Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2026

His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa brings over 20 years of dynamic professional experience in various commercial, tourism and economic fields in Sharjah. Under his leadership, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority (SCTDA) has achieved many successes at both international and local levels, becoming a major cornerstone of the emirate’s tourism development efforts. Al Midfa has taken the emir... View More

H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa

Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh is the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. He has 32 years of experience in the federal government. He served at the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the UAE Embassy in Paris. Additionally, he worked in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister from 1998 to 2000. In 2004, he joined the Ministry of Economy as the Assistant Undersecretary for International... View More

H.E. Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Saleh

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism

Dr. Fadi Aloul is the Dean of the College of Engineering and a Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), UAE.  He leads a college consisting of an outstanding 100 faculty, 25 lab instructors, 22 administrators, and over 2,700 students. The college offers ten undergraduate programs, ten master’s programs, and four doctoral programs. He previously ser... View More

Prof. Fadi Aloul, PhD

Dean of the College of Engineering, Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at the American University of Sharjah

Aaron Goldring is a Senior Economist within the Tourism Economics team having worked for the company for 7 years. Aaron leads Tourism Economics' forecasts for travel and tourism in the GCC. Based in Dubai, Aaron splits his time between analysing trends in global and GCC tourism, projecting key travel metrics, and reporting on key developments that affect the outlook for travel and tourism. In addi... View More

Aaron Goldring

Senior Economist

Nawal Al Nuaimi is a visionary chef, entrepreneur, and consultant, whose inspiring journey from Head of Information Security in government to a celebrated culinary artist reflects her passion and innovation. In 2015, she founded Paper Fig, transforming it from a home-based dessert shop into a renowned café, restaurant, and catering brand in Sharjah. Her culinary creations—infused with global fla... View More

Nawal Alnuaimi

Chef and Entrepreneur

Marc Reineke is among the first experts to push Generative AI into mainstream business use in Dubai. He consults organizations on how to move beyond AI “experiments” and turn modern technologies into real operational value — through audits, strategy, and hands-on training.  With his team, he develops custom AI Agent systems, but Marc’s main focus is empowering leaders and their teams to use A... View More

Marc Reineke

CEO & Founder SmartFox Group

Director of Tourism Development Department at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism

Mohamed Alahbabi

Director of Tourism Development Department at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism

Mohamad Omran Al Ali, Media professional, program producer, and TV presenter at Sharjah Sports Channel, with an extensive career in media and government work since 2008. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Sharjah, and actively serves as a member in several charitable, cultural, and social associations across the UAE. Hosted and managed numerous national and community... View More

Mohamad Al Ali

Media professional

Piotr Kurzepa leads CFTE Middle East, driving AI education and workforce development across the region. He has designed and delivered training programmes for governments, central banks, and financial institutions in the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, as well as across Europe and Asia. His work spans all level, from senior executives to fresh graduates, helping organisations effectively integrate... View More

Piotr Kurzepa

Head of Middle East at the Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship

Shihab AlHashimi

Media Professional

Cultural Tourism Consultant and CEO of Maestro Group

Ali Al Saloom

Cultural Tourism Consultant and CEO of Maestro Group

Paris Norriss is a British-born adventurer, TV host, and explorer. He is best known as the creator and presenter of the internationally broadcast adventure series Guy in Dubai and Guy in the Sky, both of which have captivated audiences across more than 125 countries and on leading platforms such as Amazon Prime, OSN, and major airline in-flight entertainment systems. His shows explore the intersec... View More

Paris Norriss

Creator and Presenter

Abdulla Matar AlBlooshi is an Emirati entrepreneur and travel content creator, and the founder of Bon Journey Tourism Services, a leading group-travel experience company. He has successfully led more than 17 international trips, combining professional trip curation with creative storytelling to showcase the beauty and culture of destinations worldwide. As a travel content creator with over 300... View More

Abdulla Matar AlBlooshi

Emirati entrepreneur and Travel Content Creator

An Emirati content creator, widely recognized for his passion for travel, unique experiences, and thrilling adventures. With over 300K followers across all platforms, he has built a strong community inspired by his journeys and storytelling. Recently, Ahmed achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a Guinness World Record, further cementing his status as one of the UAE’s most prominent and inspi... View More

Ahmed Al Kass

Emirati Content Creator in Travel and Adventures

Ebrahim Bolehyool is an entrepreneur in the field of creative production and a former member of several youth councils. He is passionate about government trends and content creation through advertisements and films for various entities. He is also a researcher and enthusiast in generative artificial intelligence and its applications in media and creativity.

