Theme: The Power of Why and the TED Global Idea Search Session

Behind every decision, breakthrough, or change lies one simple but profound question: “Why?”
It’s the question that drives us to look closer, think deeper, and understand better. It pushes us to challenge what we know, step into the unfamiliar, and uncover the unknown.

“Why?” isn’t just curiosity, it’s a force that moves us forward, sparking ideas, inspiring action, and connecting people across borders and generations.

This year, TEDxAmman took this spirit even further by hosting, for the first time ever in the MENA region, the TED Global Idea Search Session, a powerful collaboration between TED Global and TEDxAmman that brought together exceptional voices and groundbreaking ideas from across our region.

Through these stories, talks, and shared experiences, we discovered how asking “Why?” doesn’t just shape our lives, it redefines what’s possible and builds the future we all imagine. 🌍

Roman Theater
Taha Al-Hashemi St., Amman
Roman Theater, Main Theater
Amman, ٰĀmmān (Al ٰĀşimah), 11191
Jordan

Ahmad Aburob

CEO at The Content Factory | Youtuber with 10M subscribers

Ahmad Aburob is a Jordanian YouTuber, entrepreneur, and CEO of The Content Factory (TCF). With over 9 million subscribers, he has built one of the Arab world’s largest infotainment channels, mixing humor, storytelling, and science into cinematic content. Beyond YouTube, he leads TCF, a creative agency helping brands grow through powerful content marketing. Recognized as Middle Eastern Social Media Star at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards, Aburob continues to push the limits of Arabic digital content.

Dina Halaseh

Educational Psychologist | Founder of Mind Matters

Dina Halaseh is an educational psychologist who believes every brain can be trained for success. After years of teaching and seeing students struggle, she turned to neuroscience and became one of the first certified brain trainers in the region. In 2015, she co-founded Mind Matters in Jordan, bringing research-based programs that strengthen memory, attention, and learning skills for children and adults alike. Her mission: to show that with the right training, no learner is limited by their struggles.

Ibrahim Aburajab

Entrepreneur | Technology Builder

Ibrahim Aburajab is a dynamic technology leader and entrepreneur who has co-founded and scaled multiple startups across the MENA region, delivering high-impact platforms in cloud, AI/ML, and digital transformation. As VP of Engineering at Thriftplan, he drives engineering strategy, platform growth, and technology governance helping employees achieving their dreams. Previously, he co-founded ViaVii and served as its CTO, leading digital transformation, expanding tourism products to users around the globe, and empowering hundreds of local hosts through tech-enabled initiatives. As a startups co-founder, Ibrahim has built products that reached global scale, guided high-performing teams, and mentored the next generation of founders and engineers. Recognized for his blend of expertise, innovation, and approachability, he transforms bold ideas into high-impact, high-growth realities, also passionate about community-building and fostering local tech ecosystems that turn ideas into impact.

Kasem Hato

Travel Storyteller & Content Creator

Kasem Elhato is a full-time traveler and content creator. He wrote his first travel blog in 2014, and since then has traveled to over 100 countries, amassing an audience of more than 11 million followers who watch his journeys around the world. Coming from a middle-class family and starting as a broke student with no background in media, Qasem defied the odds to become one of the top creators in the Middle East. His unique style of storytelling and adventure earned him a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and numerous awards for his work. His goal is to make a Youtube documentary in every country in the world.

Moataz Mashal

Life and Business Strategist, Entrepreneur, International Speaker, and Best-Selling Author

Moataz Mashal is a life and business strategist, entrepreneur, international speaker, and best-selling author. He began in corporate banking and rose to executive leadership, spending 12+ years as CEO of Al Barakah Investment Holding Group, one of the UAE’s largest groups, overseeing 20+ companies across eight sectors and 8,000+ employees. He is now Founder and CEO of Taatheer Investments, a multi-sector firm spanning media, talent development, advisory, fitness and wellness, and hospitality. Driven to be “the reason” for lasting positive change, he has reached millions through viral content, his bestseller “Sagher Aglak,” and global events, retreats, and courses. A father of three, competitive triathlete, and endurance equestrian, he brings real-world leadership with science-backed transformation. With his distinctive delivery and track record, he is recognized as one of the Arab world’s leading voices in personal and corporate development.

Nelly Attar

Extreme Sports Athlete

Nelly Attar is a Lebanese-Saudi mountaineer, sports entrepreneur, and former psychologist who has become one of the Arab world’s leading voices in sports and women’s empowerment. She is the founder of MOVE, Saudi Arabia’s first dance studio, and has led a groundbreaking career in mountaineering—climbing over 40 major peaks, including Mount Everest, and becoming the first Arab to summit K2 and the first Lebanese to climb the world's five highest peaks. Recognized with global honors such as the Laureus Sporting Moment Award and a Guinness World Record, Nelly continues to inspire through her expeditions, public speaking, and initiatives that demonstrate how movement and adventure can transform lives and communities.

