Meet the Judges of 2025

Hisham’s career spans the UK government, NATO, and academia. Currently Second Secretary Political and Head of Communications at the British Embassy Riyadh, he leverages his expertise in Middle Eastern dynamics, international relations, and security policy. Previously, he led efforts on election security in the UK Cabinet Office and advanced military partnerships at NATO. He holds a PhD in International Politics from the University of London, where he taught for over a decade. 

Alexander Kaderbhai is First Secretary Political at British Embassy Riyadh, a role he assumed in September 2022. Previously, he served as Second Secretary Political in Baghdad and led the Global Supply Chains Team in London. Before joining the UK Diplomatic Service in 2014, he worked as a political risk analyst in London and Hong Kong. He holds a master’s in international relations from the University of Amsterdam and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford. 

Cecille joined the Consulate General Jeddah in October 2022.  Most of her career has been focused on bilateral Middle East issues.  Cecille has previously served in Casablanca, Kathmandu, Kuwait, Qatar and three times in Saudi Arabia.  In London she has worked in Middle East Dept, Consular Directorate, Corporate Services Directorate and a Ministerial Private Office.  Cecille is married with one daughter. 

Dr. Manar Samman, Consultant Clinical Genomics Scientist and Chair of Clinical Pathology at King Fahad Medical City, leads the Clinical Genetics Program at the Ministry of Health. With a PhD in Cancer Genomics (University of Leeds, UK), she is a certified CAP inspector and award-winning expert in genomics. Dr. Samman supervises graduate students, serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor, and is a renowned speaker on clinical genomics and laboratory innovations. 

Mashni Al-Saeed, a specialist in sleep medicine and respiratory care with over 25 years of experience, serves at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and chairs the Saudi Respiratory Care Association. He has chaired multiple conferences, contributed to publications, and conducted research on noninvasive ventilation. Through education, public speaking, and social media, including a YouTube channel and Twitter (@mashsleep), he raises awareness about sleep health and respiratory care. 

Dr. Taghreed Alsaraj is a leader in education, advancing initiatives aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. As General Manager of Education and Talent Development at the Museum Commission, she led the ICEIM conference and collaborated with SOAS, University of London, on Saudi Arabia’s first Museum Studies postgraduate programs. Awarded the British Council Social Impact Award (2019), Dr. Taghreed holds a PhD from UCL and is a MISK 2030 Leader, shaping global education policies. 

 Dr. Thaib Alharethi is Assistant Professor of Tourism and Hospitality at KAU, leading the Research and Creativity Department. He consults for several organizations, including the Education and Training Evaluation Commission and the Saudi Data & AI Authority. A former Visiting Academic at the University of Surrey, Dr. Alharethi holds a PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management. He received the British Council’s UK Alumni Social Action Award 2024, advancing education and innovation in tourism. 

Peter is currently the Prosperity and Vision 2030 Counsellor at the British Embassy in Riyadh.  Previously he served as Deputy Head of Mission in Peru and Croatia, and has worked across a range of different roles in the UK government.  

Prof. Amal Fatani has over 30 years of experience in leadership, academia, research, and youth empowerment. A Professor of Pharmacology at King Saud University, she served as Cultural Attaché at the Saudi Embassy in the UK (2020–2024), supporting 14,000+ students in over 100 institutions. She revived 29 Saudi student clubs, led research symposia, cultural discussions, and initiatives, and strengthened ties with stakeholders through 300+ engagements, fostering student success and representation.