Ebrahim Bolehyool

Emirati entrepreneur in creative production

Media Professional at Sharjah Broadcasting Authority

Hazza Al Shehhi

Media Professional at Sharjah Broadcasting Authority

IBCCES is a global leader in training and certifying organizations to better serve individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. In Dubai, IBCCES works closely with Dubai Economy and Tourism to implement the Certified Autism Destination (CAD) initiative, positioning the city as one of the most inclusive destinations in the world. The initiative extends to Madinah, which became the first Autis... View More

Bianca Raubenheimer

Key Account Manager for the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)

Abdullah Al Hammadi

Media Professional at Sharjah Broadcasting Authority

Timur Ilgaz is a visionary hospitality leader with over 37 years of international experience across Europe and the Middle East. As Area Vice President for Dubai and the Northern Emirates at Rotana Hotels & Resorts, he oversees 21 properties, ensuring operational excellence, financial growth, and sustainable performance. Known for his strategic mindset, meticulous attention to detail, and people-fi... View More

Timur Ilgaz

Area Vice President – Dubai & Northern Emirates, Rotana Hotels & Resorts

Ms. Fatima Hassan Abdullah Al Ali is the Director of the Project Support and Financing Department at the Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs "Ruwad," and is currently serving as the Acting Director of the Foundation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Management from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah. She joined Ruwad in 2007 and, along with the team and... View More

Fatima Al Ali

Director of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation "Ruwad"

Hala Matar Choufany, a global leader in hospitality, is President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia. With over 20 years’ experience and more than 5 000 hospitality and mixed-use projects across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, her expertise spans valuations, acquisitions, asset management, strategic investments, development and real estate advisory. A sought-after speaker and author... View More

Hala Matar Choufany

President Middle East, North Africa and Asia at HVS

Dr. Cintia Kulzer Sacilotto is an Assistant Professor at the College of Business and Economics, United Arab Emirates University, specializing in sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She serves on the steering committee of Chapter Zero UAE, part of the World Economic Forum’s Climate Governance Initiative, and is a member of its Professional Education Committee at Hughes Hall, Universit... View More

Dr. Cintia Kulzer Sacilotto

Assistant Professor UAE University

Lecturer at Faculty of Tourism Supervisor on public relations and media King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Thamer Bader Alamri

Lecturer at Faculty of Tourism, Supervisor on public relations and media, King Abdulaziz University

Regional Director of the Middle East at UN Tourism

H.E. Basmah Al Mayman

Regional Director of the Middle East at UN Tourism

Seth Shenbanjo is a data science and business professional focused on using technology to drive business intelligence and strategy. With expertise in advanced analytics, Seth empowers organisations to unlock growth, innovate, and make impactful, data-driven decisions. ActDIvate is redefining demand intelligence by helping businesses and governments understand and anticipate city dynamics. Focus... View More

Seth Shenbanjo

Data Science and Business Professional

Thierry Malleret is the founder and managing partner of Monthly Barometer- a succinct predictive analysis provided to private investors, global CEOs and some of today's most influential opinion and decision-makers. He is considered one of the leading commentators on global investment trends. He was until 2011 a senior partner at IJ (Informed Judgement) Partners, an investment boutique for ultra-h... View More

THIERRY MALLERET

Distinguished Global Strategist, Economist and co-founder of the Monthly Barometer

Judith Ravasingadi is a Food Safety and Hygiene Specialist with 12 years of experience in the field. She holds a BSc in Food Science & Nutrition Honors degree, and currently works with the iconic 5-star Atlantis Dubai, where she plays a critical role in maintaining and elevating food safety standards. Her expertise lies in designing and auditing food safety management systems that minimize contami... View More

