MESIF LONDON 2025

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUM

27TH & 28TH MAY 2025

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Join us for MESIF 2025, Europe's leading conference and exhibition covering the latest trends in MENA sports investments. This forum, powered by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, will welcome government representatives from across the GCC to Europe. The event will be attended by ministries of sports and sovereign wealth funds, as well as private sector investors, sports brands, broadcasters, infrastructure providers, and many other key regional sports stakeholders.

Speakers will share expertise from mega sports projects including NEOM, the FIFA World Cup 2034, FIBA and much more. Sessions will cover the latest trends in sports finance and investment, stadium design, sports technology, sports tourism, and fan engagement.

MESIF 2025 promises insightful discussions, thought leadership, and exclusive VIP networking.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

MINISTRIES OF SPORT FROM ACROSS THE REGION.
LEADING SPORT FEDERATIONS.
SPORTS CLUBS AND ATHLETES.
INVESTMENT BODIES.
SPORT BUSINESS LEADERS.
LEADING SPORTS BRANDS.
SPORT INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALISTS.
SPORTS INNOVATORS IN DATA AND ENGAGEMENT.
SPORTS MARKETING & BRANDING EXECUTIVES.
BROADCASTERS, MEDIA PERSONALITIES AND PRESS.

300+ DELEGATES

15+ EXHIBITORS

40+ VIP SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS

HRH Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Al Saud

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to United Kingdom

HRH Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz graduated from Oxford University with a BA in the Oriental Studies degree in Islamic Civilization and attended Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He attended Sandhurst Military Academy and graduated as a commissioned officer. Later he worked at the United Nations department of Political Affairs in New York and then as an advisor to the Saudi Ambassador to the United States. In 2006, he established Dayim Holdings as an investment and operating platform to create local and international companies in the Kingdom and Gulf states.

Dr Mezna AlMarzooqi

Director General, Leaders Development Institute at Ministry of Sport KSA

Mezna AlMarzooqi, PhD, MPH is a renowned expert in sports policy, physical activity, and public health. As Director General of the Leaders Development Institute at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sport, she drives the country's sports sector capability development strategy, fostering partnerships and setting industry standards.

Previously an Associate Professor at King Saud University, she founded the award-winning KSU Movement Initiative, advancing women’s sports and physical activity. She also played a key role in expanding women’s university sports through nationwide tournaments.

Dr AlMarzooqi is a passionate advocate for using sports to drive empowerment and social impact.

HE Eisa Hilal Al Hezami

Chairman, Sharjah Sports Council

His Excellency Issa Hilal Al-Hazami is a dynamic leader in the UAE sports community, currently serving as the Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council since July 2020. With a passion for advancing sports and community well-being, he has driven significant initiatives that have shaped the sports landscape in Sharjah. Prior to this, he served as the Secretary General of the Council from 2018 to 2020, and played a key role in national disaster management efforts at the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) from 2011 to 2020.

Al-Hazami's leadership experience extends to his tenure as General Secretary of Sharjah Sports Club (2009–2011) and Private Office Director for His Highness Prince Talal Bin Bader Al Suad (2006–2009). His career began in the skies as a Police Helicopter Pilot, where he served from 1986 to 2006. His Excellency’s diverse experience makes him a driving force in the UAE's sports and public service sectors.

Nasser Majali

Secretary General, Islamic Solidarity Sports Association, Riyadh, KSA

Nasser Majali is the Secretary General of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), where he plays a key role in fostering cooperation among the 57 member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to promote sports development and unity. Appointed in January 2023 under the presidency of HRH Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Turki Al Faisal, ISSA has launched strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening sports as a tool for solidarity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange among Islamic nations.

Prior to his current role, Nasser served as Secretary General of the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC) from 2016 to 2023. During his tenure, JOC developed and implemented a new strategic vision for Jordan’s sports sector, enhancing international collaborations, and supporting Jordanian athletes on the global stage.

Beyond sports administration, Nasser has diverse experience across multiple industries, including IT, trading, financial services, and non-governmental organizations. His broad expertise has contributed to his success in strategic leadership and sports diplomacy.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2001), a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the American University of Beirut (2006), and a Master’s in Olympic Studies from Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln (2022).

With a strong belief in the power of sport to unite and inspire, Nasser continues to drive initiatives that enhance collaboration and excellence among Islamic nations.

Mansour Almokbel

CEO, Saudi Motorsport Company

Mansour Al Mokbel is the the new CEO at the Saudi Motorsports Company.

Mansour continues to also serve as the General Manager for Investments in the Ministry of Sport. He is responsible for catalysing investment-led growth in the sport sector through private sector participation. He leads a team that not only creates investment opportunities, but also enables a conducive environment for the private sector to profitably engage and flourish. Simultaneously, he leads monetization of infrastructure and assets of the Ministry and the commercialization of Ministry’s events and activities.

