Our Speakers
Panel: Global Cruising & Why a Middle East Hub Makes Sense
Andy Harmer, Managing Director UK & Ireland, CLIA (Moderator)
Andy first joined the Association in 2006 after many years in the travel industry, including as a travel agent. Andy re-launched CLIA's travel agent programme in the UK and later extended it to European countries, during which time agent and cruise line membership reached record levels.
CLIA now offers a multi-layered programme that encompasses blended learning to recognise different learning styles. In 2021, Andy was promoted to CLIA UK & Ireland Managing Director.
Angelo Capurro, Global Executive Director, MSC Cruises
Angelo has been Geneva-based MSC Cruises’ Global Executive Director for the past nine years with a remit that covers the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, and Eastern Europe.
With nearly 25 years of experience in the cruise industry, Angelo has extensive expertise in developing new markets, shaping commercial strategy, and leading sales projects focused on digital channels, marketing and communications.
Prior to joining MSC Cruises he was Director UK & Growth Markets at Costa Cruises.
Anna Gregori, VP of Brand, PR and Customer Experience, Celestyal Cruises
A Board/Director level marketer and commercial transformation leader, Anna has been with Celestyal since 2003. She has served in marketing, brand, communications (internal and external) and business change teams in multiple industries, including travel, aviation, pharmaceutical FMCG, finance and boutique communications agencies and consultancies.
As an energetic driver of change, she has delivered a vast portfolio of marketing and business transformation working across client, agency and consultancy perspectives across her career.
Hamza Mustafa, Chief Operating Officer, DP World
Hamza Mustafa is a seasoned maritime and real estate executive with a track record spanning both public and private sector leadership.
Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer of P&O Marinas and Port Rashid, he is responsible for transforming Dubai into a global hub for cruising and yachting.
Earlier in his career, Hamza held senior roles at Istithmar World and Nakheel, where he led major investments and landmark developments across hospitality and waterfront assets. His expertise combines strategic planning, commercial structuring, and destination development to create long-term value across Dubai’s evolving maritime and real estate landscape.
Dr. Megan Clampitt, Global Head of Science and Program Development, Ponant Cruises
Megan Clampitt is a researcher with extensive field experience in reef health monitoring and coral restoration. Holding a master’s degree in marine conservation, her PhD work consisted of developing a tool using artificial intelligence to non-invasively monitor individual coral colony health. Megan’s research has taken her to iconic locations, including the Maldives, Indonesia, the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, and French Polynesia, where she has led studies on coral ecosystems.
With a diverse background that bridges science, conservation, and tourism, Megan has successfully managed and directed research projects at luxury resorts, leveraging tourism as a tool to support and advance scientific endeavors. Her work demonstrates the effective integration of conservation and tourism, using this approach to support environmental protection while engaging visitors.
Panel: Inspiring Middle East Markets
Lakshmi Durai, CEO, CruiseXplore (Moderator)
Lakshmi Durai, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in cruise holiday promotion, has been a key player in establishing and developing the Cruise industry in the Middle East region. Initially, as the Executive Director, she was leading the cruise representation for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara in the Middle East until 2014. For five years in a row, Lakshmi earned Royal Caribbean EMEA’s Sales Achievement Award and was awarded twice the Innovative Marketing award.
Lakshmi established her own company CRUISEXPLORE in 2015. CruiseXplore is a cruise specialist based locally in the Middle East with a global reach for all kinds of cruise vacations ranging from ultra-luxury and premium cruises to contemporary and river cruises. With over 30 cruise brands under its belt, CruiseXplore has remained committed to providing the best service and finding the perfect cruise for their guests. CruiseXplore has won the Middle East’s Best Cruise Agency Award from World Cruise Awards in 2021 and 2023.
Ashok Kumar, Managing Director, Cruise Master Middle East
With over 45 years of experience in the travel and tourism sector, Ashok embarked on his cruise sales journey in 1995. What began with just a few hundred guests from the Middle East embarking on international cruises has since grown into a thriving segment of the region’s travel industry. Dubai has emerged as a major winter cruise home port, supported by the development of two world-class terminals and the launch of the Middle East’s first cruise company. Ashok has witnessed and contributed to unprecedented growth across the sector.
He went on to establish Cruise Master, now the leading provider of operational and marketing support for the cruise industry in the region. Serving cruise lines, travel agents, and passengers, Cruise Master fills a critical niche – acting as a dedicated, knowledgeable, and neutral cruise distributor. In addition to close ties with major cruise lines, the company is the GSA for Princess Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, and Windstar Cruises.
Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure, dnata Travel
Meerah Ketait is Head of Retail and Leisure UAE for dnata Travel, the UAE’s longest serving travel provider, part of the Emirates Group. The UAE’s original travel agency, dnata Travel was formed in 1959 as an air ticket provider, and has since expanded to become a multi-channel, full-service travel agency with a regional presence. Meerah heads the dnata Travel leisure brand in the UAE, including its extensive retail network, and online channels including www.dnataTravel.com.
Meerah manages a team of travel experts who work around the clock and around the world to bring UAE travellers the most current destination information and inspiration, as well as tailor-made packages. Meerah has worked with the Emirates Group for more than a decade, supporting Emirates Airline in a series of product management roles, before starting her career with dnata Travel in 2022.
Hans Rood, CEO, Transcend Cruises
Hans Rood began his career in the travel industry more than 25 years ago and has held executive management positions at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Royal Caribbean, Cunard/Seabourn, Holland America, Hurtigruten, Cruises Ship Management and as of the last few years, co-founder & CEO of Transcend Cruises. His active involvement in the development of sales strategies, branding and global sales and marketing efforts has brought him accolades within the industry.
With expertise in global travel sales, finance and cruise operations, his current CEO role with Transcend Cruises, focusses on pursuing B2B opportunities for luxury river cruising as a perfect venue for MICE and affinity groups. Transcend with its very innovative ship design, encompasses top-of-the-line technology, meeting facilities, wellness, and best of eco technology and practices. Transcend started their first cruises in August 2023.
Mohamed Saeed, Managing Director of Royal Caribbean Arabia
Mohamed Saeed is the Managing Director of Royal Caribbean Arabia, the sole representative of Royal Caribbean Group Ltd. in the Middle East. With over ten years of leadership experience at the helm, he has been instrumental in driving sales strategies, expanding the market presence, and solidifying the brand’s position as the region’s leading cruise line.
His tenure has been defined by innovative sales management, the cultivation of strong industry partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Under his guidance, Royal Caribbean Arabia has achieved significant growth and earned prestigious industry recognition, including “Middle East’s Leading Cruise Line in 2021, 2023 and 2024.
Ghadah Marghalani, Director of Branding & Communication, Aroya Cruises
Ghadah is the Director of Branding and Communications at Cruise Saudi, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) portfolio company. Since starting her role in March 2022, she has led brand development and product design philosophy for AROYA, Cruise Saudi’s first Arabian cruise line, supporting the company’s vision to develop the Kingdom’s cruise sector as a new pillar of tourism.
With more than 15 years’ experience in branding and communications, including sales and marketing, Ghadah has played a central role in shaping AROYA’s brand and narrative, establishing a clear and consistent presence in regional and international markets, and positioning the line as a pioneering product that reflects the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions under Vision 2030.