Musa Shaikh
Berkeley Middle East Holding
Group CFO & CEO

• Royal Family Investment Advisor
• Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director

Shaikh is a Certified Public Accountant, a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK, and a CGMA from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Associate member of the Institute of Financial Accountants, a fellow member of International Accountants. He is a Certified Internal Auditor from the Institue of Internal Audit, Florida, USA, a Certified Information System Auditor, and a Fellow Member of Securities and Investments from CISI, United Kingdom. He is a double graduate in law and business, LLB (Hons) from Buckinghamshire New University UK, a Master in Law from Kings College London, a Master in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, a Master in Public Administration from Chichester University, He is a Certified Project Management Professional from PMI, USA. He has amazing capabilities to innovate, equipped with deep knowledge of Artificial intelligence, system architecture, and data sciences. He is a certified Amazon AWS Data Analytics and certified Solutions Architecture Professional. He has more than 20 years of experience in leading financial strategies, planning & budgeting, corporate governance, FP&A, VC, Corporate finance, strategies for turnaround, Risk and compliance management, acquisitions for startups & large projects, financial modeling, due diligence, and advise on leading key business complex matters on a global scale.

H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al Falahi

Currently Involved as a Board in 7 companies and advisor for other 3 companies. She works for more than 10 companies in total. Moreover, she is a bank Leader in the profession with experience of 25 years approx.

• Board Member, RAK Chamber of Commerce.​
• Board Member of RAK Insurance Company.
• X Board Member of Emirates Sports & Cultural club (June 2021- June 2023).
• Member of the Board of UAE Scout Association.
• Member of the Board of Al Mataf Traditional Boat Rowing Art Society.
• Member of the Board of Directors for Vilal Housing .
• ⁠Member of Board Gulf Cement Company.
• Member of the Board of RAK SME Association .
• Chairman of RAK Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Committee​ .
• Member of Business Industrial Academic Council Committee – HCT – UAE & Member of Computer Information Sciences Industrial Advisory Committee in HCT, RAK.
• Member of Women on Board Circle (2020) formed by Sh Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
• Ambassador for Srilions Company.
• Chairman of Emirates Sports Club Ambassadors.
• Vice President -Senior Branch Manager in one of the leading banks

Other Facts:

• First UAE female National to be in the position of a Bank Manager in RAK city .
• Was recognized with prestigious award ( Service Society Medal ) by Sh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nathan for Social activities.
• Awarded as Top50 Women in Leadership position by Sri Lankian council
• Ambassador of Srilions Sports Club

Khulood Shaban
Berkeley & Lords
CFO & CEO

Khulood is a philanthropist, a business leader, successful business entrepreneur, and the most influence Arabic women in Gulf region. She is the CFO & CEO of Berkeley Middle East holding an American Emirati Joint venture conglomerate with a diversified portfolio. Khulood career is diversified over several roles including CEO, Director Finance, Financial Controller, & Chief Financial Officer based on decade of experience. Khulood core expertise to manage financial transactions for the whole group and in ongoing projects, arises through Merger or acquisitions, study the fundamental and technical feasibility, evaluate the investment risks by applying high level financial management tools for stakeholders keeping ERP, budgeting, variance reporting aligns with financial strategy of the shareholders. Her strengths are innovative & creativity toward a particular business venture, preparation of business plan, coordination with external auditors, lenders, regulatory authorities, compliances, meeting with investors for arranging of Funds, building a capital Structuring simple and complex, IPO’s securities, active management, & financial decision making.

Mona Sulaiman
Beauty/ Lifestyle Influencer
Public Speaker / Founder of Blink Beauty / Podcaster

I am a distinguished beauty and lifestyle influencer, public speaker, and entrepreneur, recognized with multiple awards for my contributions to the beauty industry.

