Introducing Women in AI's Middle East Team

We are proud to present the newly established WAI Middle East team, spearheaded by Yasmin Al Enazi, Head of WAI Middle East and programme director- Innovation Hub industry X at Maxbyte technologies.

Yasmin Al Enazi

Yasmin Al Enazi - Head of WAI Middle East

Eng. Yasmin Al Enazi is a distinguished Robotics Global Thought Leader, celebrated as one of the top 10 women shaping the future of robotics in 2024 by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Known for her visionary approach and groundbreaking contributions, Yasmin has been instrumental in advancing robotics, automation, and Embodied AI across the GCC region for over 13 years.  

Currently serving as the programme Director-Innovation Hub industry X at Maxbyte technologies, Yasmin drives innovation in robotic projects implementation, AI integration, and automation strategy. As an entrepreneur, she has co-founded two companies, including a social impact startup for POD by utilizing Embodied AI, further solidifying her commitment to leveraging technology for societal advancement.

Beyond her technical expertise, Yasmin is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She actively mentors aspiring professionals and supports initiatives that encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM fields. As a Global Ambassador for Women in AI and the initiator UAE Chapter, she has played a pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive and dynamic AI landscape. 

Alexis Jean-Baptiste

Alexis Jean-Baptiste - Advisor

Alexis Jean-Baptiste is the Chief Data Analytics & AI Officer at L’Oréal Middle East. A former tech entrepreneur turned corporate leader, Alexis is driving the transformation of billion-dollar organizations into AI-first enterprises. With deep expertise in data science, strategy, and innovation, he leads cross-functional teams to unlock the power of analytics and generative AI across marketing, operations, and customer experience. Beyond L’Oréal, Alexis is an active mentor and advisor, committed to shaping the future of AI talent and fostering diversity in technology. He is also deeply engaged in the Women in AI movement, championing inclusion, innovation, and empowerment across the GCC.

Emine Yilmaz Butun

Emine Yilmaz Butun - Strategy Lead

Emine is a global strategist recognised for her unique ability to connect the dots across multidisciplinary fields and industries. Combining expertise in finance, philosophy, innovation, technology, political science, and policy with Fortune 100 and entrepreneurial experience, she crafts future-ready strategies that navigate complexity and drive sustainable transformation across global markets.

Maysam AlAbbadi

Maysam AlAbbadi - Regional Head of Entrepreneurship, Programme Lead

Maysam AlAbbadi holds a Doctorate of Business Administration and and a Master’s graduate of the Paris Sorbonne University. An international award-wining expert in excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship with over 16 years of experience in 12 industries contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE in entrepreneurship and government innovation. 

She extended her expertise to over 5,300 government entities, executives, employees and students, including 490+ startups. Currently serves as the Head of Innovation and Development of SHIFT 71. Developed academic, training and consulting programmes for government entities, academic institutions and startups. Former Faculty at the Paris Sorbonne University graduate programmes, and UAEU - former Chair of Innovation Committee and a founding member of the Entrepreneurship Lab. Faculty, mentor, trainer, and judge for annual entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship programmes.

Salma Noun

Salma Noun - Partnerships Lead

Salma Noun is an AI Strategy Manager at a top-tier global consulting firm. She advises governments in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and internationally on AI strategy and digital transformation. An engineer, author, and keynote speaker, she inspires leaders with human-centered insights and strategies, shaping actions for more inclusive and forward-looking governance.

Ashley McBean - Talent & Project Lead 

Ashley McBean - Talent & Project Lead 

Ashley McBean is the Head of Talent & Project Lead at Women in AI Middle East, where she champions initiatives that empower women to shape and lead the future of artificial intelligence. She is also a certified NLP Practitioner, working with STEM talent to unlock potential, build resilience, and accelerate growth. With a background spanning technology, strategy, and innovation, Ashley is passionate about empowering people to thrive in times of change and transition.

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