Middle East Summit Headline Partner
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Riyadh Agenda
Thursday 22nd January 2026
Princess Haya Bint Turki Auditorium, Alfaisal University, Takhassusi Street, Al Zahrawi Street, Riyadh 11533
08:00 – 09:00
Registration, Networking, Meeting and Connections
09:00 – 09:10
Welcome and Setting the Scene
An overview of the day's proceedings from your Co-Chairs
Mark Rix
CEO, Sonas Group, (Wellbeing at Work)
Scott Armstrong
Founder & CEO, mentl
09:10 – 09:30
Keynote Introduction
Welcome from Afaisal University
Dr. Baraa Alghalyini
Vice Dean of the College of Medicine and Chair of the Family and Community Medicine Department
09:30 – 10:10
Leadership Panel – Wellbeing as the Power Behind Organisational Performance
What is the association between workplace wellbeing and company performance? Beyond ROI, what are the true measures of wellbeing on performance? Where does emotional insight fit when building positive workplace cultures for business impact? What is the value of designing wellbeing programs as integrated experiences that are embedded throughout the employee journey? How can employers truly help people thrive and grow?
Faisal Shujrah
Regional Health Promotion Lead – Asia (AsiaPac/MEA), GSK
Zainab Maghrabi
Leader of Strategy of Capability Development + Organizational Transformation, Saudi Geological Survey
Khalid Bin Ahmed
Director of Innovation, Riyadh Third Health Cluster, Ministry of Health
Mohammed Husary
CEO, VIWELL
Your Expert Panel Chair:
Dr. Rania Ghamdi
Director of Talent Learning and Potential, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare
10:10 - 10:40
Morning Refreshments & Conversation
10:40 – 11:05
Why Independent Benchmarks Matter: Recognising and Raising the Standard for Workplace Wellbeing
How do we move workplace wellbeing from good intentions to measurable impact? This session spotlights ‘the mentl awards 2025’ and looks ahead to the 2026 edition, and the value of independent benchmarking in recognising credible progress. Why do external frameworks and transparent criteria matter for trust, accountability and continuous improvement? How can organisations use benchmarks to identify gaps, reduce burnout, strengthen inclusion, and build healthier, higher-performing cultures that stand up to scrutiny?
Scott Armstrong
Founder & CEO, mentl
11:05 – 11:35
From Theory to National Impact: The Conceptual and Methodological Journey of the Tawuniya Wellbeing Index
In this pivotal main stage session, Tawuniya will unveil the conceptual and methodological foundation of the groundbreaking Tawuniya National Wellbeing Index. The session will first deconstruct the evolution of corporate wellness, moving from traditional, siloed health programs to a holistic, strategic imperative that drives organizational resilience and national prosperity. Attendees will then be taken on a deep dive into the development of the Index itself. This includes a review of global measurement approaches and the critical rationale for creating a culturally and contextually relevant framework for the Kingdom. Prof. Albadry will detail the theoretical framework underpinning the Index, explaining the selection of core domains, their operationalization into measurable scales and sub-scales and the rigorous validation methodology employed to ensure scientific robustness and practical relevance. Finally, the session will outline the strategic project timeline and key phases—from initial literature review and stakeholder consultation to pilot testing, national rollout, and continuous refinement. This session is essential for leaders, HR professionals, and policymakers who seek to understand the future of evidence-based wellbeing investment and the role of a national index in shaping healthier, more productive workplaces across Saudi Arabia.
Prof. Ahmed Albadry
Director of Occupational Health, Tawuniya
11:35 – 12:35
Leadership Workshops
A selection of 'Hosted' workshops showcasing the latest solutions and innovation in employee wellbeing and mental health strategies
1 - The 2030 Workplace
The Workshop host will present Viwell’s vision, what we stand for & six pillars. The host will explain that we would like the participants to use their imagination and creativity to create a ‘2030 workplace’ all tied into what Viwell stands for. With the representation they are inputting into the vision of shaping a balanced workplace together. The delegates will be in groups of three. Each group will be provided with one of the six pillars, half of the room will create what they think would be a Viwell 2030 workplace from an employer point of view and the other half from an employee point of view. Each group will present their ‘2030 workplace’ allow a couple of minutes to discuss. The Goal: To help employers imagine long term wellness and benefit for their employees. Help shape the vision for a Viwell balanced work place. Awareness: Understand how VIWELL’s six pillars shape the future of work. Innovation: Generate forward-looking ideas for workplace well-being. Commitment: Leave with actionable steps to start building the 2030 workplace now. Collaboration: Strengthen team vision through shared scenario-building.