As the founder of Blink Beauty Cosmetics, I have established a brand that embodies innovation and excellence in beauty. My expertise extends beyond content creation, as I inspire audiences through speaking engagements and collaborations, shaping trends and empowering individuals in the beauty and entrepreneurial space. As a renowned beauty and lifestyle influencer, I have built a strong presence in the industry, inspiring a diverse audience with my expertise, authenticity, and creative content. My journey as a public speaker and award-winning beauty influencer and entrepreneur has positioned me as a thought leader, shaping trends and redefining beauty standards. Through Blink Beauty Cosmetics, I have successfully launched a brand that reflects my passion for beauty, innovation, and empowerment. My commitment to quality and excellence has made my brand stand out, resonating with beauty lovers and industry experts alike. Beyond content creation, I use my platform to educate, motivate, and uplift aspiring influencers and entrepreneurs. My collaborations with top brands, participation in exclusive events, and ability to create engaging, high-quality videos and content have made me a sought-after personality in the beauty and lifestyle space. With a keen eye for trends and a deep understanding of the market, I continue to push boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on the beauty and business world.

Fiona Oster
Assistant Professor – University of Birmingham Dubai
Visiting Professor – Heilbronn University Germany

Fiona is an academic at the University of Birmingham Dubai. She is the Programme Director for the MSc in Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Academic Lead for Entrepreneurship. Prior to this she lectured in Germany and Ireland. She also brings the benefit of an international business career in Switzerland to her role. She is currently completing her doctoral thesis where she has been researching practices of outbound open innovation in small and medium sized enterprises in the medical device sector in Germany, Ireland and the UK.

Emine Yilmaz Butun
Founder
Acceleratemea

Emine Yilmaz Butun is a visionary leader in AI, digital transformation, and corporate innovation, with 19 years of experience in Fortune 100 companies, startups, and global advisory roles. As the Founder & CEO of Accelerate MEA, she drives AI adoption, business transformation, and innovation strategies for corporations and governments. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered impactful talks at TEDxCDA, the Knowledge Summit, Arab Health, and AI Global. She also mentors startups worldwide and lectures part-time at a business school, shaping the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Khawla Alshehhi
Higher Colleges of Technology
RAK

I hold a PhD in Philosophy of Education, specializing in Special and Inclusive Education, from the British University in Dubai. With over 20 years of experience in student engagement, and leadership development, I am passionate about empowering students, particularly those facing unique challenges, in reaching their full potential. A multiple award-winner, including Student Champion Persona Award from Higher Colleges of Technology in Jan 2025, the Emirates Award from the Ministry of Education- Distinguished Student of Postgraduate Studies student, UAE Distinguished Woman Medal, the UAE Genetic Disorders Prevention Award for Public Awareness and recognized in the Emirati Women’s Encyclopedia, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

Dr. Khulood Shebib Hussain Khansaheb
Editorial Board Member at Scientific Journal Portal and an Entrepreneur

Dr. Khulood is a distinguished project management professional with 19 years of experience in government, semi-government, and private sector of Dubai. Over the years, Khulood has established herself as a proficient leader, known for her ability to oversee complex projects with precision and strategic vision. Throughout working in various sectors and leading multiple projects, Khulood’s leadership style is characterized by her ability to inspire and motivate her team and specifically support other women in their career.

She is a firm believer in the power of collaboration and open communication.

Khulood’s journey in project management began with a solid educational foundation.

She holds a degree in business administration from the American University of Sharjah, a master’s in quality management from University of Wollongong in Dubai, and another master’s in strategic project management from Heriot Watt University. She always had a dream to become a Dr. in the academic field and for that she started pursuing her PhD in project management at the British University in Dubai and focused her thesis in an area that is aligned with the UAE’s strategic directions.

Her PhD thesis is one of a kind as it combines three main domains that were never joined together in a PhD thesis or research globally, which entails “Key Determinants of Artificial Intelligence Adoption and the Perception of Decision Makers Towards Enablement of Socio-Economic Sustainability Goals: Case UAE Smart Sustainable Cities”. After completing her PhD, she has been selected as an Editorial Board Member for the Scientific Journal Portal.

She has pursued numerous professional certifications to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

She participated at several conferences and in year 2021 her paper entitled “The Integration of AI and ICT in the Learning Environment – Education Leaders’ Perspective” won as the best paper award and was published at the Journal for Researching Education Practice and Theory (JREPT).

Moreover, Khulood has assisted and guided fellow PhD scholars throughout their successful completion by offering guidance and expertise.

To further continue in her achievements journey, she has embarked into the entrepreneurship domain and has partnered with another successful women to build and develop a brand that serves the society.

