Conference

The Future of Agriculture International Conference

Agricultural Technologies & Food Security

Featured Speakers

Dr. Suliman bin Ali AlKhateeb

Deputy Minister for Agriculture || Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Dr. Suliman bin Ali AlKhateeb

Deputy Minister for Agriculture || Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Eng. Zaid Bin Abdullah Al-Moshilah

Director General || General Administration of Marketing & Agricultural Cooperatives Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Eng. Zaid Bin Abdullah Al-Moshilah

Director General || General Administration of Marketing & Agricultural Cooperatives Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Dr. Mamdouh Alsharari

Director General || General Directorate of Animal Resources, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Dr. Mamdouh Alsharari

Director General || General Directorate of Animal Resources, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Dr. Ali Mohammed Alshaikhi

Assistant Deputy Minister of Livestock and Fisheries || Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Dr. Ali Mohammed Alshaikhi

Assistant Deputy Minister of Livestock and Fisheries || Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

• Assistant Deputy of Livestock And Fisheries – Ministry of Environment Water & Agriculture. • Board Member – Saudi Export Authority • Board Member – Halal Center • Board Member – National Program for the Development of Livestock and Fisheries Sector • Board Member – Tobian Aquaculture Company • Board Member – Reef Academy • Chairman of the AQMENET (The Aquatic Animal Diseases Network in the Middle East in the World Organization for Animal Health) Steering Committee. • Chairperson of global Authority of Fisheries RECOFI (Regional Commission For Fisheries) in FAO. • CO – Chair of (36th COFI) session of the Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture. • Chairman of the Steering Committee of the International Year of Camels. • Executive Committee Member – National Agricultural Services Company • Executive Committee Member – National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA)

Dr. Mosleh Fayez Alzobidi

Food Industries Advisor || Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources

Dr. Mosleh Fayez Alzobidi

Food Industries Advisor || Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources

Food industries advisor with over 15 years of experience across the agriculture and food industries sectors. He holds a PhD in Business Administration and currently serves at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, focusing on food industry development, sectoral growth, and strengthening the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s food manufacturing sector.

Eng. Nemer AlShebel

CEO || National Company for Agricultural Services (AGRISERV)

Eng. Nemer AlShebel

CEO || National Company for Agricultural Services (AGRISERV)

Dr. Abdulaziz AlHarbi

Professor of Agricultural Sciences Consultant || Ministry of Environment Water & Agriculture

Dr. Abdulaziz AlHarbi

Professor of Agricultural Sciences Consultant || Ministry of Environment Water & Agriculture

Dr. Abdulelah Hussam Aldeen Habib

Founder & CEO || OptimalPV

Dr. Abdulelah Hussam Aldeen Habib

Founder & CEO || OptimalPV

Eng. Abdullah Al-Houtan

Director of the National Agriculture Strategy Implementation Department || Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture

Eng. Abdullah Al-Houtan

Director of the National Agriculture Strategy Implementation Department || Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture

Eng. Abdullah Al Rasheed

Senior Project Manager || Saudi Greenhouses Management & Agri Marketing Co

Eng. Abdullah Al Rasheed

Senior Project Manager || Saudi Greenhouses Management & Agri Marketing Co

Dr. Othman Yahya Al Najdi

General Manager – Sustainable Water and Energy Technologies || Al-Khorayef Group

Dr. Othman Yahya Al Najdi

General Manager – Sustainable Water and Energy Technologies || Al-Khorayef Group

Mr. Wael Alkhnaifer

Director of the Digital Certification Department and Director of the Data Lake Unit || Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Mr. Wael Alkhnaifer

Director of the Digital Certification Department and Director of the Data Lake Unit || Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Eng. Ali Alshalawi

Director of Climate Adaptation || Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Eng. Ali Alshalawi

Director of Climate Adaptation || Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

M. Mohamed Swydan

Head of Projects and Assets Management || ENGIE

M. Mohamed Swydan

Head of Projects and Assets Management || ENGIE

M. Muhammad Abbas Khan

Chief Strategy Officer || Tanmiah

M. Muhammad Abbas Khan

Chief Strategy Officer || Tanmiah

M. Mohammed O. Al-Harbi

Commercial Director || SAMANA Energy

M. Mohammed O. Al-Harbi

Commercial Director || SAMANA Energy

Richard Leonard Vollebregt

President and CEO || Cravo Equipment Ltd

Richard Leonard Vollebregt

President and CEO || Cravo Equipment Ltd

Richard Vollebregt has a degree in economics and is the President and CEO of Cravo Equipment Ltd, the world leader in the design and supply of retractable roof greenhouses, cooling houses and automated retractable field and orchard covers. For over 40 years, Richard has created innovative production systems combining the advantages of nature and a protected environment, developing the "Retractable Roof Production System" which helps growers increase yields and quality while reducing disease and insect pressure.

