Why this event matters
First-hand insight from women leading across gaming and esports
Real perspectives on building and advancing a career in the industry
Open conversations around representation and leadership
Meaningful connections with peers and mentors
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Zain Alqudah
Manager - Gaming Centre,
DMCC
Speaker Profile
Zain Alqudah
Manager - Gaming Centre,DMCC
Zain Alqudah is DMCC's Manager - Gaming Centre within the Tech Ecosystem Department. He brings a strong background in digital media, game design, and creative technology. He holds a Master’s degree in Digital Media and has extensive experience across academic and professional environments.
He has worked as a Digital Media Lecturer at Middlesex University Dubai and as a Game & XR Design Instructor at Circuit Stream, where he led project-based learning, mentored students in game and XR development, and contributed to innovative, technology-driven educational initiatives. Zain is known for his creative mindset, strong communication skills, and ability to translate complex ideas into engaging and effective solutions.
Samar Hasan
Founder,
Epiphany
Speaker Profile
Samar Hasan
Founder,Epiphany
Samar is a serial entrepreneur having established Epiphany in 2016, Sohni Dharti Climateers in 2018; Epiphany Angels – a network of likeminded angel investors; Epiphany Games – a dedicated arm to promote tech entertainment entrepreneurship in MENA, Pakistan and ASEAN regions. She co-founded two award winning, international entertainment and emerging tech conferences - Ten18 and GameX.
Samar is a seasoned innovation specialist with more than 18 years of experience in entrepreneurship development, strategic communications, PR, advocacy, partnerships and fundraising. She has developed successful advocacy and behavioral change campaigns on financial inclusion, governance, future of work, climate change, entrepreneurship, conducted nationwide marketing and outreach activities and delivered workshops, seminars, panel discussions, conferences and hackathons.
Dr. Ani Atanasova
CEO,
Pixelhunters in Dubai and Bulgaria
Speaker Profile
Dr. Ani Atanasova
CEO,Pixelhunters in Dubai and Bulgaria
With two PhDs and over 16 years of experience, she leads projects in VR, AR, gamification, and immersive technologies, with 3,000+ projects delivered and 300+ international awards. She also chairs the UAE Chapter of the International Game Developers Association and is an international speaker on innovation and immersive technology.
Sara Tabana
Fintech consultant and former Fintech Innovation Lead for CEMEA,
VISA
Speaker Profile
Sara Tabana
Fintech consultant and former Fintech Innovation Lead for CEMEA,VISA
She advises high-growth scale-ups — including one of the fastest-growing gaming companies in the Middle East — and mentors’ founders through Ignyte. Her work focuses on partnerships, ecosystem strategy, and the intersection of gaming and financial infrastructure.
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Madiha Naz
Professional esports player
Speaker Profile
Madiha Naz
Professional esports playerNaz—better known as Madi—is a professional esports player. She was captain of the first ever all-female Middle Eastern esports team and has represented MENA in international women’s tournaments. In 2022, she was the first esports athlete to be nominated by the U.A.E. government for a golden visa. In February 2022, she took part in an ad campaign for Coca-Cola.