9.00 – 10.00 Registration and Networking

Master of Ceremonies: Yara Toimah, BD Consultant, Chapman Freeborn

10.00 – 10.05 Opening Ceremony

Mervat Sultan, President, Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter

10.05 – 10.20 Welcome Address

Speakers:

• Andrew Smith, CEO, Red Sea International Airport
• Eng. Wahhaj Hamed Motawie, President, Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation
• Ayman AboAbah, CEO, Riyadh Airports/Sami Alotaibi, Acting CHCO, Riyadh Airports

10.20 – 10.30 WIA 2025 Riyadh – Awards Distribution Ceremony

• Leadership Women Empowerment Award
• Sustainable Women Empowerment Initiative Award
• Distinguished Women Empowerment Award
• Talent Visionary Award
• Pioneer in Female Aviation Award 
• Groundbreaking Women Empowerment Award
• Global Women Empowerment Award
• Best Training Centre Support (WIA-ME)
• Women in Aviation Empowerment Champion Award – Government Sector

10.30 – 10.35

WIA Scholarships

10.35 – 10.50

Keynote 1 – Women Shaping the Future of Saudi Aviation: The impact of female leadership in aviation under Vision 2030

Speaker:  Sarah Alfaiz, Strategic Planning and Intelligence Director, MATARAT Holding

10.50 – 11.35

Panel 1 – Smart Aviation: Women Pioneering the Digital Takeoff

This session will explore how digital advancements are reshaping the aviation industry and how women are
leading this transformation through innovation, driving the future of smart airports, AI-driven operations,
and next-generation aviation technologies.

Moderator: Dina BelJaflah, Vice President, Women in Aviation Middle East

Speakers:
• Amal Hejles, Digital Strategy Director, MATARAT Holding
• Buthaina Alghunaim, Airworthiness Duty Manager, Gulf Air
• Eng. Rana Algowaiz, Executive Director, Saudia Cargo
• Swati Unnikrishnan, Consulting Director – Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, SITA
• Rawan Aljehani, Head of Digital, Data & BI, flyadeal

11:35 – 11:45

Keynote 2: From Dreams to Command: The Story of Captain Nevin Mahmoud Darwish, Aviation Pioneer

Speaker:  Captain Nevin Mahmoud Darwish

11:45 – 12:30

Panel 2 – Aviation for All – Building an Inclusive and Diverse Workforce

This panel will explore the evolving landscape of workplace inclusion in aviation, discussing how companies,
policymakers, and leaders are driving diversity efforts. From recruitment strategies to mentorship programs
and workplace policies, the discussion will highlight how organisations can create an environment where
women and underrepresented groups thrive.

Moderator: Rachel Akili, Strategic Advisor – Human Capital, daa International

Speakers:
• Heba Abozenadah, Talent Management Director, JedCO
• Natalie J. Salinas, Founder & CEO, Nth Consulting Group
• Dr. Heba Bakr Khoshaim, VP for Students Life, PSU
• Dr. Mody Alkhalaf, Director Talent Development, Riyadh Air
• Apiu De Maiwak, Principal Aerodromes and ground Aids, South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority
• Nesreen Yaqoub Kashgari, Director, Talent Acquisition and Human Capital Operations, Saudia Technic

12:30 – 12:45

Networking Break (Boeing and Turkish Airlines videos)

12.45 – 13:15

Panel 3 – Soaring Beyond Limits: Navigating the Future of Sustainable Aviation

This session explores how airlines, airports, and aviation professionals are driving efforts to make the skies
cleaner, greener, and more efficient. The discussion will highlight the contributions of female leaders,
engineers, and sustainability advocates who are shaping the future of aviation through key initiatives in
carbon reduction, eco-friendly airport operations, and the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

Moderator: Sohail Ali, Senior VP Operations, AES Global

Speakers:
• Maryam Telmesani, VP of Sustainability, SAUDIA Group
• Abeer AL Hashimi, Founder and Managing Partner, Vibrant Work Advisory Services
• Lmaa Alseraihi, Environment Field Operative, Red Sea International Airport

13:15 – 13:30

Keynote 3 – Transforming Travel: From Operational Excellence to Passenger-Centric Innovation

Speaker:  Sumayyah Khawaji, Director, Operations Efficiency & Standardisation, Catrion

13:30 – 13:45 Coffee & Networking Break (Boeing and Turkish Airlines videos)

13:45 – 14:30

Special Session – From Classrooms to Cockpits: Young Voices Taking on Aviation’s Future

This session highlights the rising generation of aviation leaders from the Middle East and Africa – students,
recent graduates, and young professionals, who are already making their mark. From academic excellence
and innovative research to bold ideas on sustainability, technology, and inclusion, these emerging voices will
share their journeys, challenges, and vision for the future of aviation in the region.

Moderator: Nora Almohizai, Space Generation Advisory Council

Speakers:
• Eithar Alyaqoub, Safety and Quality Specialist Aerospace Engineer, Saudi Airlines
• Medlina Amel, Commercial Pilot, Airworks Aviation
• Abir Dali, Student Pilot and a Chemical Engineer
• Norah Alqahtani, Airport Planning Officer, Riyadh Airports
• Lama Alanazi, Aerospace Engineer

14:30 – 15:30

Panel 4 – Career Pathways in Aviation: Beyond Piloting

This session will explore alternative career pathways in aviation, showcasing opportunities in airline
management, airport operations, aviation engineering, air traffic control, sustainability, and emerging
aviation technologies.

Moderator: Captain Al Harath Bin Sama, Pilot Instructor, Intercontinental Aviation Academy

Speakers Invited:
• Liana Coyne, Director, Coyne Airways
• Dr. Sofia Mateou, Associate Professor, Aviation Management, PSU
• Marvi Bilal, Deputy Director – Commercial, Pakistan Airports Authority
• Ohoud Alfatta, Marketing & Strategic Partnership Expert, Saudia Academy
• Nouf Abdulkarim, Sucession Planning & Leadership Development Sr. Manager, Riyadh Airports
• Basem Shawesh, Head of ANS Training and ELP, SACA
• Hazar Hafiz, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, flyadeal

15:30 – 15:45

Closing Ceremony and End of Programme