Mohammed Husary
Founder & CEO, VIWELL
2 - Hands-On Diagnostics: Building a Wellness measurement Action Plan Based on the Tawuniya Index Metrics
Summary: Following the main stage reveal, this interactive, hands-on workshop equips leaders and practitioners with the tools to apply the Tawuniya National Wellbeing Index within their own organizational context. Participants will move from theory to practice, working with simulated or sample components of the Index to diagnose wellbeing strengths and gaps.Key Objectives: By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Interpret key scales and sub-scales of the Tawuniya Wellbeing Index and understand what they measure in an organizational setting. 2. Analyze sample wellbeing data sets to identify critical trends, priority areas, and potential root causes of wellbeing deficits within a simulated organization. 3. Translate insights from the Index into strategic priorities for their own companies. 4. Draft the outline of a targeted action plan that addresses one identified wellbeing gap, linking intervention directly to Index metrics. 5. Discuss strategies for communicating wellbeing data to stakeholders to build buy-in and secure resources for wellbeing initiatives. Format: The session will blend brief explanatory segments, small-group exercises based on realistic case studies, and guided plenary discussions to share insights and strategies.
Professor Ahmed Albadry
Director of Occupational Health, Tawuniya
3 - Reset to Rise Under Pressure: Strategies for Burnout in Leadership Roles
In this session, Dr. Alana J. Arnold, a board-certified ER physician, translates medically-tested playbooks into practical tools executives can use to protect wellbeing and results in high-stakes corporate environments. In this workshop, leaders will learn how to: Name the real burnout drivers in fast-paced, high-pressure organizations that affect retention and performance. Apply a “Reset to Rise” framework that uses curiosity, psychological safety, and micro-habits to turn stressed teams into high-trust, cross-functional problem solvers. Build measurable wellbeing ROI, with manager behaviors, workflow guardrails, and simple metrics that support employees and emerging leaders while sustaining KPIs.
Dr Alana Arnold
CEO & Founder
12:35 – 13:15
Lunch & Conversation Time
13:15 – 13:30
Strategic Partner Address
Yvonne Perrins
Head of Strategic Accounts, AEI Saudi
Abbie Nelson
Wellbeing at Work Programme Leader, AEI Saudi
13:30 – 13:45
Psychological Safety and it’s impact on workplace wellbeing
Paul Firth
Founder & Managing Director, Lyra Wellbeing - MENA
13:45 – 14:15
Building the Neuroinclusive Workplace
What is the impact of inclusive leadership on workplace avoidance behaviours for neurodivergent employees? How can organizations create inclusive and productive workplaces where neurodivergent employees can thrive? What can organizations do to optimize their workplaces to facilitate wellness and advancement for neurodivergent professionals? Why is it critical for leaders to accept and adopt neuroinclusive practices?
Qaisar Iqbal
Assistant Professor, Al Yamamah University
14:15 – 14:30
Refreshment Break & Conversation
14:30 – 15:15
A Fireside Chat: The Balanced Workplace
An Holistic approach to Wellbeing at Work
Mohammed Husary
Founder & CEO, VIWELL
Mark Rix
CEO, Sonas Group (Wellbeing at Work)
15:15 - 16:00
Leadership Panel: Beyond the Backlash
Root Cause & Strategic Approach. Transitioning from reactive fixes to preventative strategies, building a resilient and thriving culture. ROI-Focused Insights. Data linking wellbeing programs to higher productivity, stronger retention, and improved employer branding, giving HR leaders clear justification for investment. A practical roadmap and Real case studies with focus on the three core pillars—mental resilience, physical vitality, and emotional/social wellbeing. Quick wins and long-term strategies for impactful and measurable outcomes.
Reem Algasim
Head of HR, Airbus
Bolanle Asumah
Director of People, Middle East, McKinsey & Company
Your Expert Panel Chair:
Katja Rieger
Founder, Women for Boards and Senior Board Advisor, Saudi Aramco
16:00 - 16:10
Closing Remarks
Mark Rix
CEO, Sonas Group, Wellbeing at Work
Scott Armstrong
Founder & CEO, mentl
16:10 – 17:10
lululemon Pilates
This is an 'Invitation Only' event for our female delegates. Ebaa Sabbagh is a Riyadh-based architectural engineer and wellness professional, with a 15-year journey in movement and wellbeing. She specializes in Pilates across all apparatus, yoga, and breathwork, alongside strength, barre, prenatal & postnatal training.
Eng. Ebaa Sabbagh
Wellness & Pilates Instructor
16:10 – 17:00
