Hesham Albahri

About Hesham Albahri

I am a B2B events leader specializing in building and scaling platforms that connect industry, government, and capital across fast-moving sectors such as e-mobility, clean energy, manufacturing, and future technologies.Over the past five editions, I have helped shape EVIS Abu Dhabi into one of the MENA region’s leading platforms for the future of electric mobility, convening global OEMs, policymakers, utilities, and innovators at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. In 2026, EVIS Abu Dhabi expands further by co-locating with EcoMobility Global (EMG), bringing together sustainable mobility solutions across land, air, sea, and smart ecosystems. Building on this success, I now lead the U.S. expansion through EVIS America 2026 in Toledo, Ohio, a new global stage where technology, policy, and investment meet to accelerate the North American mobility transition, built on the foundation of five proven editions in Abu Dhabi. My background spans the full event lifecycle, from concept to reality. I work closely with government entities, economic development organizations, industry associations, and private sector leaders to build long-term, strategic platforms.Alongside my industry work, I hold a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy (UNITAR), which strengthens my ability to navigate global policy environments, understand geopolitical and economic trends, and align our platforms with national strategies and international cooperation agendas.My vision is to build a portfolio of high-impact B2B platforms across the UAE and the United States that:• Support economic diversification and industrial development• Enable companies to enter new markets and build real partnerships• Contribute to more sustainable, connected, and future-ready economies.

Experience

1. Chief Operating Officer

   Nirvana Events & Exhibitions

   Nov 2020 — Present · AE

   Overseeing operations and strategic development for Nirvana MICE, with a focus on building leading B2B platforms in mobility, energy, tourism, and future industries.Key responsibilities & achievements:• Playing a central role in the growth of EVIS Abu Dhabi into the MENA region’s premier electric vehicle summit and one of the largest e-mobility events in the region. • Supporting the evolution of EVIS into a broader ecosystem by co-locating it with EcoMobility Global (EMG), Abu Dhabi’s new platform for sustainable transport across land, sea, and air. • Leading and coordinating cross-functional teams (operations, sales, marketing, production, hosted buyers, and partnerships) to deliver complex, multi-stakeholder events.• Contributing to strategic planning, new event concepts, and regional/international expansion initiatives.• Implementing processes and standards to ensure high-quality delivery, partner satisfaction, and repeat participation.

Education

• Al Najah Private School

  High School Degree

  2008 — 2009

• United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

  Master in International Affairs and Diplomacy, International Relations and Affairs

• New York Institute of Technology

  Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA, Business Administration and Management, General

  2009 — 2013