Theme: Vitality

Life pulses with energy, resilience, and purpose. At TEDxUniversity of Birmingham Dubai, we explore the essence of “Vitality”—the driving force behind thriving individuals, communities, and ideas.

Through the lens of innovation, human potential, well-being, and sustainability, this event will bring together thought leaders, trailblazers, and storytellers to inspire new ways of thinking about what it means to live and lead with vitality.

From personal triumphs to groundbreaking advancements, “Vitality” celebrates the spirit of renewal, adaptability, and relentless growth that defines humanity’s journey. Join us for an unforgettable day of transformative talks, engaging performances, and interactive experiences, as we recharge, reimagine, and reconnect with the energy that drives us forward.

Come and discover the ideas that fuel vitality—and the stories that make it come alive.

University of Birmingham Dubai
University of Birmingham Dubai
Dubai, Dubayy, 000000
United Arab Emirates

Aarav Tanna

Year 1 - BSc Accounting and Finance | University of Birmingham Dubai

What if stillness wasn’t stagnation, but strength? In this poetic and thought-provoking talk, the speaker draws on personal moments, historical stories, and a broken flea market clock to challenge our obsession with hustle. They invite us to redefine vitality—not as relentless motion, but as the wisdom to pause, reflect, and begin again. A beautiful reminder that even when life feels frozen, transformation is quietly unfolding.

Ahmad Salah

Actor | Stand Up Comedian | Astronomer | Singer

.From a spark of personal energy to a global force for change, Ahmad Salah explores the many dimensions of vitality—individual, communal, planetary, and economic. With humor, warmth, and a dose of scientific awe, he takes us on a journey from mindset to sustainability, creativity to consistency. A vibrant talk that reminds us: vitality isn’t just about motion, it’s about meaning—and it’s more contagious than we think.

Ananya Kadam

Undergraduate | BITS Pilani Dubai

What does resilience look like in the age of social media? In this powerful and timely talk, Ananya K unpacks how today's youth face pressures like never before—facing identity crises, shrinking attention spans, and curated connection in a hyper-digital world. She introduces a new framework of resilience: identity, attention, and connection resilience, urging us to go beyond “bouncing back” to truly evolving. A rallying call to protect humanity in a world that profits from distraction and disconnection.

Dr. Elie Daher

Global Transformation Strategist | Seasoned CEO

From bomb shelters in Beirut to boardrooms around the world, Dr. Elie Daher shares his powerful journey of resilience, transformation, and purpose. In this energizing talk, he introduces the R.A.W. Formula—Resilience, Adaptability, and Worth—as a blueprint for leaders and individuals to reclaim vitality at any age. His message? Success is not about titles—it's about energy, presence, and the courage to keep showing up.

Dr. Soha Chahine

Organizational Psychologist | Human Intelligence Strategist

We optimize everything—phones, workflows, even algorithms. But what about ourselves? In this compelling and deeply resonant talk, Dr. Soha Chahine reveals the invisible emotional codes that silently shape our lives: the need to perform, the pressure to disconnect, and the loss of authentic choice. Drawing on human behavior and leadership insights, she offers a powerful alternative to living on autopilot. A bold invitation to replace emotional automation with presence, connection, and human intelligence—before we forget what it means to truly feel.

Dr. Sunayna Iqbal SFHEA

Author | Senior Lecturer | University of West London, RAK

What if the most powerful tool in a classroom wasn’t control—but connection? In this heartfelt and paradigm-shifting talk, Dr. Sunayna Iqbal shares how a simple moment with a struggling student led her to undo assumptions and reimagine education. Introducing the CTRL-Z Teaching Model, she makes a compelling case for classrooms that value presence over perfection. A must-watch for anyone who believes education should nurture not just minds, but hearts.

Isaias Thomas Biju

Head of UX/UI Design | Year 2 - BSc Computer Science | Heriot-Watt University Dubai

What truly makes a robot intelligent? In this engaging and humorous talk, Isaias Thomas Biju challenges the traditional notions of AI and robotics by introducing the concept of vital intelligence—technology that doesn’t just think, but feels, adapts, and collaborates. Drawing from cutting-edge research at Heriot-Watt University’s LAIRR lab and real-world applications in the UAE, Isaias makes a compelling case for building machines that understand us—not replace us. A talk that redefines intelligence for a human-centered future.

Ishanee Manoj Chembra

Student Representative | Year 1 - BSc Biomedical Science | University of Birmingham Dubai

What if second place wasn’t a loss—but a lesson? In this witty and vulnerable talk, the speaker shares a personal story of losing a student election and unpacks society’s obsession with being “the best.” From Buzz Aldrin to buldak ramen, she explores why true success isn’t about beating others but about growing through setbacks. This talk is a powerful reminder that being second doesn’t mean you’re done—it means you’re still in the race.