Dr. Pierre Broun

Translational Professor || King Abdullah University for Science & Technology

Dr. Pierre Broun

Translational Professor || King Abdullah University for Science & Technology

Pierre Broun is a plant scientist and agricultural-innovation leader and entrepreneur whose career spans academia and global industry. His roles included senior R&D leadership at Nestlé and Olam and, most recently, Director of Climate-resilient Agriculture at NEOM. He also co-founded two ventures at the interface of agriculture and food. As director of Nestlé’s Plant Science Research Unit and VP Plant Science at Olam/ofi, he led industry-leading R&D programs on coffee and cocoa spanning over 250 trial sites and impacting thousands of farmers globally. His team contributed to the release of innovative food products and the strengthening of supply chains while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. At NEOM he developed and executed the agriculture strategy for the region, delivering more than 10 hectares of advanced greenhouses and bringing premium produce to major retailers across the Kingdom. He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University, has authored more than 30 scientific publications and 20 patents and has served on several advisory and steering bodies in Europe. 

Dr.-Ing. Martino Celeghini

CEO || CESCO EPC GmbH

Dr.-Ing. Martino Celeghini

CEO || CESCO EPC GmbH

Mr. Christopher Alex Marconi

Director of International Business Development || University of California, Davis

Mr. Christopher Alex Marconi

Director of International Business Development || University of California, Davis

Christopher Marconi is Director of Business Development, International Programs, at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, where he leads UC Davis AgTech Academy partnerships across Saudi Arabia and the GCC for the #1-ranked agriculture program in the US (QS 2026). He is also founder and CEO of Grintas. Across 25 years he has originated B2B, B2G, and B2U international partnerships in workforce development and led over $1B in higher-education acquisitions, as a senior executive at Full Sail University and earlier in investment banking at Merrill Lynch. He trained at the Wharton School's Investment Banking Institute and holds an MBA from Rollins College and a BS from Marquette University, where he was a Charles Evans Scholar.

Mr. Ivan Harjaček

VP Digitalization || Andritz Feed BioFuel

Mr. Ivan Harjaček

VP Digitalization || Andritz Feed BioFuel

Mr. Ivan is an executive leader with a unique professional evolution; He began his career troubleshooting complex automation on-site, and today he own global digital businesses with full P&L accountability. His core focus is translating technical challenges into profitable, scalable business opportunities in industrial OEM environments. Currently, as VP Digitalization at ANDRITZ Feed & Biofuel, he is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of the company’s digital solutions worldwide. His recent focus has been shifting industrial operations from traditional project-based models to high-value, recurring revenue streams.

Dr. Ali Al Khalaf

Chairman of the Board of Directors || Food Manufacturers Association

Dr. Ali Al Khalaf

Chairman of the Board of Directors || Food Manufacturers Association

Ali has PhD in biochemistry. He worked with Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for over 17 years. He is currently working with Aujan Coca-Cola Beverage Company. He is also leading Food Manufacturers Association (FMA) as a Director of the Board of Directors. He is preferring to represent FMA in this conference as his talk will be comprehensive in serving the whole industry.

Dr. Albdullah Al-Mubarak

Director of Food Technology Department || National Industrial Development Center

Dr. Albdullah Al-Mubarak

Director of Food Technology Department || National Industrial Development Center

Dr. Abdullah Al-Mubarak holds a PhD in Human Nutrition from King Saud University with a 4.87/5 First Class Honor degree and a Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science from California State University, Northridge with a 4/4 First Class Honor degree. He has completed the Strategic Leadership Program at the University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business. From Chief Clinical and Human Nutrition at Dr. Sulaiman AL Habib Medical Group, Group Regulatory Affairs Manager at Almarai, Senior Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Manager at Saudi Airlines Catering Company, to his current role as Director of Food Technology Department at National Industrial Development Center, few food technology and regulatory affairs leaders in Saudi Arabia blend deep expertise in food technology, regulatory compliance, and strategic leadership, quite like Dr. Abdullah Almubarak.

Mr. Frederic Gomer

Managing Partner || B2G Consulting

Mr. Frederic Gomer

Managing Partner || B2G Consulting

Frédéric Gomer is a manufacturing and supply chain transformation leader supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, with 20+ years of global experience. He helps Gulf and multinational companies move from sustainability pilots to investable, auditable operating models. Working across Houston, Paris, Singapore, Bahrain, and Riyadh, Frédéric has supported organizations including ARAMCO, SABIC, MA'ADEN, Saudi Ceramics, and Nahdi.

Dr. Dmitrii Krasiukov

VP Market Development KSA || SAP KSA

Dr. Dmitrii Krasiukov

VP Market Development KSA || SAP KSA

Dmitrii Krasiukov is VP Market Development for Saudi Arabia at SAP since mid-2025, leading market expansion and growth initiatives in the Kingdom. He previously served as COO for North and West Africa and joined SAP in 2003, holding multiple leadership roles across sales and industry management. He holds a degree in Financial Management and a PhD in Economics, and completed leadership programs at IMD Business School and INSEAD.

