and technology leadership, Basel has successfully spearheaded numerous high-impact digital initiatives across various industries, including VR/AR, Media, Sports, Telecom, and FinTech.
Currently serving as the CINO of VUZ, the leading VR Streaming Platform in the MENA region, Basel is renowned for his proven ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies with business strategies, resulting in scalable and efficient solutions. His deep passion for technology and knack for solving complex challenges have made him a significant influencer in the tech community.
In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Basel holds an MBA in Digital Strategic Management. He is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, driving forward-thinking initiatives that shape the future of technology.
Amin is a seasoned business leader with over 24 years of experience in the telecommunications and digital industries, having held strategic roles with global giants such as Vodafone and e& (formerly Etisalat). Throughout his career, he has spearheaded commercial and digital transformation initiatives across a diverse range of markets, including Egypt, Pakistan, the UAE, Qatar, and South Africa—developing a deep understanding of regional dynamics and consumer behavior.
Amin currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Shofha, where he leads the strategic growth of the company’s video-on-demand (VOD) platform, driving innovation, audience engagement, and digital monetization.
beIN Sports (/ˈbiːɪn/ BEE-in) is a Qatari multinational network of sports channels owned and operated by the media group beIN. The network has played a major role in the increased commercialization of Qatari sports. Its chairman is Nasser Al-Khelaifi, and its CEO is Yousef Obaidly.
In addition to his strategy and investment role at beIN Media Group, Hugues was directly involved in the technical and commercial launch of TOD in January 2022 and the development of this OTT business since then.
The launch of the first sports and entertainment OTT platform in the MENA region was a key milestone in beIN Media Group’s digital transformation, one of the key pillars of the Group’s corporate strategy.
Before joining the pay-TV industry at beIN Media Group in 2017, Hugues worked for 10 years in the FTA environment at the strategy department of the TF1 Group.
This explains why Hugues believes there is a path to sustainability and growth through good customer segmentation and a mix of business models.
Hugues lives in Paris with his wife and three daughters.
VUZ is an innovative live-streaming app that creates the illusion that you are teleported into a virtual world. We offer the best virtual reality platform, which takes you to different locations all around the world in just a split second. We remove all the physical barriers and allow users to immerse themselves in the 3-dimensional world of live streaming.
Are you stuck at home? Watch exclusive 3D videos by downloading the VUZ VR VOD and Livestream apps. Stay up to date with the latest sports news, interviews, racing, and car drifting from the comfort of your own home. You can engage with the panoramic videos and control what you want to see from each angle by touching your screen.You can also use VIP voice chat to communicate with celebrities, YouTubers, and influencers.
Raghida Abou-Fadel is Chief Growth & Commercial Officer at VUZ, where she drives global growth for a
next-gen OTT platform. A media executive with 20+ years of leadership at STARZPLAY, OSN, and NoorPlay, she brings deep expertise in commercial strategy, partnerships, and scaling digital platforms.
TCL Technology Group Corp. is a Chinese partially state-owned electronics company headquartered in Huizhou, Guangdong province. TCL develops, manufactures, and sells consumer electronics like television sets, mobile phones, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, and small electrical appliances.
Shujah is an entertainment executive with extensive experience in partnerships, content distribution/acquisition. He has been in the content industry for over 10 years; looked after Partnerships for 5 years at Huawei, prior to that he launched EE TV in the UK, and built several VOD services in Europe. Shujah was on the forefront of the AVOD take up in Europe and MENA since 2020.
Now at TCL, the world second largest TV manufacturer, Shujah looks after Content Partnerships and TCL CTV monetisation.
Augustus Media is a dynamic media company based in the Middle East, known for its diverse portfolio of brands spanning digital media, publishing, and content creation. They focus on delivering engaging and innovative content across various platforms, targeting a wide audience through lifestyle, technology, and entertainment. Their commitment to quality and creativity has made them a notable player in the regional media landscape.
STARZ ON offers Hit Movies, popular TV shows, Arabic originals, live streaming of sports & live TV on STARZPLAY + Free movies & Free TV series in full HD.
