Built to Last: Five Human Qualities That Outshine Any Algorithm

In an AI-driven world, this talk explores why human qualities like curiosity and judgment are the ultimate tools for staying resilient and relevant.

‍Basma Rady
Chief Data Scientist, Beltone Holding and Managing Director, Robin

Basma Rady ’13 is a highly accomplished professional serving as the chief data scientist at Beltone Holding and the managing director of Robin, a newly launched subsidiary specializing in data science and artificial intelligence, launched in July 2025. With a strong background in advanced analytics, Rady has brought a wealth of expertise to her role at Beltone Holding since early 2023. In addition to these roles, Rady is an adjunct faculty member of data science in the Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science at The American University in Cairo. Before joining Beltone Financial, she was the founder and head of the Data Science and Advanced Analytics Hub at the Central Bank of Egypt from 2020 to 2023. In this capacity, Rady spearheaded the development of the hub’s strategy, vision, mission and operating model to successfully launch the entity within six months. She led a cross-functional team that delivered data science projects.

‍

Dressed, But Disconnected

In a world drowning in trends, Caro Doss exposes why “nothing to wear” isn’t a wardrobe problem — it’s an identity crisis. Learn how to reclaim your visual narrative and identity.

‍Caro Doss
Personal Stylist and Intentional Living Advocate 

An advocate for style over trends and intentional living, Caro's strategic vision from the outset was to establish a personal brand that authentically reflects her values and lifestyle. Transitioning from a successful career in corporate marketing in 2016, she sought a more holistic approach to both work and life, focusing on nurturing the mind, body and soul. Her passion for styling and design led her to pursue professional development, culminating in her certification as a personal stylist from The London College of Fashion. Additionally, she had the privilege of being mentored by Tan France in the Style for Everyone program, where she explored the principles of exceptional style, including building a capsule wardrobe and enhancing everyday confidence. Caro works closely with clients from diverse backgrounds, guiding them to discover and embrace a personal style that truly reflects their individuality and uniqueness. She also engages in collaborations with various international and local brands.

‍

Placemaking and Destination Creation

This session explores how arts and culture drive placemaking and change in society by viewing neighborhoods as an urban fabric that dictates change through a bottom-up approach.

Karim El Shafie
Chairman, Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment

Karim Shafei is a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader recognized for his pioneering role in urban regeneration and real estate investment in Egypt. As chairman of Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment, he has led the transformative Downtown Cairo Rehabilitation Project, a landmark initiative aimed at revitalizing one of the most iconic historic districts of the city. With a career spanning multiple industries, Shafei has founded and managed a diverse portfolio of successful ventures, consistently demonstrating a forward-thinking approach and a deep commitment to sustainable urban development. In 2008, he co-founded Al Ismaelia with the vision of restoring the architectural and cultural legacy of Downtown Cairo. Under his leadership, the company has become the first private-sector entity in Egypt specializing in urban regeneration and adaptive reuse. His efforts have garnered recognition, with Forbes Middle East naming him among the Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders 2024, honoring his contribution to redefining urban investment.

‍

AI, The Creative Shift

This talk focuses on expert insights into how innovative future strategies and global communication trends are driving the regional creative shift.

Lamia Kamel ’99, ‘05
Founder of CC Plus, The Narrative Summit and Al Rawi Award

Lamia Kamel is a leading strategic communications executive and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience. She is the founder and managing director of CC Plus, a corporate communications consultancy operating across local and regional markets. Kamel advises governments and business leaders on reputation management and crisis strategy. In recognition of her expertise, she was appointed assistant minister of tourism and antiquities for promotion from 2021 to 2022. In this role, Kamel oversaw promotional strategies and international advertising campaigns. She played a strategic role in the communications of the Grand Egyptian Museum, contributing to narrative development and global media visibility. In 2016, she launched the Narrative PR Summit, a regional platform dedicated to nation branding. Kamel is also the founder of Al Rawi – The Storyteller Award. Throughout her career, she has served as a communications strategist on several of the most high-profile national campaigns and electoral campaigns in Egypt.

