Ayesha Ahmed Alhajeri

Integrated Strategic Communications Major, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi

Ayesha is a Zayed University undergraduate majoring in Integrated Strategic Communications with a minor in Arabic for Media. An avid sportswoman, Ayesha believes sport plays a significant part in an individual’s life by reinforcing the virtues of tolerance, honesty, and kindness. Ayesha is a dedicated volunteer and strongly believes that teamwork is the key to success.

Topic: لا للأقنعة، نعم للقناعة

Comfortable being you? Take off the mask! (Arabic)

Aysha Al Awadhi

Event Emcee (Arabic) – ZU Alumni

Aysha is the Partnership and Development Coordinator at the Department of Economic Development in Ajman. As a Zayed University Graduate with a B.S. in Integrated Strategic Communications, Ayesha’s passion for media and communication inspired her to establish her own event planning company that focuses on creating spectacular exhibitions and events and create her own program on social media. Ayesha is also a certified International Trainer from the American Academy and holds a Diploma in from the University of Rome.

Aysha Saif Al Hemrani

Self-Taught Artist – Zayed University Graduate, Dubai

Aysha was born in Ajman, UAE, and is popularly known as @Mnawrah. She enjoys Emirati pop culture, and makes it a point to translate that culture into art. Aysha shares her artistic work through social media platforms and the Mnawrah App she developed. Aysha dreams of converting her talent into a valuable contribution towards her society as an inspiration to others. She passionately believes that there are many hidden gems within Emirati culture that have yet to be discovered and shared with the world.

Topic: "كيف تقدم أفضل ما عندك؟"

How to bring the best out of you: My own recipe (Arabic)

Dr. Brigitte Howarth

Ecologist, Associate Professor, Zayed University, Dubai

Dr. Brigitte Howarth is an ecologist with a passion for desert ecology. She earned her BSc. (Hons) in Applied Ecology and her Ph.D. in Ecological Entomology. Dr. Howarth’s work at Zayed University is divided between the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI), where she helped create the Advance HE Certificate for faculty development that is accredited by the Higher Education Academy of the UK, and the College of Natural and Health Sciences where she teaches biology and ecology. Dr. Howarth’s is a keen advocate life-long learning which is reflected in her interactive teaching style.

Topic: A life without 'bugs' — euphoria or apocalypse?"ما وراء الطبيعة الإماراتية وجمالها

Dr. Hanada Taha Thomure

Endowed Chair Professor of Arabic Language, Zayed University, Dubai

Dr. Hanada Thomure is the Endowed Chair Professor of Arabic Language and Chair of the Arabic Department at Zayed University and former Acting Dean & Associate Dean of Bahrain Teachers College. She earned a Ph.D. in Education and has worked on the concept of modernizing Arabic language teaching and learning for the past 27 years. In 2017, Dr. Thomure published the Hanada Taha Arabic Text Leveling System and the Arabic Language Arts Standards and Performance Indicators. She is the senior author of bilArabi,Pearson's innovative first Arabic language curriculum for native and non-native learners.

Topic: اللغة العربية، وطن My Home Away from Home (Arabic)

Lynnette Eleanor Harper

Learning Commons Supervisor at ZU, Dubai

Lynnette Harper is an academic researcher with two masters degrees, and a Certificate in Documentary Studies from The Salt Institute of Documentary Writing. She usually writes other people's stories, but this time she will tell her story of spending two years at the bottom of the world: South Pole, Antarctica.

Topic: South Pole librarian: Things you might not know about living at the bottom of the world, from a librarian who has spent 26 months there. “"أسرار العيش في القطب الجنوبي

Maryam Fuad Bukhash

Psychology Major, Zayed University, Dubai

As an aspiring psychologist in a rapidly developing society, 20-year-old Maryam Bukhash is very passionate about understanding the true meaning of being an open-minded individual. By sharing her personal experiences, she hopes to clear out the misconceptions and misunderstandings that people have towards open-mindedness and close-mindedness.

Topic: What is the true definition of being open-minded? "جمال الانفتاح الفكري"

Dr. Mirey Karavetian

Assistant Professor, Nutrition and Dietetics, Zayed University, Dubai

Dr. Mirey Karavetian earned her Ph.D. in Health Promotion from Maastricht University, Netherlands and her MSc. in Nutrition & Dietetics from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. She has extensive experience in nutrition management of chronically and critically ill patients, specializing in health care quality. Her publications focus on finding effective strategies to change dietary behavior in chronically ill patients and the dietary management of hemodialysis patients to determine optimal dietitian-to-patient ratio in the hemodialysis units in the Arab world for optimum clinical outcomes. Dr. Karavetian regularly shares her experience at conferences and workshops locally and regionally.