Investment banker turned madman, Faris Sibai is a recognized leader in the MENA & APAC media landscape, with over two decades of experience driving transformation, innovation, and growth across global and regional markets.
Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Advertising & Sponsorship at STARZPLAY, he is spearheading the platform’s commercial evolution—bridging technology, creativity, and performance to unlock new revenue opportunities for brands and media partners.
The Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International, widely known as LBCI, Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation or LBC is a private television station in Lebanon.
Peter El Daher is a dynamic executive at LBCI, one of Lebanon’s leading broadcasters,
where he oversees all operational, programming, and commercial initiatives. Leveraging
a deep understanding of the network’s heritage and strategic direction, Peter plays a pivotal
role in driving innovation and audience growth.
Viu is a premium video streaming service that gives you access the best local and international content from any device (mobile phone, tablet, desktop and smart TV). You can either stream or download your favourite show to watch later, at your convenience.
Anam Amin is an expert programmatic integration and consults on innovative media solutions across the region and Globally. With a strong background in digital media products, Anam focuses on bridging data and creativity to deliver more effective and engaging advertising solutions.
She’s also a featured guest and Panellist on various platforms, she discussed the evolving role of programmatic trading, the future of connected TV and more. Beyond her day job, Anam hosts a exploring the unspoken realities of navigating media, career, and culture. She also actively contributes to industry initiatives including IAB, DE&I efforts, and founding member of Women in Media network and a member of other communities in the industry focused on elevating individual contributions.
I’m open to more than one panel to moderate. The below you’ve shared work, but also open other topics. So please feel free to pick multiple, I’ve highlight the ones I’d prefer but I’m open to the others too. I’ll just need to know the schedules in advance.
Saadeddine Nahas is a seasoned digital media and advertising leader, currently serving as Head of Product and Partnerships at Dentsu MENA. With over 15 years of experience across the MENA region, Saadeddine has built a proven track record in crafting and executing digital media transformations. Before joining Dentsu, he held senior roles at Initiative and at e& where he drove tech- and data‑driven strategies for enhanced business outcomes
In his current role, he leads the development and rollout of innovative digital and data-centric product stacks across Dentsu’s media brands. His remit includes designing scalable, customizable media solutions that boost competitiveness and drive measurable improvements in marketing performance
At Reckitt, we protect, heal and nurture. We are the company behind some of the world's best known and most trusted Health and Hygiene consumer brands.
Shayan is currently the MENAP Head of Media for Reckitt with 14 years’ experience working across verticals of media; managing consumer connect strategy and media executions. He has previously worked across multiple agencies & companies working on various clients in FMCG & consumer goods category. He is super passionate on measurability and building bridges between media metrics and brand growth.
At UM, we see the world in Full Color. We discover the difference, the uniqueness, the nuance of brands by leveraging the power of Brand Patterns. Pattern recognition sits at the intersection of both human intelligence and artificial intelligence, and brands must identify their Full Color Brand Patterns to unlock growth today and in the future.
As we evolve from the era of digital to the era of intelligence, we recognize that human intelligence must work as the catalyst to artificial intelligence. Agencies must think critically about what makes a brand different – or face the existential threat of a landscape of bland brands.
At UM, we Stand Against Bland. We do not accept average work. We put people first, creating limitless possibilities. We connect diversity of thought, experience, perspective and culture. We understand that questions are as valuable as answers. Our vision and our passion in this new era is to lead a renaissance in media that unlocks the Full Color potential of our people and our clients’ brands.
UM’s borderless and boundless global media agency network operates in 100+ markets, across 120+ offices with 3,000+ employees. We build our teams around our core values of Community, Courage and Curiosity, amplifying the full spectrum of our unique talents to drive our shared success.
Anshul is a highly experienced digital marketing professional with over a decade of expertise in performance marketing, digital planning, and app growth strategy. Proficient in data-driven decision-making, he has consistently delivered exceptional results for his clients.
