Is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. A graduate of Northampton University, UK, with advanced studies from Harvard Business School and Wharton Universities. He is the Chairman of HAKA Group Holding, RIKAZ Properties, Radian Oil & Gas, Adeem Capital and Natixis Bank Saudi Arabia. He held various positions in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Chamber of Commerce including Chairman of the National Real Estate Committee, Eastern Chamber representative in the Council of Chambers. He was a board member in various councils at the Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the Eastern Province including the Saudi-Chinese Friendship Council, the Arabian-American National Chamber Council, the Saudi-Irish Business Council, the Saudi-Japan Business Council and the Saudi-Russian Business Council and a member of the G20 Saudi trade taskforce. Al Gahtani is a strong advocate of corporate social responsibility and is actively involved in many charitable and social activities. As the president of Arabian Salayel Group for Horse Riding, he co-founded Asharqiya International Arabian Horse Festival. He is the chairman of HAKA Charitable Foundation, a founding member of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz Charity Foundation and the Saudi Association for Cancer Fighting. Among many, he received the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Award for Philanthropy, the International Knight Golden Order, the 3rd Middle East CEO of the Year Award and was honored as the Ambassador for Saudi Companies at the International Leadership Conference in Dubai.

Mohammed Adib, Chief Design Officer at Dewan Architects + Engineers and Managing Director of DesignLab, is a leading voice in contemporary design, known for merging cultural nuance with technological innovation. With over two decades of global experience, he has led iconic projects such as Oceano on Al Marjan Island, Layan Verde in Thailand, and the AMAALA Yacht Club Adib is also the force behind Dewan's Al-driven initiatives, induding the development of Quible and the MAD Lab. A mentor and educator, he continues to shape the next generation of designers while advancing a future-focused vision rooted in creativity and context.

Elias Abou Samra is a seasoned real estate development executive specialized in mixed-use projects and urban regeneration. He possesses a successful track record in corporate transformations and restructuring. Over the past 15 years, Elias has played a leading role in the conceptualization, structuring and delivery of projects with Gross Development Value (GDV) in excess of USD 12 billion across the region. Elias assumed the position of CEO at Rafal Real Estate Development Company since September 2021. He is leading the transformation of Saudi’s leading private developer to play a pivotal role in the various PPP project under vision 2030. Most recently, Elias has led the repositioning of the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, under RCRC, introducing 16 different projects ranging from lifestyle and culture to education and healthcare. (2020-2021) Elias has played an instrumental role in the inception of some of the most ambitious mega projects under Vision 2030 in his capacity as Executive Advisor for PIF projects under Strategy&. (2018-2019) He brings a solid experience in transactional services, having led the flagship deal involving the restructuring of King Abdullah Financial District and the transfer of its ownership from the Public Pension Agency to PIF. (2016-2017) Other projects under Elias’s portfolio include Wadi Qortuba, a high-end residential compound in Riyadh, and Golden Tower, a luxury residential tower on Jeddah’s corniche, in addition to three executed master plans with total land area of 2.5 million SQM in Riyadh and Jeddah, under Solidere International (2009-2015). Elias worked extensively in investment banking and private equity under regional and multinational firms such Morgan Stanley (2007-2008). He holds a degree in Finance & Economics from the American University in Beirut (2002).

Naji serves as the Hospitality Development Director of the Diriyah Company and works as development lead on the planned 40 hotels within the 14 square kilometer USD 63Bn mixed-use development anchored onto the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif. His role focuses on ensuring hotels are successfully completed, overseeing the coordination of internal and external stakeholders including hotel operators, consultants and construction firms, and Diriyah Company’s project departments. He is an experienced hospitality design and development professional with 25 years’ experience in mixed-use projects development across the GCC and EMEA working for companies including Rotana Hotels. There he set up the Tech Services & Project Dept delivering the company’s ambitious expansion plans and growing portfolio of hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and branded residences. Prior to joining Diriyah he was the Corporate Vice President Projects for Rotana, heading a team of architects, interior designers and engineers monitoring the aggressive expansion plans of the company, as well as various renovation projects across the portfolio. During his tenure, the team delivered 80 new hotels across the region. He is the holder of a master’s degree in architecture from the Lebanese university, an Executive MBA from INSEAD, and a Certificate in Commercial Real Estate Analysis & Investment from MIT SA+P.

Arjan Pit is the Managing Director of UNS Dubai, specializing in strategic leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. With extensive international experience across Europe, China, and the Middle East, he ensures projects align with client ambitions while driving innovation and sustainable growth. Arjan is an innovator in architecture and urban planning, combining a big-picture mindset with a people-first approach. He has led and contributed to large-scale urban developments, mixed-use complexes, hospitality, residential, and cultural projects, creating impactful environments tailored to diverse cultural and economic contexts. He also works closely with government entities, investors, and private developers, offering advisory services on design excellence, project feasibility, and execution strategies. At UNS Dubai, Arjan focuses on expanding the firm’s presence in the Middle East, cultivating key partnerships, and shaping the built environment through visionary design and strategic business development.

Professional Experience Harmen has been involved in real estate development advisory in the Middle East since 2006 and joined Knight Frank as a Partner in 2014 where he leads the Consulting Solutions Group in the Middle East with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia. Harmen established and/or oversees more than 10 service lines covering specialist areas of expertise ranging from hospitality to retail and from Property Asset Management to ESG. He is a member of the firm’s Saudi Steering Group. Harmen advised Clients on optimum investment strategies pertaining to capital projects with a combined value of over USD 500 bn. in geographic markets such as the Middle East, Asia, CIS and South America on behalf of investment funds, real estate developers and hotel management companies. His strengths include real estate development strategy, feasibility assessments and highest and best use analyses. Relevant Skills / Experience • Development Strategy: Involved in a number of large scale mixed-use projects with leading real estate developers and (semi) government authorities. The size of projects he advised on varied from standalone hotel resorts to new city developments with an anticipated population of more than 100,000 inhabitants. • Transactional Support: Financial assessment and bid support to a private sector developer to develop high quality, sustainable housing communities and facilities for the employees of various government entities. • Financial Feasibility Assessment: Involved in various engagements including a number of giga projects in Saudi Arabia which required market sizing and in depth financial analysis.

