Omar is an entrepreneur, public speaker and TV show personality who’s best known for his ability to engage and entertain any audience with his communications and public speaking skills bringing life to any event and creating a memorable occasion. Omar’s proven track record has made him the go-to Event Host & Emcee for many local and global organizations from Forbes Middle East, Emaar, Binance, Bayut, Saudia Airlines, Great Place to Work, Louis Vuitton and many more, his ability to work closely with the client and events management companies combined with his hands-on approach in all aspects of pre-planning from lighting, audio, video, event running order, and rehearsals has proven to be instrumental to the success in every event. Over the past 14 years in Dubai, Omar has established further credibility for his clients through his direct Television appearances with global entrepreneurs and celebrities including Tony Robins, Steve Harvey, Grant Cardone, Huda Beauty, Kevin O’leary and many more

Mr. El Samman is the group CEO of Rajhi Invest Group since May 2021. With more than 20 years of significant experience across all aspects of investment banking, including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financing. Prior to this role he was the Managing Director of Beltone investment Banking leading numerous high profile, local and regional transactions with a successful track record exceed $6 billion. He started his career with HSBC investment banking department for seven years, holding a broad array of responsibilities across the bank. Also Mr. Elsamman served as the executive director of investments at Al Ahly Capital Holding, which is a leading full-fledged financial hub and the investment arm of the National Bank of Egypt.

He also serves on a number of boards in various capacities. (Rajhi Steel, Berain, Saudi Toursim development Co., National Gypsum)
Mr. EL Samman holds a bachelor of commerce degree in accounting, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst, designated by the CFA institute and Private Equity Master Class from London Business School.

Dr Abdulgader Amir is currently working as the deputy CEO for Aseer development Authority (ASDA)

Dr Abdulgader Amir also worked as the dean of college of engineering at UBT from 2020 -2022 . Before Joining UBT , Dr Amir worked as the Deputy minister for Technical affairs at the Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs between 2017 and 2020 until he retired from the government
Prior to joining MOMRA in 2017, Dr Abdulgader Amir occupied few senior and high ranking positions at the public and private sector including Municipality of Jeddah ( As a vice mayor for planning ), Shamayel development company ( as the CEO of the company
Dr Amir also taught and headed the departments of City planning and Architecture at King Fahd university for petroleum & minerals between 1998 to 2006.

Dr Abdulgader Amir received masters and PhD Degree from the USA in architecture and urban planning from (university of Washington 1990, Georgia Institute of Technology in 1998 consecutively

Cho Chiu is the Founder of Nuema, a company reimagining what’s possible at the intersection of Sacred Hospitality, Healthcare & Wellness in the MENA market.

Prior to Nuema, Cho’s background is deeply rooted in arts and technology. Cho played a pivotal role in the launch and management of North American markets with key digital asset providers for companies like Airbnb (Luxe + Plus), Uber, Zeus, and Minthouse. She also produced assets with creative teams for Sony, Harpers Bazaar, Nyx Cosmetics and many more. Cho’s journey has been defined by a commitment to culture, community, and innovation.

Her unique perspective and focus on creating meaningful connections and transformative experiences led her to create Nuema. Cho seeks to revolutionize the landscape, fostering a harmonious blend of Sacred Hospitality, Healthcare, and Wellness for parents everywhere.

Alexander is a scientist and a designer. “to combine both worlds – the one of intuition and design instinct and the one of facts and research enables me to see things before they become real. As architects we always have to foresee the future otherwise or cities would be already outdated before they became true. As scientists we understand the technology, the process and the human interaction,”

Alexander was co-founding LAVA in 2007 together with Tobias Wallisser and Chris Bosse. As the CEO Alexander is leading the office in Stuttgart. The company is engaged in many futuristic projectsaround the world. Focus is on the GCC market at this moment.

Besides in his architecture firm LAVA, Alexander is engaged since 1997 with Fraunhofer as a researcher in the field of future construction, Future City and Future Hotel. He is lecturing in the academia world and is a known keynote speaker in big conferences around the world.

In 1996, Paul Bishop relocated from the U.K. to the UAE, and in 2004, he founded his company, Bishop Design. Over the past two decades, he has transformed his business into an internationally renowned, award-winning design brand with headquarters in two of the world’s most influential design capitals – Dubai and Miami.