Warner Bros. Discovery es una empresa global de medios y entretenimiento que crea y distribuye contenido en múltiples plataformas, incluyendo televisión, cine y digital. Con un portafolio de marcas icónicas, combina narrativas poderosas con alcance global para conectar audiencias en todo el mundo. Su enfoque abarca desde noticias y deportes hasta entretenimiento general y estilo de vida.
Max es la plataforma de streaming de Warner Bros. Discovery. Combina el contenido de HBO, Warner Bros., Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network y otros, ofreciendo más de 37.000 horas de programación.
With over 15 years of experience in the broadcast media industry, Aya Hammad leads digital content
production and management for the Kids Brands portfolio across the MENA region at Warner Bros.
Discovery. She is responsible for shaping and executing the strategy behind the brands’ non-linear
presence, ensuring high-quality, locally relevant content that resonates with Gen Alpha across multiple
platforms and digital spaces.
Aya’s expertise lies in new media, editorial, and marketing communications, with a strong focus on
Arabic kids’ content. She is certified in Audience Growth and Content Strategy by YouTube and holds a
B.S. in Multimedia Design, along with a minor in Design Management and multiple certifications in
Digital Marketing.
Driven by a passion for storytelling, innovation, and diversity, Aya’s mission is to create authentic,
immersive brand experiences that maximize platform potential while aligning with the values and vision
of Warner Bros. Discovery. She thrives on continuous learning and meaningful collaboration, always
seeking to push creative boundaries and connect with audiences in impactful ways.
talabat transformed the food ordering business in the Middle East when it launched in Kuwait in 2004. With a network of over 13,000 restaurants and stores and 24,000 branches, talabat has become the region’s home of food.
In addition to food ordering, talabat is also revolutionising the grocery ordering vertical in the MENA region. Talabat mart, the region’s first q-commerce store launched in Kuwait in October 2019. Without a storefront, talabat mart is delivery-only and provides hyperfast 30-minute delivery of groceries to customers. Currently talabat mart operates in both Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Today, talabat lives to help people create and enjoy the moments that matter. With talabat as their trusted sidekick, customers can spend less time preparing food, shopping for groceries, and doing other unimportant tasks and more time doing what matters to them. Talabat is part of Delivery Hero, the global leader in online food ordering and delivery.
Karim Fouad has been leading marketing communications at Talabat Egypt, the leading online delivery platform in Egypt and the MENA region, for the past three years. In his role, Karim has been instrumental in shaping the platform’s brand presence and driving impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences across the region.
Prior to joining Talabat, Karim built a strong foundation in marketing, growth, and sales at Vodafone Egypt, where he held various roles over an 11-year tenure. His experience at Vodafone allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of the telecommunications industry and sharpen his skills in customer engagement and business development.
Karim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Cairo University
Bacardi Limited is the largest privately held, family-owned spirits company in the world. Originally known for its Bacardí brand of white rum, it now has a portfolio of more than 200 brands and labels.
Global marketing leader with FMCG expertise and a strong foundation in finance and commerce. Most of my career was shaped at L’Oréal, with the years in leadership roles at Bacardi. I bring a track record of building brands across global, regional, and local levels( lived in 5 countries & launched products & campaigns worldwide) with belief that data-driven creativity fuels growth. INSEAD alum with a curious mindset—I dedicate part of every week to experimenting and learning as a core leadership principle.
OSN is a media and entertainment company based in the Middle East and North Africa region, with its headquarters in Dubai. The company was formed in 2009 through the merger of Orbit Communications Company and Showtime Arabia.
Hamid Davari is the Director of Ad Sales at OSN Group, the premier network for premium
entertainment in the MENA region. A respected thought leader in the field of connected
advertising, Hamid is an active contributor to industry advancements as a member of the
IAB MENA CTV/OTT Advertising task force. His expertise helps drive forward-thinking
strategies that redefine the regional advertising landscape.
