DICM Agenda 2026

Amanda Turnbull

Founder and CEO | United Arab Emirates

Amanda Turnbull is the Founder and CEO of Rise Studios, an entertainment company investing in and developing content across the Middle East and North Africa. With more than three decades of experience in the global media industry, Amanda has held senior leadership roles across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, including six years as Managing Director at Warner Bros. Discovery Middle East, Africa and Turkey. She founded Rise Studios with a focus on nurturing creative and operational talent, building strategic partnerships, and helping locally rooted stories reach regional and global audiences. Amanda holds an MBA from HULT Business School and an MA in History from Cambridge University. She has also been recognised with several industry honours, including Broadcast Executive of the Year and the International Women in Marketing Awards.

Gianluca Chakra

CEO and Founder | United Arab Emirates

CEO and founder OF Front Row Filmed Entertainment LLC

Meryem Raji

Senior Strategic Partner Manager | United Arab Emirates

Meryem Raji drives strategic partnerships for YouTube MENA. Based in Dubai, she works closely with the region's leading creators and media partners, providing the strategic guidance and platform insights needed to grow and optimize their presence successfully. Backed by over a decade of technology and digital media experience spanning both France and the MENA region, Meryem leverages her deep cross-market expertise to foster a thriving regional ecosystem. She is dedicated to partner enablement, helping creators & Media Cos refine their content strategies while actively championing regional talent and their needs within YouTube's global product framework.

Zeina Merheb

Film Strategist &Executive Producer | United Arab Emirates

Zeina Merheb is a film strategist and creative producer with over 15 years of experience across Film, television and advertising. At Majid Al Futtaim’s VOX Studios, she led strategy and positioning for the studio’s film slate across MENA, following a decade as Founder and Executive Producer of Notabene Productions, where she produced work for leading global and regional brands and agencies. She was nominated for Best Film Concept Development at the Malmö Arab Film Festival and today advises studios and production houses across MENA on how films and content formats find their audience and their market.

Elie Semaan

Film Director | Lebanon

Award-winning Lebanese-Canadian director Elie El-Semaan is best known for the Netflix feature Honeymoonish, which ranked among the most watched titles worldwide, and his work on major TV productions for Shahid.

Aimée Sayah

Actress & TV Host | United Arab Emirates

Aimée Sayah is a Lebanese TV host, actress, and media personality. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts with an emphasis in Journalism and a Master’s degree in Media Studies. During her university years, she also pursued theater courses, laying the foundation for a dynamic career both on screen and on stage

Assaad Ghanem

Senior Director of Programming | United Arab Emirates

Senior media executive with 18 years at the intersection of content acquisition & syndication, programming strategy, and driving revenue and growth across streaming and broadcast platforms. Worked with local, regional and global media entities from MBC Group TV to Quest Arabia, Iflix, ViacomCBS and now with Viu.

Houda Koussa

Founder and Managing Director | United Arab Emirates

Houda Koussa is the founder and managing director of Archers, a brand and research consultancy agency. She has a proven track record in developing insight based actionable business, media, marketing and advertising solutions. Houda manages research projects & guides communication and Programming planners to develop effective strategies based on actionable insights. Her guidance to develop business, marketing and communication strategies is done via insight-based workshops.

Michel Zreik

Content Specialist | United Arab Emirates

An esteemed and distinguished Creative Producer, whose illustrious journey unfolds over 15 vibrant years in the industry. Armed with a solid educational background from the Lebanese University, he has woven a career that shines with dedication, efficiency, and a flair for innovation, creating a remarkable tapestry of experiences that set him apart in the world of television in content production and customization dedicated for linear and digital outlets, within a solid background in GCC content orientation and TV Formats creation/ adaptation, with emphasis on Entertainment, Lifestyle & Luxury content assets. Michel's mastery in the realm of television production and content creation is evident through his impressive portfolio, a testament to his creative prowess. As the visionary behind a diverse array of TV Shows, Music Videos, and Commercials, he has left an indelible mark on the industry, showcasing his talent and innovation in every project he undertakes.

Mohammad Mashish

Founder | United Arab Emirates

Mohammad Mashish brings over 25 years of experience in the media and entertainment industries and is recognized as one of the key figures who have contributed to the development of content production in the Middle East through delivering distinctive, high-impact works in recent years. He began his professional career in 1998, holding various positions across leading media institutions in the Arab world. During this period, he contributed to the execution and production of a range of successful programs in collaboration with major entities, including BBC and MBC. In 2012, he founded his own company, BlueBee Productions - Beelink Productions, headquartered across Cairo, Dubai, Beirut, and Damascus. Within a few years, the company evolved into a leading regional production platform, contributing to elevating the standards of television production in the region. Over more than a decade, Mashish has led the production of a wide range of distinguished projects, most notably the “Grand Hotel” series, which became the first Arabic drama to be acquired and streamed on Netflix. This success was followed by more than 20 additional titles currently airing across various regional and international platforms. Mashish is distinguished by his comprehensive production vision that combines creative instinct with strong executive expertise. He demonstrates a high ability to identify and develop high quality scripts while overseeing all aspects of production—from development through execution to distribution. His deep understanding of market dynamics enables him to consistently deliver content that combines artistic quality with commercial appeal. Through his experience, passion, and vision, Mashish continues to present high-value content that contributes to strengthening the global presence of Arabic drama.

