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Speaker
Lenah Hassaballah
Editor, CNN Business Arabic
Lenah Hassaballah is a broadcast and digital journalist and presenter who has been covering regional politics for the past 14 years with major media networks, including Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya. She studied broadcast and digital journalism in Syracuse, New York, and soon after graduating began her career covering the 2011 revolution in Egypt for Al Jazeera. Since then, she has focused on regional politics with a strong human-interest perspective.
In 2022, Lenah joined CNN Business Arabic as a news editor and presenter in Dubai, where she leads a team of reporters covering key business stories across the region. Most recently, she covered the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where she met with President Erdogan, and prior to that, she interviewed Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid in Baghdad.
Lenah currently hosts the Kalam Business podcast, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with founders, CEOs, and business leaders from across the Arab world. Covering topics from finance and investment to e-commerce and innovation, the show offers rare access to the voices shaping the region’s economic future.
Egypt
Media
Lenah Hassaballahat BRIDGE
- Technology Fireside 10 December 12:55 - 1:15PM
Inside a Serial Investor's Mind
In this fast-paced conversation, Mohamed Aboulnaga (“Nagaty”) unpacks how founder instinct, AI-driven disruption, and audience reaction shape everything from startup momentum to national digital strategy. He explores what emerging markets are really signaling, and how founders and governments can read them in real time.
Central Stage - Creator Economy Fireside 8 December 5:00 - 5:15PM
Viral Economics
Money moves fast, but information moves faster. In an age where creators explain markets before economists do, stories about inflation, jobs, or crypto can go viral overnight and influence real behavior. This session explores how content creators are reshaping the way people understand, react to, and participate in the global economy, where one viral video can shift perception, influence policy, and redefine trust in institutions.
Explore by Instagram - Gaming Panel 9 December 1:25 - 1:45PM
Founders’ Playbook to Studio Survival and Growth
The gaming industry is navigating a reset as layoffs and studio closures continue, yet Kim Nordström, CEO of PLAYERUNKNOWN Productions and the author of UP DOWN UP and Robbie Daymond, famous voice actor (Sailor Moon, Critical Role), turned video game entrepreneur as CEO of Sassy Chap Games, are building new ventures anyway. In this conversation, they share what it takes to create enduring studios amid uncertainty, how to create buzz, attract talent and funding, and why tough times can be the best moment to start again.
Central Stage - Media Workshop 9 December 10:30 - 11:10AM
Mastering the art of leading a conversation
Master the art of storytelling to craft memorable messages that resonate with audiences and reinforce brand identity. Trainer: Lenah Hasaballah, CNN Business Arabic
IMI Academy - Technology Fireside 9 December 12:45 - 1:00PM
Unlocking Growth for Businesses and Societies with AI
Opportunities for growth are closer than ever with AI. Join Google for a deep dive into how this powerful technology is becoming accessible to everyone, driving long-term efficiency and competitive advantage across MENA, with responsibility at its core . Discover the untapped potential of AI to enhance efficiency, create new opportunities, and address today's major challenges.
Forum Stage
What They Say About BRIDGE
“One BRIDGE to unite them all. BRIDGE Summit looks to become the largest cross-sector media event in the world.”
“A gateway for knowledge exchange.”
“A summit to BRIDGE the gaps in the global media ecosystem.”
“We are proud to take part in the inaugural edition of BRIDGE Summit.”
“Un pont pour tous les réunir.”