Prior to joining OSN, Hamid served as the Commercial Head and Director of Ad Sales for
BME, a joint venture between MOBY Group and 21st Century FOX. In this role, he was
instrumental in launching a suite of TV channels that expanded across the Middle East and
Africa, successfully establishing new market opportunities and enhancing brand reach. With
over two decades of experience across TV, OTT, advertising, and content, Hamid has
developed strategic partnerships with multinational media corporations, significantly
contributing to their growth in emerging markets.
Hamid’s career is marked by his commitment to innovation, strategic vision, and industry
insight, positioning him as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of advertising in the MENA
region.
TBO (formerly known as Travel Boutique Online) is a global travel distribution platform that simplifies the buying and selling of travel products and services for travel partners. It connects travel buyers, such as travel agencies and online travel companies, with travel suppliers like hotels, airlines, and car rentals. TBO's technology platform aims to streamline the travel booking process and provide a comprehensive range of travel products.
Shyam is one of the leading marketers in the region with experience in building successful brands across sectors and markets.
The first half of his career was in advertising in India having started with DDB India building several brands including Citibank, Apple and Henkel before going on to becoming the Country Head of a leading Pan-Indian Brand Activation agency.
shyam moved to Dubai in late 2005 and after a successful stint in Real Estate, Shyam moved to the Landmark Group, driving growth of their Shopping malls and Hospitality businesses before taking on Centrepoint, the largest fashion omnichannel retailer in the region. Over a 7.5 years period, the brand achieved several milestones with pathbreaking initiatives and award winning work in the Retail Fashion category
Since leaving Landmark Group, he is consulting multiple clients including TBO.COM, the world’s largest travel distribution platform where he heads the Global marketing and seen to be bringing his B2C marketing and branding experience to break conventions and bring in freshness and creativity in the B2B marketing space.
Shyam is an Executive Member of the Marketing Society and the CMO Council, Judge/Juror in leading marketing & advertising festivals including the Drum Awards and speaks at leading marketing and advertising forums including Seamless Middle East, The Sales & Marketing Show, Campaign Middle East’s Marcomms & Vibe Martech.
He was listed in the Top Marketers in GCC by Gulf Marketing Review and recognized as the Top 10 Clients by the B&W Report and has won several coveted awards including the LIAs at New York, Loeries South Africa, Cristals in France and Dubai Lynx
OSN is a media and entertainment company based in the Middle East and North Africa region, with its headquarters in Dubai. The company was formed in 2009 through the merger of Orbit Communications Company and Showtime Arabia.
e&, formerly known as Etisalat Group, is a global technology and investment conglomerate based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It has evolved from a telecommunications provider into a diversified technology group with a presence in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The company's core business areas include telecommunications, digital services, financial technology, and venture capital.
Cecilio Chidiac is an experienced growth strategist having worked extensively across MENA and within the Media & Entertainment industry. Cecilio is currently the Head of Strategy and Business Planning for evision/ e& life, e&’s media entertainment arm, driving evision’s growth and most strategic projects.
Cecilio is passionate about revolutionizing the way entertainment is consumed across the region with specific focus on Video, Audio and Gaming.
Samsung TV Plus is a free, ad-supported streaming service offered by Samsung, providing access to live TV channels and on-demand content on Samsung Smart TVs and some Galaxy devices. It's available without subscriptions, downloads, or account creation.
Al Mashhad Media (Arabic: المشهد) is a pan-regional news and infotainment multi-media platform, led by Lebanese media personality and presenter Tony Khalife. It is based in Dubai Studio City, Dubai and is part of Info Arab Media organization.
Maroun Bedran is a digital media leader with over 20 years of experience in transforming content, communications, and audience growth. As Head of Digital at Al Mashhad, he drives innovation in digital products and data-driven storytelling for Gen Z and millennials.
He previously worked with the World Bank, led brand building at Algorythma Group, where he helped launch Alef Education, and headed the business department at Sky News Arabia. Starting his career in business journalism, Maroun has since built a track record across technology, finance, and entertainment.