John joins CBRE from Qiddiya, where he served as the Executive Director of Real Estate Strategy, spearheading the Office, Retail and Residential Strategy of one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious projects as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. Prior to this, he held senior positions at JLL in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, where he played a crucial role in shaping real estate strategies across the Middle East and North Africa. Throughout his career, John has demonstrated expertise in urban planning, transactions, property management, investment management, and strategic planning. In his previous roles, he managed real estate strategies across multiple countries in the EMEA region including his role at Citigroup as EMEA Head of Real Estate. In his role at CBRE, John will oversee CBRE MENA’s Advisory Operations in the Kingdom, collaborating closely with the local, regional and global teams to ensure the delivery of exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients.

Henrique Dias is an award-winning architect and Design Director at DLR Group Middle East with over 20 years of international experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His portfolio spans hospitality, mixed-use, and residential projects for leading clients. Known for blending practical functionality with visionary design, Henrique brings a global perspective to every project with a design ethos centered on human experience environmental stewardship, and timeless architecture that harmonizes with its cultural and physical context.

Philip Wooller is the Senior Director for STR based in Dubai and is responsible for STR’s and CoStar’s expansion throughout Middle East & Africa. Philip is focused on continuing to improve the way STR provides the hotel industry with robust and insightful performance benchmarking that enables stakeholders to make better decisions. As well as developing the range and depth of hospitality data, Philip also works closely with Owners, Operators, Consultants, Investors, Sovereign Wealth Funds and Governments. Philip has spent many years in hospitality in Europe and the Middle East and his career combines the unique blend of senior positions in hotel operations and management, sales, marketing, and revenue management in a variety of branded and independent hotels. Travelling extensively, Philip has worked in several countries, across 3 continents and regularly speaks at major hospitality conferences around the world. He is also frequently interviewed for his insights on the hotel industry by news outlets such as Bloomberg, CNBC and the Financial Times and is a regular guest on Dubai’s Arabian Radio Network – The Business Breakfast.

Daniel von Barloewen is Senior Vice President of Accor One Living and Head of Global Mixed-Use Development for Accor. In addition to his global development remit, Daniel is also the head of Mixed-Use for EMEA, where his remit includes brand advisory & marketing support for development partners, as well as operations for branded residences, golf, private members’ clubs, and co-working. Boasting 43 brands, over 7,500 open and pipeline hotels with c.1.2M rooms, Accor is the world's 2nd largest branded residential operator (with over 180 open and pipeline residence projects, approximately 30,000 Residences, with more than USD $18bn of value of real estate licensed under 25 of its brands). Accor operates branded residences across the Luxury, Premium and Midscale segments both under the Accor and Ennismore brands. Accor offers world class residential expertise, bringing iconic brands and legendary hospitality service to private home ownership. Located in prime urban locations and the sought after resort destinations, our residential properties are a natural extensions of our iconic hotel brands. Providing development partners with a tremendous value creation opportunity, our branded private residences offer the potential to generate significant brand premiums and enhanced hotel economics as a result of co-location strategy, which help drive supplementary revenue (F&B, Spa) to the hotel. Prior to joining Accor, Daniel von Barloewen founded a real estate consultancy business, Strategic Development Advisors Ltd, which provided a range of development advisory services as well as hotel operator searches and contract negotiation to both institutional and private investors. Before that, he was head of Mixed-Use Development Europe at Marriott International, and previously spent 11 years at Savills where he created and ran the Global Residential Development Consultancy department. Originally a development surveyor, Daniel brings a 2-decade track record on the advisory side and hotel operator side of residential, mixed-use and integrated resort development projects, in over 40 countries, with particular expertise on branded residences and co-located hotel and residential development. He is skilled at working with a wide range of investor and developer profiles, with the ability to focus strategically on opportunity analysis, value generation, risk reduction, exit strategy, ROI and development strategy evaluation. Daniel speaks 4 languages, is also a Major in the British Army Reserves, and has served with distinction in Afghanistan. He holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Durham, a Masters Degree from CASS Business School and is a Member of the Chartered Management Institute.

Ali is Head of Hotels & Tourism in the Middle East, dedicated to providing creative, hands-on hospitality expertise across the region. Having been in the industry for over 15 years, Ali is a well-established hospitality specialist with experience in hotel advisory, valuations and operations. During his time in the Middle East, Ali has worked with developers, investors and governmental institutions on feasibility studies, hotel valuations, pricing strategies, asset reviews and optimum site use for both large-scale multi-use projects and stand-alone assets. He has also led several owner-operator Hotel Management Agreement negotiations across a number of jurisdictions.

Elsaeed is leading the Design Development for all Rua Al-Madinah Holding (RUA) projects, the biggest Hospitality Project in the World. RUA is developing and managing portfolios that will deliver various built and infrastructure assets and provide a differentiating factor within Madinah’s real estate sector while contributing towards achieving Vision_2030 goals with 47 thousand keys. In addition to Managing the Masterplan for Dar Al Hijra Mixed-Use project that envisions a culturally rooted, sustainable urban destination in Madina, integrating residential, hospitality, retail, education, healthcare and community- focused uses across one million sqm sitewide. Elsaeed previously led the team of Projects development for Knowledge Economic City Company who is developing a mega Mixed-Use Development across 6.8 M SQM in Al Madinah Al Munawara City with an aggregate investment of SAR 94 billion. Elsaeed managed the development of large-scale Retail/Hospitality/Entertainment Hub, TOD development, Mega Hospitality development for Hajj/Umrah/Visitors to Madinah, Villas Residential Compound, mid/high-rise Residential Apartments, Strip-Mall, Business Park, International School, sub-developers’ plots and all related infrastructure utilities. Throughout his 36 years career span, Elsaeed experience covered all aspects and due diligence of Real Estate development, successful record of forming, and leading teams in developing and managing World Class Real Estate Developments in KSA. Elsaeed has diversified experience in multiple Engineering disciplines and working for different sectors (Master Developers, Project Management, International Consultants, and Governmental entities).

