WAW Logo Summit White


Riyadh Agenda

Thursday 22nd January 2026

Alfaisal University, Riyadh

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
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Mark Rix Pic new small sq-3
WAW Logo Mark
Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, (Wellbeing at Work)
WAW Logo Mark
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Scott Armstrong
Founder & CEO, mentl
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09:10 – 09:30
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Keynote Introduction

Welcome from Afaisal University
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Dr. Baraa Alghalyini
Vice Dean of the College of Medicine and Chair of the Family and Community Medicine Department
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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?
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Helene Gaubert
Director – Corporate Talent Acquisition, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib
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Faisal Shujrah
Regional Health Promotion Lead – Asia (AsiaPac/MEA), GSK
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OSK
Zainab Maghrabi
Leader of Strategy of Capability Development + Organizational Transformation, Saudi Geological Survey
OSK
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Mohammed AlHussary Photo
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Mohammed Husary
CEO, VIWELL
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Your Expert Panel Chair:

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Dr. Rania Ghamdi
Director of Talent Learning and Potential, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare
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10:10 - 10:40

Morning Refreshments & Conversation

10:40 – 11:05

Artificial Intelligence, Data and Personalization as the Power for Employee Wellbeing

How can employers use AI, data and personalization to ensure wellbeing at work equates to high performance and improved productivity? What more can be done to increase positive outcomes that ensure reduced burnout numbers, high performing teams and increased inclusion through AI? How does AI identify where groups are being left out and create wellbeing programs where all can thrive?
Speaker to be announced shortly
11:05 – 11:35
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The National Wellbeing Index

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Prof. Ahmed Albadry
Director of Occupational Health, Tawuniya
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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 - Alfaisal University

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4 - VIWELL

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2 - Tawuniya

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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.
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5 -

To be announced
12:35 – 13:15

Lunch & Conversation Time

13:15 – 13:30
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Strategic Partner Address

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Mickey Stewart
Deputy CEO, AEI Saudi
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13:30 – 13:45
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Psychological Safety and it’s impact on workplace wellbeing

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Paul Firth
Founder Lyra Wellbeing
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13:45 – 14:15
Qaisar-Iqbal

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
Al Yamamah University
Qaisar Iqbal
Assistant Professor, Al Yamamah University
Al Yamamah University
14:15 – 14:30

Refreshment Break & Conversation

14:30 – 15:15
Mohammed AlHussary Photo

Beyond Burnout

“The High-Impact Blueprint for a Thriving Workforce" Root Cause & Strategic Approach: Transitioning from reactive fixes to preventative strategies, building a resilient a 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. Practical Roadmap: 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.
Mohammed AlHussary Photo
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Mohammed Husary
CEO, VIWELL
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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.
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AIRBUS
Reem Algasim
Head of HR, Airbus
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Bolanle Asumah
Director of People, Middle East, McKinsey & Company
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Your Expert Panel Chair:

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Katja Rieger
Founder, Women for Boards and Senior Board Advisor, Saudi Aramco
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16:00 - 16:10

Closing Remarks

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WAW Logo (2)-Oct-27-2025-01-08-29-5080-PM
Mark Rix Pic new small sq

Mark Rix Pic new small sq
WAW Logo Mark
Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, Wellbeing at Work
WAW Logo Mark
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Scott Armstrong
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, Wellbeing at Work
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16:10 – 17:00

Networking Reception