Fadi Ismail

Founder & General Manager | United Arab Emirates

A British Lebanese executive with 30 years of experience in Arab Media and in Content strategy. Fadi`s strength is in Content: creation, development, production, distribution, and co-productions. His passion is in elevating Arab content to international quality and reach. Fadi left MBC Group in April 2019 to launch his own ProdCo in Dubai and develop premium content. DKL`s first 12-episode thriller - The Dean - has been exclusively shown on Shahid VIP and MBC. 3 Saudi feature Films have been produced in 2021 one of which- Before We Forget قبل ان ننس ى was released theatrically and then on Shahid VIP, as well as 2 drama series : Al Zahiriya- الزاهرية and Loss- .while two other films, a Romcom and thriller/horror film are to be released soon فق د Fadi is an Executive Producer for MBC Studio flagship Saudi series and developing 3 other projects. He has also been a consultant for several recent media entertainment and news-related projects. He has had diverse responsibilities since 1991 in News, its international operations as well as Current Affairs talk shows at MBC channel and later on for al Arabiya news channel which he was part of its launching team. He oversaw the production of tens of documentaries in its early years. Since 2004 Fadi has been part of MBC senior management in charge of Drama production, acquisitions, and distribution. Being the first in the world to discover the value of Turkish content in 2007, he became in charge of acquiring 1000s of hours of mainly Turkish. Fadi pioneered in adapting drama scripted formats and long telenovela series in Arabic, as well as in innovative high-end productions such as Omar and CGI-dependent Saraya Abdeen. He also introduced American writing room techniques in script development. He established O3 which became the biggest player in Arabic and Turkish drama, first in Dubai (2002), then in Cairo (2011). In 2013, O3 Media was launched in Istanbul which became among the top 3 drama production companies in Turkey. As MBC Group Director of Drama, Fadi commissioned and executive produced, tens of Arab drama series). Some of the highest rated series with the highest production values and innovative edgy content that he oversaw were: Omar- Saraya Abdeen- Al Ustura-The Palace- Garabeeb Soud – Sahirat al Janoub, Selfie 1-2-3 and al Asouf 1&2. Fadi Pioneered many years back in the production of the kind of content that became now a norm; short series with high production values that attract a younger audience: 04 and Cactus Alliance and Boxing Girls. He oversaw the development of a slate of projects for coproduction with international European and American production companies. In the last 2 years, Fadi has been a consultant for different Media Entertainment and News projects. Fadi contributed to tens of international and regional media exhibitions, conferences and workshops in LA, NY, London, Miami and has regularly attended the world`s biggest TV exhibition MIP in Cannes - for 20 consecutive years. He has an MA in Middle East Studies from the American University of Beirut(AUB) and an incomplete PhD in Middle East Studies from the University of Durham, in the UK.

Shaista Roshan

Creative producer | United Arab Emirates

Shaista Roshan is an Indo-Canadian filmmaker raised in the UAE, drawn to the beauty of hybridity and the unique perspectives it allows. A Canadian Screen Award-nominated producer and founder of Shifting Sands Media, her recent credits include 'Till The Milk Runs Dry' (TIFF 2026, Festival du Nouveau Cinéma 2026) 'Karupy' (Slamdance 2026, TIFF 2025) & 'Queen Mother' (VQFF 2025, Reelworld 2025, Whistler Film Festival 2025). With over a decade of experience producing across MENA, South Asia, and the US, she has collaborated with leading showrunners on The Greatest (Amazon), Tokyo Vice (HBO Max), Brilliant Minds (NBC), The Doctors (CBS), and worked extensively on regional MENA productions such as Sabah Al Dar Dirhami, Shaer al Million, and Andama Yatil Massa (ADTV). A 2024 alumna of the esteemed CFC Norman Jewison Producers Lab and current Film Independent fellow, Her feature film 'Unbraided' is currently part of the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Feature Film Program, with other projects in the works developed through TIFF, Dubai Film and Games Commission & Amazon MGM Studios. She continues to build an international slate spanning the Middle East, India, and North America, championing bold, cross-cultural stories with global resonance.

Majd Nassif

Founder | United Arab Emirates

Majd Nassif is a producer and the founder of Longevity Pictures, an international production company focused on bold, high-concept storytelling, and managing partner of T‐VFX, an international visual effects studio he recently expanded into the Middle East. Operating between Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi, Longevity Pictures specialises in distinctive genre films that champion original voices, immersive worlds, and deliver high-concept ideas that resonate with global audiences. Longevity Pictures’ debut feature Locked, starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins, was released worldwide in 2025. The company also produced MERCY, starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, alongside Charles Roven, which debuted at #1 at the U.S. box office and was the top trending film on Amazon Prime worldwide. It is currently in post-production on Six Till Midnight, directed by Andrew Donoho and starring Sasha Lane and Bella Poarch. Prior to launching Longevity Pictures, Nassif served as Head of U.S. at Bazelevs, where he worked across projects with major studios including Universal, Netflix, Paramount Sony, Searchlight and Focus Features, working on titles such as Searching, The Current War, and Unfriended: Dark Web.

