Our Speakers
MR. FEDERICO MINUCCI
Moderator
With over 28 years of experience of which last eight in the Middle East, I have developed projects and opportunities in the Real Estate and Hospitality sectors, initially in Europe, and later in Asia, Middle East and Africa; In Europe I have successfully supported developers for strategic Mix Use Masterplan, Hospitality and Real Estate projects , including lead project teams on behalf of investors, private and institutional, from USA to England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain and Italy.
From there I had the desire to test myself in the international market; Based in Thailand, with focus on expansion hospitality projects in the APAC Region with focus on China, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia; Based in the Middle East continues to implement development strategies and growth for companies operating in the hospitality, Real Estate, Project Management, Sustainability sectors, leveraging a recognized position in the market; I’m also support confidential public projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as hospitality advisor for Masterplan, and Jury member for 5* and 4* hotels competitions and masterplan competitions.
From there I had the desire to test myself in the international market; Based in Thailand, with focus on expansion hospitality projects in the APAC Region with focus on China, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia; Based in the Middle East continues to implement development strategies and growth for companies operating in the hospitality, Real Estate, Project Management, Sustainability sectors, leveraging a recognized position in the market; I’m also support confidential public projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as hospitality advisor for Masterplan, and Jury member for 5* and 4* hotels competitions and masterplan competitions.
Roza Alghuthaym brings a wealth of Middle Eastern experience to the design industry, offering a unique perspective enriched by her deep appreciation for multiculturalism. This enables her to craft exceptional designs that resonate with the specific lifestyles and aspirations of her diverse clientele.
As an award-winning engineer with First Class Honours, Roza has a strong focus on concept design packages, branding development, and project management within the hospitality sector.
With over seven years of experience, Roza has developed a sophisticated blend of creative and technical expertise in hospitality architecture and design. Her journey began on-site with Australian firms, where she gained invaluable practical knowledge that laid the foundation for her success at globally recognized design firms. Her portfolio includes a wide range of projects, from hotels and private residences to restaurants.
In her recent work, Roza has successfully led numerous hotel projects across Saudi Arabia, catering to both private clients and developers. As the founder of RDS, she employs a research-driven approach to create unique experiences that stand out in the competitive upscale and luxury hospitality markets of Saudi Arabia.
As an award-winning engineer with First Class Honours, Roza has a strong focus on concept design packages, branding development, and project management within the hospitality sector.
With over seven years of experience, Roza has developed a sophisticated blend of creative and technical expertise in hospitality architecture and design. Her journey began on-site with Australian firms, where she gained invaluable practical knowledge that laid the foundation for her success at globally recognized design firms. Her portfolio includes a wide range of projects, from hotels and private residences to restaurants.
In her recent work, Roza has successfully led numerous hotel projects across Saudi Arabia, catering to both private clients and developers. As the founder of RDS, she employs a research-driven approach to create unique experiences that stand out in the competitive upscale and luxury hospitality markets of Saudi Arabia.
ROZA ALGHUTHAYM
Founder & CEO | RDS
MR. YEHIA ELSHAYEB
Digital Transformation Director | OSUS Real Estate in Riyadh
Yehia Elshayeb is an IT professional with over two decades of experience
in the field of digital transformation, IT management, and infrastructure
design.
Currently serving as the Digital Transformation Director at OSUS Real Estate in Riyadh, he oversees digital transformation, smart city projects, ERP deployments, and cybersecurity initiatives. Previously, Yehia was the Real Estate IT Senior Director at Mountainview, where he led IT functions and implemented cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and Masters of Business Administration from Eslsca Paris.
Currently serving as the Digital Transformation Director at OSUS Real Estate in Riyadh, he oversees digital transformation, smart city projects, ERP deployments, and cybersecurity initiatives. Previously, Yehia was the Real Estate IT Senior Director at Mountainview, where he led IT functions and implemented cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and Masters of Business Administration from Eslsca Paris.
MR. KEREM CENGIZ
Managing Director | LWK + PARTNERS
An architect and a noted business leader, Kerem Cengiz, the Managing Director of MENA, has led LWK + PARTNERS towards a trajectory of expansion. Kerem's competencies traverse domains – from master planning and architecture to urban regeneration, retail, and hospitality sectors, with an unwavering focus on strategic development and business amplification. His international accomplishments, are indelible marks on global skylines from London to Dubai and Shanghai.
