Asmaa Al-Shabibi originally worked as a lawyer in London, however, in 2004 she moved to Dubai and into the world of interior design. In 2007 she joined Art Dubai where she quickly became the Managing Director and her drive and talent initiated schemes such as the Abraaj Capital Art Prize. She now takes on the role of consultant for Art Dubai, allowing her to extend her expertise, and is currently working with the artist Ahmed Alsoudanian in New York.

Upon finishing university, Nadine Knotzer worked briefly in fashion before discovering her true vocation was art. It wasn’t until she met her fiancé that this love for art became her career when, in 2008, the pair moved to the UAE and opened Carbon 12 gallery. This innovative art space is dedicated to offering art lovers something new in the region, by showcasing up-and-coming artists alongside already established names.

Working at the helm of the Dubai International Film Festival since its beginnings in 2004, Shivani Pandya’s tireless devotion to the project has ensured that she really is the festival. Holding a Baccalaureate Honours degree in Economics from Delhi University and a Masters in Marketing and Communications, Shivani’s role as Managing Director of the festival has been the key to its success and she has been instrumental in launching key initiatives such as amfAR, Cinema Against AIDS Dubai.

As well as being the Vice Chairman of the highly successful Saif Belhasa Group, a company incorporating 22 companies in its portfolio, in 2002 Sarah Belhasa branched out into the fashion world. She began by designing her accessory line, Glitter and Glow, and in 2006 opened the first Manish Malhotra boutique, which she recently rebranded as the boutique Studio 8. Sarah is also an advisory member on the board of Dubai Fashion Week.

Born to Syrian parents and raised in Paris, Dalia speaks five languages fluently and also has a Bachelors in International Marketing & Advertising and a Masters in Real Estate Development. She set up Kitsch Concept in Beirut in 2006, which offers edgy, affordable fashion, vintage accessories and novelty items. In 2008, Dalia combined her creative talents and passion for food by launching Kitsch Cupcakes in Dubai.