Mr. Saleh Almahmod

Chairman || NineTenths

Mr. Saleh Almahmod

Chairman || NineTenths

Saleh Almahmoud is the chairman of NineTenths, a leading Saudi company specializing in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies. With a strong vision for the future of drone applications and national innovation, Saleh established NineTenths to drive the evolution of UAV solutions across critical industries including energy, security, and infrastructure - both within Saudi Arabia and throughout the broader region. With over a decades of leadership’s experience, Saleh brings a unique combination of technical depth and strategic acumen. His background spans aviation, project management, and public sector governance, equipping him to lead with insight and purpose. Saleh holds an MBA from California State University and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from King Saud University.

Eng. Abdulaziz A. Aldharrab

Group Chief Executive Officer || United Group

Eng. Abdulaziz A. Aldharrab

Group Chief Executive Officer || United Group

Abdulaziz Aldharrab has extensive experience across the agricultural and food value chain, including grains, animal feed, poultry, meat, and veterinary products. He currently serves as Group Chief Executive Officer of United Group and has held senior leadership roles at Radwa Food and ARASCO Foods, Entaj, where he led major operational and commercial transformation initiatives. He has also served on several boards and industry committees, including the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, WEQAA, Arabian Maize Company, and Golden Fields. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Strategy.

Mr. Amit Dutta

Director Growth Advisory || Frost & Sullivan Co

Mr. Amit Dutta

Director Growth Advisory || Frost & Sullivan Co

Amit brings more than 17 years of experience in Food, FMCG & Agribusiness across Middle East, Africa and South Asia markets. He currently leads the Food Practice as Director with Frost & Sullivan for the Middle East and South Asia Region, focusing on strategy and growth consulting, market research, and due diligence for Food & Agri enterprises. Amit is a regular speaker at leading Food and Agri events across the MENA region.

Dr. James Morgan

Principal Consultant || Jaradah Business Consulting | Visiting Lecturer, University of Westminster

Dr. James Morgan

Principal Consultant || Jaradah Business Consulting | Visiting Lecturer, University of Westminster

Dr. Morgan is a consultant with international experience in design and strategic storytelling in tourism, events, leisure, digital and traditional marketing. Recognized as an outstanding event host and moderator, he is listed among the most influential figures in the events industry, and also serves as a Visiting Lecturer at the College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries and at Westminster Business School.

Mr. Ahmad Moussa Assaf

Group CEO || AALICO Group

Mr. Ahmad Moussa Assaf

Group CEO || AALICO Group

Executive business leader with over 20 years of experience in business management, operations, and strategic growth across multiple industries in the Middle East. Currently serving as General Manager at AALICO in Riyadh, leading large-scale landscape and agricultural projects aligned with Saudi Arabia's giga-project developments. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from the American University of Science and Technology, Lebanon.

Mrs. Paola Laghetti

Area Export Manager || LA MECCANICA SRL di Reffo

Mrs. Paola Laghetti

Area Export Manager || LA MECCANICA SRL di Reffo

For over twenty years, Paola has worked in international trade and export sales, building markets, developing partnerships, and turning challenges into opportunities. In recent years, her focus has shifted to the pellet industry, navigating diverse sectors — from wood to animal feed, from compost to fertilizers. Her career has concentrated on strategic market expansion, cultivating pivotal partnerships, and consistently transforming complex challenges into lucrative opportunities.

Dr. Chandrajith Aruketty Velayudlan

Senior Director Lab Management Services ME&A || Cotecna

Dr. Chandrajith Aruketty Velayudlan

Senior Director Lab Management Services ME&A || Cotecna

Dr. A.V. Chandrajith is a seasoned leader with over 27 years of global experience in Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC). Beginning his career as a chemist, he has advanced into senior leadership roles, combining technical expertise with strategic business growth. He is currently Partner & CEO of Wimpey Laboratories, a division of Cotecna Inspection SA, and Senior Director – Laboratory Management Services MEA at Cotecna, overseeing operations, accreditations, and expansion across sectors including food, petrochemicals, and consumer products. He is a Board Member of IAS (USA), an ISO auditor, and a Legionella risk assessor, holding a PhD in Chemistry, an MSc, and an MBA.

Dr. Turgut Battal

Regional Sales Manager || Nouryon

Dr. Turgut Battal

Regional Sales Manager || Nouryon

Dr. Turgut Battal is educated as a Chemical Engineer and received his Ph.D in Surface Chemistry and Colloids at the Ohio State University, USA in 2000. He worked as a post-doc at Oxford University, England, and taught Surface Chemistry classes at several institutes afterward. He worked several years as a project leader/formulation scientist at Cheminova, Denmark before joining Nouryon in 2012, where he presently holds the position of Regional Sales Manager. His interests are directed toward new surfactants, adjuvants and polymers for agrochemical formulations.

Mr. Muhammad Mustafa Zaffer

CEO and Cofounder || OpenFarming

Mr. Muhammad Mustafa Zaffer

CEO and Cofounder || OpenFarming

Mustafa Zaffer is the CEO and co-founder of OpenFarming, an AI company building modern operating systems for food distributors in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. He previously worked at Uber, Meta, and Coinbase, where he built and scaled technology products across operations, marketplaces, and AI-driven workflows. At OpenFarming, Mustafa works with food distributors to improve ordering, sales visibility, route planning, inventory coordination, and customer engagement through WhatsApp and AI. OpenFarming is backed by MEWA's Sunbolah program, MCIT/NTDP AI talent initiatives, Google, and Microsoft.

