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26 Speakers to Look Out For at This Year’s Youth Summit
Youth Summit 2025 unveils its roster of 26 speakers, spanning sport, media, and business, with a two-day program under the theme 'The Leap' focused on courage, change, and transformation.
Sep 16, 2025
On September 19th and the 20th, the second edition of the Youth Summit will take over AUC's New Cairo campus. From sport and business to media and culture, 26 voices will spark conversation, challenge assumptions, and push boundaries under this year's theme, 'The Leap'. Expect debate that crackles, storytelling that resonates, and moments that leave the audience ready to take their own leap. Here are the 26 speakers to watch at this year’s gathering...
Raya Abirached — TV presenter & celebrity journalist
Raya Abirached has spent nearly 20 years connecting Arab audiences to the world of entertainment. She has interviewed over 1,000 international celebrities, reporting from Cannes, Venice, and the Oscars, translating the pulse of global events into accessible, engaging conversations.
Yusra Mardini — Olympic swimmer & UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
Yusra Mardini’s life has spanned continents and challenges. After swimming for hours to push a refugee boat to safety in 2015, she became a two-time Olympian, competing in 2016 and 2020. Her advocacy with the UNHCR amplifies refugee voices across the globe, blending athletic achievement with humanitarian impact.
Mohamed Hefzy — Screenwriter, producer & film festival director
Mohamed Hefzy has produced over 40 films, including 'Clash', 'Yomeddine' and 'Luxor'. Founder of Film Clinic, he has shaped contemporary Arab cinema and served on juries at Cannes, Venice, and Sundance, bridging regional stories with global audiences.
Ali Farag — Professional squash world champion
Ali Farag, born in 1992, has claimed four PSA World Championship titles and held the world No. 1 ranking since 2019. With more than 30 PSA tour victories under his belt, he has proven himself to be one of the sharpest minds in modern squash.
Raneem El Weleily — Former professional squash world champion
Raneem El Weleily became world No. 1 in 2015 and retired with 32 PSA titles, including the 2017 World Championship. Her career set benchmarks for Arab women in sports, highlighting determination and tactical skill on the world stage.
Maria Saab — Founder, Home of Greatness
Maria Saab is a high-performance coach who helps entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and artists break through limits and perform at their best. Founder of Home of Greatness, she has guided global teams and individuals across over 10 countries, bridging gaps between neuroscience, psychology, and deep identity work.
Sherif Ekramy — Egyptian national football goalkeeper
Sherif Ekramy defended goalposts for Al Ahly, Feyenoord, and MKE Ankaragücü, earning four CAF Champions League titles, nne Egyptian Premier League titles, and five Egyptian Super Cups. His career is remembered for reflexes, composure, and a sustained presence at the heart of Egyptian football.
Lina Sophia — Entrepreneur & creative professional
Lina Sophia navigates culture and business with versatility. Her acting in 'Hepta: The Last Lecture' and the series 'Kamel Al Adad' reflects a range of expression, while her entrepreneurial projects explore the intersection of creativity, commerce, and identity.
Ahmed Gabr — Guinness World Record holder for deepest scuba dive
Ahmed Gabr reached 332.35 metres (1,090.45 feet) in the Red Sea, setting the Guinness World Record for the deepest scuba dive. Beyond records, he promotes marine conservation and shares his experiences to educate and inspire underwater exploration.
Ahmed Hammouda — Startup founder & business leader
Ahmed Hammouda has founded and scaled ventures in fintech and e-commerce, mentoring over 50 startups in Egypt. His approach balances innovation, strategy, and practical growth in the region’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
Alaa El Sheikh — Media personality & comedian
Alaa El Sheikh blends humour with social observation, appearing on television and digital platforms. His work resonates across Egypt, using comedy to illuminate everyday experiences with precision and timing.