Guided by Kerem's leadership, LWK has delivered a myriad of remarkable projects, including the iconic Rua Al Haram Master Plan, the Burj Crown, and the futuristic techno-industrial city for PIF. Context, human experience and commercial viability inform his approach as a leader. With a strong design lead background, he the LWK team investigate a range of design interventions that has ushered in a series of accolade-earning projects.
Kerem's leadership extends beyond projects, impacting the very DNA of the company. He's known for his strategic acumen, enabling operational efficiency, and leading multidisciplinary teams. Kerem’s passion for the field is contagious, inspiring his team to innovate using sustainable materials and cutting-edge technology.
Guided by Kerem's leadership, LWK has delivered a myriad of remarkable projects, including the iconic Rua Al Haram Master Plan, the Burj Crown, and the futuristic techno-industrial city for PIF. Context, human experience and commercial viability inform his approach as a leader. With a strong design lead background, he the LWK team investigate a range of design interventions that has ushered in a series of accolade-earning projects.
Kerem's leadership extends beyond projects, impacting the very DNA of the company. He's known for his strategic acumen, enabling operational efficiency, and leading multidisciplinary teams. Kerem’s passion for the field is contagious, inspiring his team to innovate using sustainable materials and cutting-edge technology.
With over 25 years of interior design and architecture expertise, Shazad Azam has established himself as an international design leader. His remarkable portfolio and unique creative vision gained him recognition, working on projects ranging from hotels, residential, workplace, retail, and master-planning in different countries. His localized GCC knowledge and deep understanding of hotel brand standards make him a foremost expert in value engineering, without compromising design quality.
In 2013, Shazad launched International Design Associates (IDA) in Bahrain and after a decade, IDA has grown into a global hospitality company with a multicultural powerhouse across Bahrain, Pakistan, and Thailand. As IDA Global’s Head of Design, he provides creative direction to all IDA Global studios. Shazad's exceptional designs and visionary approach have won the company several prestigious and international awards for projects such as Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa, Vida Beach Resort, and Hawar by Mantis.
In 2013, Shazad launched International Design Associates (IDA) in Bahrain and after a decade, IDA has grown into a global hospitality company with a multicultural powerhouse across Bahrain, Pakistan, and Thailand. As IDA Global’s Head of Design, he provides creative direction to all IDA Global studios. Shazad's exceptional designs and visionary approach have won the company several prestigious and international awards for projects such as Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa, Vida Beach Resort, and Hawar by Mantis.
MR SHAZAD AZAM
Founder and Head of Design | International Design Associates
MR. TERENCE STARR
Executive Program Director | JLL
Terence Starr has extensive experience in large civil engineering and infrastructure projects. In the 1990s, he established Cleveland Bridge Asia to fabricate steel for the Tsing Ma Bridge and supplied the ASEAN region. He led the development team in obtaining planning consent for the Swiss Re Gherkin building in London and served as a technical adviser to the funder of the Shard building in London.
Terence was also the CEO of Qatari Diar’s London development portfolio, which included the Chelsea Barracks super prime residential development. Additionally, he was the Project Director for the engineering works necessary to bring the Eurostar service into St Pancras, London.
Recently, in 2021, Terence was appointed Senior Executive Director at Neom for the Line and the Spine and is currently leading the JLL’s Project Management team on the Diriyah Square development in Riyadh.
Terence was also the CEO of Qatari Diar’s London development portfolio, which included the Chelsea Barracks super prime residential development. Additionally, he was the Project Director for the engineering works necessary to bring the Eurostar service into St Pancras, London.
Recently, in 2021, Terence was appointed Senior Executive Director at Neom for the Line and the Spine and is currently leading the JLL’s Project Management team on the Diriyah Square development in Riyadh.
Youssef Khattar, a prominent figure in the real estate industry in the Middle East, has made a significant contribution to the development and growths of several real estate companies in Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. With over 18 years of experience in real estate development, investment and consulting services, Youssef has become a leader in the real estate industry and the CEO of Coldwell Banker Saudi Arabia, a renowned global real estate firm.