Prior to joining the Ministry of Sport, he served as the General Director for Delivery in the Ministry of Defence, leading a successful transformation program.

Mansour holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals and his Executive MBA from the George Washington University. He also has a Certificate in Management (CiM) from London Business School and Managing Successful Programmes MSP® Practitioner Certificate.

James Taylor

Chief Championship Officer, Extreme H

James Taylor is the Chief Championship Officer for Extreme H, the world’s first hydrogen-powered motorsport series, bringing over a decade of experience in the sports industry.

A founding member of Extreme E in 2019, James previously served as Head of Business Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, driving commercial strategies and key business activities. Before that, he was Vice President for the FIA World Rallycross Championship at IMG, managing partners, venues, and manufacturer relationships. With expertise in motorsport and a commitment to sustainability, equality, and innovation, James plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic vision and success of Extreme H.

Ornella Desirée Bellia

Director of Professional Football Relations and Development at FIFA

Ornella Desiree Bellia has a legal background and truly international experience within the global sports industry, having worked for football clubs, leading law firms, and sports institutions in five different countries.

Ornella has a broad understanding of the football industry from different perspectives and cultures, in-depth knowledge of the governance and the commercial models of professional football and experience with complex stakeholders management and engagement.

Ornella has strong strategic planning skills and a creative, forward-thinking and high performance mindset. Ornella is also fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

Education:
- Gratuated in Law with outstanding academic records / high honors (University of Law / Catania),
- MBA in Sports Management (Real Madrid Escuela Universitaria),
- Negotiation and Leadership Programme (Harvard Law School, Boston),
- UEFA Women's Leadership Programme (UEFA, IMD Business School)
- LL.M in International Sports Law (Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía, Madrid)

Ornella is a lecturer at several academic courses in Sports Management and Sports Law and a speaker at international conferences.

Basim K. Ibrahim

Sport Investment Director, Ministry of Investment KSA

Basim K. Ibrahim, CLSS, CIPM, is passionate about the opportunities for sport development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is a seasoned Investment Attraction & Development Manager with 20 years of diverse professional experience in Investment, IT, Training, Project Management, and Research.

A former Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum, Basim is a member of various professional organizations. He founded BMA Engineering in 2011 and co-founded BoardMaps in 2015, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

His extensive international experience includes roles with INSPUR in China and CONCO in South Africa. Basim was a pivotal member of the joint technical team between SAP and Saudi Aramco from 2000 to 2005. Passionate about volunteering and dedicated to serving his country, Basim is a dynamic leader in the field of Business and Investment Development.

Donn Davis

Founder, Chairman, and Co-Owner, Professional Fighters League (PFL)

Donn Davis leads PFL, the fastest-growing sports league and #2 MMA company globally. With three decades in digital, media, and sports, he’s built innovative consumer companies. Previously, he was Founding Partner at Revolution Growth, investing $1B in leaders like DraftKings and Sportradar, and served as President of AOL Interactive Properties Group during its Fortune 25 era. Donn’s career also includes CEO of Exclusive Resorts, Chairman of Miraval Spa Resort Group, and Chief Counsel for the Chicago Cubs at age 29—the youngest in MLB history. A pioneer in e-sports with stakes in Team Liquid and Epic Games, he holds degrees from University of Michigan Law School and Miami University (Ohio).

Shaima Saleh AlHusseini

Managing Director, Saudi Sports for All Federation

Shaima Saleh AlHusseini is the Managing Director of the Saudi Sports for All Federation. Shaima advocates for a healthy lifestyle by inspiring all members of society to be physically active. This commitment reflects her desire to highlight the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to empower girls and women to play a role in the development of a vibrant society and healthy, active communities.

Abdullah AlRasheed

Director of Investment Enablement

In addition to his role in the Ministry of Sport, Abdullah acquires over a decade of an enriched, diversified experience in Private & Public sectors. Starting from the Banking industry in the Cash Management field with an exposure on Operations, Business Implementation, Product Creation & Management, to contributing into building the Strategic Partnership foundation with the private sector throughout his career in LCGPA.

Abdullah has a successful track record of building strong, sustainable partnerships with the private sector & state-owned companies, launching new innovative products into the market, and managing national initiatives which serves the national strategies.

Fahad Juma Muhanna

Director of Strategy & Sustainability, QOC

Fahad Ebrahim Juma Al Muhana is an experienced professional in strategic planning, project management, and sustainability within the sports domain. Currently serving as the Director of Planning and Integration for the QATAR2027 FIBA World Cup Bid Committee, Fahad previously held several prominent positions, including Director of Sustainability and Development for the Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee and Director of Strategy and Sustainability at the Qatar Olympic Committee. With a strong background leading various regional and international sports events, including the ANOC World Beach Games and IAAF World Championships, Fahad’s expertise extends to organizational development and integration, as evidenced by past roles at Enterprise Qatar and Doha 2020 Olympic Bid Committee. Fahad holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool, a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute, and a Bachelor's degree in Electronic & Communication Engineering from Kuwait University.