Apart from his design prowess, Paul Bishop is renowned for collaborating with some of the most prominent brands and developers in the Middle East, including SLS Hotels & Residences, Majid Al Futtaim, Intercontinental, Atlantis The Palm, and others.

Paul’s portfolio includes projects across various regions such as the USA, The Bahamas, and beyond, which has helped him gain recognition as a well-known name in the global design industry. His passion for design and unwavering dedication to the craft have enabled him to build an impressive portfolio across various sectors, including hospitality, food and beverage, commercial, and retail.

Based out of Dubai for the last 20 years, Vibha Sawhney is a seasoned Hospitality Design Services Professional with over 2 decades of muti-disciplinary experience in individual and mixed-use developments of new build and renovations across EMEA and Southwest Asia.
An architect by profession, her Hospitality Career began when she joined Hyatt International in 2015, where she worked as a Project Director, while leading a part of the regional team. She worked with Hospitality Interior Design Consultancies prior to that.
She is currently employed with Kempinski as a Senior Director of Design & Construction Services, supporting various projects worldwide, with a focus on Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia.
Her key strength is her ability to connect and communicate with people from diverse regions and cultures with empathy to inspire brand vision.

During an international career in the construction industry spanning more than 33 years diversified between consultancy, contractor & development. I have managed to successfully deliver 53 residential, mixed-use, shopping malls, and hospitality towers in addition to four housing complexes in 8 cities in the MENA region. I have specialized not only in the lifecycle management of projects but have also been instrumental in the profitable growth and development of businesses. I have achieved cost-effective and profitable operations without even compromising on quality or service delivery to clients. I have also developed an extensive network of contacts with professional experts and local authorities alike in the MENA region.

Core Skills
1. Ability to lead teams & departments to achieve development goals that are both challenging in terms of budget and timeframe.
2. I have acquired a reputation as a motivational and inspirational Manager who leads by example and can make difficult decisions relating to high-profile projects.
3. Strong commercial skills especially in negotiations & closing deals with consultants & contractors.
4. Taking decisions in hard times along with the Chairman’s directions.
5. Handling branded standards within budgets to assure maximum profitability to stakeholders.
6. Project contract & executive reports.

Ziad Khoury, a distinguished leader with a rich and extensive background in the hospitality industry, spanning over twenty-five years. Currently serving as the Vice President of Hotel Operations at Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), Ziad assumes a pivotal role in ensuring operational efficiency and financial viability across a diverse array of hotel properties throughout the United Arab Emirates.

Before his tenure at ADNH. Ziad’s illustrious career also includes serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the hospitality and tourism sector at Almulla Group, where he led the development and management of various hotel brands across diverse segments and markets. Throughout his career, Ziad has demonstrated a passion for crafting unforgettable guest experiences and a relentless pursuit of innovation in the ever- evolving hospitality landscape.

Ziad Khoury emerges not just as a seasoned executive, but as a visionary leader whose profound impact resonates across every facet of the dynamic hospitality industry.

Erlend Blakstad Haffner, is a founder of CHAP. In partnership with Sir Peter Cook and Branko Belacevic, they are aligning their perspectives to pioneer groundbreaking architectural solutions, notably exemplified in their contribution to The Line in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

Haffner’s architectural journey commenced with the establishment of the traveling studio, Fantastic Norway, housed in a distinctive bright red caravan, symbolizing profound engagement. The co-creation of “Håkon & Haffner’s Building Blocks” from 2010 to 2011, a prime-time TV show, aimed to elevate architecture in public interest.

A defining moment unfolded post-2011 Utøya attack, where Haffner played a pivotal role in the island’s reconstruction, transforming it into a symbol of international solidarity over a decade.

His design acumen, marked by awards such as the Mies Van der Rohe Prize nomination, the gold medal in “The Iakov Chernikohov International Architectural Prize,” and the “FAD Medal of Honor,” is evident in a portfolio delicately balancing heritage preservation with sensory experiences.

CHAP prioritizes environmental sensitivity in diverse projects, integrating green building techniques and renewable energy systems for ecological impact minimization. CHAPs innovative initiatives, and unwavering commitment, leaves an enduring legacy, harmonizing innovation, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity in the architectural realm.