Introduction Tetyana Kovalenko, the founder and Chairwoman of Elite Stone Srl, is a trailblazer in the luxury stone industry. With a deep passion for natural stone and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she has transformed Elite Stone into a global leader in high-end marble and onyx solutions. Her journey from a geology student to a renowned entrepreneur is a testament to her expertise, creativity, and dedication to the art of stone craftsmanship. Early Life and Education Tetyana Kovalenko’s fasciation with natural stone began during her studies at the University of Rome, where she earned a top-ranking degree in Geology and Mineralogy. Her academic journey was fueled by a part-time job at a quarry equipment manufacturer, which introduced her to the intricacies of marble and onyx. This hands-on experience, combined with her scientific training, laid the foundation for her future career. Founding Elite Stone In 2000, Tetyana founded Elite Stone in Rome, driven by her vision to deliver unparalleled luxury through meticulously selected and crafted natural stone. Her philosophy, “Marble is like a diamond: absolutely perfect when the color is right, flawless, and well-cut,” became the cornerstone of the company’s ethos. Elite Stone quickly gained recognition for its bespoke marble solutions, catering to prestigious clients worldwide. The company’s move to Carrara in 2007, the heart of Italy’s marble industry, further solidified its reputation. Here, Tetyana established strong relationships with renowned quarries, including family bonds with the famous Calacatta Borghini quarry. Expansion and Innovation In 2013, Tetyana relocated Elite Stone’s headquarters to Verona, where she expanded the company’s operations and created new marble fashion facility. This space became a hub for architects, designers, and clients to explore an extensive collection of Italian and international marbles. Under her leadership, Elite Stone introduced groundbreaking innovations such as the E-Light System, a patented backlighting technology that enhances the beauty of marble and onyx. This innovation, developed over a decade of research, has redefined the use of stone in luxury interiors. Global Impact and Prestigious Projects Tetyana’s expertise and Elite Stone’s craftsmanship have left an indelible mark on the global stage. The company has completed high-profile projects such as the “Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg”, the “Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem Hotel”, and the “50 St. James in London”, Vip Floors of PIF Tower in Riyadh, numerous high-end retail boutiques, VIP homes. Elite Stone’s clientele includes world leaders and luxury brands, with projects ranging from private villas to superyachts. Tetyana’s ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and high professionalism has made Elite Stone a preferred partner for architects and designers worldwide. Leadership and Vision As a multilingual CEO, Tetyana Kovalenko embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration and a deep respect for her team, as reflected in her motto: “A company does not consist of just one person”. Tetyana’s vision extends beyond business success. She is committed to sustainability, ensuring that Elite Stone’s practices respect the environment while delivering unmatched quality. Legacy and Future Tetyana Kovalenko’s journey is a story of passion, perseverance, and innovation. From her humble beginnings to becoming a global leader in the luxury stone industry, she has redefined the possibilities of natural stone. Looking ahead, Tetyana continues to push boundaries, exploring new technologies and expanding Elite Stone’s presence in emerging markets. Her legacy is not just in the stunning projects she has delivered but in the inspiration she provides to aspiring entrepreneurs and stone enthusiasts worldwide. Conclusion Tetyana Kovalenko is more than a Chairwoman; she is a visionary who has elevated the art of stone craftsmanship to new heights. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, expertise, and innovation in creating a lasting impact on the world of luxury design.

Patrick Huey is a global hospitality and wellness leader working at the intersection of human-centered leadership, operational excellence, and scalable wellbeing systems. With more than two decades of experience across luxury hospitality, spa, and wellness, he has led transformation at some of the world’s most respected brands—shaping wellness not as a trend, but as infrastructure that drives performance, culture, and long-term value. Patrick currently serves in a global wellbeing leadership role with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, supporting enterprise-level strategy across an international portfolio. From 2020 to 2024, he served as Chairman of the Board of the International Spa Association (ISPA), helping guide the global spa and wellness industry through a period of unprecedented disruption and renewal. In parallel, Patrick is the creator and host of At the Podium, a long-form conversation platform recognized for its research-driven, values-centered approach to leadership, wellness, and values. Patrick is recognized for his ability to convene serious dialogue—bridging clinical insight, commercial reality, and lived experience—to help hospitality leaders design wellness that truly works at scale.

Dr. Vijay Aggarwal is a certified wellness medical practitioner with a five-year BNYS degree in Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences and MBA in Marketing, complemented by certifications in Ayurveda and multiple international wellness programs. With over 2 decades of experience in spa operations, wellness consulting, business development, and training, he specializes in establishing and managing luxury spa and wellness facilities. As the CEO of Sanghvi Brands, he leads the development and operations of globally renowned wellness brands including Spa L’OCCITANE, Warren Tricomi, ELLE Spa, and Organic Sanctuary Salon & Spa across India, Indian ocean and middle east. He has undertaken advanced international wellness training with L’OCCITANE EN PROVENCE, Elemis and Clarins, and has imparted professional wellness training to multiple nationalities across various countries. He has also worked extensively with 5-star luxury hotels, wellness resorts, and premium residential developments worldwide to design and implement integrated spa and wellness solutions and concepts. Under his leadership, Sanghvi Brands has received multiple recognitions from Condé Nast Traveller, Asia spa, Global spa and Forbes.