Topic: Empower women, the mothers of the future, and you empower a nation! "تمكين المرأة والأم"

‬Nouf Mohammed Al Katheeri

Marketing and Entrepreneurship Major Zayed University, Abu Dhabi

Ambassador to the International University Sports Federation in Russia

A Zayed University undergraduate, Nouf is the first Emirati International University Sports Federation Ambassador (FISU Ambassador) to Kazan, Russia for 2018-2019. She is an active volunteer and has participated in international events such as Expo Sciences 2013, World Skills 2017, FIFA World Cup 2018.

Topic: الهوية بنكهة التسامح "Adhering to a tolerant identity" (Arabic)

Salem Bin Bishr

Media Production and Storytelling Major at ZU, Abu Dhabi; Holds 1000+ volunteering hours

Ambassador to the International University Sports Federation in Russia

Salem is an enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer who is passionate about giving back to the community. He has logged over 1000 volunteer hours working with such organizations as Al Mubarakah Foundation, Red Crescent, UNHCR, Expo2020, Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival and the Abu Dhabi Special Olympics and is keen to raise awareness about volunteering in the UAE.

Topic: How volunteering can change your life (Arabic) التطوع غيّر حياتي

Sara Al Awadhi

International Corporate and Islamic Finance Lawyer, Dubai

Sara Al Awadhi is a UAE national, born and raised in Dubai, UAE. She obtained her law degree in the UK, and works as a corporate and project and Islamic finance lawyer at the international law firm of Winston & Strawn LLP. She has worked in London, New York, and throughout the UAE. Sara speaks Arabic, English and is learning German.

Topic: Becoming a lawyer: Why it should matter to Emiratis "أهمية دراسة المحاماة وممارستها في الإمارات"

Sharifa Yateem

Behavioral & Autism Consultant; Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Abu Dhabi

Sharifa is the first Board Certified Emirati Behavior Analyst. Sharifa is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Special Needs Inclusion at the British University in Dubai. She has extensive experience working with individuals diagnosed with Autism and provides training for teaching children with Autism and has been invited to speak internationally in Berlin, Paris, USA and Morocco. Sharifa advocates for the inclusion of Autistic individuals in Emirati society and works to empower parents and families with the knowledge and resources to bring about social change. Sharifa is also the creator of “Tokenat”, a reward system App for individuals with special needs.

Topic: الدمج في الإماراتThe future of inclusion in UAE (Arabic)

Zainab Ali Dawood

Psychology and Human Services Major, Zayed University, Dubai

Zainab is undergraduate student with an interest in psychology that stems from her desire to understand people and appreciate the differences between human beliefs and behavior. Zainab joined the 7th cohort of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program at Zayed University, and conducted a study titled ‘Mental Health Stigma in the U.A.E: Female University Students’ Awareness and Opinions’. She is a mental health advocate, and her goal is to spread awareness in the UAE about mental health and encourage open discussions free of stigma. After all, she firmly believes that it is okay not to be okay at times.

Topic: My experience with mental health in the UAE: what I have learned, what has changed, and what more can be done to spread awareness."الصحة العقلية والمجتمع"

Maha Harqoos

Committee Expert at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Zayed University Alumna

Maha Harqoos has been a Committee Expert at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations since April 2018. She holds a Master’s (Honours) in Diplomacy and International Affairs from Zayed University and obtained her postgraduate diploma in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations from the Emirates Diplomatic Academy. Ms. Harqoos is also studying Mandarin Chinese and has achieved HSK Level 2 proficiency.

Topic: "قفزة ثقة" "Leap of Faith"

Abdulla Saleh BuAli

Event Emcee (English)

Information Security Analyst, UAE Computer Emergency Response Team

Zayed University Cyber Security Postgraduate Student

Abdulla is an Information Security Analyst whose work revolves around serving and protecting the UAE in the digital realm. In 2019, Abdulla was awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal for his services as a Distinguished New Employee. Outside of work, Abdulla is an art enthusiast who enjoys photography and spoken word poetry. Abdulla has embraced poetry as his preferred art medium which he uses to advocate for mental health, with a distinct focus on self-reflection.