Omar Butti

Director of Media Governance | United Arab Emirates

With more than ten years of experience in global media, Omar Butti has managed large-scale industry development initiatives and worked both in front of and behind the camera. As Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives and Media Studies, at the Dubai Film and TV Commission, Butti focuses on industry development. He headed the teams that launched ON.DXB (2019), a multi-media festival encompassing film, video, music and gaming, and VIDXB (2017), the region's first event dedicated to the digital content industry. Previously, Butti was responsible for the documentary department at Image Nation Abu Dhabi (2014–2017). Among his projects there was the series History of the Emirates, created in conjunction with Atlantic Productions, London. He also wrote a feature-length screenplay, The Cage, which was optioned by Image Nation. He was an assistant director for Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (Paramount Pictures) and contributed to the HBO documentary Quran By Heart. Before joining Image Nation, Butti worked at Dubai One (2008–2014), the UAE’s largest English-language TV channel, where he presented the cultural documentary series Emirati and the news and current affairs show Emirates 24/7. He hosted many of Dubai One’s live events, from the Metro launch and the Expo 2020 victory announcement live from Paris to the opening ceremonies of the 2011 and 2012 editions of the Dubai International Film Festival. He was a finalist in a documentary competition sponsored by the United Nations in Chennai, India (2013). His short film, Black and White, was part of the EFC Short Narrative Competition in the Abu Dhabi Film Festival (2012). Butti received a bachelor’s degree in film and television production at Northwestern University, Chicago (2006). He currently lives and works in Dubai. SAF participation: Sharjah Film Platform (December 2019)

Rana Jerdak

Acquisition & Planning Supervisor | United Arab Emirates

Rana Jerdak is an accomplished Acquisition & Planning Supervisor at Al Mashhad, where she leverage her extensive experience in content acquisition and strategic programming. With a strong background in the media industry since 2014, Rana Jerdak previously held key roles at MBC Group TV, serving as a Senior Programming Executive and later as an Acquisition Executive. In these positions, Rana Jerdak improved her skills in identifying and securing high-quality content, developing programming strategies, and fostering relationships with content providers. Her expertise in market trends and audience preferences has consistently contributed to successful programming initiatives and audience growth. Passionate about delivering compelling content, Rana Jerdak is dedicated to enhancing the viewer experience and driving the success of Al Mashhad's programming lineup.

Nathalie Habib

Co-Owner & Executive Producer | United Arab Emirates

Global in mindset and a storyteller at heart, Nathalie Habib is a seasoned media professional driven by a passion for meaningful storytelling and a deep commitment to creative excellence. With a career defined by resilience, integrity, and a respect for collaboration, she has been leading Blink Studios since 2010. As Co-Owner and Executive Producer, Nathalie has played a key role in shaping Blink tudios into a leading film and animation production company in the Middle East. Under her leadership, the studio delivers high-quality content across linear, digital, and immersive platforms, creating stories that resonate with diverse audiences across cultures. With a strong foundation in both the creative and production aspects of the industry, Nathalie has contributed to building a robust portfolio spanning service work and original intellectual property. Blink Studios continues to expand its footprint across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles and Houston, while maintaining a clear vision of elevating regional storytelling to global standards.

Julia Nikolaeva

General Manager | United Arab Emirates

Julia Nikolaeva is a producer and media executive with more than ten years of experience in animation, educational Content, digital production, and family entertainment. She combines hands-on production expertise with operational and commercial leadership, helping develop original ideas into high-quality children's content and sustainable media Brands. She serves as General Manager of Animotion MENA, the company working in Children's and family entertainment. Her responsibilities include operational development, production oversight, new IP initiatives, international distribution, and strategic partnerships. Over the past decade, Julia has worked as a producer across a range of animation projects, contributing to the Development and production of recognised children's brands including The Fixies, babyriki, Finnick, Tina & Tony, Kikoriki and others. Her experience covers production management, creative development, team leadership, international distribution and strategic partnerships. Julia works at the intersection of creative production and business execution. She is a strong partner for broadcasters, Distributors, co-production partners and brands looking to develop and bring children's content to audiences across International markets.

Katerina Pshenitsyna

General Manager | United Arab Emirates

Experienced media manager with a deep knowledge of theatrical, tv and digital rights distribution, co-production models, IP monetization strategy, domestic and international media landscape, with demonstrated experience of building and operating an efficient sales team and strong interpersonal skills. Proven cases of building international co-production models for IPs and gap-financing projects in the development stage as well as implementing successful sales strategies for content IPs.

Miroslav Radojevic

Sales Director- Middle East & Africa | Turkiye

To be added