Carlos Ortega Miranda is the Chief Development Officer for Palladium Hotels, where he is responsible for advancing the company’s growth strategy in the high-end and luxury market segments. With a deep understanding of hospitality and a strategic vision for expansion, Carlos plays a key role in identifying and developing premium destinations for both vacation and urban travelers. His leadership is central to the company's commitment to delivering exclusive, high-quality experiences as it strengthens its position within the luxury travel sector. Before joining Palladium Hotel Group, Carlos built a solid international career spanning more than 15 years in hotel development, real estate, and hospitality investment. He previously served as Vice President of Global Development for NH Hotel Group, where he led expansion initiatives across key international markets. Prior to that, he held the role of Executive Vice President in the Hotels & Hospitality division of JLL, one of the world’s leading real estate advisory firms, where he specialized in hotel development, asset strategy, and investment advisory across Europe. Carlos also gained extensive experience as Director of Business Development at Hotusa, contributing to the growth of one of Europe’s most prominent hotel consortia. Earlier in his career, he worked in hospitality consulting roles at Christie & Co and Matlin Associates, advising on investment, valuation, and expansion strategy for major hotel groups.

A seasoned senior executive with more than two decades of leadership experience in engineering, strategy, corporate finance, real estate, master-development and business management in Europe and Middle East, Cyril Piaia currently serves as Director at AVED Real Estate. Previously, Mr. Piaia leveraged his deep knowledge of the region’s hospitality and real estate sectors to steer the successful development of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), one of Saudi Arabia’s significant megaprojects (185 million m2), as CEO of listed company EMAAR, The Economic City (EEC). His visionary stewardship was central to KAEC’s ongoing transformation into a leading city focused on high-end tourism and leisure, along with a world-class manufacturing and logistics hub that will help drive the Kingdom’s economic diversification in line with the goals of Vision 2030. Prior to joining EMAAR, The Economic City, Mr. Piaia was a Managing Partner at Stratford & Russell, an independent network of real estate, finance, and hospitality industry professionals with multi-disciplinary expertise across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Previously, Mr. Piaia was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MUSSTIR Group for 7 years in the Sultanate of Oman, a leading international property & real estate developer operating in more than 20 countries across Middle East, East Europe and East Africa, and focused on high-end real estate mix-use development and mid-scale to ultra-luxury hospitality assets. Mr. Piaia has also served as Chief Executive Officer of ORASCOM Development (Egyptian multi-national real estate and hospitality development group) in Oman, developing the four largest ITC mix-use projects in Oman with residential, commercial, marinas, golf course, hotels, aiming at becoming the top tourism and residential lifestyle destination in the Sultanate. Prior to that, Mr. Piaia was Senior Manager for leading “Big Five” Arthur Andersen in Paris, specialized in Strategy and Corporate Finance, a role that saw him lead the firm’s European practice for hospitality, real estate, travel, and tourism. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from École Centrale in Lille, graduated with honors.

Dominique Alba is an architect who worked for 18 years in a variety of private practices, followed by 20 years in the service of the Parisian and greater Parisian community. She began her career with the Jean Nouvel & Gilbert Lezenes agency before working on rural development programs in Africa and Latin America. She collaborated with the Ecole des Mines de Paris on sustainable development topics. From 1986, with Philippe Roux, she co-led projects in France, while also teaching at engineering and architecture schools. In the early 2000s, she joined the Mairie de Paris, where she was in charge of architecture and urban renewal. She then became general manager of the Pavillon de l’Arsenal in 2003. She later became deputy director, then director of the Atelier Parisien d’Urbanisme, where she oversaw large-scale urban planning initiatives. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Ateliers Jean Nouvel.

Maggie is SVP of Licensing & Hospitality at KARL LAGERFELD, where she leads the global development of the brand’s licensing, hospitality, and branded residential portfolio. Bringing two decades of leadership in luxury and fashion, she has played a pivotal role in shaping global brand growth and strategic expansion. Over the past eight years at Karl Lagerfeld BV, she has overseen the strategic evolution of the company’s Licensing and Hospitality Division, driving high-profile partnerships and landmark projects worldwide. Operating at the crossroads of fashion, lifestyle, and real estate, Maggie translates iconic brand DNA into distinctive hospitality concepts , creating elevated experiences and long-term value for partners, investors, and global audiences.

Imran is a seasoned hospitality professional operator who has worked in Sales & Marketing, Revenue Management and Rooms Operations, subsequently rising through General Management & leadership positions in a number of international luxury hotel brands across 5 different continents covering countries including UAE, UK, USA, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Australia, and Zambia. In his hospitality career spanning over 30 years, Imran spent 16 years with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts where he led Sales & Marketing functions at property, cluster & at corporate level before growing in operational and executive management roles at iconic hotels such as Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Burj Al Arab. Imran then continued to build upon his professional credentials further by working in leadership roles with the Four Seasons, Accor, Anantara and The Aga Khan Foundation. Imran joined Diriyah Company in 2020 to manage its business development function for the hospitality assets. He has since then enjoyed consistent growth & recognition whilst contributing to the organization’s hospitality asset development strategy, positioning, selection of hotel & branded residence operators and leading Hotel & Branded Residences Management Agreement negotiations. In 2023, Imran was given additional responsibilities in Diriyah and appointed as ‘Centre of Expertise’ (COE) for Hospitality Asset Class in Diriyah Company. He currently leads the Hospitality Development practice as Executive Director and is responsible for strategic guidance and leadership across a diverse portfolio of 40 hotels & resorts and 18 Luxury Branded Residence projects currently under development across 5 masterplans. Imran holds an MBA degree from the prestigious London Business School, UK and earned his General Managers Program (GMP) certification from Cornell University, USA.

Réda Faceh is a seasoned executive in hospitality development across Africa, with over two decades of experience driving growth and strategic development across Africa. As Vice President Development at Accor Group, he drives the expansion of a diverse portfolio of brands—from luxury to economy—across Northern, Western, and Central Africa, shaping the Group’s footprint in high-potential markets. Throughout his career, Réda has played a pivotal role in strengthening Accor’s presence in the region, first through commercial leadership in Morocco and later through large-scale development and investment initiatives across multiple countries. He has been instrumental in introducing innovative hospitality concepts, including the launch of Morocco’s first low-cost hotel chain under the Ibis Budget brand. In addition to his executive role, Réda has contributed to strategic joint ventures as a Board Member, supporting the development of Ibis and Novotel properties in Algeria. A graduate of EM Lyon Business School, Réda brings deep market insight and a forward-looking perspective on hospitality investment, partnerships, and sustainable growth across Africa.