Aphrodite Moschoudi

Director of Planning & Quality, Qatar Tourism

Aphrodite Moschoudi is an accomplished professional with expertise in major sports projects and events. Her career highlights include extensive involvement in bidding, strategic planning and delivery of major events, including the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Arab Games, FIFA World Cup, FIFA Arab Cup, Asian Cup, World Championships in Athletics and IPC Para-Athletics. She has also been instrumental in setting up key sport projects such as the Schools Olympic Programme, the Olympic & Sport Museum, the National Sport Day as well as sport investments and partnerships.

During her time at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Aphrodite led the Planning & Integration of Host Country Operations for the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022, to include the tournament readiness and ultimately the delivery of the Main Operations Centre as the central point of command.

Aphrodite’s approach is that talent and technical expertise are not sufficient and should be complemented by positive spirit, practical thinking, human relations and ethos all the way.

Aphrodite is now working at Qatar Tourism as a Director of Planning and Quality.

Nasser Al Khori

Executive Director, Generation Amazing

Nasser Al Khori, Executive Director at Generation Amazing Foundation, leads the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022's social legacy initiative. He focuses on sports for social development in underprivileged areas, including work with refugees and IDPs. Nasser, with significant non-profit experience, has formed crucial partnerships and is part of the UNESCO Chair in sport governance. He holds an MBA in Educational Leadership from UCL and a BSc from Carnegie Mellon University.

Nader Al Rawahy

Operations Excellence Lead, Oman Vision 2040

Oman’s Nader Nasser Hamood Al Rawahy is seconded to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth from the Sultanate’s “Oman’s Vision 2040” Ministry where he leads Operational Excellence for Oman’s strategic development roadmap “Oman Vision 2040”.

Since its endorsement in September 2015, Oman has emphasized aligning its national priorities with the UN's sustainable development objectives through Oman Vision 2040. As part of this initiative, there is a focus on real estate such as the waterfront Sports City in the South Al Batinah governorate, The Sustainable City YITI and renewable energy projects, particularly hydrogen and green hydrogen production.

Nader is an expert in inward investment and economic development. His expertise spans audit, advisory, and structuring. Prior to this role, Nader amassed over 20 years of experience at KPMG and EY. He is also the founder and board member of the Association of Chartered Accountants of Oman, a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Alia Sabala

Partner, Roland Berger

Alia leads Roland Berger Middle East's Sports practice. With 18 years of experience, Alia has been at the forefront of initiatives advancing the Middle East's sports sector, including developing national and regional sport strategies for GCC countries. Known for her expert analysis on sports policy and development, Alia’s portfolio includes advisory roles for public sector institutions and sporting bodies. Her expertise extends to commercial and merger & acquisition advisory services, excelling in investment appraisals, business plans, and due diligence. Alia graduated from London Business School with a Master’s in Business Administration and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the American University in Cairo.

Alexander Wuerfel

CEO - ESME Entertainment

Marwan Albazie

Deputy CEO - Islamic Solidarity Games

Marwan Albazie serves as the Deputy CEO of the Islamic Solidarity Games Local Organizing Committee. With a pivotal role in the mega events sector since 2018, Marwan has significantly influenced the landscape of sports events.

He has successfully led and orchestrated high-profile events, including Formula E and Rage on the Red Sea. Additionally, Marwan has been instrumental in the execution of major events such as Formula 1, the Diriyah Season, and the Dakar Rally, showcasing his expertise and commitment to excellence in the field.

Lama Alfozan

Board Member, Saudi Olympic Committee

Lama has paved her way in the sports world, she is a Fencing player and a member of the national Saudi female fencing team; she has been appointed as a board member of the Saudi fencing Federation. Furthermore, she is a board member of the first athletes committee under the Saudi Olympic Committee. She recently received a scholarship from the IOC, she got her second masters degree in sports management MEMOS (French edition), and presented her thesis in the Olympic museum in Lausanne regarding the development of elite athletes in Saudi Arabia.

Amro Turkistani

Director of Competitions - AFC2027

A professional with a comprehensive sport management background, including substantial major global event and multi-sport games experience.

Proven leadership abilities in spearheading all aspects of prestigious domestic and global sport events; directing large Sports & Venue teams and overseeing extensive event budgets. Demonstrated success in leadership roles such as Head of Sports and Events, Sport and Facilities Manager, Sport Cluster Manager and Football Manager.

