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SEF'26
AGENDA
Check out the sessions and connections that will shape the future of media, content and entertainment, bookmark your favourites, and don’t miss the future-shaping moments
31 JAN - 1 FEB 2026
SPARK, SHARJAH, UAE
REGISTER INTEREST
THEY ARE COMING
5000+ FOUNDERS
500+ VCS ARE JOINING
THEY ARE COMING
5000+ FOUNDERS
500+ VCS ARE JOINING
THEY ARE COMING
5000+ FOUNDERS
500+ VCS ARE JOINING
ALL SESSIONS
ALL SESSIONS
TALK
PANEL DISCUSSION
FIRESIDE CHAT
WORKSHOP
MASTERCLASS
ACTIVATION
PERFORMANCE
ALL TRACKS
ALL STAGES
ALL TRACKS
ALL STAGES
IMPACT
FOUNDERS
CREATIVE
COMMUNITY
SEF ACADEMY
SEF EATS
EXPRESSION ZONE
MADE IN SHARJAH
STARTUP TOWN
31 JAN
1 FEB
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Session
Feb 1, 2026
6:00 pm
-
7:30 pm
NNC x AUS x SEF Student Hackathon
Community
SPEAKERs
No items found.
moderator
No items found.
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
10:55 am
-
11:15 am
Building the Future Food Economy
Impact
SPEAKERs
H.E. Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak
Minister of Climate Change & Environment
80
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri
UAE Minister of Economy & Tourism
50
H.E. Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Bin Khalid Al Qasimi
Executive Chairman, Department of Government Relations - Sharjah
84
moderator
H.E. Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Bin Khalid Al Qasimi
Executive Chairman, Department of Government Relations - Sharjah
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
11:15 am
-
11:35 am
Luxury, Identity, and the Rise of the Middle East’s Creative Sector
Impact
SPEAKERs
Rachid Mohamed Rachid
Founder & Chairman, Alsara investments Group; Founder, Bidayat
27
Mounaz Abdel Raouf
Co-Founder, Okhtein
29
Patrick Chalhoub
Executive Chairman, CHALHOUB GROUP
2000
moderator
Juma Alhaj
Director of Strategic Marketing & Communication, SPARK
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
11:35 am
-
11:45 am
Scaling What Matters: Entrepreneurship at the Intersection of AI, Capital, and Social Impact
Impact
SPEAKERs
H.E. Badr Jafar
CEO, Crescent Enterprises
2000
moderator
No items found.
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
12:00 pm
-
12:15 pm
From What If's to So What
Community
SPEAKERs
Souad Al Serkal
Founder & CEO, CommCation
14
moderator
No items found.
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
12:00 pm
-
12:10 pm
Du on Empowering Founders in the UAE
Founders
SPEAKERs
Gregg Alexander Pearce
Head of SoHo & SME Segment, EITC - du
2000
moderator
No items found.
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
12:10 pm
-
12:30 pm
MENA's 2026 Startup Ecosystem: Current State and Future Trends
Founders
SPEAKERs
Peji Kanani
Regional Lead, MEA, Carta
26
moderator
No items found.
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
12:15 pm
-
12:30 pm
Unshakable Wealth: How Women Can Build Financial Freedom That Lasts
Community
SPEAKERs
Malu Marsault
Founder, Mama Invests
37
moderator
No items found.
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
12:30 pm
-
1:00 pm
What Does the Next Year of Venture Capital Look Like
Founders
SPEAKERs
Christos Mastoras
Founder & Managing Partner, lliad Partners
51
Paula Tavangar
Chief Investment Officer, Injaz Capital
52
Tala Al Jabri
Founder & Managing Partner, Wyld VC
53
Tushar Singhvi
Deputy CEO & Head of Investments, CRESCENT ENTERPRISES
2000
moderator
Jamie Lane
Co-Founder, FWDstart
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
12:30 pm
-
1:00 pm
Philanthropy and Impact Investing as the New Model for Sustainable Growth in the Region
Impact
SPEAKERs
H.E. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi
Former Minister in the Government of the United Arab Emirates
51
moderator
Maysa Jalbout
Global Education Advocate & Philanthropy Executive
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
12:30 pm
-
1:00 pm
The State of the Creative Economy in the Region
Creative
SPEAKERs
Amal Al Beiti
Creative Director & Founder, Tiny Toaster Design Studio
68
moderator
Syed Bukhari
Head of Strategic Communications & Visibility, American University of Sharjah
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
1:00 pm
-
1:15 pm
Path to the Top: Leading a Brand Into the Future
Founders
SPEAKERs
Rania Masri El Khatib
CEO, The Giving Movement
11
moderator
Anne Laure Malauzat
UAE Managing Partner & EMEA Head of Impact Practice, Bain & Company
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
1:00 pm
-
1:30 pm
Family First, Business Second? The Afia Story Unfiltered
Creative
SPEAKERs
Abdurahman Afia
CEO, Afia Partners
2000
MixedCB
Director of Quality, Afia Partners
2000
MixedNaz
Creative Director & Content Creator, Afia Partners
2000
moderator
Omar Al Duri
Radio Host, Pulse 95 Radio; Author, Wellbeing Coach & Uefa Licensed Football Coach
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
1:15 pm
-
1:30 pm
Your Life is Your Greatest Asset
Impact
SPEAKERs
Ghanim Al Muftah
Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker & Advocate
30
moderator
No items found.