Simon is the Chief executive officer of AIRE, based in Dubai and covering the Middle East and Africa regions. Over the last 20 years, Simon has been involved in multiple high-profile real estate and hospitality developments across the GCC, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and North Africa. EXPERIENCE Together with his teams, Simon provides strategic advisory services to private and institutional investors, developers, financiers, and landlords. He started his career in the real estate industry in 2006 in Paris, focusing on commercial real estate transactions with Foncia Enterprise and BNP Paribas Real Estate. He joined JLL Paris in 2010 in the transaction advisory division before moving to Dubai in 2013 to join JLL’s Strategic Consulting team. and then back to Dubai. Between 2016 and 2023 he headed the JLL Strategic Consulting department in Africa based in Johannesburg e joined Nakheel for more than one year where he was Director of joint ventures and hospitality with a portfolio of over 3,700 keys. This experience provided him with knowledge of the hospitality value chain prior founding AIRE. Simon is an INSEAD (Executive MBA) and Edhec (MsC in Management) alumni and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. KEY PROJECTS Golf Resort Repositioning Study, Marrakech Branded Residences Positioning and Feasibility Study, Marrakech Luxury Hotel and Branded Residences Feasibility Study, Morocco Hotel Operator Search, Marrakech Masterplan Feasibility Study, Benguerir

Rahul champions design that is felt before it is understood. He believes great hotels are not objects, but experiences shaped by memory, culture, landscape, and time, by light as it moves through space, the texture beneath bare feet, the sound of wind or water, the fragrance of local flora or wood, and the taste of place expressed through food and ritual. His lifestyle and boutique hotels and resorts are quietly narrative, deeply rooted in place, and socially and ecologically conscious, allowing architecture to step back as human experience comes forward. Working through a fully sensory lens, Rahul draws on simple, accessible materials and indigenous craftsmanship, letting touch, scent, sound, and flavour shape each space as much as form. The result is hospitality that feels intuitive and authentic. Places that invite pause, connection, and belonging, and stay with people long after they leave. Educated in India and Australia, Rahul’s journey spans the Asia Pacific and beyond, from early practice in Singapore to establishing a boutique studio in Australia, and later joining HBA Singapore, where he continues to lead architecture and interior design projects globally. SELECTED PROJECT HISTORY HOTELS AND RESORTS • Grand Park Private Island Resort, Kodhipparu, Maldives • Hilton Amingiri Private Island, Maldives • Hyatt Central, Chandigarh, India • Grand Park Hotel, Singapore • Raffles Resort Bali, Indonesia • Conrad Hotel, Bangalore, India • Shanti Maurice, Mauritius • Taj Puri Resort, India • Taj Bengal Kolkata, India • Taj Miramar, Goa, India • Sedona Hotel, Yandon, Myanmar • Six Senses, India RESIDENTIAL AND CLUBHOUSES • Altamount Residence, Mumbai, India • Bukit Tunku Residence Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia • Lippo Village Residences, Jakarta, Indonesia • World One Residence, Mumbai, India • Trump Residences, Mumbai, India • Redevelopment of Keppel GE, Singapore

Osan Ghaddaf is the Founder and Creative Director of Artevo Consulting, a multidisciplinary art consultancy operating across the Middle East. With over a decade of experience, Osan leads projects at the intersection of art, architecture, and hospitality, working closely with developers, architects, and operators to integrate art as a strategic component of space, making. Under his direction, Artevo has evolved beyond traditional consultancy into a full, service partner, delivering projects from early, stage concept development and narrative building through to fabrication and installation. His work focuses on defining how art can shape identity within hospitality and public realm environments, not as an addition, but as a foundational layer within the overall development strategy. Artevo’s portfolio includes collaborations with leading hospitality brands and landmark projects across Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, including Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Rosewood Doha, and major developments such as Diriyah and The Red Sea.

John is dedicated to driving responsible design on every project, building value through trusting client relationships, and supporting and developing the individuals on his teams. With over 30 years in the industry, John’s diversity of experience across leadership roles on projects from small to very large has developed an expertise and trustworthy partnership approach with stakeholders and team members, building personal and lasting connections and relationships. With experience spanning multiple experiential service focused building types, John understands the importance of bringing small, intimate and meaningful touches to all projects that will impact the human experience. Design matters and we all have a responsibility to drive a process that will positively impact our world and our communities.

Mr. Imad BARRAKAD serves as CEO of the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development – SMIT Since 2011. Mr. BARRAKAD has worked actively during this period on the development of the tourism product in Morocco both by raising investment capital as well as conducting strategic studies to launch several large scale tourism development projects. Mr. BARRAKAD coordinates with various stakeholders involved in these developments and attends several high profile international events dedicated to the promotion of tourism investment with the aim to boost and maintain attractiveness of Morocco. Mr. BARRAKAD also holds several positions as Director and Board Member of various development entities involved in tourism projects around the country. Prior to joining SMIT, Mr. BARRAKAD held several key positions in different government entities. Mr. BARRAKAD is an Industrial Engineer and holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management. Mr. BARRAKAD is married and has two daughters.

In his current role, Karim oversees the growth of Marriott International's footprint across the Middle East & Africa region. He is also leading the company All-Inclusive hotel development across EMEA. Prior to this role, Karim was Regional Vice President of Development, Africa and All-Inclusive EMEA, where he was instrumental in expanding Marriott International’s presence on the continent. Karim joined Marriott in 2010 as Vice President of Development for Africa. He has more than 25 years of experience leading strategic hotel development and investment. Prior to joining Marriott, Karim was Director of Investments at Istithmar PJSC, where he was responsible for the origination and acquisition of hotel and leisure assets globally. Earlier in his career, he worked in hotel consulting with Ernst & Young’s Transactions Real Estate Advisory, and Arthur Andersen, advising hospitality companies, investors, and lenders on M&A transactions, strategy, and investment opportunities across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Karim holds a Master’s in Hospitality Administration from the École Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland.

