Aditya Bothra
Director, NSH Innovations PVTLTD
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for me — it is a calling.
Back in Barcelona, during my Master’s days, a professor (the wonderful Mrs. Lisa Hehenberger) unknowingly nurtured a growing sustainable seed in me. That seed bloomed into a conviction: packaging must evolve if we are to create a cleaner, greener planet.
Today, as Director of NSH Innovations Pvt. Ltd. (Brand: PackIntact), I lead a team dedicated to building sustainable packaging solutions that help businesses cut carbon emissions without compromising on functionality.
What started as just an idea — with no background in manufacturing, no roadmap, only sheer conviction — has now grown into a venture that supplies packaging to companies across 10+ countries. From honeycomb rolls to honeycomb mailers and eco-friendly paper padded bags, we’re helping brands reimagine packaging so it doesn’t end up in landfills or our oceans.
My passion lies in innovation — finding ways to replace outdated, harmful packaging with recyclable, future-proof alternatives. Every product we create is a step towards solving the global plastic crisis and proving that sustainability and scalability can co-exist.
Outside of work, I’m a curious learner, a believer in bold ideas, and someone who still marvels at how a classroom discussion in Barcelona shaped the course of my life.
Always open to connecting with fellow sustainability champions, innovators, and businesses who believe the future of packaging is green.
Aliyu Mohammed Ali
Co-Founder and CEO, EHFAAZ
Aliyu Mohammed Ali is the Co-Founder & CEO of Ehfaaz, one of the Middle East’s first full-stack circular economy platforms. Recognized with the Early Achievement Award in 2025, he is driving innovation through Ehfaaz’s 10-solution ecosystem that helps brands and cities turn waste into measurable value.
Amer Bitar
Founder, BBM Licensing
Amer Bitar is a global brand licensing executive, cultural strategist, and published author dedicated to shaping the future of the licensing industry in the Middle East. As the founder of BBM Licensing and co-organizer of Licensing Horizons, he has been instrumental in building a regional ecosystem that connects global brands with new growth opportunities across the Middle East and Africa. Amer is the author of Bedouin Visual Leadership in the Middle East (Palgrave Macmillan) and is currently working on a new book, The Authenticity Formula: Building Meaningful Brands Across Cultures. Recognized for his thought leadership on brand authenticity and aesthetic leadership, his work bridges strategy, culture, and commerce—empowering brands to expand with purpose and impact.
Enas Sobhy
Head of Corporate Social Responsibility & Environmental Care Department, Tadweer Waste Treatment LLC
With over 14 years of leadership in Sustainability and CSR, Enas champions eco-conscious living across families, schools, and communities in the UAE. As Head of CSR at Tadweer Waste Treatment LLC, she has led large-scale initiatives in waste reduction, recycling, and resource conservation, transforming awareness into tangible action.
Enas has designed and implemented thousands of sustainability programs, from creative recycling campaigns in nurseries to interactive workshops for parents and educators, empowering the next generation with planet-friendly habits. A certified ICF coach in health, parenting, wellness, and family dynamics, she blends environmental expertise with mindful family living—providing practical, inspiring tools to reduce household waste, raise eco-aware children, and cultivate lifelong sustainable habits. An Oxford Sustainable Corporate Leader, Enas continues to drive community impact, education, and behaviour change, shaping greener homes and a healthier, more sustainable future.
Grace Karim
Co-Founder, Bookends
A co-founder of Bookends, I am a mum entrepreneur with a deep love for literature and education. I serve as a substitute teacher in multiple schools in the capacity of a class teacher as well as teaching the Arabic and French languages. Additionally, I am the author of Ooread, an Arabic language book designed for non-Arabic speakers.
Driven by my passion for education, I earned a master's degree (MeD) from the University of Dundee in Scotland and currently seeking my Doctorate certificate. I take pride in being a mother to two boys and, as a dedicated reader myself, I have always instilled a love for reading in my children. My unwavering commitment inspired me to co-establish Bookends alongside my partner Somia in 2020. Together, we oversee the operations of both the online and retail store with a team of dedicated employees.