Ayesha Ahmed Alhajeri

Integrated Strategic Communications Major, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi

Ayesha is a Zayed University undergraduate majoring in Integrated Strategic Communications with a minor in Arabic for Media. An avid sportswoman, Ayesha believes sport plays a significant part in an individual’s life by reinforcing the virtues of tolerance, honesty, and kindness. Ayesha is a dedicated volunteer and strongly believes that teamwork is the key to success.

Topic: لا للأقنعة، نعم للقناعة

Comfortable being you? Take off the mask! (Arabic)

Aysha Al Awadhi

Event Emcee (Arabic) – ZU Alumni

Aysha is the Partnership and Development Coordinator at the Department of Economic Development in Ajman. As a Zayed University Graduate with a B.S. in Integrated Strategic Communications, Ayesha’s passion for media and communication inspired her to establish her own event planning company that focuses on creating spectacular exhibitions and events and create her own program on social media. Ayesha is also a certified International Trainer from the American Academy and holds a Diploma in from the University of Rome.

Aysha Saif Al Hemrani

Self-Taught Artist – Zayed University Graduate, Dubai

Aysha was born in Ajman, UAE, and is popularly known as @Mnawrah. She enjoys Emirati pop culture, and makes it a point to translate that culture into art. Aysha shares her artistic work through social media platforms and the Mnawrah App she developed. Aysha dreams of converting her talent into a valuable contribution towards her society as an inspiration to others. She passionately believes that there are many hidden gems within Emirati culture that have yet to be discovered and shared with the world.

Topic: "كيف تقدم أفضل ما عندك؟"

How to bring the best out of you: My own recipe (Arabic)

Dr. Brigitte Howarth

Ecologist, Associate Professor, Zayed University, Dubai

Dr. Brigitte Howarth is an ecologist with a passion for desert ecology. She earned her BSc. (Hons) in Applied Ecology and her Ph.D. in Ecological Entomology. Dr. Howarth’s work at Zayed University is divided between the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI), where she helped create the Advance HE Certificate for faculty development that is accredited by the Higher Education Academy of the UK, and the College of Natural and Health Sciences where she teaches biology and ecology. Dr. Howarth’s is a keen advocate life-long learning which is reflected in her interactive teaching style.

Topic: A life without 'bugs' — euphoria or apocalypse?"ما وراء الطبيعة الإماراتية وجمالها

Dr. Hanada Taha Thomure

Endowed Chair Professor of Arabic Language, Zayed University, Dubai

Dr. Hanada Thomure is the Endowed Chair Professor of Arabic Language and Chair of the Arabic Department at Zayed University and former Acting Dean & Associate Dean of Bahrain Teachers College. She earned a Ph.D. in Education and has worked on the concept of modernizing Arabic language teaching and learning for the past 27 years. In 2017, Dr. Thomure published the Hanada Taha Arabic Text Leveling System and the Arabic Language Arts Standards and Performance Indicators. She is the senior author of bilArabi,Pearson's innovative first Arabic language curriculum for native and non-native learners.

Topic: اللغة العربية، وطن My Home Away from Home (Arabic)

Lynnette Eleanor Harper

Learning Commons Supervisor at ZU, Dubai

Lynnette Harper is an academic researcher with two masters degrees, and a Certificate in Documentary Studies from The Salt Institute of Documentary Writing. She usually writes other people's stories, but this time she will tell her story of spending two years at the bottom of the world: South Pole, Antarctica.

Topic: South Pole librarian: Things you might not know about living at the bottom of the world, from a librarian who has spent 26 months there. “"أسرار العيش في القطب الجنوبي

Maryam Fuad Bukhash

Psychology Major, Zayed University, Dubai

As an aspiring psychologist in a rapidly developing society, 20-year-old Maryam Bukhash is very passionate about understanding the true meaning of being an open-minded individual. By sharing her personal experiences, she hopes to clear out the misconceptions and misunderstandings that people have towards open-mindedness and close-mindedness.

Topic: What is the true definition of being open-minded? "جمال الانفتاح الفكري"

Dr. Mirey Karavetian

Assistant Professor, Nutrition and Dietetics, Zayed University, Dubai

Dr. Mirey Karavetian earned her Ph.D. in Health Promotion from Maastricht University, Netherlands and her MSc. in Nutrition & Dietetics from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. She has extensive experience in nutrition management of chronically and critically ill patients, specializing in health care quality. Her publications focus on finding effective strategies to change dietary behavior in chronically ill patients and the dietary management of hemodialysis patients to determine optimal dietitian-to-patient ratio in the hemodialysis units in the Arab world for optimum clinical outcomes. Dr. Karavetian regularly shares her experience at conferences and workshops locally and regionally.