Yasmine Yeya — Fashion designer, founder of Maison Yeya
Yasmine Yeya launched Maison Yeya in 2016. Her couture designs have adorned more than 20 celebrities at film festivals and high-profile events, balancing intricate hand embroidery with contemporary silhouettes to redefine modern Arab elegance.
Fieldman Robinson — Gaming industry professional
Fieldman Robinson brings over 15 years of experience to the gaming sector, overseeing launches that reach millions of players globally. His expertise spans mobile, PC, console, VR, and AR, shaping the creative and technological direction of modern gaming experiences.
Kareem Yassin — General Manager, Procter & Gamble
Kareem Yassin leads P&G Egypt and North Africa, overseeing more than 1,500 employees and distribution to over 25,000 retail outlets. His management has strengthened operational efficiency and expanded P&G’s footprint across the region.
Ahmed El Gendy — Olympic modern pentathlete
Ahmed El Gendy won Egypt’s first Olympic modern pentathlon medal at Tokyo 2020, securing silver at just 21. He excelled across fencing, swimming, equestrian, shooting, and running, establishing himself as one of Egypt’s most versatile athletes.
Zap Tharwat — Rapper & songwriter
Zap Tharwat has released three studio albums and collaborated widely in MENA’s music scene. His socially conscious lyrics have generated more than 50 million streams, shaping the rise of Arab rap and youth-focused storytelling.
Sarah Aboulkheir — Creative entrepreneur
Sarah Aboulkheir co-founded 2oolameme, Egypt’s pioneering board and card game company. Her background in architecture and marketing informs innovative game design that engages players through creativity and strategy.
Ahmed El Aawar — Business & entrepreneurship leader
Ahmed El Aawar is a PCC-certified executive coach and founder of Leadership Coaching Excellence, with over 5,000 coaching hours. He advises executives and entrepreneurs on leadership, scaling ventures, and navigating complex business landscapes.
Mohamed Eid — Founder, Elevate
Former professional footballer Mohamed Eid founded Elevate Egypt in 2020, delivering personalised fitness and rehabilitation programs. Elevate matched its entire 2024 performance within six months in 2025, reflecting rapid growth and impact.
Sherif Yassin — Founder, Aquafit
Sherif Yassin founded Aquafit, Egypt’s first HIIT water workout program. With 19 years of athletic experience, he merges aquatic resistance and high-intensity training, creating a fitness method that is both innovative and effective.
Sarah Goher — Entrepreneur and business professional
Sarah Goher runs ventures including a digital marketing agency serving more than 50 clients and mentors over 100 young entrepreneurs. Her work blends strategy and creativity, positioning her as a driving force in Egypt’s startup ecosystem.
Abdallah Sallam — Real estate developer & CEO, Madinet Masr
Abdallah Sallam leads Madinet Masr, a 2 million-square-meter urban development featuring over 5,000 residential units, commercial hubs, and cultural spaces. His work emphasises community-focused planning and sustainable growth.
Seif Thabet — CEO, Juhayna Food Industries
Seif Thabet directs Juhayna, Egypt’s leading dairy and juice company, generating over USD 400 million in revenue and exporting to more than 30 countries. He has expanded product lines and guided the company toward sustainable practices and regional growth.
Khaled Hussein — Tech entrepreneur & investor
Khaled Hussein has co-founded startups and invested in over 15 MENA tech ventures. His portfolio spans fintech, AI, and edtech, reaching millions of users and raising significant funding while advancing regional innovation.
Hana Ghoneim — Founder, Locken
Hana Ghoneim created Locken, a beauty brand serving thousands of clients in Egypt and the GCC. The brand emphasises individuality and personalisation, blending style, technology, and modern service design.
Mustafa Sharara — Founder, Sync
Mustafa Sharara’s Sync platform produces more than 500 original pieces and reaches millions of monthly viewers. Focused on Gen Z engagement, Sync experiments with short-form content, interactive series, and social-first storytelling, reshaping digital media in the Arab world.
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