Mr. Jan Krahulik

Future Protein Strategy Lead || BeneMeat Technologies

Mr. Jan Krahulik

Future Protein Strategy Lead || BeneMeat Technologies

As the Future Protein Strategy Lead at BeneMeat Technologies, Jan specializes in commercializing cultivated meat and driving high-growth go-to-market strategy, with a mission to bring sustainable, cell-based protein directly to consumer plates worldwide. He is looking to connect with visionary industry leaders and progressive partners who recognize the immense commercial potential of this food revolution, whether for market entry collaboration or acquiring production technology to manufacture cultivated meat independently.

Eng. Reza Armin Keshavarz

Business Development Strategist, MENA Region || BeneMeat Technologies

Eng. Reza Armin Keshavarz

Business Development Strategist, MENA Region || BeneMeat Technologies

Reza is a Business Development Strategist at BeneMeat Technologies, working at the intersection of biotechnology, food innovation, and global market development. With a background in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Bologna, he brings both scientific knowledge and strategic perspective to the future of cultivated meat. He is especially committed to advancing halal cultivated meat, ensuring this ethical and future-focused protein alternative can be trusted and accessed by Muslim communities worldwide.

Mr. Samuel Peter Ayres

Sales Manager || StuvEx UK

Mr. Samuel Peter Ayres

Sales Manager || StuvEx UK

Sam Ayres is a specialist in industrial safety, hazardous area compliance, and explosion protection, with more than a decade of experience supporting sites in maintaining the ATEX compliance Currently working with STUVEX by STIF, Sam helps organizations manage the risks associated with combustible dusts, explosive atmospheres, and process safety. His expertise spans DSEAR and ATEX compliance, explosion prevention and protection systems, and combustible dust testing. His aim is to ensure that explosion risks on site are reduced to the lowest practicable level by helping organizations identify potential hazards, understand the factors that contribute to explosive events, and implement effective prevention and protection measures. Outside of work, he is a family man with a wife and two you

Mr. David Frederick Farley

International Agribusiness Consultant || Knight Frank MENA

Mr. David Frederick Farley

International Agribusiness Consultant || Knight Frank MENA

BSc. (Hons) Agriculture and Farm Management (Harper Adams University). MA History (University of Edinburgh). Postgraduate Certificate in Management for Food & Grocery Industry (IGD). An international agribusiness consultant with field-to-fork expertise spanning farm management, global procurement, processing and retail fresh produce supply-chains for blue-chip companies such as Del Monte & AM Fresh. For the last 10 years, David has advised agribusinesses, investors and Agritech ventures internationally — including recent work in the KSA. Working with Knight Frank since early 2026, David specialises in the application of advancing sustainable production systems at commercial scale through the application of Agritech solutions that optimise traditional husbandry best-practice.

Mr. Nima Vakili

Founder CEO || Safa Bioworks

Mr. Nima Vakili

Founder CEO || Safa Bioworks

Nima Vakili is the Founder and CEO of Safa BioWorks, an integrated platform chemicals manufacturer based in Dubai and Riyadh, building the Gulf's first regional production of lactic acid and lactate derivatives from date palm biomass. These are chemicals the region consumes across food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics, and currently imports in full. His work centers on the residue side of the date sector, converting off-spec fruit and palm biomass from a disposal cost for growers and processors into higher-value industrial chemistry produced in-region. Safa BioWorks partners with the National Center for Palms and Dates on feedstock development.

Mr. Rami Nissan

Area Sales Manager || AGI EMEA

Mr. Rami Nissan

Area Sales Manager || AGI EMEA

Rami Nissan is an experienced Industrial Designer and Area Sales Manager with extensive expertise in product design, development, and industrial solutions. His strong combination of technical knowledge, functional expertise, and commercial insight enables him to address complex industrial challenges and deliver effective solutions. He holds a Master of Technology (MTech) in Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance, providing him with a solid technical foundation and a comprehensive understanding of industrial systems, machinery, and maintenance.

Dr. Md Shamim Ahamed

Associate Professor || University of California, Davis

Dr. Md Shamim Ahamed

Associate Professor || University of California, Davis

Dr. Ahamed is interested in the energy-efficient design and operation of controlled environment agricultural (CEA) production facilities, including greenhouse, indoor/vertical farming, aquaponics, dairy and poultry barns, etc. Controlled Environment Engineering Lab focuses on different research topics in CEA, including thermal environment modelling and simulation; design optimization and evaluation of energy-saving techniques for the agricultural built-environment; net-zero energy (NZE) agricultural buildings; digitalization of CEA production systems; automated ongoing commissioning of HVAC systems. These research efforts aim to ensure the sustainability of CEA production systems through the minimization of energy usage.

