Theme: Future Spectra

In a world where countless discoveries and innovations have left their mark on history, the journey is far from finished. From path breaking advancements in science and technology to some mind-blowing shifts in culture and societal norms, the future spectrum is vast and untrodden. At TEDxWestfordUniSharjah, we strive to bring visionary speakers, thought leaders, and innovators from diverse fields onto one stage. Through thought-provoking discussions, we aim to inspire and ignite visions for the future. From emerging technologies to social evolution, the 2024 TEDx edition will entail everything that’s reshaping our world and opening up new frontiers of possibility.

Sharjah Chamber of Commerce
173 S124 - Al Mamzar - Sharjah
Ground Floor
Sharjah, Ash Shāriqah, 00000
United Arab Emirates

Abdallah Abu-Sheikh

Founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim

Abdallah Abu Sheikh is an Emirati serial entrepreneur and businessman. He is the Founder of Astra Tech, MENA’s leading consumer technology company and CEO of Botim. Under his leadership, Astra Tech launched the groundbreaking 'Ultra-platform' under the Botim app, after securing a $500 million investment in 2022. Abdallah has strategically navigated a complex market to fulfill a vision of simplifying the lives of everyday consumers. This ambitious journey has led to one objective: to create an Ultra App that addresses ‘platform fatigue’ in an over-saturated tech market. He is also the founder of RIZEK, a digital marketplace that launched in 2020, offering home services tailored to the lifestyle needs of UAE residents. Which has since been integrated into Botim along with PayBy, the group’s Central Bank-licensed fintech operator.

Avinash Babur

Founder and CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae

Avinash Babur is a distinguished figure in the insurance sector, renowned for his role as the Founder and CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae, a leading online insurance marketplace in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With a rich background that blends a growth mindset, digital marketing prowess, and thought leadership, Avinash has significantly impacted the insurance landscape through his visionary approach and innovative solutions. A graduate of the Chartered Insurance Institute in the UK (ACII), Avinash has channeled his expertise into making insurance accessible and understandable for all. His platform, InsuranceMarket.ae, offers a wide array of products, including motor, health, travel, and home insurance, simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing insurance online.

James Knight-Paccheco

Celebrity Chef

Now, with over two-decades of professional culinary experience, I now run my own hospitality consultancy firm Group JKP, www.groupjkp.com Earlier in my career, I worked with several internationally respected chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay, Michael Caines. I have had the great fortune to be filmed on two of the BBC’s prime-time cooking shows including Out of the Frying Pan and The Restaurant, In December 2018 / 2019, I was named as one of the 50 most influential people in food and beverage throughout the Middle East and Africa by Caterer Middle East. Also voted the "Executive Chef of the Year 2019" in the Hotelier Middle East awards. Recently I was also Voted 2020 Chef of the Year by The Pro Chef Middle East awards. In the same year I Co-Founded of the Dubai Chefs Collective, which is a platform that supports chefs and hospitality professionals when it comes to mental health.

Reem Al Marzooqi

Emirati Engineer

Reem Al Marzooqi is celebrated for her exceptional work as an Emirati engineer with a significant patent to her name in the U.S., the "Lower Extremity Vehicle Navigation Control System." This inventive system was designed to allow individuals with disabilities to drive using only their feet and was inspired by Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot. Al Marzooqi’s dedication led her from an initial dismissal of her ideas by her professor to eventually obtaining a U.S. patent. Her invention has received global recognition, featured in the British Museum's "A History of the World in 100 Objects" exhibition, and has earned her a place on the Arabian Business lists for the 50 Most Influential Women in the Arab World in 2018 and the 100 Smartest People in the UAE. Al Marzooqi also worked on projects like Mozo, a teddy bear designed to assist autistic children in communication.