In the true spirit of Vocation & Avocation, the central theme of the first edition of TEDx Happiness Street, the curators have lined up an impressive array of speakers and performers that are sure to uplift, motivate, inspire and alleviate audiences. We take a look at the stalwarts below and offer a brief summary of each.
Summary: Speakers | Performers
SPEAKER AHMAD SALAH
Ahmad Salah, is a multi-talented content creator, stand-up artist, and singer, he is also a prominent
figure in the UAE’s Astronomy and Space sector. From being the Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Amateur
Astronomers Association, to delivering captivating astronomy talks, combining his artistic talents with his
passion to inspire and entertain across multiple fields, he inspires curiosity and leaves a lasting impact.
SPEAKERs (DUET) CHRIS BLAIR VINCENT & SONYA SANDIAVO
Chris Blair Vincent is an internationally acclaimed Multidisciplinary Artist and Muralist, captivates
worldwide audiences with innovative designs. As the founder of Silverbrush Studio, he crafts
breathtaking hand-painted Murals and pushes the boundaries of space design.
Sonya, a celebrated Stylist and award-winning Costume Designer, collaborates with industry stalwarts,
cementing her status as a trendsetter in film. Their combined expertise creates a harmonious artistic
excellence.
SPEAKER EVA PETERSSON
Eva Petersson, a Dubai-born and raised multi award-winning teenage actor, who discovered her passion
for performing arts at a young age. She has showcased her talent in a broad range of projects from TV
commercials to stage musicals. Eva has scored breakthrough acting roles in Hollywood and gained
international recognition thanks to her dedication and professional training from world-renowned
coaches. Beyond the spotlight, she actively advocates against bullying as a school ambassador at
American School of Dubai, fostering a sense of unity among students.
SPEAKER JAMES KNIGHT PACCHECO
Chef James is a highly accomplished culinary professional with over 20 years of experience. As the
founder of Group JKP, a prominent hospitality consultancy firm, Chef JKP offers expert guidance to
businesses. Having worked with renowned chefs such as Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsay, Chef JKP
has made appearances on popular BBC cooking shows. Recognized as one of the most influential
individuals in the Middle East and Africa’s food and beverage industry, Chef JKP has received prestigious
awards, including Executive Chef of the Year 2019&and Chef of the Year 2020.Additionally, Chef JKP
hosts the Chef JKP Podcast, featuring some of the most incredible and prominent names in the
hospitality industry.
SPEAKER NASREEN ABDULLA
Nasreen Abdulla, the Happiness editor at Khaleej Times, is a journalist with a decade of experience in UAE
media. Known for her unique human-interest stories and authentic storytelling, she has ventured into
print, radio, TV, and digital media. Alongside her busy career, Nasreen is an enthusiastic fitness and
hiking aficionado. Over the past five years, she has achieved certification as a fitness trainer and earned
a blue belt in Jiu Jitsu. Despite her numerous responsibilities, Nasreen manages to find time for her
interests and passions while balancing her roles and being a mother to her children.
SPEAKER OMAIR MUHAMMAD
Omair Muhammad, a professional para-basketball player and all-rounder athlete for Dubai Club, taking a
forward-thinking approach to inspire athletes and people around the world by bringing a unique
perspective to the table. With hands-on experience in living life that can relate to the average person
with unwavering energy. Thrilled to inspire people to embrace your own playful and ambitious spirit in
all aspects of life.
SPEAKER SALAMA MOHAMED
Salama Mohamed, an Emirati entrepreneur, has established herself as a trailblazer in the skincare
industry. With her strong belief in self-love and empowerment, Salama, who has vitiligo, embarked on a
mission to create inclusive skincare products that cater to diverse needs. Her brand, Peacefull, combines
the latest skincare science with the healing properties of active ingredients, ensuring safe and effective
solutions. Salama’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and community-building has earned her
trust and recognition as a visionary in the beauty world
SPEAKER SUAAD AL SUWAIDI
Suaad Al Suwaidi is renowned as the world’s first female Emirati and Arab Wildlife Photographer. With a
background in Architecture, Suaad discovered her true calling in photography during her studies in the
United States. Through her lens, she captures the essence of wildlife beauty. She serves as an inspiring
role model for aspiring women around the world. Suaad Al Suwaidi, a role model inspiring everyone to
embrace their passions, break barriers, and make a lasting impact in their chosen fields.
SPEAKER YUICHI SETOYAMA
Yuichi Setoyama is a versatile professional, currently serving as Director of BAKTURE Research. He is a
Shinto Priest at Kamo Shrine, Shiga, Japan, whose achievements include coaching at London Olympics
2012, Sochi Olympics 2014, and delivered a TEDx talk in 2014. Notably, he won the 2017 Laos Governor
Award and the Higashi-Kuninomiya Award in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Yuichi’s BAKTURE activities span TV
TOKYO, Vietnam Television Center, and Japan’s government social media. A passionate
environmentalist Yuichi envisions uniting people through his talks for the historic BAKTURE Miracle
Project, aiming to restore Earth’s lush harmony.
PERFORMER ANAS ALHALABI
Anas Al Halabi, a well-established and award-winning artist in the UAE, began his passion for music at
the tender age of 6. His talent has grown into a worldwide name, with over 300 events in 20 countries.
With his immersive talent, he transports you to a calming and healing world, recognized globally. With
over 200 students, he also conducts workshops for both corporate and private clients. Additionally, he
created the first Handpan Orchestra with 100 Handpan Players, earning the Best Integrated Orchestra
Award.
PERFORMER MOEIN AL BASTAKI
Moein Al Bastaki, the best known stage illusionist, mentalist, hypnotist and close up magician in the
Arab World “The Real Aladdin”. Known for creating unforgettable magical experiences, he continues to
captivate audiences worldwide with his artistry from his Dubai base. With a unique Middle Eastern
touch, his skill has made him a respected figure in the Arab world. Specializing in illusions and
mentalism, Moein consistently introduces awe-inspiring tricks. Combining charm and wit, his
performances leave spectators astounded. Moein has graced esteemed TV shows, captivated renowned
celebrities, and gained accolades as an award-winning entertainer and international speaker.
PERFORMER PUJA UNNI
Puja Unni, the esteemed Artistic Director of Spanda, is a renowned Bharatanatyam practitioner and
dance educator. Born and raised in the UAE, she embarked on her Bharatanatyam journey at a young
age and became a devoted disciple of esteemed duo Renith and Vijna. Puja’s expertise extends to
nurturing over a thousand students, offering them a comprehensive and transformative Indian classical
dance training that encompasses the mind, body, and soul. Her artistic direction thrives through
impactful corporate training programs and the creation of captivating dance productions.
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