Amna Al Jaberi
ACMA CGMA

• Over 15 years of experience in public finance.
• Master’s degree in Service Leadership and Innovation from Rochester Institute of Technology.
• Public Innovation Sector Diploma from Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, in partnership with Cambridge University.
• Executive Program for Benchmarking from Massey University, New Zealand, in collaboration with The Executive Council of Dubai.
• Professional Diploma in International Leadership from UNITAR Geneva, in partnership with Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University.
• Public Policy Program from London School of Economics, in partnership with The Executive Council of Dubai.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing public policies and programs that drive efficiency and ensure financial sustainability.

Mariam Gao
Chairman of GDIS

Mariam Gao As China-Arab business environment/ investment expert, founder of GDIS Associates. Advocate of Chinese Enterprise sustainable development in Arab countries and China Arab investment ecology, Initiator of Arab China unicorns investment conclave, initiator of global digital industry investment Dubai forum, Promoter of China-Arab investment and Digital Economy cooperation. Specialist in strategic planning, women empowerment and entrepreneurship. with many years of combined experience supporting China-UAE cooperation at the UAE Embassy Commercial counselor’s offices in China.

She has a dynamic personality, active in uplifting/mobilizing diverse contributions for Arab China Bilateral trade and investment cooperation, well experienced in enhancing regional cooperation, cross-border commercial environment analysis, strategies, and culture exchange.

Farah Huseynli
Vcare Academy global knowledge partner and President of Berkeleyme Azerbaijani

Ms. Farah Huseynli is a Vcare Academy global knowledge partner in Azerbaijan and CIS Region. She is also Action President of Berkeley in Azerbaijan since 2019.
Farah is passionate about improving gender diversity in the supply chain and she regularly mentors young women in Supply Chain to support them to meet career objectives. Farah graduated from Texas A&M University, she obtained executive certifications from Harvard Business, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Recently she obtained certification as Certified Supply Chain Leader.

Prabhdeep Singh Baweja
Director at MCA Gulf and GION

Prabhdeep qualified as a Chartered Accountant from ‘The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’ in 2006.
He joined ICAI in July 2016 and is currently serving as Regional Director for Middle East and Africa.
He is a passionate speaker on technical topics of the Accounting Profession and has also conducted many workshops on varied topics in various organizations.
He is a Servant Leader and an effective communicator, which has made him very popular among the ICAI members andthe  students’ community
As an active toastmaster, he has served as Chair of various Committees and Director in Toastmasters International.
He was the Group Consul of the largest professional network in Internations and Co-founder of Welfare of Mankind in Dubai.
He has been awarded the highest recognition in Toastmasters, which is the Distinguished Toastmasters Award, and very few members out of more than 300,000 members ever receive this recognition.

Ekaterina Zeynalova
Poet | Author | Cultural Visionary | Creator of Educational and Cultural Programs
Advisor | Masters in culture | Researcher in the Science of Happiness

I am Ekaterina Zeynalova, a global thinker and creator, dedicated to exploring the connections between tourism, happiness, culture, and art. My work spans across multiple dimensions, from writing poetry and books to designing transformative educational programs and organizing unique travel experiences.

Musa Shaikh
Berkeley Middle East Holding
Group CFO & CEO

• Royal Family Investment Advisor
• Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director

Shaikh is a Certified Public Accountant, a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK, and a CGMA from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Associate member of the Institute of Financial Accountants, a fellow member of International Accountants. He is a Certified Internal Auditor from the Institue of Internal Audit, Florida, USA, a Certified Information System Auditor, and a Fellow Member of Securities and Investments from CISI, United Kingdom. He is a double graduate in law and business, LLB (Hons) from Buckinghamshire New University UK, a Master in Law from Kings College London, a Master in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, a Master in Public Administration from Chichester University, He is a Certified Project Management Professional from PMI, USA. He has amazing capabilities to innovate, equipped with deep knowledge of Artificial intelligence, system architecture, and data sciences. He is a certified Amazon AWS Data Analytics and certified Solutions Architecture Professional. He has more than 20 years of experience in leading financial strategies, planning & budgeting, corporate governance, FP&A, VC, Corporate finance, strategies for turnaround, Risk and compliance management, acquisitions for startups & large projects, financial modeling, due diligence, and advise on leading key business complex matters on a global scale.