At UM, we see the world in Full Color. We discover the difference, the uniqueness, the nuance of brands by leveraging the power of Brand Patterns. Pattern recognition sits at the intersection of both human intelligence and artificial intelligence, and brands must identify their Full Color Brand Patterns to unlock growth today and in the future.
As we evolve from the era of digital to the era of intelligence, we recognize that human intelligence must work as the catalyst to artificial intelligence. Agencies must think critically about what makes a brand different – or face the existential threat of a landscape of bland brands.
At UM, we Stand Against Bland. We do not accept average work. We put people first, creating limitless possibilities. We connect diversity of thought, experience, perspective and culture. We understand that questions are as valuable as answers. Our vision and our passion in this new era is to lead a renaissance in media that unlocks the Full Color potential of our people and our clients’ brands.
UM’s borderless and boundless global media agency network operates in 100+ markets, across 120+ offices with 3,000+ employees. We build our teams around our core values of Community, Courage and Curiosity, amplifying the full spectrum of our unique talents to drive our shared success.
Abdelnabi is currently the digital lead at UMMENAT overseeing the digital product and managing partnerships across the region. Abdelnabi has an overall 15+ years of experience in the industry and managed a large portfolio of clients and industries. In addition to his role at UM, Abdelnabi has been one of the leaders of the IAB Measurement workstreams in the MENA region.
MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa, dedicated towards enriching lives through information, interaction, and entertainment.
With a rich history of growth and expansion, MBC GROUP’s first presence came in London in 1991 in the form of the private satellite TV channel, MBC1. A decade later, MBC GROUP relocated its headquarters to Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates, in 2002.
Building on its immense success in recent times, MBC GROUP proudly inaugurated its new headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in September 2022.
With a commitment to serving audiences worldwide and featuring in key markets, MBC GROUP is home to a plethora of iconic brands, departments, and entities that include TV and radio offerings, a streaming platform, production and talent houses, and more.
Today, MBC GROUP operates over 13 free-to-air TV channels and 3 radio stations, such as the flagship MBC1, as well as MBC2, MBC3, MBC4, MBC5, MBC MASR, MBC IRAQ, and MBC LOUD FM.
The Group also operates Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform that’s home to highly rated original productions from the Arab world, a wide range of exclusive series, movies and other premieres, as well as live TV channels, sports, kids offering, international content, and more.
MBC GROUP is also home to MBC STUDIOS, a global production powerhouse, born to realise the unrivalled, untapped storytelling potential of the Middle East.
With a mission to mentor, educate, and nurture the talent of tomorrow, MBC GROUP runs MBC ACADEMY, an educational and training platform with the mission to discover, upskill, and nurture Saudi talent in the media and production space. Since its launch in 2020, MBC ACADEMY has successfully gone on to train over 18,000 individuals.
AGBI stands for Arabian Gulf Business Insight, a London-headquartered business news platform with a newsroom in Dubai. It serves the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, providing authoritative analysis and breaking important stories across various sectors, including finance, energy, construction, transport, tech, sport, and more
Shruthi Nair is an award-winning journalist and multimedia storyteller based in the Middle East. She began her career at the age of 20 with Times of Oman, where she was part of the founding team of Times TV, the country’s first and only online television platform. Her work was widely credited with reshaping Oman’s new media landscape, and she quickly became the face of the nation’s largest daily.
During her tenure, Shruthi reported extensively on major national events, including being the only English-language journalist to cover Cyclone Mekunu directly from Salalah. Her exclusive coverage reached millions worldwide and led to interviews with BBC World and Sky News. She was also invited to deliver a TED Talk in Muscat, highlighting her journey as a visual media storyteller.
In 2018, Shruthi moved to Dubai to join Arabian Business as a video reporter. Within a year, she was promoted to Head of Video Content for seven of the GCC’s leading B2B magazine titles. She launched five online shows for Arabian Business and produced multiple digital series for other titles, earning industry recognition for her debate show Crossfire, which she both produced and hosted.