Judith Ravasingadi

Food Safety and Hygiene Specialist

Chris Gregory-Pasha is the Senior Sales Director at Sojern, a global leader in programmatic and AI-driven marketing solutions, designed for the travel industry. Based in Dubai, Chris has dedicated the past decade to the travel industry. Before joining Sojern, Chris spent six years at TripAdvisor as a client partner to significant travel brands such Emirates, Accor, Marriott and Jumeirah. Chris cur... View More

Chris Gregory Pasha

Senior Sales Director at Sojern

I am an accomplished hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience overseeing luxury hotels, including classic and aparthotels. I focus on ensuring the highest standards of guest and employee satisfaction while driving profitability. Throughout my career, I have led numerous initiatives in operational management, revenue maximization, and guest experience enhancement. I have successfully nav... View More

Fadi Musharafieh

Cluster General Manager

A strategic business leader with over 25 years building market presence and driving revenue growth and innovation across Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Recognized as an industry transformational executive leader across the Digital Economy, AI, Fintech, Innovation, Partnerships and Venture Capital space, Karl has built and developed global and regional ecosystem partnerships across... View More

Karl Tlais

Strategic Advisor | Digital Economy | Partnerships | Ventures

Ed Kastli joined the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) in October of 2009. Established in 1953 as the nonprofit education and training arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) representing the U.S. hotel industry with over 35,000 member hotel properties , AHLEI ’s mission is to be the preferred provider of quality training and academic resources to educate , de... View More

Ed Kastli

e Channel Vice President of International at the NRA and AHLEI

Education: • MSc (Food Science and Nutrition). 1991, Utah State University, USA. • BSc in Food science, University of Khartoum, 1983 Key Posts: Food Safety Expert, Environment, Health and Safety Foundation (2016-2024) Halal Food Technical Expert, Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC), Dubai, UAE. 2015- Present Head of Food Studies and Planning Section, Food Control Department, Dubai ... View More

Bashir Hassan Yousif

Food Safety Expert, Dubai Municipality

Marketing Department Manager at Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

Mr. Karim El Marmari

Marketing Department Manager - Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2026

Featured Speakers

H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa

H.E. Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Saleh

Prof. Fadi Aloul, PhD

Aaron Goldring

Nawal Alnuaimi

Marc Reineke

Mohamed Alahbabi

Mohamad Al Ali

Piotr Kurzepa

Shihab AlHashimi

Ali Al Saloom

Paris Norriss

Abdulla Matar AlBlooshi

Ahmed Al Kass

Ebrahim Bolehyool

Hazza Al Shehhi

Bianca Raubenheimer

Abdullah Al Hammadi

Timur Ilgaz

Fatima Al Ali

Hala Matar Choufany

Dr. Cintia Kulzer Sacilotto

Thamer Bader Alamri

H.E. Basmah Al Mayman

Seth Shenbanjo

THIERRY MALLERET

Judith Ravasingadi

Chris Gregory Pasha

Fadi Musharafieh

Karl Tlais

Ed Kastli

Bashir Hassan Yousif

Mr. Karim El Marmari

Event Agenda

Registration & Networking

Opening Ceremony

Keynote: The Adaptive Economy

Panel: Leadership in an Age of Uncertainty

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Guest of Honor Speech

UN Tourism Keynote: Natalia Bayona - Executive Director of UN Tourism

Awards Ceremony

Exhibition Tour & Coffee Break

Panel: Building Resilient Destinations

Panel: Infrastructure for the Next Wave

Closing Ceremony

Presentation: CIS Travel Is Rebounding, but the Traveler Has Changed

Side Panel: Living Heritage

Workshop: From Commitment to Certification

Youth Circle: How can youth leverage artificial intelligence to develop the tourism sector while preserving Sharjah’s identity?

Side Panel: Enhancing Sharjah’s Position in Business Tourism and Events

Workshop: From barriers to solutions

Talk: Voice of the Nation

Workshop: Destination Reputation in the age of AI

Side Panel: Future-Ready Tourism Education and Innovation

Workshop: Music Nation: The Sound of Tourism

UN Education Workshop

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Sponsors, Supporters & Participants

About SCTDA

Increasing vital contributions to the economy, society, culture and environment through commerce and tourism.

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