With a global mindset shaped through experience across Europe, North and West Africa, Nawale brings a multidisciplinary perspective spanning architecture, project delivery, development, and strategic advisory — offering a comprehensive 360° view of the real estate sector. She has contributed to a wide range of hospitality, retail, residential, office, and leisure projects, with a particular focus on shaping innovative and sustainable destinations. Nawale currently leads the development of major tourism projects in Morocco and serves as President of the Morocco Green Building Council, where she actively champions sustainable practices and contributes to shaping the region's evolving real estate landscape.

Fatima Zahrae Berrada is the Chief Executive Officer of the Société d’Aménagement et de Promotion de la Station de Taghazout (SAPST), the company responsible for the development, management, and promotion of Taghazout Bay—Morocco’s first eco-responsible seaside and tourism resort. Today, it is recognized as an integrated destination and a territorial brand that contributes to the national, regional, and international influence of the Kingdom of Morocco. Appointed to this position in January 2025, Ms. Berrada brings to SAPST solid experience in territorial development strategy, investment, and business development. Prior to joining Taghazout Bay, Ms. Berrada served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of strategy, investments, and business development at Ewane Assets, a subsidiary of the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG), where she led major structuring projects and contributed to strengthening growth and transformation dynamics. Under her leadership, the Taghazout Bay destination continues to grow, with particular focus on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing investor attractiveness, and optimizing sustainable and integrated regional development. She is also committed to reinforcing Taghazout Bay’s positioning as a multi-experiential tourism destination—combining sports, wellness, culture, and entertainment—while addressing the economic and social challenges of the territory. Ms. Berrada is recognized for her strategic leadership, her expertise in developing complex projects, and her ability to structure high value-added initiatives for both public and private stakeholders.

Architecte DPLG depuis 1983, M. Chakib cumule plus de 40 ans d’expérience en architecture, urbanisme et suivi de projets. Il a réalisé de nombreux projets publics et privés (infrastructures, équipements, santé, enseignement, logement) en collaboration avec des institutions majeures. Lauréat du concours du Grand Stade de Casablanca, il dispose d’une solide expertise en conception, planification et gestion de projets complexes. Engagé activement dans la profession, il contribue aux réflexions sur les politiques urbaines. Ses centres d’intérêt portent sur l’architecture, le développement territorial et les grands projets. Langues : arabe (maternelle), français et anglais (courants). DPLG Architect since 1983, Mr. Chakib has over 40 years of experience in architecture, urban planning, and project supervision. He has completed numerous public and private projects (infrastructure, public facilities, healthcare, education, and housing) in collaboration with major institutions. Winner of the Grand Stadium of Casablanca competition, he has strong expertise in design, planning, and the management of complex projects. Actively engaged in the profession, he contributes to discussions on urban policy. His interests include architecture, territorial development, and large-scale projects. Languages: Arabic (native), French, and English (fluent).

Khalid Abisourour is the founding design principal at DARC, where his international background shapes a distinctive design vision. Drawing on experiences from across the globe, Khalid blends diverse cultural influences into designs that are both thoughtful and impactful, always considering the intersection of space and culture. Before founding DARC, Khalid was a design leader at top firms like Gensler and SOM. There, he led the design of large-scale, complex projects for clients like Apple & PIF, making a significant mark on urban landscapes worldwide. His ability to navigate intricate design challenges with innovative solutions set him apart as a leader in the field. At DARC, Khalid continues to push the boundaries of design, creating spaces that engage, empower, and transform. His work remains at the forefront of contemporary architecture, reflecting a commitment to creating meaningful, well-considered environments.

Suzanne is a design expert and editor-at-large for Wallpaper* Magazine. Living between Paris, New York and London, Suzanne has written on the subjects of art, fashion, architecture and design for a variety of publications including Architectural Digest, the New York Times Magazine and the Daily Telegraph’s Saturday Magazine. An author, curator and commentator, Suzanne has written numerous books, presented television and radio programmes for the BBC and has curated exhibitions in world leading institutions such as London’s V&A Museum. Suzanne also curated Middle East Revealed for Wallpaper* magazine. A designer in her own right, Suzanne has conceived commercial furniture collections for the award-winning American furniture company, Bernhardt Design.

David Desta is a Vice President with JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group, leading the division's Africa team and specializing in strategic advisory, valuations, and transaction services across the Middle East & Africa. With over 11 years of experience in hospitality real estate, David has led or contributed to more than 100 high-profile hotel advisory projects across 20+ markets, including Morocco, South Africa, Seychelles, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mauritius, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

