Launching during the UAE Year of the Family, the Early Learning Summit is a dedicated B2B forum for the early childhood education and family wellbeing ecosystem.
Hosted as part of Baby & Kids Expo, the summit convenes educators, operators, experts, innovators, solution-providers and industry leaders to explore how learning, care and early environments can better support children and families from the very beginning.
Grounded in evidence, innovation and real-world practice, the Early Learning Summit will deliver engaging sessions and meaningful conversations that tackle both the opportunities and challenges of early education: preparing children for tomorrow’s work, meeting diverse learning needs, building strong parent-educator relationships, and creating spaces where every child thrives.
Be part of a forward-looking conversation shaping the future of early childhood education in the UAE and beyond.
His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al Hammadi is the Executive Director of the Knowledge and Impact Sector at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), where he leads strategic initiatives that leverage data, research, and innovation to advance early childhood development outcomes. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of technology, innovation, and policy, he holds a PhD in Statistics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). His career includes senior roles at the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi, and the Special Olympics World Games, where he applied advanced data solutions to global-scale initiatives. Dr. Al Hammadi has also been instrumental in incubating startup ecosystems in the UAE and attracting global tech ventures through collaborations with leading innovation platforms. Trained at institutions including MIT, UAE University, the University of Alabama, and the Masdar Institute (now Khalifa University), he is widely regarded as a visionary leader who translates emerging technologies into tangible impact for society. He has authored multiple papers on neural networks and advanced analytics.
Dr Kay Gallagher, BEd, MEd, PhD, SFHEA is a Professor in Language Education at Emirates College for Advanced Education, Abu Dhabi, where she teaches and conducts research in language and literacy education and teacher education. Kay has taught and led in the UAE, Hong Kong, and in her home country, Ireland, where she was a school principal. Her latest edited book is World Englishes in the Arab Gulf States (Routledge, 2025). She co-leads the Fathers and Reading research project, funded by the Early Childhood Authority, which supports emergent literacy and wellbeing through father-child reading at home.
Dr. Suha Al Hassan serves as an Early Childhood Development Advisor at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) and brings over two decades of experience spanning academia, research, and policy. Prior to joining ECA, she held senior leadership roles as Academic Dean and Professor at the Emirates College for Advanced Education and as Dean of the Queen Rania Faculty for Childhood at the Hashemite University in Jordan. Dr. Al Hassan has consulted extensively for international organizations, including UNICEF, contributing to major national and international initiatives on school readiness, parenting programs, and early childhood reform. She is an internationally active researcher and has published more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Dr. Al Hassan received her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Special Education-ABA in 2003 from the Ohio State University, USA.
Ilona Rizk is an early childhood education specialist, KHDA and ICQAW UK AD certified trainer, and assessment professional with over 25 years of experience across Europe, North America, and Asia. She is the Co-Owner, Managing Director, and lead educator of Kiddie Care training company and Co-founder of Global Babysitters Hub F.Z.C. Ilona leads evidence-based training and assessment programs for child caregivers and early years practitioners and has contributed to initiatives with UAE early childhood authorities, including ECA and NACD Abu Dhabi, as well as educational institutions and NGOs. She holds a Master of Education, IPC Level 5 Diploma, and specializes in child development, caregiver competence, adult education and training methodology, and international best practice in early years care and safeguarding.
Dina O. Nasr is an early years educator consultant, children’s author, and speaker with over 14 years of experience working across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. She is also a mum of three, which deeply informs her practical and empathetic approach to early childhood. Her work focuses on early literacy, emotional well-being, and meaningful parent-child connection through play and storytelling. Trained in child psychology and in understanding children’s drawings and mark-making as forms of expression, Ms. Dina supports adults in listening more deeply to children. She is the author of Spark the Sparkly Dragon and Billy Bear’s Brown Hair and regularly delivers author visits, workshops, and professional development sessions for nurseries, educators, and families.
Melonie Karriem is the Founder and Host of Let’s Talk Early Years, a leading platform shaping meaningful dialogue in early childhood education through its podcast and conferences. With nearly 30 years of experience, she is a respected early years consultant, trainer, mentor, and education strategist. Melonie is known for bridging research, policy, and practice with clarity, purpose, and impact. Alongside her professional work, she is deeply committed to philanthropic initiatives that support educators, children, and underserved communities. Her influence spans Southern Africa and the Middle East, where she continues to champion quality, inclusion, leadership, and sustainable early years practice.
Dr. Mona Youssri is a senior licensed psychologist and family counselor based in Dubai. Currently Health Clinical Psychologist at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai. She is the Founder and CEO of MY OsraCare Ltd, an online platform dedicated to family support and well-being. Dr. Mona is a certified PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) therapist and a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Middle East Psychological Association (MEPA), and the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH).
She previously served as Clinical Director at Hayati Health Center in Dubai and Ability Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in Abu Dhabi. Previously, she practiced at Maison Santé Clinic in Dubai, following her tenure at the American Hospital Dubai.