Richard David Nelson serves as a Partner at Kengo Kuma & Associates, an architectural practice located in the heart of Tokyo, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, with its influence extending through offices in Paris, China, and South Korea. His strategic leadership has been crucial in the development and execution of a diverse range of significant projects on a global scale. Richard’s expertise is most pronounced in designing spaces for hospitality, public gatherings, and cultural venues, with a project footprint that stretches from the United States to Southeast Asia and the Gulf Region and the Middle East.

Beginning his career in the detailed realm of artisanal furniture creation, Richard has risen to larger scales and developments in architectural innovation across the globe. This journey of 20 plus years of experience has seen him refine a design philosophy centered on the principles of simplicity, harmony with nature, and minimalism.

Richard’s work pays tribute to the timeless integration of traditional craftsmanship with the advancements of modern sustainable design and the forefront of computational manufacturing. He is a proponent of creating human centered spaces that foster a bio-sensitive equilibrium with the natural environment, designing places that are in dialogue with nature and deeply resonate with the human experience.

Jacqueline Shaddock , currently the Head of Interior Design at Emaar, is an accomplished and creative professional with decades of experience in various consultancies in London, Sydney and Dubai, before joining the regions largest developer. With a passion for design, Jacqueline has an eye for detail, an ability to create beautiful and functional spaces, and a dedication to delivering exceptional results.

Jacqueline is known for her ability to balance creativity with practicality, ensuring that each design is not only visually stunning but also functional and feasible

As the Head of Interior Design at Emaar, Jacqueline is responsible for leading a talented team of design managers and works with a broad range of consultants on a large number of global projects spanning residential, hospitality and retail sectors. She brings a discerning eye and a wealth of knowledge to the table. She has a keen understanding of the elements that make up exceptional design, including color, texture, lighting, and proportion, and are skilled at evaluating how well these elements are incorporated into a space.

With more than 35 years of experience in planning and architecture – both in the UK and overseas – Jeremy has a wide-ranging background in design and project management. His highly creative design expertise includes hotels, entertainment and leisure resort facilities, and residential developments.

Jeremy has been with WATG since 1992 and has designed and directed an extensive portfolio of projects. His portfolio includes the major civic landmark Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, encompassing more than 270,000 sqm in built area and a beachside elevation of over two kilometers; senior project architect for the original US$65 million refurbishment of Claridge’s Hotel in London; and design and development lead for Legoland Windsor Resort, England, which is renowned for its innovative design that continues to delight children from all over the world.

More recently, Jeremy was at the helm of WATG and Wimberly Interiors’ concept for intu Costa del Sol in Torremolinos, Spain, which reimagined destination retail as a resort experience with more than 100,000 square meters of green spaces, seventy restaurants, twelve neighborhoods, two hotels, concert venue, and on-site circus; the award-winning St. Regis Astana Hotel + Residences; and Porto Montenegro.

Maya Ziadeh is responsible for the expansion of Accor’s Premium, Midscale and Economy brand portfolio across the Middle East, Africa & Turkey region.

In addition to leading and delivering the strategic growth, Maya will focus on expanding the franchise and management business in key markets, alongside identifying strategic partners, and maintaining strong relationships with current owners and partners.

Maya brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with key signings in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman and Kuwait.
Prior to joining the development team of Accor in August 2022, Maya held development positions at InterContinental Hotels Group and Marriott International based in Dubai.

Maya holds a degree in Law from the Lebanese University in Lebanon and certificates from Cornell in Real Estate Investment and Asset Management and Control of Hotel Real Estate.

Wells International is a preeminent global hospitality design consultancy crafting some of the world’s most unique, original and luxurious hospitality projects. Founded by CEO Justin Wells, the goal of Wells International is to be the most distinctive hospitality design company in the world. Wells International uses a unique ‘manifesto’ in the ideation process being Design Mirrors Theatre. Their design approach is to create deep research-led, inventive storytelling, which results in emotively charged, transformational experiences.

Wells believes the four pillars of Wells International’s design process, namely the creation of a Script, Scenography, and celebrations of Actors and Audience, are all deeply reflected in the hospitality industry, and therefore deeply shape the design philosophy of the company.

As an award-winning designer and Australian architect, Wells has designed exquisite hospitality projects across the world for nearly three decades. His instinctive passion for hotel design was born out of travel at a youthful age, when he noticed the magical transformation of how resorts could reinvent from day to night, from a cognitive planning arrangement to a mystical ambience of intriguing spaces amongst light and shadow.

