We are pleased to announce our partnership with HCT for another successful Ibtikar Competition. With a total of 15 competing teams, the Ibtikar panel of judges was fully represented by 5 YAL members! Ibtikar is a challenging business innovation competition that allows students from all divisions to leverage the tools they have learned in the innovation and entrepreneurship course in order to come up with innovative ideas that solve real-life problems. Congratulations to the winners!

 

About the Judges

YAL Board Member Saad Al Rubaiaan 

Saad is a Kuwaiti professional who has served previously for both private and government sectors in Dubai and is now running his boutique agency, CYLKA, which specializes in government communications and CSR advisory. He served as a coach and judge at several regional awards, including KAFO initiative by Al Diwan Al Amiri in Kuwait, UNDP-World Bank’s Hackathon, Sharjah Chamber’s Entreprenovaion award and the International Association of Business Communicators.

   

YAL Member Alanood Alfeel

Alanood is a seasoned Marketing and Communications professional that has taken on roles across global agencies, namely Edelman and Ogilvy and government entities (PR consultant for Mubadala, ADEK, OBAD and Head of Marketing at KHDA). She was a driving force in launching landmark hotels (Marina Bay Sands), international events (Strata, Mubdala World Tennis Championships, FIFA Club World Cup, and Formula 1 Abu Dhabi) and TV shows (Coke Studio).

   

YAL Member Helal Lootah

Helal Lootah is a New York Qualified Attorney and the Co-founder of Lune Technologies Ltd, a DIFC based Fintech startup focused on facilitating alternative Social Savings and peer-to-peer transfer solutions. Before Lune, Helal served as a Case Manager in the Dubai Courts and was a member of its Youth Council.

   

YAL Member Bassém Banna

Bassém Banna is the top performing executive with over 14 years of experience in several key functional areas including: Education Technology, Corporate Learning design, Enterprise Sales & Market penetration, Entrepreneurship & Youth Development programs. Bassém is a commercial and strategy leader with an entrepreneurial mindset and passion for customer excellence.

   

YAL Member Imad Atwi

Imad Atwi is a strategist and execution leader with 14+ years of experience across MENA, SEA, and Europe. He has been involved in some of the leading mega projects and company launches in the region, advising governments, technology/telecom companies, and startups on national digital agendas, innovation strategies, ICT policies, launch management, emerging technologies, due diligence, partnerships, and operating models.