Born in Rabat, Morocco, Hicham Lahlou is a leading figure in Moroccan design and one of the pioneers of design in Africa. A graduate of the Académie Charpentier in Paris, he has built a singular career at the intersection of global industrial design, interior architecture, luxury, artisanal excellence and contemporary art. He runs an international design and interior architecture agency and has signed many emblematic projects in Morocco and abroad, as well as contributing to major projects abroad. He is celebrating 30 years of international experience. Hicham Lahlou is the founder of several major initiatives, including the Africa Design Awards, Africa Design Week and Africa Design Days, events which he has organised and co-organised and which have made a major contribution to promoting and raising the profile of African design on the continent and internationally. He also co-initiated and co-authored a book on design in Africa, in French and English, entitled Africa Generation - The Power of Design, with Professor Mugendi M'Rithaa, the first African president of the World Design Organization (WDO), thus contributing to the reflection and visibility of African design on the international scene. Nicknamed one of the standard-bearers of Moroccan, African and Arab design, Hicham Lahlou is recognised worldwide for his influence on the African continent and in the Arab world. He has designed major projects and collections for prestigious international brands such as DAUM, Ecart International, LIP, Aqua Design, CITCO Italy and HAVILAND. In 2010, Hicham Lahlou was invited as a VIP and jury member to Stars of Science, the leading television programme dedicated to innovation in the Arab world, highlighting his early role in promoting creativity and design in the region. In 2011, Hicham Lahlou was recognised at an early stage by the Salone del Mobile Milano, the world's largest design event, and by the international magazine INTERNI King Size, as one of 15 emerging designers worldwide. In this way, he has helped to put Italy and Milan, the world centre of design, on the map, showcasing his talent and vision, and promoting dialogue between cultures and continents through design. In 2017, in Turin, at the centre of the United Nations, Hicham Lahlou was elected member of the Board of Directors of the prestigious and historic World Design Organization (WDO), founded on 29 June 1957, becoming the first Moroccan, the first Arab and the second African in history to join this prestigious and historic organisation. Since 2019, he has been appointed advisor for Africa and the MENA region, contributing to the development and influence of design in these territories. In 2018, he was appointed curator of the "Africa, Latin America and Modern Design" exhibition, curator in charge of Africa, by Marva Griffin, founder and president of Salone Satellite, alongside the famous Campana brothers, curators for Latin America. This landmark exhibition, which received a great deal of media coverage (La Stampa, La Repubblica, etc.), showcases 18 African designers and strengthens the links between Italy, Africa and the rest of the world. In 2019, he is the guest of honour at the MARMO+MAC international fair in Verona, where he gives the inaugural lecture before the mayor of the city, the president of the region, African ministers and many influential figures. He advised the organisers on how to put Africa in the spotlight and strengthen cultural and economic relations with the continent. In the same year, he collaborated with CITCO Italy to exhibit his work Africa Sound's at the Salone del Mobile, alongside big names such as Zaha Hadid, Anish Kapoor, Marco Piva... He contributed to the first edition of Italian Design Day in Morocco with the Italian Embassy and the ITA ICE Office, and has been a guest speaker at every edition since. In 2022, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Salone del Mobile Milano, he was selected and featured on the official website and social networks (Instagram, Facebook, etc.), with an article-interview entitled "Hicham Lahlou, Worldwide African Design Leader", highlighting his pioneering role in promoting African design on a global scale. In 2023, Hicham Lahlou contributed to Morocco's first official participation in the Salone del Mobile, as curator, scenographer and designer of the Moroccan pavilion. He was also honoured at the Saudi Design Festival, as special envoy and advisor for Africa and the MENA region, with the aim of promoting design and creativity from these territories on the international stage. In 2024, his creations were once again presented in the Moroccan pavilion, inaugurated by the Moroccan and Italian tourism ministers. Since 2019, he has been advisor for Africa and the MENA region at the WDO, contributing to the development and influence of design in these territories. Some of his creations and works have been exhibited in prestigious institutions such as the Vitra Design Museum, the Guggenheim Bilbao, the High Museum of Art Atlanta, etc. At the same time, as an interior designer, Hicham Lahlou has worked on major projects in Morocco and has contributed to significant international projects. To celebrate his 30-year international career, Wallpaper magazine devoted a portrait and article to him, highlighting his commitment to Africa on the world stage. Throughout his exceptional career, Hicham Lahlou has travelled to the four corners of the world, on every continent, promoting African and Arab design, including being honoured in Australia in June 2025, and sharing his vision and commitment at numerous international events and collaborations. He has also been featured in a number of prestigious publications, books and international magazines, alongside big names in architecture and design, with interviews and portraits that bear witness to his influence. It would be impossible to retrace all the highlights of his rich and dense career, so much so that he has contributed, in a continuous and passionate way, to making design shine on the world stage. To crown this exceptional career, on 25 March 2026, Hicham Lahlou was awarded the highest civilian distinction of the6 Italian Republic by the President of the Italian Republic, presented by the Italian Ambassador to Morocco. This distinction, extremely rare for a foreigner, has been awarded to very few personalities outside Italy, and has been awarded alongside such iconic figures from the world of fashion and design as Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada and Valentino. This recognition underlines the international reach and cultural influence of Hicham Lahlou's work and influence in design.

Lotfi Sidi Rahal is an architect and designer, and the founder of Atelier POD. He began his career in 1999 in Paris with POD, an experimental platform launched while still a student. Early recognition came at 21, when his work was exhibited at the Grimaldi Forum, leading to invitations from the Vitra Design Museum in Berlin and Weil am Rhein, and subsequent exhibitions in major international museums. In 2005, he established Atelier POD, focusing on international luxury hospitality. He went on to deliver the full design of the Anantara Jabal Akhdar resort in Oman, featured in the BBC series Amazing Hotels. Today his studio based in Paris, Casablanca and Dubai collaborates with leading hospitality brands including Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, and Fairmont Raffles, with projects in Porto Cervo, the Maldives, Cannes, Dubrovnik, and Marrakech. His work is defined by a “contextualist baroque” approach, blending architecture, interior design, and contemporary art to create immersive, timeless environments.

With over 20 years of experience in engineering, construction, and the management of complex projects, Paco Briceno is a renowned civil engineer, a graduate of Polytechnique Lille, and holds a master's degree in earthquake engineering from the Autonomous University of Guerrero. Paco began his career in France, where he held project management positions on strategic operations in the airport and hospital sectors. He then continued his career in Saudi Arabia as chief engineer on several large-scale LEED Gold certified projects, further developing his expertise in international project management and multidisciplinary technical coordination. In 2007, he moved to Morocco and actively participated in the development of major projects in Marrakech and then Casablanca, providing overall project management and supervision of complex construction projects for leading private and institutional groups. In 2012, Paco co-founded MAGESPRO with his partner Youssef Chraibi. MAGESPRO is an international engineering, construction management, and project management consulting firm based in Casablanca. The company supports public and private investors in the execution of ambitious projects in Morocco and across West Africa, particularly in the hospitality, luxury residential, office, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors. Building on this experience and in order to meet the evolving expectations of their clients regarding procurement, FF&E, and OS&E for high-end hotel and real estate projects, Paco Briceno and Youssef Chraibi founded Peter & Brown in 2025. The company specializes in FF&E and OS&E management, international sourcing, procurement, and installation coordination, with an integrated approach combining operational excellence, budget optimization, and high-quality standards. Through its various companies, Paco develops a cross-functional vision of real estate and hotel projects, combining technical expertise, cost control, operational management and a keen eye for detail to support its clients in creating sustainable, high-performing and high-value assets.