Wells founded Wells International in Dubai to strategically service the locations of projects across Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asian regions. Having previously tenured with some of the hospitality industry’s giants, Wells continues to design with his international team located across Europe, Middle East and the Asia Pacific.

As a positive contributor back to the design industry, Wells has also been a design judge for Global and MEA AHEAD awards on multiple occasions, a regular keynote speaker at industry events and conferences and is privileged to have an enviable client list comprising Royal Family members and Heads of State amongst numerous others.

“Hospitality design and travel have been deep passions of mine from an early age,” says Wells. “I have always been fascinated by different places, cultures and experiences, and this has translated into an emotional approach to design.”

An accomplished and meticulous professional with 22 years of proven success record in various aspects of the hospitality industry including Asset Management, Hotel Development, Tourism Development, Restaurant Development/Management, Hotel Management and Project Management. With Master’s in hospitality from NYU and Bachelor’s in Hotel Management from Swiss Hotel Institute, his consulting experience includes projects with a value of approximately USD 64 Billion. He has worked in various continents including Europe, US and the Middle East holding senior positions. He has been involved in consulting some of the successful Hospitality projects globally including: – Paris, Miami, New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Riyadh, Doha particularly with major hotel and consultancy groups.

Gilbert Khalil started his professional career in architecture a few years before obtaining his Masters of Advanced Studies in Architecture with High Honors as a recipient of the Distinguished Founder’s Prize “PRIX ALEXIS BOUTROS”, in 2008, from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) in Beirut, Lebanon.

Early in his career, in his home country Lebanon, Gilbert worked as Senior Design Architect in several prestigious and award winning architectural consultancies such as HM Architects, Pierre Basil Architects, Jean Marc Bonfils Architects and Atelier des Architectes Associés. His role was to manage the entire process of many projects located between the Middle East and Africa, from concept creation to detailed design to coordination with consultants across disciplines as well as conducting site visits for execution control and quality assurance.

In 2015, even though he was still attached to the world of Architecture, Gilbert quit his job in Lebanon so that he can explore his dream career: Automotive Design, which has been his passion since the day he was able to hold a pencil in his hand and draw sketches during his teenage years. By using his computer software skills and sketching abilities, he was able to create the design of a concept super car, put it in a portfolio and applied for a Master’s in automotive design to four Top 10 rated design universities in Italy. Even though, one could only apply for this kind of Master’s if he only had a BA in industrial Design or a BA in automotive design, Gilbert was admitted in all four universities: SPD (Scuola Politecnica di Design), IAAD (Istituto d’Arte Applicata e Design), Politecnico di Milano and IED (Istituto Europeo di Design). Unfortunately, upon doing his research, Gilbert realized it was too late for him to go into this field and had to drop this dream, because between spending 2 years to finish the Master’s, having to do a free 1-year internship and finally starting from a junior designer position, it was obviously a bad decision at this stage, both financially and career wise.

Gilbert still wanted to do & create more as well as widen his career perspective, so he moved to Dubai, UAE where he led the design department and managed projects from ideation to completion as Head of Design at A3 Design, where he mainly worked on high end interiors like Omniyat’s “The PAD” Lobby & top of the line exhibition stands such as The “Etisalat” Gitex Stand. A few years later, he took the position of Project Director with the Sahara Centre Mall, to manage the execution of their new extension as operator representative, with a cost of 380,000,000 AED that includes additional mall retail and F&B spaces as well as a healthcare center on top, within One Million Square Feet of built-up area.

And in 2020, he joined Sunset Hospitality Group, a leading hospitality investment and management company as Director of Design and Technical Services to develop the creation of METT a new hotel concept that will be located within the GCC, Europe and Africa. In addition to that he has managed & is still managing the design & execution of international brands such as SUSHISAMBA, SIGNOR SASSI & MOTT 32 around the world, as well as new brand Restaurants, dinner show concepts, Beach Clubs, Gyms and Club houses, which include L’AMO, ISOLA, SACHI, LUUM, AMÉLIE, DREAM, ATTIKO, RAISE, AZURE, FOLIE and many more.

In addition to his passion for architecture, Gilbert has never stopped exploring in his free time other fields in Design like Automotive and Product Design.