Mr. Sebastian Alexander Ebers

Business Development Manager || Ecotube Germany GmbH

Mr. Sebastian Alexander Ebers

Business Development Manager || Ecotube Germany GmbH

Sebastian Ebers is Director Business Development at ecotube Germany GmbH, where he leads the development of new applications and partnerships across 10+ countries in Europe and Africa. Over the past decade, he has focused on bringing water-efficient technologies to arid and semi-arid regions, working closely with corporates, institutions, and distribution partners to scale irrigation and resource-saving solutions suited to water-scarce environments. With hands-on market experience across the Middle East, Africa, and North Africa, Sebastian has helped build commercial operations from the ground up and forged long-term partnerships around sustainable water use.

Mr. Mehdi Gmiha

Construction Manager || KHWitte Feedmill Solutions GmbH

Mr. Mehdi Gmiha

Construction Manager || KHWitte Feedmill Solutions GmbH

Mr. Mehdi Gmiha is an experienced Construction Manager with more than 20 years of expertise in the construction and implementation of complete feed mill and silo plants. His extensive experience covers the planning, execution, and installation of key feedmill systems, including dosing, grinding, mixing, pelletizing, and storage. Throughout his career, he has been involved in delivering efficient and reliable feedmill solutions, combining strong technical expertise with practical knowledge of plant construction and system integration.

Mrs. Aysha Ali AlShamsi

Strategic Advisor Data, AI & Innovation in Agriculture and Food Security

Mrs. Aysha Ali AlShamsi

Strategic Advisor Data, AI & Innovation in Agriculture and Food Security

Aisha Alshamsi is a strategic advisor and executive leader specializing in data, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. She has extensive expertise in developing enterprise data strategies, AI governance frameworks, and advanced analytics that drive evidence-based decision-making, innovation, and sustainability. Her work has played a key role in strengthening the agriculture and food security ecosystem through large-scale data initiatives, while also contributing to national award frameworks that promote excellence and global recognition. As an active member of ISO/TC 347, she supports the development of international standards for data-driven agrifood systems and remains committed to advancing responsible AI, robust data governance, and cross-sector collaboration.

Jan Jaroslav Luprich

Director Strategic partnerships || BeneMeat technologies

Jan Jaroslav Luprich

Director Strategic partnerships || BeneMeat technologies

Jan Luprich leads strategic partnerships at Bene Meat Technologies, where he works at the intersection of market insight and technological development in cultivated meat for pet nutrition. Previously, Luprich contributed to the development of AI-driven research tools at Iris.ai, applying artificial intelligence to accelerate innovation in biotechnology and food science. Over nearly two decades, he has held leadership positions across research, biotechnology and scientific publishing, building collaborations that connect discovery with implementation.

Mr. Hosam AlZahal,

Director of Technical Support Senior Ruminant Nutrition & Feed-Solutions Leader || Al Dahra

Mr. Hosam AlZahal,

Director of Technical Support Senior Ruminant Nutrition & Feed-Solutions Leader || Al Dahra

Hosam AlZahal, DVM, MSc, is Director of Sales Technical Support at Al Dahra, supporting forage quality, global sourcing, and major dairy customers across Saudi Arabia and the GCC. He has more than 25 years of experience in ruminant nutrition, feed quality, product development, and dairy technical services, including over 20 years in Canada’s animal nutrition and feed industry. Before joining Al Dahra, he served as Head of Nutrition and Feed Center at Al Safi Danone in Saudi Arabia and as Ruminant Nutrition Manager for Masterfeeds in Canada. He holds a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition from the University of Guelph.

Mr. Jeffrey Beyer

Managing Director || Zest Associates

Mr. Jeffrey Beyer

Managing Director || Zest Associates

Jeffrey Beyer is Founder and Managing Director of Zest Associates, a UAE-based sustainability and cleantech consultancy. His work focuses on food and water security, climate strategy and technology commercialisation, including water efficiency, wastewater treatment and reuse in agriculture and food processing. He led a major UN Programme with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy and has shaped innovation programmes for National Grid in the UK and Brazil. Earlier in his career, he developed and launched the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub and helped establish the UK’s first cleantech venture capital fund. He regularly speaks on sustainable food production and water reuse and holds an MSc in Environmental Change & Management from Oxford University.

Mr. Adnan Husain Lawai

CEO & Co-Founder || AgriERP by FOLIO3

Mr. Adnan Husain Lawai

CEO & Co-Founder || AgriERP by FOLIO3

Adnan Lawai is the Co-founder and CEO of Folio3, a global digital AI transformation and technology company headquartered in Silicon Valley. A seasoned entrepreneur and technology leader, he has led Folio3’s growth into a global organization delivering solutions across AI, enterprise software, AgTech, healthcare, and other industries. Adnan holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His professional background spans engineering, product strategy, technical sales, entrepreneurship, and investment. In addition to leading Folio3, he is associated with Mentors Fund, supporting entrepreneurs and technology ventures.

Mr. Fouad Ababou

Business Development Director || Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects B.V.

Mr. Fouad Ababou

Business Development Director || Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects B.V.