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
1:15 pm
-
1:30 pm
From Scrubs to Stock Market: The FIGS Founder Journey
Founders
SPEAKERs
Heather Hasson
Executive Chairman & Co-founder, FIGS
2000
moderator
Dalia Nejem
Founder, Cally
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
1:30 pm
-
2:00 pm
The Value of a Founder's Lens in VC
Founders
SPEAKERs
Sami Khoreibi
Co-Founder & CEO, Wisewell
54
Allen Lau
Co-founder & Operating Partner, Two Small Fish Ventures
55
Sharif Farha
Partner & Head of Investments, HB Investments
56
Noor Shawwa
Venture Partner, Global Ventures
57
moderator
Ahlem Mahroua
Founder & Growth Systems Expert, nova* ; Growth Advisor, Kutb
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
1:30 pm
-
1:45 pm
Leading With Goodness: A More Human Way to Build Business
Impact
SPEAKERs
Nand Kishore Chaudhary
Founder & Chairman, Jaipur Rugs
81
moderator
No items found.
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
1:30 pm
-
2:00 pm
Bringing Hope to the Big Screen
Creative
SPEAKERs
Ali Jaafar
Head of Film & Global Series, MBC Studios
2000
moderator
Ramzi Alabras
Communications Manager, Action Global Communications
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
1:45 pm
-
1:50 pm
Designing a World That Works for Everyone
Impact
SPEAKERs
H.H. AlSayyida Basma Al Said
Not Alone Mental Health Awareness Campaign & Whispers of Serenity Clinic
53
moderator
No items found.
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
1:45 pm
-
2:15 pm
Rooted in Heritage: Leading Businesses With Identity, Heart and Culture
Community
SPEAKERs
No items found.
moderator
No items found.
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
2:00 pm
-
2:30 pm
Arabic First: Building Native AI for MENA
Founders
SPEAKERs
Fatima Al Kaabi
Inventor & Co-Founder, AlEmirati
80
Fouad Jeryes
Co-Founder & President, Maqsam
31
Hassan Hamdan
CEO, Elements & Co-Founder, Unifonic
26
Muhammed Khalid
Founder & CEO, Airev
2000
moderator
Elizaveta Vartanian
Co-founder, AIEmirati
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
2:00 pm
-
2:30 pm
Inside the CEO Role: What it Takes to Grow
Impact
SPEAKERs
Ambareen Musa
GCC CEO, Revolut
7
Hamad Al Hajri
Founder & CEO, Snoonu
21
H.E. Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi
Board Member, Astra TechCEO, Botim
2000
Mohamed Khadiri
CEO, Bank of Sharjah
2000
Karim Benkirane
CCO, Du & Board Member of DuPay
2000
moderator
Reim El Houni
CEO, Ti22 Films
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
2:00 pm
-
2:30 pm
Future Makers: Next-Gen Emirati Founders صنّاع المستقبل: جيلٌ يبني الفرص
Creative
SPEAKERs
Shamma Saeed Binlahij
Certified Entrepreneurship Consultant & Co-Founder, Sahab Vacation Homes LLC
2000
Hamdan Karmsutaji
Co-Founder & CFO, Thiqa Education
2000
Aisha AlZaabi
Film Director & Founder, Press Play Art Production
2000
moderator
Hamid Albastaki
Member, Sharjah Youth Council
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
2:15 pm
-
2:45 pm
Staying Ahead & Innovating in F&B
Community
SPEAKERs
Gabriela Chamorro
Executive Chef & Co-founder, Girl and the Goose
2000
Dani Chakour
Founder & CEO, Em Sherif
2000
Carole Moawad
Co-Founder & CEO, M’OISHÎ
2000
Chef Meera Alnaqbi
Chef, Heeb cafe / Meera Restaurant / Kuvo foods
2000
moderator
Manar Alkassar
Co-Founder & CEO, Kaso, Helpling & qlub
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
2:30 pm
-
3:00 pm
The Hard Work Starts After Close: Creating Value After the Deal
Founders
SPEAKERs
Rosa Piro
Chief Investment Officer, Arada
10
Brooke Bellamy
Founder, Brooki Bakehouse
12
Juliet Zhu
CEO, Constellation Ventures
54
Karolos Travassaros
Chief Portfolio Officer, Emirates Growth Fund
2000
Ahmad Al Saif
Founder & CEO, Alefredo EdTech
2000
moderator
Peji Kanani
Regional Lead, MEA, Carta
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
2:30 pm
-
3:00 pm
How To Fail: Everything I’ve Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong
Impact
SPEAKERs
Elizabeth Day
Award-Winning Author & Broadcaster; Founder, Daylight Productions.