Stephen leads a talented and dedicated team of designers and engineers providing best-in-class brand design stewardship for IHG’s valued partners across Southwest Asia, Middle East and Africa. His 16 year career in hospitality design began with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2008 expanding their portfolio of luxury brands across EMEA, followed by roles with Marriott and Accor before joining IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2019. An additional 14 years of prior international experience in architecture and design encompassed positions at the world-renowned firms of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Gensler between offices in New York and London. He holds an Architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame which included an enlightening year of study in Rome, followed by a challenging internship in Paris to kick start his passion for “globally local” design and sustainable travel.

Jeroen van den Hurk’s career trajectory demonstrates a consistent pursuit of excellence and innovation across various sectors, culminating in his role as CEO of Van Berge Henegouwen (VBH) since April 2019.

With nearly five years at the helm of VBH, van den Hurk has led the company to specialize in the development, integration, and installation of high-end technology for luxury homes, whether on land or at sea. His tenure at VBH is characterized by pushing the boundaries in AV, IT, lighting, control, communication, and security products, thereby enhancing lifestyle with new and innovative experiences. Under his leadership, VBH has reinforced its position as a leader in integrating luxury technology onboard superyachts and inside private residences, leveraging over 30 years of experience in the industry.

Before ascending to his current position at VBH, Jeroen van den Hurk nurtured a profound passion for innovation and technology, which is evident throughout his diverse career. As Managing Director at VDL Industrial Modules, Jeroen van den Hurk led significant advancements in high-tech development and production. His tenure at Philips, where he served as Director of Marketing & Sales and OEM Manager, further highlighted his ability to drive innovation and global market growth in the electronics sector, showcasing his knack for pioneering technology introductions.

Jeroen van den Hurk’s career is distinguished by his relentless pursuit of new technologies and innovative solutions, underpinned by a firm belief in the transformative power of innovation across industries. His success in integrating luxury technology onboard superyachts and in private residences at VBH, alongside his leadership in high-tech developments and global marketing strategies, epitomizes his visionary approach and unwavering commitment to excellence in technology and innovation.

Paolo oversees the firm’s global masterplan and Urban Design team to deliver holistic and sustainable design solutions. With more than 20 years of experience leading Architecture, Urban Planning and Environmental Design projects, Paolo’s ethos is based upon a sensible business case for the proposed mix of uses and sustainable agenda. Working in conjunction with the firm’s Superspace platform, Paolo’s master planning combines evidence-based methodology with insight into the way people relate to spaces.

Skilled in Public key note speeches, Public Realm Design, Masterplanning, Biomimicry, Design Research, and Placemaking. Strong arts and design led professional RIBA Chartered Architect graduated from the Welsh School of Architecture.

Hakan Ozkasikci is Executive Vice President of Design and Technical Services at Kerzner International, overseeing the overall direction of the company’s new and ongoing projects. He joined Kerzner International in 2019, as Senior Vice President of Design & Technical Services, with over 30 years of experience working on iconic projects in 36 countries over 4 continents including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Kerzner International, through its subsidiaries, is a leading global developer and operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels and residences and innovative entertainment and gaming experiences. He has been instrumental in the development of SIRO Hotels, Rare Finds along with Atlantis Resorts & Residences and One&Only Resorts and Private Homes.

With a passion for architectural design and fixtures, Hakan’s specialties include architecture, interior design, design and process management, branding, conversion, innovation, and sustainability. He approaches each individual project to reflect the locale, their culture and their people to reinterpret their values to strike a streamlined balance between comfort, sophisticated simplicity and luxury.

Hakan completed his master’s degree from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in developing sustainable design models for the hospitality industry including small, unbranded luxury hotels. He is a member of the Turkish Chamber of Architects, International Design Management Institute (DMI) and Ashford Institute Alumni.

Prior to joining Kerzner International, Hakan worked as a consultant designer and architect in different parts of the world. He joined Intercontinental Hotels Group to lead the design and development of the brand in Europe. Following that, he went on to work with Aman to lead the design of the brand across some landmark sites and instill the brand’s determination to preserve their natural settings and offer a luxurious peaceful refuge.

Recognized as a thought leader for the hospitality industry, Hakan has been an active attendee at prominent international hospitality events as a keynote speaker and moderator. He is also a loyal pupil of classical motorcycling, an experiential cook, and is currently penning his first book chronicling his adventures around the globe.

