Dr Debbie Kristiansen:

Dr Debbie Kristiansen has over 30 years’ experience in Venue Management, Entertainment, Events and MICE Tourism. She has an extensive understanding of public and private sector organisations with a track record of driving growth and business development. Dr Debbie was Vice President for Global Sales at Regent Exhibitions – IMEX Frankfurt from 2001. In 2005 she moved to the Middle East and helped establish the Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority, later assuming the role of CEO. She became the first female CEO of NOVO Cinemas in Dubai, until she joined Exhibition World Bahrain as General Manager in 2021. Dr Debbie is currently serving on the Board of Directors at UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

It is this level of leadership that landed her many recognitions and awards, most recently: Top 150 Global Women in Leadership Award Winners 2022, UN Women USA Rise & Raise Others Award 2022, Top 50 Global Inspirational Women to look out for in 2022, Top 50 Women in Global Cinema & Entertainment 2020. 

Huda Al Shamlan:

Huda is a marketing and communications expert with over 13 years’ experience, focused on marketing and communication strategies, brand exposure and team capacity building, with a strong background in building marketing and communications departments for start-up organisations, and a specialisation in crisis comms and mitigation strategies. Huda’s career began at Bahrain Ministry of Information as an International Relations Specialist. She then moved on to be part of the team that launched Bahrain’s National Communication Centre to unify whole-of-government comms and messaging. She joined APCO Worldwide in 2018, a global communication consultancy firm offering 360 marcoms services to private and public sector clients. Huda was Head of Corporate Communications at BNET Bahrain before joining Exhibition World Bahrain as the Marketing, Communications and Partnerships Director in September 2022.

Ali Toorani:

Ali Toorani has a BSC in Mechatronics Engineers, and over a decade of experience in events operations and exhibitions management, Ali Toorani has been at the helm of organising some of the most prestigious and largest conferences in the Kingdom of Bahrain.  Ali progressed fast through overseeing multiple aspects within the industry, including events contracting, events organising and venue representation.  

As Acting Director of Event Operations, Ali is responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of events for the largest and newest exhibition and convention centre in the Middle East.  

In 2023, he was selected to take part in AIPC’s Future Shaper’s Program, making him the only Bahraini to ever be nominated. Ali’s professional journey has also focused on youth leadership and the importance of highlighting exceptional talents within the industry to create a sustainable path forward in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

Rasha Al Ameen:

A skilled Head of People & Culture, Ms. Rasha Al Ameen oversees all HR functions with her team at EWB, including staff recruitment, evaluation, and payroll. She is also passionate about developing talent in the organisation and identifying area where staff can thrive. 

Prior to taking her role at EWB, Ms. Al Ameen spent 14 years with one of Bahrain’s largest insurers, and 3 years with the American University of Bahrain where she was responsible for all faculty and administration staff, where she designed and implemented custom training programmes, structured employee benefit packages. Rasha is CIPD certified.

Ahmed Hammad:

Ahmed Hammad joined EWB from BMMI, where he held the positions of Acting General Manager at Banader Hotels Company and Legal & Compliance Manager at BMMI. Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and certifications in Compliance and Risk Management.

Amal Rafea:

Amal Rafea joined EWB from Tamkeen where she held the position of Senior Officer. She enrolled in several courses focused on management. Amal holds a Master of Science in International Business Management. 

Samer Maroof:

Samer Maaroof joined EWB from Ahli United Bank where he held the position of Head of Facilities Management. Prior to this, he spent time in Bank ABC. Samer accumulated over 25 years of experience in facilities management.

Mona Mirza:

Mona Mirza holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology & Computing from Arab Open University and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde. With over 14 years of experience, Mona served as Acting Head IT Development at Batelco. Her expertise spans strategic planning, project management, and business analysis, demonstrating a track record of delivering impactful solutions in the IT telecom sector.

Anas Ateeq:

Anas Ateeq holds a BSc in Business Administration. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and corporate communications, he is skilled in organising business events, managing marketing campaigns, corporate communications, event management, brand development, and crisis management. Anas has worked with leading organisations like Seef Properties and Bahrain Development Bank.

Hanan AlShehabi:

Hanan AlShehabi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Bahrain with over 20 years of experience in finance and administration across industries like oil & gas, leisure & entertainment, and property development. She has held key roles at organisations including Majid Futtaim Leisure. Hanan’s expertise includes budgeting, financial reporting, audit coordination, team leadership, and policy implementation.

Ahmed Aldusooqi:

Ahmed Aldusooqi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, And Diplomas in Business Administration and Communication Skills. Ahmed has almost 20 years’ experience in PR and protocol management experience, and various roles including Chief of Public & International Relations at the Isa Cultural Centre and Director of PR & Protocol at the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence. He is skilled in organising international events, managing PR activities, and nurturing key relationships with government entities, regional and international organisations, and foreign embassies. 

Mohammad Din Hayat:

Mohammad Din Hayat holds degrees in Business Management and Computer Support Systems from US institutions. He has over 10 years of experience in operations, entertainment management, and hospitality. While at Novo Cinemas, Mohammad served as a Cinema Manager, where he managed staff, planned operations, and handled finances.

David Garbutt:

David Garbutt holds a Diploma in Security Management. Specialising in international security, risk management, and operational oversight.  During his distinguished career, David held various security positions in the British Army’s Royal Military Police, as well as the position of Chief Security Manager at the Electricity and Water Authority in Bahrain. David continues to demonstate his ability to lead teams, devise security policies, and deploy technical security systems.