‍

Is AI Coming for My Job?

A talk that explores the effects of AI on job creation and economic transformation in emerging markets.

‍Mohamed Aboulnaga Nagaty '09
‍‍Technology Investor and Entrepreneur 

Mohamed Aboulnaga ’09 is an emerging markets entrepreneur, investor and technology business professional with 15 years of experience. Aboulnaga currently serves as executive chairman of Exits and is co-founder of Arrw and advisor to Tactful.ai. He also founded Pie and CashCows. Previously, he was co-founder of Halan, a super app in Africa and the most funded in 2020 according to Forbes Middle East. Aboulnaga held the position of regional director at Careem, which was acquired by Uber for more than $3 billion. He is a board member of many technology companies and an investor in startups, including Checkme, Robusta, ElGameya, Sokna, Breadfast, Gameball and Swypex. Aboulnaga began his career at Fawry, the first technology company to go public in Egypt, reaching a value of $2 billion. He completed the CXO Academy program at INSEAD and holds a bachelor's in electronics engineering from The American University in Cairo.
‍

Lasagne Is Not Koshary

A reflection on our cultural identity.

‍Mostafa Salem
Founder of Coconut Premium Interiors

Mostafa Salem is an award-winning architect, Ministry of Culture ambassador and founder of Coconut, a Dubai-based studio specializing in architecture and interior design. He has received 14 national and international awards across architecture, urban design, interiors, lighting and storytelling. Salem curated the National Pavilion of Egypt at the 15th Venice Biennale of Architecture and secured second place representing Egypt in the 2025 edition. He is the initiator of the Cairo Makeover Initiative, which led to government-backed restoration projects across historic districts in Egypt. He was honored with the 2025 Egypt State Encouragement Award, the Al Rawi Storyteller Award and the Creativity Award in Digital Media on Architecture. Salem regularly speaks on global and regional platforms, including two TEDx talks, GITEX, RiseUp Summit and Cityscape. He also teaches creativity and design courses part-time at universities, inspiring the next generation to reimagine the future of Egypt through architecture and innovation.

‍

Inclusion, Done Right‍

A practical, human-centered talk on why inclusivity matters—and the habits and decisions that turn diversity into genuine belonging and better outcomes.

‍Omneya El Yammany
Commercial Manager, P&G‍

Omneya Elyamany is a director at Procter and Gamble and an equality and inclusion advocate who uses sport, storytelling and community work to expand what people believe is possible. She is known as the first adaptive skydiver of Egypt and in 2014 became the first wheelchair user in Egypt to skydive. Beyond that milestone, she has taken on endurance and community challenges, including a 100 km wheelchair journey completed over three days for a cause from Cairo to Ain Sokhna. She has also contributed to para-sport events as a race manager. Professionally, Elyamany blends consumer insight with creative execution, sharing milestones like launching a Ramadan initiative as a brand manager for Fairy. Outside the office, she continues to advocate for inclusion and accessibility while embracing her chef by night side and her passion for reading. Elyamany is committed to using her platform to drive meaningful change within her community and across the region.

‍

Unmuted: Reclaiming Your Voice in a Digital World‍

Sara explores how social media environments can systematically silence individuals, while providing actionable strategies to reclaim your agency, protect your digital safety and set clear boundaries.

Sara Aziz
Founder and CEO, Safe Egypt 

Sara Aziz is the founder and CEO of Safe Egypt and a member of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood and the National Council for Women. Aziz led one of the first initiatives in Egypt to address sexual harassment and abuse against children through education. Since 2012, she has transformed how children, parents and educators understand personal safety and healthy boundaries. Aziz holds a master's in psychology and a specialized diploma in counseling sexual abuse survivors. With more than 14 years of experience in child protection and women’s empowerment, she works as a certified trainer and counselor. As a social entrepreneur, she developed tools like I Am Precious and the Safeelings Game. Aziz is also an accomplished children’s author. She has written multiple books addressing critical topics such as anti-bullying and emotional well-being. She focuses on equipping caregivers with practical tools to raise resilient children and foster healthy relationships across the region.
‍