Fouad Ababou was born and raised in Rotterdam and has a Moroccan background. With more than 25 years of experience in international business development, technical sales and project realization, he combines strong technical expertise with extensive commercial knowledge. Over the past decade, he has specialized in the horticultural sector across the Middle East and North Africa, supporting the development of modern greenhouse projects and sustainable food production initiatives. Fouad has a deep understanding of local markets, grower challenges and regional business cultures. Fluent in Dutch, Arabic and English, he effectively bridges cultures, markets and business opportunities. Today, he serves as Director of the Business Development Unit at Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects,

Mr. Bader Al-Khalifa

Vice President Material Business Middle East and Africa Board Director || Yokogawa

Mr. Bader Al-Khalifa

Vice President Material Business Middle East and Africa Board Director || Yokogawa

Bader Alkhalifa is a business leader with 25 years during which he served in different disciplines like field services, engineering, projects management, operation management, projects pursuits, business development, sales & marketing. Bader Alkhalifa is currently leading the Yokogawa-Saudi Arabia Sales and Marketing division with focus on innovation creating sustainable value for the energy, petrochemical, mining and manufacturing sectors

Mr. Giovanni Cornelis

Director || Middle East & Africa Dutch Greenhouse Delta

Mr. Giovanni Cornelis

Director || Middle East & Africa Dutch Greenhouse Delta

Giovanni’s role as Director Middle East & Africa for Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD), Giovanni leads efforts to position Dutch expertise in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and water management across the MENA region. He is instrumental in shaping and delivering the Partners for International Business (PIB) programs that address food security and sustainability challenges in The Gulf and more recently, Egypt. Through these roles, Giovanni continues to drive international cooperation, sustainable development, and the advancement of resilient, climate-smart food systems in the Middle East and Africa.

Mr. Marek Sirl

Chief Scientific Officer || Bene Meat Technologies a.s.

Mr. Marek Sirl

Chief Scientific Officer || Bene Meat Technologies a.s.

Mr. Sirl is biotechnology enthusiast, a molecular biologist educated at Charles University in Prague. Made an exciting transition from researching genome-edited crops to pioneering cell line development for cultivated meat, bringing a fresh, innovative perspective to the future of food systems.

Bas Willem Visser

CEO || Wireless Value

Bas Willem Visser

CEO || Wireless Value

Bas Visser is a Dutch marketing professional. He has been with Wireless Value since 2013, where he started as Sales Director. During his time in this role, he contributed to the growth and positioning of the company in the market. In 2019, Bas became co-shareholder and Managing Director of Wireless Value. In this position, he combines his strategic insight with a hands-on mentality, not only managing the business operations but also remaining closely involved with customers and innovation projects. His vision focuses on creating sustainable value for customers by effectively linking technological solutions to practical business needs.

Mr. Olav Robert Scholte

Regional director || MENA TTA-ISO

Mr. Olav Robert Scholte

Regional director || MENA TTA-ISO

Olav Scholte is Regional Director MENA for TTA-ISO, the Dutch manufacturer of grafting, transplanting and cutting-planting automation for professional plant propagators. Based in Dubai, he develops the Middle East, Egypt and Spanish nursery markets, from first customer contact through partnership agreements and trials. Dutch by nationality, Olav has lived and worked in the Gulf for over a decade. His commercial foundation was built over some two decades at Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), including twelve years in B2B marketing and business development across the GCC. He also runs Dutch Gulf Consult, a Dubai-based consultancy helping European companies enter GCC markets. He works in Dutch, English and Spanish.

Mr. Tobias Zielinski

Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, Rewellx Arabia Chief Business Officer, || Epteck GmbH

Mr. Tobias Zielinski

Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, Rewellx Arabia Chief Business Officer, || Epteck GmbH

Tobias Zielinski is Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Rewellx Arabia and CBO of Epteck GmbH. He leads strategy, commercialization and partnerships for Rewellx, a German-engineered water operations platform focused on irrigation control, pump protection, field telemetry and verifiable water-use data for arid agriculture. He is driving Rewellx’s Saudi market development, including smart irrigation, water-efficiency and institutional partnerships. The technology evolved from RemoteWell, which received the FAO Global AgriInno Challenge 2021 Silver Medal. His work focuses on turning existing farm water infrastructure into connected, measurable and more efficient operations.

Mr. Muhammad Abdallah AlAsiri

Vice President, Supply Chain || ARASCO

Mr. Muhammad Abdallah AlAsiri

Vice President, Supply Chain || ARASCO

Bachelor Degree, Engineering endorsed with more than 20 years of Exp with ARAMCO, SABIC & ARASCO , on the field of Manufacturing, Engineering & Project Management and Supply chain .

Dr. Yusra Mohsen A. Alyafee

Senior Manager Business Development and Investment || ARASCO

Dr. Yusra Mohsen A. Alyafee

Senior Manager Business Development and Investment || ARASCO

Dr. Yusra Alyafee is Senior Manager Business Development (Investment) at ARASCO and a biotechnology and genomics professional with over 15 years of experience. Her work focuses on strategic investment and the application of genomics, precision breeding, and emerging technologies to advance livestock productivity and sustainable agriculture.

