Theme: The Road Not Taken

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

GEMS Modern Academy
Nad Al Sheba 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, Dubayy, 53663
United Arab Emirates

Alisha Junaid

Alisha finds herself in a state of euphoria when being a public speaker and is able to use her recreational time to recognise her talents not only in the musical instrument, the violin and sports like gymnastics but also contributing to society and its needs. She wishes to pursue her dream of being a successful orthodontist and bases every decision on the phrase “Where there’s a will there’s a way.”

Annika Cherian

Annika Cherian is a passionate, driven student with an interest in the social sciences.

Dilreen Gill

Dilreen Gill has been an active athlete in the field of target shooting for 8 years. During this time, she has represented India at several international tournaments and won medals at World Cups, Asian Championships, Grand Prix and World University Championship. She is now a student pilot based in Vancouver. She is dedicated to spreading awareness about sports depression as she believes that any mental illness should not be dealt with alone. Having been through that struggle, she wishes to help people who are dealing with it.

Essa Al Ansari

Essa Al Ansari, the founder of Fitness With Essa and a motivational speaker, is a role model to many. He achieved his goal of naturally losing 85kgs over the span of 5 years through immense hard work, grit and determination. He believes the key to any successful lifestyle change is to set achievable and small goals.

Krish Hingorani

Krish Hingorani is a Tech Enthusiast, ethical hacker, hardware expert who has a keen interest in studying Computer Hardware. He is inspired by the works of Visionaries such as Jen Hsun Huang and Steve Jobs. He has a special interest in ThunderBolt Technology as well as Nvidia RTX Graphics and their uses, He’s also an all-in-one "Which Device do you need a Guide".

Naomi D'souza

Naomi D’Souza is a UAE based blogger, strategy consultant and engineer. She was Selected as 1 of the 100 most influential people in UAE in the “Ahlan! Hot100 2017” list. Naomi’s website has views from over 125 countries, making her a prominent face in the Emirati digital world. Her Instagram has a following of over 65 thousand, and in her TEDTalk, Naomi touches upon following your heart and pursuing your passion, no matter what the external world says. She encourages her audience to be daring, make the most of this digital age and tread on their own unique journey.

Sara Ansari

Sara Ansari, a student at The Millenium School Dubai, aspires to be a Quantum Physicist. She loves to paint and debate and she enjoy Physics. She took part in United Nation New York, U.S.A. in July 2014 as part of her Global Young leader conference and has attended several Model United Nations (MUN) conferences in Dubai and other parts of the world. She is graduate of a 2 year-ABAUS course conducted by UCMAS Malaysia for developing Mental Maths Skill for complex maths and enhancing child’s memory and speed thinking. She is currently a student studying Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Art at The Millennium School, Dubai.

Shreyas Sharma

Shreyas Sharma is a fifteen-year-old student at GEMS Modern Academy. He satiates his curiosity by constantly learning about math, physics, coding, and political philosophy. Writing about hip-hop and politics is one of his ways of self-expression. He is extremely passionate about and experienced in competitive debate and public-speaking. In his free time, he volunteers by teaching at schools for the less fortunate. He also enjoys playing basketball, going to the movies with his friends, and playing the violin. He aspires to be a professor in the future. Most of all, he is always happy.

Sudarshan Seshadri

Sudarshan Seshadri is a banker by profession and a storyteller by passion. His life experiences have taught him a lot and he loves sharing because he believes sharing helps him learn more about himself.

Vaishvi Seth

Vaishvi Seth is not encompassed by a single word - she is an artist, swimmer, leader and so much more. She finds her interests align with commerce and heads to Warwick University this fall to pursue her passions. Having completed her Trinity Communication Examination, Vaishvi is also an effective public speaker and debater.

Vishnumaya Deepakchandran

Vishnumaya Deepakchandran is a grade 10 student at Gems Modern Academy, Dubai. She is an aspiring astrophysicist who hopes to lead a game-changing space mission one day. Right now, she’s spending her schooldays debating, playing the violin, painting and waiting it out. She loves travelling, is a diehard foodie and enjoys singing. She is passionate about women’s rights and believes that the youth have unimaginable powers to touch and change the communities around them.

Yash Dave

Yash Dave is a focused individual who has made contributions towards a sustainable future, taking an active role in the Tilly the Turtle initiative and numerous beach cleanups. Besides the environment, his passions also include swimming, playing the violin and public speaking.