Naji Haddad

Regional Director at UFI

Judge

Over his 18-year career, Naji has built a very strong industry knowledge in the exhibitions, summits, and sustainability industries, leading one of the largest sustainability summits & expos in the MENA region. He has curated a number of strategic partnerships with private and public sector organizations including the World Bank, European Commission, UNDP, UNIDO, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), World Energy Congress, among many others.

Naji is the founder of THRIVE MEA, a boutique business consultancy firm in the UAE since 2020. Thrive supports its clients in identifying new growth opportunities in the MEA region, leveraging Naji's extensive network and industry expertise.

In addition to leading THRIVE MEA, Naji leads UFI’s, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, activities and is focused on growing its footprints in the Middle East, Africa and India, serving as the association’s Regional Director. This role further strengthened Naji’s network of global exhibition organizers, venue operators and service providers.