Topic: Empower women, the mothers of the future, and you empower a nation! "تمكين المرأة والأم"

‬Nouf Mohammed Al Katheeri

Marketing and Entrepreneurship Major Zayed University, Abu Dhabi

Ambassador to the International University Sports Federation in Russia

A Zayed University undergraduate, Nouf is the first Emirati International University Sports Federation Ambassador (FISU Ambassador) to Kazan, Russia for 2018-2019. She is an active volunteer and has participated in international events such as Expo Sciences 2013, World Skills 2017, FIFA World Cup 2018.

Topic: الهوية بنكهة التسامح "Adhering to a tolerant identity" (Arabic)

Salem Bin Bishr

Media Production and Storytelling Major at ZU, Abu Dhabi; Holds 1000+ volunteering hours

Ambassador to the International University Sports Federation in Russia

Salem is an enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer who is passionate about giving back to the community. He has logged over 1000 volunteer hours working with such organizations as Al Mubarakah Foundation, Red Crescent, UNHCR, Expo2020, Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival and the Abu Dhabi Special Olympics and is keen to raise awareness about volunteering in the UAE.

Topic: How volunteering can change your life (Arabic) التطوع غيّر حياتي

Sara Al Awadhi

International Corporate and Islamic Finance Lawyer, Dubai

Sara Al Awadhi is a UAE national, born and raised in Dubai, UAE. She obtained her law degree in the UK, and works as a corporate and project and Islamic finance lawyer at the international law firm of Winston & Strawn LLP. She has worked in London, New York, and throughout the UAE. Sara speaks Arabic, English and is learning German.

Topic: Becoming a lawyer: Why it should matter to Emiratis "أهمية دراسة المحاماة وممارستها في الإمارات"

Sharifa Yateem

Behavioral & Autism Consultant; Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Abu Dhabi

Sharifa is the first Board Certified Emirati Behavior Analyst. Sharifa is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Special Needs Inclusion at the British University in Dubai. She has extensive experience working with individuals diagnosed with Autism and provides training for teaching children with Autism and has been invited to speak internationally in Berlin, Paris, USA and Morocco. Sharifa advocates for the inclusion of Autistic individuals in Emirati society and works to empower parents and families with the knowledge and resources to bring about social change. Sharifa is also the creator of “Tokenat”, a reward system App for individuals with special needs.

Topic: الدمج في الإماراتThe future of inclusion in UAE (Arabic)

Zainab Ali Dawood

Psychology and Human Services Major, Zayed University, Dubai

Zainab is undergraduate student with an interest in psychology that stems from her desire to understand people and appreciate the differences between human beliefs and behavior. Zainab joined the 7th cohort of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program at Zayed University, and conducted a study titled ‘Mental Health Stigma in the U.A.E: Female University Students’ Awareness and Opinions’. She is a mental health advocate, and her goal is to spread awareness in the UAE about mental health and encourage open discussions free of stigma. After all, she firmly believes that it is okay not to be okay at times.

Topic: My experience with mental health in the UAE: what I have learned, what has changed, and what more can be done to spread awareness."الصحة العقلية والمجتمع"

Maha Harqoos

Committee Expert at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Zayed University Alumna

Maha Harqoos has been a Committee Expert at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations since April 2018. She holds a Master’s (Honours) in Diplomacy and International Affairs from Zayed University and obtained her postgraduate diploma in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations from the Emirates Diplomatic Academy. Ms. Harqoos is also studying Mandarin Chinese and has achieved HSK Level 2 proficiency.

Topic: "قفزة ثقة" "Leap of Faith"

Abdulla Saleh BuAli

Event Emcee (English)

Information Security Analyst, UAE Computer Emergency Response Team

Zayed University Cyber Security Postgraduate Student

Abdulla is an Information Security Analyst whose work revolves around serving and protecting the UAE in the digital realm. In 2019, Abdulla was awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal for his services as a Distinguished New Employee. Outside of work, Abdulla is an art enthusiast who enjoys photography and spoken word poetry. Abdulla has embraced poetry as his preferred art medium which he uses to advocate for mental health, with a distinct focus on self-reflection.