She later served as Executive Editor of Images RetailME, a B2B retail news platform, where she oversaw the monthly magazine, digital platforms, and industry events.
Currently, Shruthi is the Multimedia Editor at AGBI, a London-headquartered business news publication serving MENA audiences. She leads video and audio strategy, consistently innovating new ways to tell compelling business stories across digital platforms in an increasingly competitive media environment.
Tesliya Entertainment has launched a new OTT (over-the-top) streaming platform focused on "micro-dramas" and short-form content, alongside traditional films and series, to appeal to a mobile-first audience in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Founded by Tony Saab, the platform aims to redefine entertainment with innovation and a diverse content selection.
Tony Saab is the Founder of Tesliya Entertainment, an OTT platform, and a seasoned media executive, as well as a Member of the International Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences. With over a decade of leadership in OTT, broadcast, and entertainment, he previously served as SVP Content & Partnerships at StarzPlay. As Vice President of Content & Production at Intigral, Tony leads a team of 70+ specialists across production, acquisition, and content delivery for Jawwy TV and Dawri Plus, managing P&L and driving original productions that have positioned Intigral as a regional OTT leader. Over the past 11 years, he has been instrumental in building high-performance broadcast infrastructure, securing strategic content partnerships, and enhancing the viewing experience for millions across the MENA region. Tony has spearheaded the launch of Jawwy Home and Jawwy TV across KSA, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the wider MENA region, served as Executive Producer of 18+ Arabic series and films, designed workflows for the Saudi Premier League (SPL) broadcast, built and managed two data centers hosting 375+ IPTV/OTT channels and 15,000+ VoD assets, and led the complete media delivery facility for STC’s IPTV/OTT services, including Dawri Plus. With a proven record of innovation and operational excellence, Tony continues to shape the future of digital entertainment in the Middle East and beyond.
Publicis Luxe is a 360° creative pole of excellence in luxury. By merging bold strategy, cutting-edge innovation, creativity, and cultural insight, the agency creates work that captures emotion and helps shape the future of the luxury industry. At the heart of our vision lies the power of encounters. When pieces of culture collide, something new emerges. When diverse talents meet, they chart new creative paths. Luxury meets culture. Craft meets AI. E-commerce meets retail. Encounters are the atom of transformation—and luxury has never craved reinvention more. With 400+ talents across Paris, New York, and Shanghai, the agency supports brands in long-term collaborations and targeted projects, covering all aspects of communication: strategy, digital, social, and production. We pioneer a new era of luxury marketing—where conversations flow, bridges are built, and heritage meets zeitgeist to spark the future.
Haik Boghossian is an Associate Business Director at Spark Foundry, part of
Publicis Groupe Middle East, with nine years of experience designing media and
growth strategies for global brands. Throughout his career at Publicis, he has worked
across retail, fashion, tech and FMCG, contributing to the success of brands such as
LEGO, lululemon, Lenovo, Crate & Barrel, Gillette and Head & Shoulders. Over the
past two years, he has expanded his portfolio into the luxury sector, leading the
regional media mandate for Christian Dior under LVMH.
With a strong foundation in media planning and an evolving focus on performance
marketing, Haik builds integrated media ecosystems that drive commercial impact
while strengthening long-term brand value. He is recognized for his strategic clarity,
ability to connect data with decision-making, and commitment to delivering solutions
that balance scale with brand integrity. Based in Dubai, he works across regional and
global mandates and is known for cultivating trust-driven client partnerships through
transparent advisory and problem-solving rigor.
Supporting media companies thrive by providing strategic consulting for growth and success
Remi is a senior business leader with strong international experience across MENA, Asia, and Europe. He is the founder of ELAN Media, providing strategic consulting to media and streaming platforms. Previously, he was Director of Account Management at NBCUniversal in Singapore, where he was in charge of the transactional Video-On-Demand (VOD) business across Asia. Before that, he served as Business Development Director at iflix in Dubai, establishing key partnerships and driving subscriber growth throughout MENA. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Grey Juice Lab, including Managing Director for EMEA, leading major content and VOD agreements with Hollywood studios.