2000
moderator
No items found.
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
2:45 pm
-
3:15 pm
Masculinity in the New Age
Community
SPEAKERs
Ali Ilyas
Clinical Psychologist, Monarch Health Centers
47
moderator
Punam Verma
TV & Radio Journalist, Dubai Eye Radio
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
3:00 pm
-
3:30 pm
Pitch, Pivot or Drop: When should you let go & when should you pivot?
Founders
SPEAKERs
Eyad Al Kassar
CEO & Founder, Qlub
24
Bassel El Koussa
CEO & Co-Founder, Quiqup
25
moderator
Nader Aboulhosn
Programs Manager - Ecosystem Development, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (SHERAA)
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
3:00 pm
-
3:20 pm
Beyond Earth: Rewriting What is Possible
Impact
SPEAKERs
Nora Al Matrooshi
Emirati Astronaut
2000
moderator
Rania Saadi
Radio Presenter, Pulse95 Radio
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
3:00 pm
-
3:30 pm
Who Are You When the Applause Is Gone
Creative
SPEAKERs
Shahd Batal
Content Creator & Entrepreneur
147
moderator
Juwayria Ghazali
Content Creator
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
3:15 pm
-
3:35 pm
The Confidence Paradox: Owning Your Flaws
Community
SPEAKERs
Asmaa Al Kuwari
Leadership Coach, Author & Founder of the “You’re Not Alone” Community
48
moderator
No items found.
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
3:20 pm
-
3:50 pm
The Power of Story to Change Systems
Impact
SPEAKERs
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy
Creative Director, SOC FILMS
2000
moderator
Inzamam Rashid
Gulf Editor, Monocle
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
3:30 pm
-
4:00 pm
Designing Tech for the Modern Family's Needs
Founders
SPEAKERs
Torkia Mahloul
Co-Founder & CEO, Ovasave
60
Lida Ahmadi
Co-Founder & CEO, Monix
2000
Christin Toubia
Strategy & Growth Healthcare Consultant; Co-Founder, FounderStudio
2000
Sana Kapadia
Chief Catalyst, Heading for Change
2000
moderator
Esraa Fakeih
Co-Founder & CPO, Gees Health
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
3:30 pm
-
4:00 pm
Making Ancient Wisdom Accessible for Modern Life
Creative
SPEAKERs
Master Can
34th Generation Shaolin Warrior Monk
44
moderator
No items found.
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
3:35 pm
-
4:05 pm
Why Gaming Owns Attention and What Founders Can Learn
Community
SPEAKERs
Katia Serbina
Head of Middle East, Unity
13
moderator
Ramzi Alabras
Communications Manager, Action Global Communications
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
3:50 pm
-
4:10 pm
WHOOP - Building a Brand Around Community
Impact
SPEAKERs
John Sullivan
CMO, WHOOP
4
moderator
No items found.