James Dobbs

Managing Director, STORY10

James joined SNTV as Managing Director in 2019, a time of significant disruption and fragmentation across the media landscape as audiences increasingly went ‘mobile’ and new rights categories emerged. The business embraced these changes, focusing on storytelling and content that connects with today's audiences.

In 2021, SNTV launched Story10, a service exclusively focused on helping brands and federations amplify their message and reach new audiences through relevant, authentic content. With a global daily audience of over 1.5 billion across broadcast, digital and social, and access to 7.5 million content creators, Story10 enables their clients to speak to new fans on any platform, in any region, in real-time.

Before this, James spent 8 years at IMG leading new business and client relationships across the Archive, and Content and Channels division. On a personal level, James is an avid sports fan. Cricket is his first love with several minor county appearances being the pinnacle of his sporting career. Football and rugby also fill much of his free time but nowadays as a spectator as opposed participant.

Amir Tawfik

CEO, Al Ahly SC

Amir Tawfik is the Chief Executive Office and Football Contracts Director of Al Ahly Football Company, the largest football club in Africa and the Middle East. He has held this position since February 2023, following five years as the marketing and football contracts director at Al Ahly Sports Club.

Amir embarked on his professional journey after successfully completing the FIFA CIES Diploma in March 2015. Prior to that, he had a remarkable career as a professional goalkeeper, playing in the Egyptian premier league and Egyptian national teams. His career journey has helped him develop a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and determination, which are the vital qualities in both sports and business.

Driven by his passion and deep admiration for the game, Amir dedicated his focus to the broader impact of sports, firmly believing in its potential to shape nations and countries positively. His unwavering ambition to contribute to the industry has led him to lead one of the most prominent football companies in the Middle East.

Melissa Lawton

Chief Content Officer, SailGP

Melissa Lawton is Chief Content Officer at SailGP and heads the league’s global production strategy to create a breakthrough grand prix racing product in SailGP. From broadcast production to social media content creation and non-live content creation including SailGP’s docu-series Racing on the Edge, Lawton has played an integral role in bringing the world’s most exciting race on water closer to fans than ever before.

Prior to SailGP, Lawton was the Head of Production at Meta for just over four years. She was also previously Head of Live Content for Red Bull TV for five years. Her career has included long-term production roles at events such as the Beijing and Sydney Olympics, FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, and the Commonwealth Games in India.

A trailblazer for women in sports broadcasting, Lawton has had to forge her own path throughout her career, gravitating naturally towards companies like SailGP that are unafraid of disrupting the status quo and thinking about the industry in a different way. Lawton also believes in developing a content strategy that is both sustainable and responsible to act as a blueprint for other leagues and organisations to follow.

Lawton is on the board of Great Britain Basketball and the Women’s National Football Conference in the US. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and a Master of Arts in International Relations and Affairs from the University of New South Wales.

Ahmad Abu Gheith

CEO, Black Orange

Ahmad Abu Gheith, CEO of Black Orange, is a visionary leader with a proven track record of transforming the landscape of major international events in Saudi Arabia, the GCC region, and globally. Renowned for spearheading some of the most influential and high-profile projects, Ahmad has played a pivotal role in delivering iconic sporting events, international forums, and world-class EXPOs. With a reputation built on innovation, strategic foresight, and exceptional leadership, he has led some of the largest companies in the region as an executive director and chief. Ahmad's legacy is further defined by his work as a trusted senior consultant, where he collaborated with government entities to shape and deliver transformative national projects, cementing his status as a driving force in the region’s evolution.

Ahmed Abas

Director of MENA Sports Practice, EY

Ahmed is a Director within the Strategy & Transactions division at EY MENA based in Riyadh with more than 14 years of regional experience with focus on social infrastructure and sports business.

Ahmed previously worked at Mott MacDonald as the Territory Manager and advisory projects lead in Saudi Arabia, and also as a public sector strategy advisor at Arthur D. Little.

Ahmed has advised leading football clubs, private and public organizations in the region on their growth, revenue and privatization strategies, as well as sports facilities development and finance. Ahmed is a regular speaker on sports investments and public private partnerships.

Ahmed has a Business Masters from Heriot Watt University, and is an accredited professional in multiple professional areas including Public Private Partnerships, Sustainable Planning and Finance.

More To Be Announced Soon!

VENUE & GALLERY

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

In true MESIF style the forum will take place in a key global sports venue and include an exclusive VIP experience synonymous with the MESIF brand. Our MESIF 2024 event attracted over 350 international attendees to the Emirates Stadium in London. Check out the Highlights Video above for more details!

By hosting this event in London, MESIF links the Middle East sports sector with best in class international partners and solution providers. By harnessing expertise from established markets in Europe and North America the MENA region can draw on the industry leading experts and technologies to achieve their ambitious sport agendas.

MESIF 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

CONTACT MESIF TEAM

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