Theme: The Grey Area

We are thrilled to announce that TEDxYouth@UIS 2025 is in full swing and will occur on the 20th of February 2025. TEDx is a worldwide phenomenon with the tagline “Ideas change everything” - a space where a talented lineup of speakers coming from all walks of life; all with different perspectives that can change your outlook on the world. Whether it be global issues, art, or sharing your personal experiences, this is your opportunity to learn and engage. At the heart of our TEDx event is our theme “The Grey Area”, a phrase that captures the nuance, complexity, and depth of our world. It's the gradient between what we know and what we don’t, what’s comfortable and what’s challenging, and encourages us to be curious, honest, and bold. The grey area isn’t a place to shy away from- it's a place to dig deeper. And our speakers can’t wait to explore it with you.

Uptown International School
Mirdif Area - Tripoli Street - Algeria St - Dubai
Dubai, Dubayy, 00000
United Arab Emirates

Anaya Toor

G10 Student at Uptown International School

Hi, I'm Anaya Toor, a 15 year old with a passion for English, history, and public speaking. I have had an extensive experience of public speaking over the years, as shown by my involvement in debate competitions and MUN for three years running. I have chosen to participate in this year's TEDx due to my passion for public speaking, and my passion for the topic I will speak on. I sincerely hope you all take something away from my speech, and it gives you something to think about, because for me, that's what's most important.

Arpita Gupta

G11 Student at Uptown International School

I’m Arpita Gupta, and I’m someone who thrives on exploring new challenges and opportunities. As an international chess player and a DELF French diploma holder, I’ve learned the value of discipline and persistence in everything I do. When I’m not studying or working towards my goals, I love running, dancing, playing the guitar, and reading books; they help me stay grounded and inspired. I’m incredibly excited to be speaking at TEDx Youth, where I’ll be sharing my insights on cognitive biases and how they shape the way we think and act. Public speaking is something I once found daunting, but stepping out of my comfort zone has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and now it’s one of my biggest passions In the future, I dream of becoming a successful businesswoman, combining my passion for learning and leadership to create something meaningful.

Ciline Yaghmour

G11 Student at Uptown International School

Ciline Yaghmour is a determined speaker who is unafraid to challenge conventional thinking. She is an IBDP grade 11 student at UIS, who will be delivering a contrarian-based TEDx talk as she explores the theme of 'grey area', while suggesting its intricate connections to a range of thought-provoking topics that defy black-and-white perspectives. As a student set to graduate in 2026, Ciline has already spoken on global stages before. She has spoken at events such as The Big Five, as well as at concerts and school assemblies where she was able to captivate audiences, and gain the confidence through prior experience as she shared bold and insightful ideas. Beyond public-speaking, Ciline aspires to become an architect, as her passion stems from art, industrial development and environmental empowerment. Her vision extends beyond aesthetics, as she seeks to design spaces that foster innovation, sustainability and human connection.

Mariam Abdelrehim

G9 Student at Uptown International School

I’m Mariam Abdelrehim, an ambitious, knowledgeable, and determined 14-year-old Egyptian. I love everything pasta, books, numbers, and tennis. I aspire to work in the finance and investing industry when I’m older, with the goal of making a significant impact and eventually becoming a major player on Wall Street with my own company. I am deeply passionate about our environments health and global justice. I was a former, The Alliance of Sustainable schools (TASS), ambassador and represented my old school internationally. I was also a leading Eco-Council member. My speech will mainly run around sustainability but within a specified genre. I will delve into an ongoing problem that detrimentally affects our environment and the wellbeing of those involved in the related industry; all the while understanding our position in this situation and how to surpass the grey area of this problem.

Matthias Meyer

G11 Speaker at Uptown International School

My name is Matthias Meyer, and I'm currently a junior in high school in Dubai. I'm passionate about teaching, mathematics and public speaking, and I spend most of my time either doing school work or enjoying life with family and friends around me. My speech, 'Related by Blood', speaks for itself; I hope that, if you hear it you, it would not be vain, but would stir palpable change in your life.

Phil Redhead

Co Founder & Education Director at EdV

With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, senior education leader, digital transformation strategist and consultant, Phil brings unique international experience as a buyer and provider of EdTech in both public and private sector settings. Recognised as an inspirational education futurist and influencer, Phil draws on his strong global network to co-create high-impact change.

Sai Venkatraghavan

G7 Student at Uptown International School

Hello! I am Sai Venkatraghavan, speaking at TEDxYouth@UIS.I have a passion for public speaking and debating, and there is no better opportunity than TEDxYouth@UIS! I am honored to present my talk on the Grey Area, where I dive into the Truth About Lying. I will explore how lies shape our lives, the surprising reasons we tell them, and how you could go wrong in lying. A few of my hobbies are swimming, singing, dancing and playing netball. I do swimming outside school and I attend a lot of competitions inside and outside school. Looking ahead, I aspire to participate in as many competitions and events as I can, expanding my knowledge on a wide range of things. I can’t wait to share my ideas and connect with others through this amazing experience, and to explore the story behind lying with an audience.

Savva Morozov

G11 Student at Uptown International School

I am Savva Morozov current #1 junior tennis player in the UAE. I love to help people and that is essentially what my speech is about. I share my experiences of tennis from how I built myself up from zero to here so far. Whether they were bad experiences or good experiences I always learnt something which helped myself grow. I wish from my speech people's hearts will be moved and they begin their journey of becoming the best possible version of themselves.

Seema Kutaich

G7 Student at Uptown International School

I’m Seema Kutaich, a Grade 7 student passionate about debating, public speaking, netball, and story writing. I’m excited to share my speech titled “Winning Isn’t Everything, Losing Is Important Too,” a topic we all often debate. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the Harvard Model Congress and World Scholars Cup, which have helped me develop my leadership and communication skills. In the future, I hope to combine my interests in communication, leadership, problem-solving, editing, and math, exploring roles in fields like business and the digital world. I look forward to sharing my ideas and continuing my journey of growth!

Syed Maaz Hasan

G11 Student at Uptown International School

I am an Australian student at Uptown International School. Although I was originally from Pakistan, I was born in the UAE and moved to Australia for eight years. My speech reflects on my past experiences and how I overcame them. I have always wanted to exceed or stand out in public speaking and have always looked for opportunities to do so. I believe that collecting experience and building my knowledge will aid me in success in whatever career I take on. I strongly believe that the more risks I take and the new things I try will allow me to stand out and leave an impact.

Zaid Hayajneh

G10 Student at Uptown International School

Hello! My name is Zaid. I'm from Jordan, and I'm currently in 10th grade in UIS. I really like Biology, Math, and Computer Science, and I enjoy swimming. I also like public speaking and debating and am super excited to be able to share my ideas with everyone. I'm very interested in Medicine and I really hope to do it in the future, and I hope to meet new people through TEDx.