A distinguished business leader, seasoned entrepreneur, and committed philanthropist, Omar Chaabi is recognized for his decisive leadership within YNNA Holding, one of Morocco’s leading private employers. With diverse expertise, he excels in corporate turnaround management, major mergers and acquisitions, IPO execution, and the development of sustainable growth strategies. Both a visionary and founder of several innovative companies such as Mooka Environnement, Oasis212, and Markoub.ma, Omar skillfully combines marketing, strategy, and IT solutions to promote innovation and long-term sustainability across all his ventures. Beyond his professional achievements, Omar’s strong commitment to social impact is reflected through his role within the Miloud Chaabi Foundation. This foundation positively impacts more than 70,000 Moroccans each year, mainly through improving educational opportunities. His work demonstrates a deep commitment to driving meaningful change and empowering future generations. Omar CHAABI’s exceptional journey is marked by notable achievements, including his studies at Harvard Business School, his long-standing membership in YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) since 2006, as well as his founding and current role on the board of the Education for Employment Foundation. Based in Rabat, he finds fulfillment in his role as a devoted husband and proud father of four children.

Leila Haddaoui is Deputy Chief Executive Officer of O TOWER, the company responsible for the development and operation of the Mohammed VI Tower, standing at 250 meters high. She is also Director of the Tourism Division and a member of the Executive Committee of O CAPITAL GROUP. Leila HADDAOUI began her career in 1999 within the CDG Group, where she held various responsibilities over a period of ten years in the Group’s real estate and tourism subsidiaries, notably as a Member of the Executive Board of MEDZ in charge of the Tourism Division, and as Director of Project Monitoring & Delivery at CDG Développement. In 2008, Leila HADDAOUI joined the Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs Group as Managing Director for Morocco. She was also a member of the Group Executive Committee and led several development projects for the Group. In 2016, she became Chief Executive Officer of SAEMOG, the company in charge of the development and operation of the Mogador-Essaouira Tourist Resort. In addition, Leila HADDAOUI served as Vice-President and then President of ANIT (National Association of Tourism Investors) from May 2012 to June 2015. She has also been a French Foreign Trade Advisor since 2012 and has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Women Directors Club (CFA Morocco) since 2023.

Wells International is a preeminent global hospitality design consultancy crafting some of the world’s most unique, original and luxurious hospitality projects. Founded by CEO Justin Wells, the goal of Wells International is to be the most distinctive hospitality design company in the world. Wells International uses a unique ‘manifesto’ in the ideation process being Design Mirrors Theatre. Their design approach is to create deep research-led, inventive storytelling, which results in emotively charged, transformational experiences. Wells believes the four pillars of Wells International’s design process, namely the creation of a Script, Scenography, and celebrations of Actors and Audience, are all deeply reflected in the hospitality industry, and therefore deeply shape the design philosophy of the company. As an award-winning designer and Australian architect, Wells has designed exquisite hospitality projects across the world for nearly three decades. His instinctive passion for hotel design was born out of travel at a youthful age, when he noticed the magical transformation of how resorts could reinvent from day to night, from a cognitive planning arrangement to a mystical ambience of intriguing spaces amongst light and shadow. Wells founded Wells International in Dubai to strategically service the locations of projects across Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asian regions. Having previously tenured with some of the hospitality industry’s giants, Wells continues to design with his international team located across Europe, Middle East and the Asia Pacific. As a positive contributor back to the design industry, Wells has also been a design judge for Global and MEA AHEAD awards on multiple occasions, a regular keynote speaker at industry events and conferences and is privileged to have an enviable client list comprising Royal Family members and Heads of State amongst numerous others. “Hospitality design and travel have been deep passions of mine from an early age,” says Wells. “I have always been fascinated by different places, cultures and experiences, and this has translated into an emotional approach to design.”

Nour El Houda El Hamoumi serves as Director of Sustainable Development at Société d'Aménagement Zenata (SAZ), a CDG Group subsidiary, where she leads the strategic vision and implementation of the Zenata eco-city—a pioneering 1,830-hectare sustainable urban development project in Morocco. A strategic leader with over fifteen years of international experience, Nour El excels in orchestrating complex multi-stakeholder partnerships and navigating sophisticated institutional environments. Her expertise spans sustainable urban planning, climate resilience strategies, and fostering collaborative frameworks between public institutions, international development organizations, and private sector partners. Known for her ability to translate ambitious sustainability visions into tangible outcomes, she demonstrates exceptional skill in stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and driving innovation within large-scale territorial development projects. Her cross-cultural fluency enable her to build meaningful bridges across diverse international contexts, positioning her as a thought leader in sustainable development and climate action across the MENA region.

Yassine Atrouch is a certified personal trainer specialized in functional training and performance coaching. He holds certifications from NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), CrossFit Level 1, and Hyrox Level 1. Passionate about fitness and wellness, he helps individuals improve their strength, endurance, and overall lifestyle through tailored coaching approaches.

Since 2009, Ravi Kumar Chandran has been a driving force in international business development, shaping trade initiatives and forging strategic partnerships across continents. With a network spanning over 100 countries, he has successfully built value-driven collaborations and established enduring relationships with key organizations globally. Under his leadership, GBB has partnered with prestigious institutions such as the United Nations, Société Marocaine d’Ingénierie Touristique, PIF Saudi Arabia, African Tourism Board, Asian-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Saudi Business Council, Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI), KenInvest (Kenya Investment Authority), Egyptian Furniture Export Council, Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC), and GHORFA Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As the visionary organizer behind impactful events like the Real Estate Development Summit, Hospitality Innovation Summit, Affordable Housing Investment Summit, and Emerging Tech Summit, Ravi is committed to fostering sustainable growth and connecting global leaders. A passionate advocate for international trade and development, he continues to champion initiatives that drive long-term success and bring together businesses worldwide.