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
4:00 pm
-
4:30 pm
Secondaries Explained: Creating Liquidity Before an Exit
Founders
SPEAKERs
Parthi Duraisamy
Co-Founder & CEO, Alaan
58
moderator
Basil Moftah
Managing Partner, Key Capital
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
4:00 pm
-
4:30 pm
Will AI Replace Human Interactions? Tech, Talent & the Human Edge
Creative
SPEAKERs
Megan Brittain Adams
VP Strategic Partnerships, Professional.me
131
Rakan Armoush
Co-Founder & CTO, FJR AI
127
Wassim Merheby
CEO, VEROFAX
2000
moderator
Dr. Amina Yonis
Educational Content Creator, AI Consultant, Academic Coach & Founder, The Page Doctor
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
4:05 pm
-
4:25 pm
From Customer Obsession to Global Scale
Community
SPEAKERs
Wajdan Gul Memon
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, SQUATWOLF
2000
Anam Khalid
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, SQUATWOLF
2000
moderator
Rosie Gunn
Founder & CEO, Endless UAE
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
4:10 pm
-
4:40 pm
High-Performance Under Pressure - F1 Learnings for Today's Entrepreneurs
Impact
SPEAKERs
Sebastian Vettel
Four-time Formula 1 World Champion & Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur
2
moderator
Amna Al Qubaisi
First Female Emirati Racing Driver
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
4:25 pm
-
4:45 pm
Where Commerce Meets Culture: The New Playbook for Region-Born Global Icons
Community
SPEAKERs
Nadine Kanso
Creative Director & Founder, Bil Arabi
80
moderator
Aalia Mehreen Ahmed
Features Editor, Entrepreneur Middle East
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
4:30 pm
-
5:00 pm
Leading Scale-ups in Emerging Markets
Founders
SPEAKERs
Martin Rohland
CEO, Baly
2000
Azizjon Azimi
Founder & CEO, zypl.ai; Chair, AI Council of Tajikstan
2000
Dalal Alrayes
Founder & CEO, Spare
2000
Muhammad Omer Khan
Founder & CEO, PostEx
40
moderator
Youssef Salem
CFO, ADNOC Drilling
Fireside Chat
Jan 31, 2026
4:30 pm
-
5:00 pm
More Than a Cup: Brewing Brands Through Content & Community
Creative
SPEAKERs
Waqar Al Hammadi
Founder & CEO, RELAM Roastery
2000
Abdulrahman Alosaimi
Toga coffee & Biru Roast / Owner / Founder
2000
moderator
No items found.
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
4:45 pm
-
5:15 pm
Nourish to Flourish: How Intuitive Eating Fuels Lifelong Wellness
Community
SPEAKERs
Layla Al Naif
Holistic nutritionist
81
Mirna Sabbagh
Entrepreneur & Dietitian. Founder, Puraface, Kokowipes & Co-Founder, Nohm
97
moderator
Nathalie Curabba
Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Health-supportive Chef & Sustainability Manager, AUS
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
5:00 pm
-
5:30 pm
What Happens When Two Worlds Collide: The Story of Athletes Turned Founders
Founders
SPEAKERs
Vadim Fedotov
Co-Founder & Chairman, Bioniq
18
Idriss Al Rifai
Co-Founder & CEO, Flow48
87
moderator
Tamara Pupic
Managing Editor, Entrepreneur Middle East
Talk
Jan 31, 2026
5:15 pm
-
5:45 pm
When the Body Speaks: Understanding the Signals We Ignore - and How to Respond
Community
SPEAKERs
Barbara O'Neill
Accla Health Educator, Author, Naturopath, Nutritionist & International Speaker on Natural Healing
15
moderator
No items found.
Panel Discussion
Jan 31, 2026
5:30 pm
-
6:00 pm
Career Pivots: A Lawyer, Engineer & Biomed Grad Pivot into Start-up
Founders
SPEAKERs
Tayeb Hassan
Co-Founder, Nafsi Health
2000
Omar Ebeid
Founder & CEO, Zeal
25
Ali Al Alawi
Co-Founder & CEO, Unipal
30
moderator
Izma Fatima
SEF Ambassador & President, AUS Entrepreneurship Club
Masterclass
Jan 31, 2026
10:00 am
-
10:00 pm
Nafsi Mental Health Clinic
Startup Town
SPEAKERs
Talha Cingar
Business Development Manager, Nafsi
2000
Dr. Kais Mahod
Consultant Psychiatrist
2000
moderator
No items found.
Masterclass
Jan 31, 2026
10:00 am
-
10:00 pm
Design Clinic by Tiny Toaster
Creative
SPEAKERs
Amal Al Beiti
Creative Director & Founder, Tiny Toaster Design Studio
68
moderator
No items found.
Workshop
Jan 31, 2026
11:30 am
-
12:30 pm
Geo Game-Changer: Turning Geolocation Data into Profit
SEF Academy
SPEAKERs
Isaias Thomas Biju
Head of UX/UI Design, Year 2- BSc Computer Science, Heriot Watt, Dubai.
2000
moderator
No items found.
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