After unveiling the highly anticipated KT+150 List of the UAE’s most dynamic young changemakers, Khaleej Times is now launching the KT+150 Summit, a new flagship gathering dedicated to accelerating list makers’ ideas, ambitions and entrepreneurial journeys. The inaugural Summit will be brought to life in partnership with global technology group e&, as the event’s official Presenting Sponsor. The event is also supported by associate partners Shure, VeraViews and Lynk & Co, with Emirates serving as the official travel partner.
Set to be a full-day programme, the Summit will bring together the diverse voices and talents spotlighted in the KT+150 list – from founders, designers and technologists to impact leaders, content creators and young executives already shaping their industries. The event will combine high-energy keynotes, interactive spotlights, skill-building workshops, and candid discussions on the issues that matter most to the next generation of innovators.
“The KT+150 Summit is unapologetically designed to serve, inform and assist the ambitious, creative innovators who form the KT+150 community. These young people are the future leaders of the UAE, and all of us at Khaleej Times are proud to help propel them forward on their journey—no matter what field of endeavour they’ve chosen,” said Ted Kemp, Chief Content Officer, Khaleej Times.
A major highlight of the event will be the announcement of the KT+150 Elevator Pitch Contest winner, who will receive a media grant from Khaleej Times to support their business idea. List makers were invited to submit a one-minute video answering: “Why does my business idea deserve AED 250,000 of Khaleej Times media?” Entries were evaluated by a Khaleej Times editorial panel, with judging focused on originality, creativity and the strength of the underlying business concept.
“When we launched KT+150, we asked a simple question: Who’s not just waiting for the future, but making it today?” added Ahmad Nokari, Head of Multimedia & Social, Khaleej Times. “The 150 young innovators we’ve celebrated span AI to fashion, real estate to social impact, and each one answered that call. This isn’t about ceremony — it’s about momentum. At Khaleej Times we haven’t just told stories; we’ve built a bridge from ambition to action, spotlighting a generation that will move the UAE forward.”
The agenda features sessions tailored to the needs of emerging talent, covering topics such as entrepreneurship and leadership development, the future of technology, including Creative AI, as well as personal branding and effective communication.
In keeping with its focus on real-world skills and experience, the Summit will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers who are shaping conversations in entrepreneurship, creativity, technology and personal development. Each brings a perspective that resonates with the ambitions of the KT+150 community.
Taking the stage will be Omar Samra (adventurer and first Egyptian to summit Everest), Neetu Choudhury (motivational speaker and executive coach), Akanksha Goel (Founder & CEO of Socialize), Josh Wilson (KT+150 judge and Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree), Ashraf Ghori (filmmaker and creator of the UAE’s first CGI sci-fi film), and Aliya Rajah (personal and professional development coach).
The KT+150 Summit marks the next step in Khaleej Times’ ongoing efforts to support emerging talent and foster future-focused learning. With a programme designed to connect high-potential young leaders with ideas, expertise and networks that accelerate their growth, the event underscores Khaleej Times’ commitment to shaping a generation that will contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s innovation landscape.