Youssef Khattar’s leadership at Coldwell Banker Saudi Arabia has been characterized by innovation, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence. He has successfully spearheaded numerous high-profile real estate projects, making a significant impact and contribution to the transformation and modernization of the Saudi real estate sector.
Furthermore, Youssef Khattar has been actively involved in promoting best industry practices, fostering collaboration, and supporting the professional development of aspiring real estate professionals.
Youssef Khattar’s leadership at Coldwell Banker Saudi Arabia has been characterized by innovation, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence. He has successfully spearheaded numerous high-profile real estate projects, making a significant impact and contribution to the transformation and modernization of the Saudi real estate sector.
Furthermore, Youssef Khattar has been actively involved in promoting best industry practices, fostering collaboration, and supporting the professional development of aspiring real estate professionals.
MR YOUSSEF KHATTAR
CEO | Coldwell Banker, KSA
MR. ZAID ZAKER HAFEZ SAMHA
Solutions Manager | SANA Engineering Engineering Services and Energy Solutions
Solutions manager at SANA engineering services department, expert with CFD simulation for HVAC systems, HVAC designer, consultations provider for HVAC systems using new and high-tech tools such as simulation software for thermal comfort in hotels, and engineering services provider, especially for residential and hospitality fields.
MR LAURENT CARTIER With over 30 years of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, including time with a Michelin-star restaurant in Paris, Laurent Cartier understands the importance of team satisfaction to achieve true guest' satisfaction.
Laurent has also a successful background in operation and consulting, including years of experience in the Middle East where he developed and drove major hospitality projects.
As Amsa Hospitality's Chief Research & Development Officer, Laurent Cartier is heading the company's homegrown brand development, sure to be a global hallmark of Arabian hospitality.
Laurent has also a successful background in operation and consulting, including years of experience in the Middle East where he developed and drove major hospitality projects.
As Amsa Hospitality's Chief Research & Development Officer, Laurent Cartier is heading the company's homegrown brand development, sure to be a global hallmark of Arabian hospitality.
MR LAURENT CARTIER
Chief Research & Development Officer | Amsa Hospitality
MR. MOHAMMED MARGHALANI
Hospitality expert | Dan Company SA
Mohammed Marghalani is the Chief Franchised Assets Officer at Dan Company, bringing over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry with him. With a strong background in finance and accounting, Marghalani has consistently excelled in improving the financial performance of hotels, leading operational excellence, and enhancing risk assessment scores at renowned hotel chains in Saudi Arabia.
His remarkable achievements have earned him a prominent position on the Hotelier Middle East Power 100 List for 2021, Best General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton Company globally on 2023, Finance Person of the Year title at the Middle East Hotelier Awards in 2016, and the General Manager Award for "Financial Excellence" at Marriott Hotels Middle East & Africa in 2013, among other prestigious accolades.
Marghalani holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and Tourism Management from the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Bulle, Switzerland, as well as an MBA in Hospitality from EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland. In addition to his impressive academic achievements, he was also selected to participate in the esteemed Misk 2030 Leaders' Program by Esade in 2022. He is inaugural member of The Saudi Leadership Society. With his extensive expertise and dedication to excellence, Marghalani plays a pivotal role in driving the success and growth of Dan Company.
His remarkable achievements have earned him a prominent position on the Hotelier Middle East Power 100 List for 2021, Best General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton Company globally on 2023, Finance Person of the Year title at the Middle East Hotelier Awards in 2016, and the General Manager Award for "Financial Excellence" at Marriott Hotels Middle East & Africa in 2013, among other prestigious accolades.
Marghalani holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and Tourism Management from the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Bulle, Switzerland, as well as an MBA in Hospitality from EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland. In addition to his impressive academic achievements, he was also selected to participate in the esteemed Misk 2030 Leaders' Program by Esade in 2022. He is inaugural member of The Saudi Leadership Society. With his extensive expertise and dedication to excellence, Marghalani plays a pivotal role in driving the success and growth of Dan Company.