Mr. Dennis Van Leijde

Area Manager Sales ME-GCC and Pacific || Hoogendoorn Growth Management

Mr. Dennis Van Leijde

Area Manager Sales ME-GCC and Pacific || Hoogendoorn Growth Management

Dennis van Leijde is Area Manager Sales at Hoogendoorn Growth Management, responsible for Central Asia, the Middle East (GCC), Australia, and Oceania. He has more than 10 years of experience in the development and sale of turnkey semi-closed greenhouse projects and advanced CEA solutions. Dennis specializes in greenhouse automation, Intelligent Algorithms (IA), AI-driven growing strategies, and data-driven crop management. He currently works with leading growers, investors, and government-backed initiatives in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to accelerate the adoption of AI, climate automation, predictive analytics, and resource-efficient food production. His work supports food security ambitions and the transition toward intelligent agricultural ecosystems aligned with Vision 2030.

Mr. Moataz Mohamed Khamis

CEO and Co-founder || NOWLUN

Mr. Moataz Mohamed Khamis

CEO and Co-founder || NOWLUN

I am Moataz Khamis, Co-founder and CEO of Nowlun. With over 20 years of experience across seven local and multinational companies, I have developed expertise in shipping, logistics, and supply chain management, covering sea freight, air freight, inland transportation, customs clearance, and warehousing. Throughout my career, I have helped international companies establish and grow their presence in the Middle East. After witnessing the inefficiencies and manual complexities that shippers face every day, I became passionate about digitalizing the logistics industry. Today, I am focused on leveraging AI and emerging technologies to simplify freight management, save time and effort for shippers, and help shape the future of global trade

Mr. Abdullah Al-Zahim

Director of Financial Incentives || Saudi Exports Development Authority

Mr. Abdullah Al-Zahim

Director of Financial Incentives || Saudi Exports Development Authority

An executive leader in planning, development, and export enablement, with more than 13 years of professional experience across the private sector, consulting, and government. He began his career in the private sector, then worked as a consultant at Elm Company before joining the Saudi Export Development Authority, where he held leadership roles in developing financial incentive programs and advancing export enablement. He currently serves as Director of Financial Incentives at the Authority, working to develop programs and initiatives that enhance the efficiency of support, promote the growth of Saudi companies, and enable them to compete and expand in international markets. He holds an MBA and professional certifications in project management, risk management, project management offices, and performance measurement, including PMP, RMP, P3O, and C KPI.

Mr. Abdullah Mohammad Alshihri

Credit Relations Team Leader || Saudi EXIM Bank

Mr. Abdullah Mohammad Alshihri

Credit Relations Team Leader || Saudi EXIM Bank

Abdullah Al-Shihri is a finance and credit professional with over eight years of experience in corporate lending, credit analysis, portfolio management, and development finance. He currently serves as a Credit Relationships team leader at Saudi EXIM Bank, managing a diversified portfolio exceeding SAR 1.2 billion across multiple sectors. Previously, he held several roles at the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), where he led financing transactions, managed industrial portfolios, and contributed to strategic and digital transformation initiatives. He holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from Alfaisal University and has completed specialized credit and financial training with Moody’s Analytics, Fitch Learning, and Stanford University.

Dr. Waqas Abdul Aziz

Managing Director || Brenntag Saudi Arabia

Dr. Waqas Abdul Aziz

Managing Director || Brenntag Saudi Arabia

With 23+ years of international leadership experience, including more than 16 years in Saudi Arabia, I have built my career around leading businesses, developing markets, building strategic partnerships, and converting international technology and capabilities into commercially successful local operations. In my current role as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Brenntag Saudi Arabia, a German Company and in Saudi are working as Joint Partner with one of the top distribution company since 35 year in KSA named Alazzaz chemical

Mr. Turki Mofleh AlHarthi

Director of Health & Environment Department || MODON

Mr. Turki Mofleh AlHarthi

Director of Health & Environment Department || MODON

Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from King Saud University, 2007. Master of Science degree in Food Chain Systems from Cranfield University, UK, 2017. Worked in the laboratories of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing for one year in 2008 as a Food and Water Analyst. Worked at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority from 2009 to 2024 as a Microbiologist, Food Inspector, Senior Food Inspector, and Inspection Support Expert. Worked at the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones from the end of 2024 to October 2025 as Director of the Health Department. Worked as Director of the Health and Environment Department at the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones from October 2025 till now.

Willem Jan P. Hoogduin

Sales Consultant || CERTHON

Willem Jan P. Hoogduin

Sales Consultant || CERTHON

Willem Jan Hoogduin is a Sales Consultant at Certhon, where he’s specialized in helping customers develop future-proof horticultural projects. By integrating greenhouse construction with climate, irrigation, lighting, energy, propagation, and automation into one intelligent growing environment. Every system works together, so your crop can perform at its best.

