An alumnus of Central Saint Martins, Gaurav Gupta has created a niche for his eponymous label as a progressive couturier and carved a world that is future primitive, reflected through his sculptural garments. Over nineteen years of merging indigenous Indian construction and embellishing techniques with his idea of the future, Gaurav Gupta has delivered and sustained a world that is Indian at its core and boundless in its form and emerged as one of the strongest voices in couture and fashion from India. His novel sari gowns began an entirely new language in Indian wear and gradually in couture, as perceived hitherto in India.

Khalid AlMannaa is a Kuwaiti entrepreneur, Master Perfumer, and Product Designer, currently serving as CEO of Khaleet, a Kuwait-based fragrance and personal care brand. With over 15 years of industry experience, his expertise spans perfumery, product innovation, creative direction, and brand development. In 2015, he founded Mubkhar, a Kuwaiti fragrance brand that he developed into a successful regional business, expanding its presence across the GCC. His entrepreneurial journey reached a significant milestone in 2022 when Mubkhar was acquired by Floward, one of the region's leading online gifting platforms. His vision is centered on combining creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation to create distinctive products, build successful businesses, and elevate Kuwaiti brands on the regional and international stage.

Nour Abdulhussain is a Kuwaiti designer and founder of Nour Abdul, a budding fashion brand. In 2019, she graduated from Miami International University of Art & Design, a university ranked by BOF’s education council as one of the best overall schools in the US for undergraduate degrees in fashion design. During her time in Miami, she began making plans for creating her own fashion brand and bringing her designs back to Kuwait. Her influences come from the merging of both her Arabic roots with her experiences living in the US. Her time at MIU helped hone her technical and creative skills, as well as introducing her to the concept of sustainability, a concept she strives to implement in her overall production and designs.

Nafsika Skourti is a Greek-Palestinian designer and the founder and creative force behind her eponymous label, which she co-founded with her sister, Stephanie Skourti, in Amman, Jordan, in 2014. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, she began her career at Marchesa in New York before honing her craft in haute couture embroidery and passementerie at École Lesage in Paris. Defined by a distinctive balance of impeccable craftsmanship, contemporary silhouettes and innovative textile artistry, their design philosophy centres on creating versatile, elevated pieces that celebrate the many facets of femininity. Balancing glamour with anti-glamour and statement with subtlety encouraging women to embrace individuality and reinterpret their wardrobes on their own terms. Today, Nafsika Skourti is recognised as a pioneering Middle Eastern voice on the international luxury fashion stage, with global stockists including Al Othman, Ounass and Harvey Nichols.

Shahd AlShehail is the Founder and Creative Director of ABADIA, a Saudi luxury fashion house that bridges the rich heritage of the Arabian Peninsula with contemporary design. Through her work, she champions traditional craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and the preservation of artisanal techniques, reinterpreting them for the modern woman. Recognised as one of the BoF 500 most influential people shaping the global fashion industry.

Dima Ayad is a Dubai-based entrepreneur, fashion designer and communications specialist with over two decades of experience across luxury hospitality, fashion and lifestyle. She is the Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous fashion label, established in 2010, known for its inclusive approach to contemporary occasionwear, expressive silhouettes and statement designs that celebrate women of all shapes and sizes. The brand has developed an international presence across the Middle East, Europe and the United States. Dima is also the Founder of DAC Communications, a boutique PR and marketing agency established in 2020, specialising in luxury hospitality, food and beverage, lifestyle and fashion. Drawing on a career that includes senior roles at Atlantis, Jumeirah Group, Raffles and The Modist, she combines creative vision, strategic communications expertise and a deep understanding of luxury brand building. Across both businesses, Dima continues to champion individuality, meaningful storytelling and the creation of brands with lasting relevance.

Omar E. Beidoun is the Vice President of Beidoun Trading Company and a third-generation leader of the family business, founded in 1961 by his late grandfather, Zouheir Beidoun. With over 20 years of experience, he continues to build on the company's legacy while driving its growth and evolution. He holds a Master's degree in Luxury Brand Management from European Business School London, where he also studied Family Business Management.

Joana Jamil works at the intersection of culture and the platform. As a Global Partnerships manager at Meta, she partners with the Middle East and North Africa's most influential creators and public figures across the Meta platforms, following chapters at Twitter and Microsoft's MSN Arabia. A journalist by training, she is the author of Lana & Nina — A Different Kind of Family, and a mother of two.

With nearly two decades of experience across the international luxury, fashion, and lifestyle industries, Nathalie Mroue brings extensive expertise in strategic communications and commercial development. She started her career at Stella McCartney before joining Elie Saab, where she spearheaded the brand’s digital and e-commerce growth. At Maison Pyramide Group, she plays a driving role in the development of a multidisciplinary business spanning communications, wholesale, retail development, and talent management. Her work has included developing and delivering some of the region’s most ambitious cultural initiatives, campaigns, and industry programs, supporting creative talent, brands, and businesses across the Middle East and beyond.