Babyshop is a children's retail store and the first company under Landmark Group. The company serves 19 countries with over 235 stores, and has over 4.8 million customers.
Mitin Chakraborty is Head of Global Brand and Marketing at Babyshop, the leading omni-channel baby and kids retailer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With a background in FMCG & retail marketing, he believes in combining sharp commercial thinking with creativity and meaningful brand storytelling. His work has been recognised at international platforms including Cannes Lions, D&AD, and the Global Effies.
Mitin is also an active contributor to the industry; often seen on panels, moderating discussions, and judging award shows across MENA, the UK, and the US. He enjoys learning from peers as much as sharing his own experiences, with a focus on building brands that stay relevant in an evolving world.
Publicis Luxe is a 360° creative pole of excellence in luxury. By merging bold strategy, cutting-edge innovation, creativity, and cultural insight, the agency creates work that captures emotion and helps shape the future of the luxury industry. At the heart of our vision lies the power of encounters. When pieces of culture collide, something new emerges. When diverse talents meet, they chart new creative paths. Luxury meets culture. Craft meets AI. E-commerce meets retail. Encounters are the atom of transformation—and luxury has never craved reinvention more. With 400+ talents across Paris, New York, and Shanghai, the agency supports brands in long-term collaborations and targeted projects, covering all aspects of communication: strategy, digital, social, and production. We pioneer a new era of luxury marketing—where conversations flow, bridges are built, and heritage meets zeitgeist to spark the future.
Dania Dallasheh is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in digital marketing and performance media across the MENA region. Currently, she spearheads the performance division of LVMH in the Middle East as part of the Publicis Media Luxe team. Her role entails on ensuring performance excellence, implementing best-in-class digital solutions, and driving innovation. Her passion lies in helping brands scale their businesses through customer-centric data, elevating online consumer journey through precision audience targeting.
Wego is an online travel marketplace founded in Singapore in 2005 by Ross Veitch and Craig Hewett, aiming to simplify travel planning by providing a platform for comparing flights and hotels and booking the best deals. The platform serves millions of travelers globally, especially strong in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, offering a wide range of travel options and 24/7 customer support. Wego's mission is to inspire and enable people to travel by offering a seamless experience and a commitment to transparency and reliability
Sourav is the VP of Growth at Wego, leading a multi-regional team and driving SEM,
SEO, Display, Social Media, CRM, Affiliate, App Marketing, and Web Analytics. A
seasoned performance marketing expert, he specializes in customer engagement,
digital strategy, and AI-driven marketing innovations.
Sourav has been with Wego since November 2016 and is currently based in Dubai.
With eight plus years of shaping cutting-edge digital marketing strategies that adapt to
the evolving travel landscape, ensuring measurable success and long-term brand
growth, he plays a pivotal role in Wego’s growth in the region. Sourav is passionate
about leveraging data, technology, and strategic insights to optimize marketing
performance and enhance customer experiences.
SAWA Entertainment, founded in 2011 in Dubai, is a global media and entertainment conglomerate specializing in TV content distribution, media technology solutions, and advertising. Through its entities SAWA Rights Management, SAWA Technologies, and SAWA Media, they provide premium and FAST TV channels, VOD assets, and broadcast technology to broadcasters, operators, and the hospitality industry worldwide. The company's goal is to connect content providers with audiences by leveraging technology to enhance storytelling and drive growth.
Beiersdorf is a German multinational company focused on personal-care products and pressure-sensitive adhesives. Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, it has a strong global presence with over 20,000 employees and more than 160 affiliates worldwide. Beiersdorf's portfolio includes well-known brands like NIVEA, Eucerin, La Prairie, and Hansaplast/Elastoplast. The company operates in two main segments: Consumer Business, focusing on skin and beauty care, and tesa, specializing in self-adhesive products for various industries and consumers.
Hind is a digital marketing strategist with over six years of experience across media, agency, and client side. She has led campaigns for Beiersdorf’s brands across MENA, with a strong focus on measurement, innovation, and data-driven storytelling.