Mr. Aymen Omer Ibrahim

General Manager, Supply Chain Sector || FEEDCO Investment Company

Mr. Aymen Omer Ibrahim

General Manager, Supply Chain Sector || FEEDCO Investment Company

Aymen Ibrahim is a visionary procurement & supply chain leader with two decades of global experience driving strategic value and operational excellence across MENA region and at different sectors. As an FCIPS Chartered professional, MBA holder, he possesses and demonstrated track record of optimizing multi-million-dollar supply chain, digital transformation, trade and supply chain resilience, mapping annual spend in excess of $300M and supported capital investment over $1.5B

Ms. Shouq Alshahrani

Senior Specialist || Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Ms. Shouq Alshahrani

Senior Specialist || Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

Shouq Alshahrani is a water policy and sustainability professional serving as a Senior Specialist at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), supporting the development and execution of strategic initiatives, partnerships, and international engagement to advance the water sector, including national reporting on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). After earning her master’s in environmental health and engineering from Johns Hopkins University, Shouq became passionate about bridging science, policy, and people. Guided by her conviction that water connects us all, her work centers on systems thinking for sustainable solution making.

Mrs. Atheer Alkabsi

Chief Engineer || Designated National Authority (DNA)

Mrs. Atheer Alkabsi

Chief Engineer || Designated National Authority (DNA)

Atheer Alkabsi is a Chief Engineer at Saudi Arabia’s Designated National Authority (DNA), where she contributes to KSA’s carbon market mechanisms design and implementation, including Greenhouse Gas Crediting & Offsetting Mechanism (GCOM), Emission Compliance System, and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). She also plays a key role in shaping international carbon market policies by representing Saudi Arabia in the Technical Advisory Body (TAB) under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and is KSA’s negatioator on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Before joining the DNA, she worked as a Policy Analyst at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), focusing on the integration of environmental and public policy considerations into investment decisions. She holds an MSc in Environmental Science and Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science And Technology (KAUST), completed Executive Education from University of California Berkeley, and obtained a BSc in Biotechnology from King Abdulaziz University.

Mr. Ali Tariq

Head of Sustainability || Saudi Awwal Bank

Mr. Ali Tariq

Head of Sustainability || Saudi Awwal Bank

Professor Himanshu Mishra

Professor at KAUST || Founder of Terraxy,

Professor Himanshu Mishra

Professor at KAUST || Founder of Terraxy,

Mr. Mohammed Ramadan

CEO || Al-Yaseen Agricultural Company

Mr. Mohammed Ramadan

CEO || Al-Yaseen Agricultural Company

Mr. Mohammed Al-Rasheed

Chairman and CEO || Saudi Company for Greenhouse Management & Marketing

Mr. Mohammed Al-Rasheed

Chairman and CEO || Saudi Company for Greenhouse Management & Marketing

Mr. Sulaiman Alturki

Director of IT Department || King Khalid Military College / Saudi National Guard

Mr. Sulaiman Alturki

Director of IT Department || King Khalid Military College / Saudi National Guard

Mr. Abdulwahed Alobaed

CEO || Golden Chicken

Mr. Abdulwahed Alobaed

CEO || Golden Chicken

Mr. Abdulaziz Aldalaan

Senior Vice President || Strategic Engagement & Insights SALIC

Mr. Abdulaziz Aldalaan

Senior Vice President || Strategic Engagement & Insights SALIC

Dr. Neil Smith

Co-Founder CEO || FalconViz Ltd.

Dr. Neil Smith

Co-Founder CEO || FalconViz Ltd.

Mr. Badr Abdullah Al-Hamad

Director of Agriculture Development and Biochar Plant || Al-Rajhia Agriculture Production Company

Mr. Badr Abdullah Al-Hamad

Director of Agriculture Development and Biochar Plant || Al-Rajhia Agriculture Production Company

Mr. Hossameldin Said El Taweel

Supply Chain Production Senior Director || PepsiCo

Mr. Hossameldin Said El Taweel

Supply Chain Production Senior Director || PepsiCo

Eng. Nasser bin Faleh Al-Gharbi

Deputy General Manager || "Roots" Company

Eng. Nasser bin Faleh Al-Gharbi

Deputy General Manager || "Roots" Company

Mr. Ahmed Al Suwaidi

Chief Corporate Affairs Officer || Al Dahra

Mr. Ahmed Al Suwaidi

Chief Corporate Affairs Officer || Al Dahra

Ahmed Al Suwaidi is the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Al Dahra and a member of the company’s executive team, leading government relations and diplomatic engagement, and fostering strategic partnerships that drive the company’s global ambition of becoming the largest irrigated, digitally enabled farming platform in the world. He has more than 20 years’ experience, spanning human capital leadership, enterprise services and corporate strategy across some of the UAE’s most influential institutions, such as Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Government, Mubadala and ADNOC. Ahmed is recognised for driving organisational transformation, strengthening internal capabilities, and aligning corporate strategy with national and stakeholder priorities to enable sustained performance. He provides an important perspective on strategic partnerships, food security and the conditions required to build sustainable agricultural value chains.