Maliha Nishat is Director – Interior Design, with a focus on Luxury Brands in Global design for Marriott International across the Middle East and Africa. Marriott International’s luxury portfolio has eight leading brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection and JW Marriott, and an addition of 22 Premium and Select brands.

Within her role at Marriott International, Maliha influences independent design decisions throughout Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Pakistan, and is responsible for creating memorable guest experiences in line with each of Marriott’s brands through her persistent and uncompromising drive for forward thinking design in the luxury space. Through her process of initiation and coordination of directed design, Maliha understands the complexity of high profile developments at all scales from inception to completion. Within her role, Maliha is highly experienced in hospitality design with 24 years’ experience in the hospitality design sector. An influencer in the Middle East hospitality design market, Maliha has a global mindset having worked across a range of projects in the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa both as an international hospitality design consultant for over 16 years and at Marriott International where she has spent the last 7 years. Innovation, creativity, and energy are the cornerstones of Maliha’s design thought process, injecting enthusiasm, passion and personality into every project. Working on new builds, renovation and conversions, she has a keen eye to transform environments. Maliha oversees design and the strategic direction and delivery of the company’s diverse luxury hotel and residence projects across the region while harmoniously managing internal and external stakeholder relations. Recent highlights from across the region include the Marriott International’s first luxury safari lodge, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, the arrival of Saudi Arabia’s first St Regis with St Regis Riyadh, and the most recent opening of the St Regis Red Sea.

Elsaeed is leading the Design Development for all Rua Al-Madinah Holding (RUA) project, the biggest Hospitality Project in the World. RUA is developing and managing 3 portfolios that will deliver various built and infrastructure assets and provide a differentiating factor within Madinah’s real estate sector while contributing towards achieving Vision_2030 and PIF goals with 47 thousand keys to be delivered by 2030.

Elsaeed previously led the team of Projects development for Knowledge Economic City Company who are developing a mega Mixed-Use Development across 6.8 M SQM in Al Madinah Al Munawara City with an aggregate investment of SAR 94 billion.

During his tenure at KEC Eng. Elsaeed held the position of the CEO (Acting) for the company for 2 years during which the company strategy was reviewed, and major anchor projects were specified, approved, and initiated.

Elsaeed managed the development of Mega Retail/Hospitality/Entertainment Hub, TOD development, Mega Hospitality development for Hajj/Umrah/Visitors to Madinah, Villas Residential Compound, mid/high-rise Residential Apartments, Strip-Mall, Business Park, International School, sub-developers’ plots and all related infrastructure utilities.

Throughout his 34 years career span, Elsaeed experience covered all aspects and due diligence of Real Estate development, successful record of forming, and leading teams in developing and managing World Class Real Estate Developments in KSA. Elsaeed has diversified experience in multiple Engineering disciplines and working for different sectors (Master Developers, Project Management, International Consultants, and Governmental entities).

Before joining the Knowledge Economic City Company, Elsaeed served in senior management roles at CIMS Management Consulting Company, Limitless LLC UAE, Akwaan Properties, Dar Al-Hadassah Consultants, Riyadh Water Authority & Urban Studies and Design Center.

Elsaeed holds B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, Mansoura University, Egypt, 1989 and number of professional courses & accreditation.

Kristina Zanic CEO, Kristina Zanic Consultants Designer, entrepreneur, traveller, art lover Kristina Zanic has had a distinguished career as an international designer for 35 years, working on projects in over 20 countries. At age 26, she founded an interior design firm and grew it to a multinational presence within two decades. In 2012, she launched her eponymous studio in Dubai, a venture that has since grown into an award-winning interior design consultancy with a team of 200 across Dubai, London, Riyadh, Bangkok, and the Philippines. Collaborating with prominent developers, international hospitality brands, and private VIP clients, Kristina and her team specialize in crafting bespoke interiors for hospitality, dining, wellness, and residential spaces across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Under her direction, the studio has earned several design awards, including being named top Interior design firm in the Middle East on numerous occasions. Kristina was also named #1 Hospitality Designer in the Middle East by Commercial Interior Design magazine in 2023. Kristina’s work is inspired by a love of travel and exploring different cultures. Croatian by origin and Australian by birth, Kristina has lived in 5 countries and travelled to over 70, often seeking places off the beaten track. She has a passion for art and champions its role in interior design. Kristina is committed to nurturing new talent and is actively involved in training and mentoring students and young designers