Jehan Ibrahim

Head Girl | Harvard YLC Best Speaker | GEMS Our Own English High School Dubai

What happens after the heroes save the day? In this brilliant blend of pop culture and real-world economics, Jehan Ibrahim dives into the untold aftermath of the Avengers’ “Blip.” Drawing on global economic models, crisis simulations, and data-driven insights, she reveals how reversing loss can break systems if we don’t plan for the ripple effects. Witty, sharp, and startlingly relevant, this talk reminds us that true vitality lies not in restoration—but in reimagining what comes next.

Krithya Purushothaman

Outreach Director | Grade 11 | GEMS Our Own Indian School Dubai

What if creativity wasn’t a talent, but a memory waiting to be revived? In this poetic and research-backed talk, Krithya Purushothaman explores how we lose our sense of wonder as we grow—and how we can reclaim it through awe, curiosity, and play. From childhood drawings to neuroscience and “awe walks,” she offers a practical map for reigniting vitality in our everyday lives. A heartfelt reminder that joy isn’t something to earn—it’s something to return to.

Mahreen Munir

Creator Economy | Business | Leadership | Podcast Host

What if the beliefs you hold most dearly aren’t yours at all? In this eye-opening and deeply personal talk, Mahreen uncovers how media—through stories, stereotypes, and screen time—shapes our identity, perceptions, and even our dreams. From false narratives to viral truth-telling, she shares her journey as a content creator reclaiming the narrative for South Asians and Arabs through her show Karak with Mahreen. A compelling call to become conscious consumers in a world where media is not just influence—it’s power.

Nourhan Sabah Chemandi

Intern Team Leader | Year 1 - BSc Psychology | University of Birmingham Dubai

What does it really mean to be happy—and who gets to define it? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking talk, Nourhan challenges conventional psychological frameworks of happiness, sharing her journey through disconnection, eating disorder recovery, and rediscovery. With striking vulnerability, she invites us to turn inward, asking not what happiness should look like, but what it feels like when it’s truly ours. A beautiful reminder that vitality begins with presence—and sometimes, with noticing the quiet colours of our own room.

Prathum Kiran Singh

Year 2 - BSc Economics | University of Birmingham Dubai

After an unexpected tragedy, a grieving sibling takes the TEDx stage to share a raw, moving tribute to his late brother—a young pilot whose spirit of adventure, empathy, and resilience became a guiding force. Through loss, memory, and moments of breakdown, this talk explores the quiet strength of grief and the power of purpose. A heartfelt call to honor those we’ve lost by lifting others—and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can still strive for vitality.

Rida Basuleman

Year 2 - BSc Psychology | University of Birmingham Dubai

What if the things we never finished weren’t failures—but fuel? In this reflective and inspiring talk, the speaker reframes our ‘almosts’—the projects paused, dreams deferred, and conversations never had—as powerful sources of growth and momentum. Drawing on psychology, art, and personal experience, they reveal how unfinished stories carry vitality, creativity, and the potential to shape our next steps. A compelling reminder that we don’t need perfect endings to move forward—sometimes, we just need the courage to begin again.

Shahd Elbassiouni

Podcast Host | Co-founder | Graduate - BSc Computer Science | University of Birmingham Dubai

What if that harmless selfie or innocent post isn’t so harmless after all? In this gripping and necessary talk, the speaker reveals the hidden dangers lurking in our everyday digital activity—from data harvesting in kids’ games to AI voice cloning and deepfakes. Drawing on chilling real-life stories and firsthand experiences, she makes a compelling case for intentional online behavior and digital awareness. A powerful wake-up call on privacy, safety, and staying human in an increasingly watchful world.

Tejal Gupta

Year 1 - BSc Business Management with Economics | University of Birmingham Dubai

In this raw, humorous, and deeply introspective talk, the speaker explores self-improvement not as a glossy success story—but as a process of failing, learning, and discovering. Using the quirky metaphor of a fork trying to eat soup, she reminds us that we’re not built for perfection—and that’s perfectly okay. Through reflections on rejection, emotional avoidance, and metacognition, this talk gently nudges us toward grace, growth, and getting to know the person we’re stuck with for life: ourselves.

Vighnesh Prasad Kizhepat

Actor | MA TESOL | American University of Sharjah

What happens when the stage meets the classroom? In this personal and thought-provoking talk, the speaker explores how a background in acting shaped a powerful, dynamic teaching identity. From Shakespeare to TESOL, they draw parallels between scripts and lesson plans, audiences and students, performance and pedagogy—inviting us to reimagine education not as authority, but as artistry. A call for educators to step beyond the script and embrace creativity, empathy, and performance in the pursuit of real change.