Attech is a High-attention advertising network in MENA, blending data-driven insights with CTV and DOOH to maximize ROI for brands. Our unified approach entails developing advanced video advertising technology, ranging from unifed auction to a centralized buying platform, spanning CTV, OTT, DOOH, and in-store retail media. By leveraging our solutions, advertisers can efficiently manage their budgets and team resources, mitigating audience overlap and ad fatigue through the consolidation of all video advertising endeavors within a single platform. At Attech, we serve as your trusted partner in navigating the evolving landscape of high impact in-stream advertising, facilitating enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in your advertising strategies
Yango Play lets you watch TV series and movies, listen to music, play games — all in one app. With Yango Play, you will also get unique trophies while watching TV series and movies and listening to music. Use these trophies in the Yango City game to decorate your city.
Ksenia is part of the marketing team at Yango Play, where she leads brand paid media efforts across the MENA region.
Before that, she held multiple leadership roles at Publicis, overseeing departments across paid social, programmatic, and digital strategy. With over 10 years of experience, she has a proven record of driving brand awareness for FMCG brands (Nestlé, GSK, L’Oréal, Almarai), optimizing sales for e-commerce (Samsung, AliExpress, Sephora), and generating leads for fintech clients (VISA).
Ksenia’s expertise spans programmatic, paid social, and PPC campaigns, as well as developing and presenting integrated digital strategies that combine SMM, SEO, influencer marketing, and data-driven solutions
Beiersdorf is a German multinational company focused on personal-care products and pressure-sensitive adhesives. Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, it has a strong global presence with over 20,000 employees and more than 160 affiliates worldwide. Beiersdorf's portfolio includes well-known brands like NIVEA, Eucerin, La Prairie, and Hansaplast/Elastoplast. The company operates in two main segments: Consumer Business, focusing on skin and beauty care, and tesa, specializing in self-adhesive products for various industries and consumers.
I am Aditya Deb, an e-commerce and retail-media leader at Beiersdorf, driving digital and e commerce acceleration across markets in Africa and Middle East. I specialize in data-driven marketing, clean-room collaboration, and performance strategy, blending creative storytelling with analytics to build impactful, full-funnel commerce ecosystems.
TikTok is the world's leading destination for short-form video. Our platform is built to help imaginations thrive. This is doubly true of the teams that make TikTok possible.
Mo Harb is the Head of Partnerships at TikTok Middle East and North Africa, where he leads the platform’s efforts to build a thriving ecosystem in collaboration with publishers, broadcasters, and business partners across the region. His work is particularly focused on the Sports, TV, and Film industries.
With over 20 years of international experience across sports business, digital operations, and strategic partnerships in MENA and Europe, Mo has been instrumental in shaping the growth of digital media and content ecosystems.
Lipton Arabia is the regional presence of the global company, LIPTON Teas and Infusions, which is the world's largest tea company with a major hub in Dubai. The brand has operated in the Middle East since the 1980s and has a market-leading position in places like the Emirates. Lipton Arabia focuses on catering to local tastes through partnerships with concepts like Project Chaiwala and operates a large factory in Dubai that serves the region.
A global video streaming and social platform focused on hyper localised, Iraqi Arabic content & celebrities
Fix Price Group is an international retail chain offering a wide variety of products for the whole family at low, fixed prices.
Fix Price stores feature over 2,000 products across various categories: home goods, household chemicals, cosmetics and hygiene products, stationery and books, clothing and toys, as well as food, beverages, and much more.
In addition to everyday items, we constantly introduce exciting new products, as well as seasonal and holiday essentials, to surprise our customers and bring them joyful experiences. Our unique and constantly changing assortment, combined with low prices, creates a treasure hunt atmosphere.
Our main focus is on customers and their needs. We open modern stores so that more families can enjoy convenient and affordable shopping!
Marketing manager with solid experience of work in FMCG and Retail across traditional trade and e-commerce retail.