Mohamad Rabih Itani is Partner Head of Residential Project Sales & Marketing at Knight Frank MENA,
heading the Saudi market. He holds an MSc. in Business Management from the Lebanese American
University as well as a Master’s in Global Smart City Management from the Zigurat Insitute of
Technology/University of Barcelona. Itani also obtained a BS in Business from the Lebanese American
University with an emphasis on Marketing.
With over 22 years of diverse experience in various countries, Itani has gained in-depth knowledge of the local, regional, and global real estate industry. He has successfully planned and launched master-planned communities in KSA as well and established several companies across GCC, Far East and Spain. Itani has worked with several large real estate developers in Saudi Arabia and also served as an independent consultant for the Ministry of Housing of the Saudi Government from September 2019 to September 2020, providing marketing consultancy for the ‘Shrakat’ program.
With over 22 years of diverse experience in various countries, Itani has gained in-depth knowledge of the local, regional, and global real estate industry. He has successfully planned and launched master-planned communities in KSA as well and established several companies across GCC, Far East and Spain. Itani has worked with several large real estate developers in Saudi Arabia and also served as an independent consultant for the Ministry of Housing of the Saudi Government from September 2019 to September 2020, providing marketing consultancy for the ‘Shrakat’ program.
MR. MOHAMAD RABIH ITANI
Partner, Head of Residential Project Sales & Marketing | Knight Frank MENA
.png)
MS. ELENA BOHEME
Development Director | Metrix Projects
Elena's journey is not just one of professional evolution but also entrepreneurial spirit. As she
honed her skills in interior design and project management, she realized the power of her expertise to
drive impactful change.
This realization led her to embrace entrepreneurship, charting her own path in
the industry.
With a background in interior design, she recognized the vital link between aesthetics and effective project delivery. Focusing on efficient project execution and maximizing profitability for all stakeholders, Elena became known for her strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail.
With a background in interior design, she recognized the vital link between aesthetics and effective project delivery. Focusing on efficient project execution and maximizing profitability for all stakeholders, Elena became known for her strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail.
A highly skilled IT expert with extensive experience managing information and communications
technology for large hospitality organisations.
Adept at assessing and implementing optimal technologies for improved operational systems.
Accomplished planner with exceptional team leadership abilities to expertly direct high-performing ICT teams.
Adept at assessing and implementing optimal technologies for improved operational systems.
Accomplished planner with exceptional team leadership abilities to expertly direct high-performing ICT teams.
MR HASSAN ELKAMSHOUSHY
Multi-Property Director of IT | The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C
MR MOHAMED ALI
Multi-Property Director of Revenue Strategy | The Ritz-Cartlton Riyadh & The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah
Holding a Bachelor Degree Faculty of Education
Previous companies worked for: Marriott International
MP- Director of Revenue Management | The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh | The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah
Previous companies worked for: Marriott International
MP- Director of Revenue Management | The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh | The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah
Engineer Abbas A. Alsaleh stands as a pioneering figure in sustainable hospitality development in Saudi Arabia. As the CEO of Afyaa Holding, he has championed the integration of eco-friendly practices in the hospitality sector. Under his visionary leadership, Afyaa Holding is currently developing three ecolodges in the Eastern Province, setting a benchmark for sustainable tourism in the region.
Abbas’s commitment to sustainable travel and tourism was evident from the onset of his journey in 2008 when he assumed the role of CEO at Al Hashim Travels & Tours in Khobar, KSA. His endeavors have consistently focused on harmonizing luxury with eco-consciousness, making him a trailblazer in the industry.
Abbas’s commitment to sustainable travel and tourism was evident from the onset of his journey in 2008 when he assumed the role of CEO at Al Hashim Travels & Tours in Khobar, KSA. His endeavors have consistently focused on harmonizing luxury with eco-consciousness, making him a trailblazer in the industry.
MR ABBAS AL SALEH
CEO | Afyaa Holding
MR. SALEM AL SHAHRANI
Managing Director | Accor
Salem Al Shahrani is a Hospitality Veteran and Leading Luxury Hotelier with more than 25 years of
experience in the industry. Salem joined IHG Group in 1997 and climbed his way to General Manager
Position. He, then joined Royal Private Affairs in 2015 and upheld the position of Managing Director –
Royal Palaces (Consultant and Head of Travel Committee).