Cedric Haddad, founder of #StyledByCed, is a leading personal and celebrity stylist in the Middle East. Starting his career in advertising and TV, he quickly became a trusted name among celebrities for his refined taste and professionalism across interviews, red carpets, magazine covers, and music videos. Beyond styling, he consults VIPs, diplomats, and royal families, offering personalized shopping experiences. Cedric also conducts luxury styling trainings across the GCC for prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier, Gucci, Fendi, and more. Passionate about education, he regularly hosts workshops and seminars to inspire fashion lovers, and teaches his “Personal & Celebrity Styling” course online via MAHARAT and at Istituto Marangoni Dubai.

Dr. Mohammed Khaled AlJassar is a Kuwaiti academic and cultural leader serving as Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). Previously a faculty member at Kuwait University's College of Architecture, he has a professional background focused on architectural heritage, cross-cultural behavior in architecture, and the impact of modernism on Kuwaiti culture. Throughout his career, Dr. AlJassar has contributed to initiatives dedicated to safeguarding Kuwait's historical landmarks and promoting its cultural identity, including heritage preservation projects on Failaka Island. In his current role, he oversees national cultural initiatives, supports the development of Kuwait's arts and creative industries, and strengthens international cultural cooperation. He has also contributed to Kuwait's cultural programming as the Arab Capital of Culture for 2025, reinforcing the country's regional and international cultural presence.

Safa Al Hashem is a Kuwaiti political figure and businesswoman who served over eight years as a Member of Parliament in Kuwait's National Assembly. She made history as the first woman in Kuwait to serve as Comptroller of the National Assembly and to win parliamentary elections for three consecutive terms. She also served as Chair of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee for three years, contributing to economic policymaking, financial oversight, and legislative affairs. With a professional background spanning both the public and private sectors, Al Hashem brings extensive experience in corporate management, parliamentary governance, and economic development.

Jaber has extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of innovation management, intellectual property, technology transfer, and National Innovation System as a key pillar of Knowledge-Based Economy. In 2013, Jaber joined National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and got involved in various cultural projects. He presented a new strategic direction for NCCAL by redefining the strategic role of culture in the development practice and became a cultural heritage expert and a representative in Kuwait Delegation in UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2016/2019 and worked on the reforms of heritage management practices, including the contribution to the National Heritage Strategy of Kuwait 4th Masterplan, and on the nomination of potential sites to the World Heritage list. With the development of interdisciplinary skills, Jaber initiated a "Creative Economy" program that aims to develop a strategic roadmap for the creative economy in Kuwait to contribute to the future social and economic development of the country.

Nada Baeshen is a Saudi entrepreneur, television anchor, and social media influencer known for her diverse work across finance, business, and media. With more than 10 years of experience in finance, she began her career at leading institutions including HSBC, Banque Saudi Fransi, and The Family Office, developing expertise in wealth management, investment advisory, and client relations. After her corporate journey, she moved into the retail and lifestyle sector, founding and managing several successful Saudi-based brands such as Bimini, Newbury, The Huntress, and Paddle Pursuit. Her ventures reflect a passion for innovation, design, and empowering local entrepreneurship. Alongside her business ventures, she serves as a television anchor on Kalam Nawaim, one of MBC’s most prominent female-led talk shows and maintains a strong digital presence as a lifestyle and business influencer. Her career bridges finance, entrepreneurship, and media, representing the ambition, creativity, and leadership of modern Saudi women.

Ziad Ibrahim is a seasoned beauty industry executive with over 18 years of experience in the beauty and luxury retail sectors. Currently serving as Vice President of Purchasing - Beauty at Boutiqaat Group in Kuwait, he brings extensive expertise in commercial strategy, business development, brand management, and market expansion. Prior to joining Boutiqaat, Ziad built a distinguished career at Chalhoub Group, holding key leadership responsibilities across beauty retail, distribution, and direct-to-retail operations. Combining deep industry knowledge with a strong understanding of the evolving beauty and e-commerce landscape, Ziad is passionate about building successful businesses, fostering strategic brand partnerships, and developing high-performing teams. His leadership focuses on driving innovation, accelerating growth, and creating long-term value in the competitive beauty industry.

Anna Zinola is School and Education Director of Istituto Marangoni Riyadh (KSA). She received a Phd in Research Methodology at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano (Italy), where she taught Research Methods. She has been adjunct professor of Research Methods and Consumer Behavior at Master Courses of Istituto Marangoni, Milan. At the same university she has been Director for the Global Master for Luxury Business Professional organized by Istituto Marangoni and Politecnico di Milano Graduate School of Management. Before her actual appointments, she was adjunct professor of Marketing Psychology at the University of Pavia. Before her academic achievements, Anna was director of qualitative studies at Nielsen. In the subsequent years she embarked on a career as a consultant and worked for international companies, primarily in the Luxury and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sectors. Her research and scientific activities are mainly devoted to consumer behaviors and research methods. She has published over 10 books focusing on the analysis of consumer attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, she is Editorial Board Member of the International Journal of Sustainable Fashion & Textiles and regular columnist for the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera - consumer related topics.