From marketing gurus to techno DJs, this year’s speakers lineup showcases the creative economy in all its diversity.
Since 2014, the Creative Industry Summit has become the MENA region’s leading forum for the creative economy. The annual event has brought together industry leaders from Egypt, the wider region and beyond for two days of panel discussions, workshops, intimate fireside chats and networking events to exchange insights, stay updated on the latest industry trends and foster collaboration.
This year's summit, taking place on October 21st and the 22nd, is set to be no different. From marketing veterans with decades of experience at global multinational brands to techno DJs, YouTubers and indie photographers, this edition’s lineup showcases the creative economy in all its dynamism and diversity.
In the build up to the summit’s 10th anniversary, here are some of the key names to look out for…
Bushra Rozza | Actress & Singer
Bushra Rozza is an Egyptian actress and singer who in 2017 co-founded El Gouna Film Festival to promote regional cinema. Along with her husband, Khalid Hemida, Bushra’s latest venture is Digitized, an initiative to digitally archive Egypt’s rich cinematic tradition.
Stephen Corlett | CEO of 180 Amsterdam
Stephen Corlett serves as CEO of 180 Amsterdam, a renowned global marketing agency with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in elevating global brands such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Converse and Adidas through innovative advertising, activations, partnerships and immersive experiences.
Mohamed Farrag | Actor
Mohamed Farrag is one of Egypt’s best known and loved actors, performing in numerous critically acclaimed films and television shows since his breakout role as Aly El Rouby in Tamer Mohsen’s “Taht El Saytara”.
Amy Mowafi | Co-founder & CEO, MO4 Network
From modest beginnings, Amy Mowafi and her three brothers developed MO4 into one of the Middle’s leading digital media companies and creative agencies with a portfolio of news & lifestyle digital publications in both English and Arabic that includes CairoScene and Al Fasla. Beyond publishing, MO4 collaborates with major global brands to craft innovative digital strategies and create engaging content for worldwide distribution.
Ali El Arabi | Director & Producer
Ali El Arabi is a director and the founder of Ambient Light, an international film production company based in Cairo and Los AngelesHis directorial debut the documentary “Captains of Zaatari” which premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2021, before streaming on Hulu. Prior to turning to feature filmmaking and producing, Ali was a war reporter producing documentaries focusing on topics such as refugee displacement and children’s rights.
Farida Bustani | Photographer
Farida Bustani specializes in abstract and architectural photography. Her work, noted for its distinct minimalist style, has been featured in the campaigns of leading Egyptian and regional real estate developers.
Ahmad Abu Rob | Content creator
Ahmad Abu Rob, a Jordanian content creator, gained fame through his YouTube channel launched in 2018. With over 16 million followers across social media platforms, his Instagram and YouTube channels stand out for their engaging and quirky storytelling.
Alaa Al Sheikh | Creative Director, FP7 Egypt
Alaa Al Sheikh originally made a name for himself as a stand up comedian and Youtuber behind the highly successful “El Mowaten El Masry” channel. Then in 2013 he joined the world of marketing creating some of the region’s most iconic ads now serving as the Creative Director at FP7 McCann Cairo and the host of the satirical comedy podcast “Kefaya Ba2a”.
Kareem Abou Gamrag | CEO, Peace Cake
Kareem Abou Gamrag is the CEO of Peace Cake, one of the middle east’s leading content creation companies whose executive team was recently awarded this year’s Egypt Entrepreneur Award for Content Innovation. Prior to building up Peace Cake, Kareem worked at Google specializing in digital marketing.
Nouf Sufyani aka Cosmicat | Saudi-based DJ
Nouf Sufyani, known as Cosmicat, is a rising electronic music artist from Saudi Arabia. She has gained prominence for her melodic house and techno productions, performing at global festivals such as Exit, Soundstorm, and Tomorrowland. Recently, she debuted her solo single ‘Toxic Romance’ on MDLBEAST Records.
Mohamed Hefzy | CEO & Founder, Film Clinic
Mohamed Hefzy is a screenwriter and producer who in 2005 founded Film Clinic, a pioneering production house responsible for some of the region’s most successful art house films. Featured in Variety’s list of "10 Names You Need to Know in the Arab Film Industry," Hefzy has also served as a jury member at prestigious international film festivals, including Sundance and Venice.
Tarek El Ganainy | CEO, TVision Media Productions
Veteran producer Tarek El Ganainy is the Founder and CEO of TVision Media Productions and Ganainy Media. Over the past 17 years Tarek has produced more than 40 television programmes and series, along with 10 feature films.
Deana Shaaban | Fashion Designer
Deana Shaaban is a couture fashion designer, wellness specialist and experience architect. In 2023 she founded the “You in Human” online show where she interviews fellow creatives about their life journey and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Louis Barthélemy | Multidisciplinary Artist & Designer
Louis Barthélemy is a multidisciplinary artist and designer known for his collaborations with luxury brands like Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo. Based between Marrakech, Cairo, and Paris, his work is driven by a commitment to preserving traditional crafts that are at risk of disappearing in the face of globalization by collaborating with local artisans.
Oct 10, 2024