In his current role as Managing Director of Fairmont, Raffles, Swissotel & Swissotel Al Maqam, Accor Makkah Hotels, Salem oversees the strategies, day-to-day operations, including management of the Hotel’s Executive Teams, 5,000 Keys and more than 2,500 hotel employees..
In his current role as Managing Director of Fairmont, Raffles, Swissotel & Swissotel Al Maqam, Accor Makkah Hotels, Salem oversees the strategies, day-to-day operations, including management of the Hotel’s Executive Teams, 5,000 Keys and more than 2,500 hotel employees..
Samer Yamak is a Smart Cognitive Cities Veteran with 23+ years of professional experience in the Gulf,
United States and Lebanon having worked with Cisco, Microsoft, Orange, Honeywell and PwC. Samer
has been supporting public and private entities in digital transformation, smart cities strategy and
smart
city services roadmap to unlock growth and tourist experience. Samer brings a 360-degrees view on
smart touristic destinations due to his engagement as a solution provider, operator, consultant and
integrator.
Samer has won 9 global awards including 2 x “President Club Award for outstanding achievement” from Honeywell and Orange, “Outstanding Leadership Award” in recognition of contributions to field of technology by Internet 2.0. Samer was also featured on the cover page of the global magazine of Passion Vista as one of the “50 Global Men Leaders to Look Up to in 2023”.
Samer has joined 13 workshops as SME, panelist and moderator in the region including two times an exclusive interview on the future of smart cities. Samer holds a Master in Computer Engineering from Lebanon, and a dual MBA degree from United Kingdom.
Samer has won 9 global awards including 2 x “President Club Award for outstanding achievement” from Honeywell and Orange, “Outstanding Leadership Award” in recognition of contributions to field of technology by Internet 2.0. Samer was also featured on the cover page of the global magazine of Passion Vista as one of the “50 Global Men Leaders to Look Up to in 2023”.
Samer has joined 13 workshops as SME, panelist and moderator in the region including two times an exclusive interview on the future of smart cities. Samer holds a Master in Computer Engineering from Lebanon, and a dual MBA degree from United Kingdom.
Mr. Samer Yamak
Director - Advicory | TAM Development
MUHAMMAD AL AMIR
Chief Executive Officer | AIMS Hospitality
Muhammad Al Amir is the CEO of Hospitality at AIMS Holding, one of the prominent
business conglomerates in Saudi Arabia with a wide range of Investment portfolio in
banking, real estate, services, and industries locally and internationally.
Prior to Joining AIMS Holding, Muhammad held many senior positions at Riyada Hotels, SEDCO Holding, Tamlik RE Investment, and Saudi Aramco.
He is actively involved in many conferences and ongoing professional development as a speaker and a steering committees member. He also plays different voluntary roles in promoting entrepreneurship, small businesses start-ups, and helping youth to enter different business arenas.
Muhammad also plays roles as a board member in many public and private entities such as Jurhom Real Estate Development Company, Al Rajhi Capital’s Fund for developing Lifestyle Hotels, and many others.
Muhammad is a holder of Master of Science in Project Management and a Bachelor of Architecture with Honors from KFUPM, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Certification in Strategic Hospitality Management from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; and an Alumni of the Entrepreneurs Development Executive Training, University of California at San Diego, California, USA. He completed the Directors Development Program by the Institute of Corporate Governance (Hawkamah).
Prior to Joining AIMS Holding, Muhammad held many senior positions at Riyada Hotels, SEDCO Holding, Tamlik RE Investment, and Saudi Aramco.
He is actively involved in many conferences and ongoing professional development as a speaker and a steering committees member. He also plays different voluntary roles in promoting entrepreneurship, small businesses start-ups, and helping youth to enter different business arenas.
Muhammad also plays roles as a board member in many public and private entities such as Jurhom Real Estate Development Company, Al Rajhi Capital’s Fund for developing Lifestyle Hotels, and many others.
Muhammad is a holder of Master of Science in Project Management and a Bachelor of Architecture with Honors from KFUPM, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Certification in Strategic Hospitality Management from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; and an Alumni of the Entrepreneurs Development Executive Training, University of California at San Diego, California, USA. He completed the Directors Development Program by the Institute of Corporate Governance (Hawkamah).