Hala Al-Naamani
Co-Founder & CDO, Paltic
Hala Al Naamani is the Co-Founder & CDO of Paltic, and an interior architect passionate about merging creativity with sustainability. With over a decade of experience across the GCC, she has transformed spaces through innovative, unique designs that embrace eco-conscious solutions. At Paltic, Hala reimagines plastic waste as a valuable material, integrating sustainable practices into architecture, interiors, and products — demonstrating how design can spark meaningful change across industries.
Hala Gebran
Designer & Founder, Halo Printworks
With 25 years of experience in branding, visual identity, and packaging, Hala breathes life into brands through deep insights, artful storytelling, and visual narratives. Based in Dubai, she embodies a fusion of Middle Eastern identity and Western nuance.
Her latest challenge is disrupting the crowded stationery industry by creating unique Arabic greeting cards, building cultural bridges and emotional connections.
In January, she was invited by Dubai Culture to participate in the Al Marmoom Festival as a retail vendor. She also collaborated with Maison des Fleurs, designing an exclusive Valentine’s Day card collection.
Kaunain Shahidi
Packaging & Sustainability Expert, Almarai
Mr. Kaunain Shahidi is a strategic thinker with over 20 years’ experience in packaging development and procurement. He has comprehensive understanding, knowledge, and practical exposure of broad packaging spectrum with expertise in packaging innovations, trends, and technologies. He regularly participates in various seminars and conferences to share his ideas on packaging, which he considers as fascinating and dynamic subject with an incredible and complicated future but having great potential for brands and business growth in the digitalized economy of 21st century.
Mohamed Abuzeid
General Manager, International office for stationery, IOS
Mohamed Abuzeid is a second-generation leader in Egypt’s stationery and office supplies sector, carrying forward the legacy of International Office for Stationery—one of the country’s leading companies in this field for the past 45 years. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, he has played a key role in strengthening the company’s position as the trusted agent for top global brands such as Staedtler, Carioca, Hopax, EBA, Rexel, GBC, and MAX. beside adding last year Maybach icons of luxury to the portfolio.
Holding a Master’s degree in International Business, Mohamed combines academic knowledge with practical expertise, enabling him to build and sustain strong partnerships with world-renowned manufacturers. His deep understanding of the Egyptian market, coupled with a forward-looking approach, has helped bridge international standards with local market needs, ensuring the company remains a pioneer in supplying quality stationery and office solutions.
Dedicated to innovation, growth, and long-term relationships, Mohamed continues to drive International Office for Stationery’s mission of providing trusted products that serve schools, businesses, and institutions across Egypt.
Mohamed Alayat
Founder, Event Gift
Mr. Mohamed Alayat is the visionary founder of Event Gift, a leading brand in the field of corporate gifts and promotional items. He began his journey in the corporate gifting industry, where he quickly recognized a gap in the market for products that were not only unique and trendy but also affordable without compromising on quality.
This insight led to the creation of Event Gift, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with branches in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia, as well as in Cairo, Egypt. Over the years, Event Gift has built a strong reputation across the Middle East and African markets. Each year, the company launches a carefully curated collection of products that are celebrated for being unique, stylish, innovative, and of exceptional quality.
In 2025, he further expanded his portfolio by establishing Botella, a brand dedicated to premium, high-quality drinkware, and Oryx, a brand specializing in durable and stylish bags with the vision of establishing a strong global presence.
Nadia Swan
TV Presenter and Conference MC
Nadia is an international multi-media broadcast journalist with over 30 years of experience working in the Middle East and UK. She is always up to date with global current affairs and has also produced and presented her own television programmes for Bahrain Television.
She is a confident, engaging speaker and MC with an excellent command of English.
Nadia is equally comfortable hosting debating panels at conferences, interacting with an audience for corporate or gala dinners or engaging with a guest on stage for a ‘fireside chat”. These have included the CEO and Board of Gulf Air, tennis legend Boris Becker and UAE government ministers.
Her experience and sense of humour means she thinks quickly on her feet and handles pressure confidently.
Nadia has interviewed international diplomats, CEO’s and sporting icons. Her knowledge of the Gulf is a great advantage in dealing with different cultures and nationalities appropriately.
Nadia is also a qualified fitness and nutrition coach and is an advocate of living a healthy balanced lifestyle. She reads extensively around the topics of food and wellness to stay current with developments and technology in these areas.
Nadia likes to give back to the community by supporting charitable events.
