Category: Speakers

President of Al Sharq Forum

Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin is a professor and former dean of the College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. He served as the Al-Shawwaf Visiting Professor at Harvard University and is a Senior Fellow at Georgetown University’s Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. Dr. Shahin holds a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University and has taught at prestigious institutions including Harvard, Notre Dame, and Boston University. He is the editor-in-chief of The Oxford Encyclopedia of Islam and Politics and has authored six books and over 80 scholarly publications. His research focuses on Islam and politics, democracy, and political reform in the Middle East.

Blogger / Influencer

Hania Chalal is a prominent figure in Muslim youth activism, currently serving as President of the European Forum of Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) since October 2023. She was the first woman to lead EMF, a major Muslim student federation in France. Rooted in Islamic values of justice and equity, Hania has held various roles in French and international NGOs. She champions grassroots activism, believing it to be a key expression of Islamic principles and a powerful force for societal change.

Prominent Turkish politician and social advocate. She currently serves as the Mayor of Gaziantep, one of Turkey’s largest cities, and is the first woman to hold this position. Before her role as mayor, Şahin was a Member of Parliament and served as Turkey’s Minister of Family and Social Policies. A leading figure in Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), she has been recognized for her efforts in social welfare, urban development, and gender equality. Under her leadership, Gaziantep has seen significant infrastructure improvements and initiatives focused on women’s empowerment and social services.

Hisham Nourin is a seasoned executive with over a decade of leadership at Qatar Foundation, where he has spearheaded transformative initiatives aligning with Qatar’s National Vision. His strategic leadership has driven key projects such as the Qatar National Reading Campaign and Akhlaquna Award. With 24 years of global experience across four continents, Hisham’s expertise spans organizational transformation, innovation, and impactful change. He holds an Industrial Engineering degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris.

Leanne Mohamad is a British-Palestinian activist who ran as an independent candidate in the constituency of Ilford North in the 2024 general election, against the Labour Party incumbent and then Shadow Secretary for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting.

Ashraf Motiwala is the President of the Ummatics Institute, where he plays a pivotal role in promoting educational initiatives and research in the field of Islamic studies. He is recognized for his leadership and commitment to fostering an environment of learning and scholarship. Mr. Motiwala is dedicated to empowering individuals through knowledge, particularly in areas that intersect with contemporary issues and traditional Islamic teachings. His work emphasizes the importance of integrating modern educational practices with Islamic values.

Faizal Dawjee is a seasoned public affairs, media, and communications specialist with a rich background in journalism. He has been featured on prominent platforms such as Al Jazeera, CNBC Africa, and BBC World Service. Currently advising a global communications company, Faizal has provided strategic counsel to major financial institutions in the UK, focusing on ethnic communities. He served as Director of Media Services in the South African Government during President Thabo Mbeki’s tenure and worked on communications for Nelson Mandela’s Reconstruction and Development Programme. Faizal has also advised South Africa’s Olympic Committee and Durban’s Commonwealth Games bid.

Mohammed Ashour is a serial entrepreneur and visionary leader, currently serving as Deputy CEO of Yaqeen Institute and Co-Founder/CEO of Visionary Group. He previously founded Aspire, a global tech pioneer in insect agriculture, after winning the prestigious Hult Prize. Mohammed is recognized for his expertise in social enterprise and innovation, with features in top publications like The Wall Street Journal and Forbes. A Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, he holds multiple degrees from McGill University and the University of Toronto, and is a recipient of numerous accolades, including the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.