Noor Naem (Noor Stars)

Content Creator & Entrepreneur | Influential Voice in Digital Media

Noor Naem, known globally as Noor Stars, is one of the most influential Arab content creators of her generation. Born in Iraq and raised in Syria, Noor overcame instability and displacement to rise as a digital pioneer. She built a platform of over 20 million followers by blending humor, honesty, and heart across topics that matter to young people across the region. From beauty and lifestyle to mental health and personal growth, Noor uses her voice to inspire, connect, and break taboos. She’s been featured by YouTube as one of the top global creators and continues to use her platform to empower women, advocate for resilience, and champion the power of storytelling in the Arab world. Her journey is not just about fame — it’s about impacct.

Noor Sweid

Venture Capitalist | Founder & Managing Partner, Global Ventures

Noor Sweid is one of the MENA region’s most influential venture capitalists and a true pioneer in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in emerging markets. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, a leading Dubai-based international venture capital firm. With a background in biotech and business, Noor previously served as Chief Investment Officer at the Dubai Future Foundation and was the first Arab woman to lead an IPO in the MENA region. She sits on several boards and has been recognized on Forbes’ list of the World’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Business. Noor’s work bridges innovation, finance, and impact, championing founders and ideas that are transforming industries across the globe

Paris Norriss

TV Host

Paris Norriss redefines the limits of human potential through extraordinary feats of exploration and endurance. As creator of "The Grit Code," he transforms high-stakes adventure experiences into powerful lessons for organizations seeking to thrive under pressure. In 2025, Paris shattered records by completing seven marathons across seven continents in just 5 days and 21 hours-having only run one marathon previously. This followed his 2023 achievement of rowing 4,800 kilometres across the Pacific Ocean, raising £150,000 for marine conservation. Currently filming "Guy in the Sky," Paris captures ancient civilizations from breath taking perspectives few have witnessed-diving to lost shipwrecks, excavating beneath Jerusalem, and paragliding over remote citadels. His productions reach 22 million viewers in 123 countries through Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and major international airlines.

Rawaa Aljallad

Tech Content Creator

Rawaa is a content creator driven by a deep passion for storytelling, video editing, and making technology feel simple and human. She create content that turns complex tools and topics into everyday tips anyone can benefit from. Her goal is to help people feel empowered by technology, not overwhelmed by it. Every piece of content she create is rooted in curiosity, creativity, and the belief that the best way to teach is through stories people actually want to listen to.

Reema Darras

Emotional Intelligence & Leadership Expert and Workshop Facilitator + Activist

"Reema Darras is an Emotional Intelligence enthusiast and keynote speaker and leadership development expert who inspires people to lead boldly by creating environments where they feel seen, heard, and empowered. With over a decade of experience partnering with leaders in the technology sector leading multi-cultural teams, she specializes in human-centered AI transformation, helping teams navigate complexity while fostering trust, connection, and resilience. A passionate advocate for realizing self-identity and enhancing personal well-being, Reema guides individuals to turn inner growth into meaningful community engagement and impact. Reema is a certified Emotional and Social Intelligence Coach (ISEI), PMP®, ORSC-trained Team Systems Coach, and licensed Arbinger Institute facilitator. She is known for her story telling and thought-provoking delivery that sparks reflection, connection, and a shared sense of purpose."

Saifur Rahman

2023 IEEE President & CEO, Director of Virginia Tech Advanced Research Institute

Professor Saifur Rahman is the founding director of the Advanced Research Institute and the Center for Energy and the Global Environmet at Virginia Tech, USA where he is the Joseph R. Loring professor of electrical and computer engineering. He also directs the Center for Energy and the Global Environment. He is a Life Fellow of the IEEE and an IEEE Millennium Medal winner. He was the 2023 IEEE President & CEO and was the president of the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) for 2018 and 2019. He is the founding editor-in-chief of the IEEE Electrification Magazine and the IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy. He has conducted several energy efficiency, blockchain and sensor integration projects for Duke Energy, Tokyo Electric Power Company, the US National Science Foundation, the US Department of Defense, the US Department of Energy and the State of Virginia. He has a PhD in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech.

Salah Hamed

CEO of Basha Media Productions

Salah is a Jordanian tech enthusiast who spent 7 years of his professional career restructuring marketing strategies for brands all over the middle east, In 2014, Salah decided to pursue his real passion in creating quality Arabic content, utilizing his marketing background and love for technology to build a YouTube channel covering everything tech-related and traveling the world to cover the latest trends in smartphones, smart home, EVs and computer hardware which turned into his full-time job later in 2017 and he never looked back ever since.

Tala Al Kurd

Psychotherapist, Mental Health advocate, IBDP Psychology Teacher, Extended Essay Coordinator.

Tala Al Kurd holds an MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. She has over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, working with local and international NGOs as well as in private practice. For the past 13 years, she has taught IBDP Psychology and for 8 years has served as Extended Essay Coordinator. Tala also recently completed a Certificate in Sport Psychology for Athletes’ Development further strengthening her expertise in athlete wellbeing and performance. She is Head and Partner of the Psychological Services Department at the Mental Health Hub and was recently appointed to the Scientific Committee at the Olympic Preparation Center in Jordan. Expanding her commitment to awareness, Tala created the bilingual Arabic/English) podcast Let’s Talk, with 8 episodes recorded so far. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys art as a medium of healing, photography, reading, travelling, and exploring real-life stories through books and film.