Najeeba Naval
Founder & Manging Director, Skribl Box LLC
Najeeba Raval is the founder and Managing Director of Skribl Box, one of the UAE’s most beloved art supplies companies. With a background rooted in creativity and honed by corporate experience, Najeeba has redefined retail through an experiential shopping concept that has captivated artists and hobbyists alike. She has successfully organized numerous art shows and workshops, enriching the local creative scene. Her strategic leadership and market insight have driven Skribl Box’s growth, making her a respected voice in both the art and business communities.
Neda Safaei
Country Manager MEA & Mediterranean, Moleskine
I'm a business executive with over two decades of experience of leadership and strategic management across multiple regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Europe in international companies.
Currently, I serve as the Country Manager for the Middle East, Africa, and mediterranean countries at Moleskine, based in Milan, Italy. In this role, which began in May 2023, I oversee the company’s operations, strategic initiatives, and market expansion across these regions.
Prior to joining Moleskine, I held a significant leadership role at STAEDTLER, one of the world's leading manufacturers of writing instruments.I served as Managing Director and business development manager roles in Iran , Germany and Italy during 2013 to 2022.
Earlier in my career, I spent nearly nine years with Henkel, working in Iran, and UAE, where I gained extensive experience in supply chain management and business controlling.
Academically, I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Maastricht School of Management.
Nima Vakili
Founder, Safa BioWorks
Nima Vakili is a mission-driven entrepreneur leading the transformation of the UAE into a circular economy sustainability leader. As CEO and Founder of Safa BioWorks, Nima is pioneering the world's first AI-native date palm biorefinery, converting 1M+ tons of agricultural waste annually into premium bioplastics and sustainable materials.
With deep expertise at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and global business innovation, Nima brings strategic vision and execution experience in emerging markets. Under his leadership, Safa BioWorks is positioning the UAE as a post-petroleum sustainability pioneer, directly supporting the nation's Vision 2071 and Net Zero 2050 objectives while creating extraordinary economic value.
Nima's work demonstrates that the MENA region which powered the fossil age can lead the regenerative age—proving that sustainability and profitability are not just compatible, but inseparable. His approach combines government relations expertise, circular economy thought leadership, and international business development to create scalable solutions for planetary sustainability.
Nivine Hachem
Co-Founder & CEO, Paltic
Nivine Hachem is the Co-Founder & CEO of Paltic, a circular economy enterprise transforming plastic waste into sustainable materials and products. With over a decade of experience in finance, strategy, and business development across MENA and Europe, she previously worked with Ernst & Young and Philip Morris International before transitioning into purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Nivine is passionate about circular innovation, community empowerment, and driving sustainability in the region.
Nousheen Mukhtar
CEO, Nousheen Marketing Management and Impact Events & Publishers
Nousheen Mukhtar is a globally recognized public speaker, branding strategist, and leadership mentor whose work has inspired emerging as well as established entrepreneurs and C-suite executives across industries. As the CEO of Nousheen Marketing Management and Impact Events & Publishers, the founder of Impact Leadership Program she brings over a decade of experience in marketing, PR, and business development to the stage.
Her speaking engagements focus on transformative topics such as personal branding, business growth strategies, public relations for visibility, and leadership development. With a deep belief in aligning passion with purpose, Nousheen helps professionals uncover their unique strengths and translate them into impactful business narratives.
Whether she's mentoring executives or speaking at international conferences, Nousheen Mukhtar’s mission remains clear: to help individuals and organizations lead with authenticity, influence with integrity, and grow with purpose.
Parv Sondhi
Founder and Managing Partner, P Sq Paper Trading
Area of Expertise:
- Managing suitable Paper Trading Company
- Revenue Generation & Increasing Operational Profitability.
- Eye for Detail & Quality Focus Process Orientation.
- Organization Development. Human Resources and Training. Business Plan & Budgeting.
- Setting up Service & Operational Procedures. Cost Controlling Procedures.
- Staff Planning & Training.
- Developing and executing the company’s business strategies and policies. Providing strategic advice to the board and chairperson. Preparing and implementing comprehensive business plans and budgets. Planning and managing cost- effective operations and market development activities. Establishing and enforcing company policies and legal guidelines
Purva Grover
Author, Journalist & Creative Entrepreneur
Purva Grover is an author, journalist, and creative entrepreneur.
She has authored The Trees Told Me So, It was the year 2020, She (translated into seven languages), and #icouldhavebeenaninstapost.
She is the founder-editor of digital publications: The Indian Trumpet, a quarterly magazine for Indian expats; The Junior Trumpet, a monthly magazine for children & young adults; and stories over art, a monthly magazine for those who find solace, inspiration, & purpose in the arts.
With a career spanning over 19 years (and counting) in journalism, she has left an indelible mark across genres, platforms, and brands. Her life is a whirlwind of headlines, deadlines, and timelines, with her words transcending traditional boundaries. From podcasts to theatrical productions, talks to art pieces and other disciplines, her creative output knows no bounds, and she continues pushing the envelope as a creative educator and entrepreneur.
In recognition of her contributions to literature, the Dubai Culture Arts & Authority awarded her the prestigious UAE Golden Visa for ten years in 2021. This was the first culture visa in the world, and she was honored under the Class of Creators from the People of Culture and Art category as a Writer.
She is not an 'influencer' but a storyteller who is addicted to writing tales to discover her favorite word.
She resides in Dubai, UAE.
Shalin Gandhi
Managing Director, Submarine Pens Ltd
Shalin Gandhi, Managing Director of Submarine Pens Ltd, has been a driving force in India's pen industry for over three decades. With expertise in crafting high-quality writing instruments, he has propelled Submarine to become a leading pen manufacturer in India. Under his guidance, the company focuses on corporate gifting, generating 60% of its revenue. Gandhi's innovative approach has led to the creation of the popular Coffee Pen series. With ambitious plans, he aims to achieve a turnover of $50 million within four years.
Some notable achievements and partnerships include:
Key Partnerships:
- NASA License: Manufacturing and selling NASA-themed pens globally
- ISRO License: Creating pens with Indian Space Research Organisation's theme
- Swissbrand License: Producing high-quality pens under the Swissbrand name for global sales
- Global Presence: Registered in India, Australia, Brazil, Canada, European Union, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Turkey, United Kingdom & USA
- Retail Expansion:
- Airport Stores: Submarine Pens has stores at Mumbai T1 and Chennai airports, with new openings in Surat and Patna this month
- Professional Affiliations:
- BNI Member: Over 18 years of membership, fostering business relationships and growth
Gandhi's leadership has enabled Submarine Pens to deliver innovative writing instruments, empowering personal expression and creativity
Shruti Dhok
Licensing Manager, K2S Media-Geekay Group
Licensing Manager with over 15 years of end-to end experience across fashion retail, consumer products and entertainment IP. Proven success scaling licensing business for global brands including Netflix, PlayStation Warner across Middle East. Bridged creative brand value with commercials, to create cross-industry collaborations and market launches.
Umang Khan
Associate Partner, Supply Chain Talks
With 18+ years of global experience in supply chain management, digital transformation, and business process optimization, Umang Khan has led transformation journeys for world-class organizations including Procter & Gamble, Masafi, and leading consultancies. Currently working as a supply chain consultant, Umang specializes in developing end-to-end supply chain strategies, driving digitization, and embedding sustainability to help businesses build resilient and scalable operations.
A certified project manager and corporate trainer, Umang has designed and delivered programs on S&OP, warehousing, logistics, negotiation, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Her training style is highly interactive and results-driven, equipping professionals with practical tools to navigate today’s complex business environment.
As a keynote speaker and moderator, Umang has been invited to share insights at high-profile platforms such as LogiMotion, CTW, Worldef, and SCLG, where she has led impactful sessions on supply chain innovation, e-commerce growth, and digital transformation. Drawing on a unique blend of corporate leadership and consulting experience, Umang combines strategic foresight with hands-on solutions, making complex challenges accessible and actionable for diverse audiences.
Through her work, Umang empowers organizations to embrace innovation, foster collaboration, and build future-ready supply chains that thrive in an evolving global landscape.
Yuvraj Bahl
Director, Kaagaz Trading LLC
Yuvraj Bahl, with a decade of experience in international paper trading, is the driving force behind Kaagaz. Under his leadership, the venture embodies a commitment to quality and sustainability. His strong industry relationships and strategic tie-ups have propelled Kaagaz to new heights, making a global impact with paper products that touch lives every day.