This meetup was a must-attend for anyone passionate about the evolving landscape of product design and technology in the region.
What to Expect:
A deep dive into the current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the product and design space in Abu Dhabi and the broader MENA region.
An open forum for questions, ideas, and networking with like-minded professionals.
A panel discussion featuring industry leaders:
Shahaf is a seasoned product executive and intrapreneur with over 25 years of experience in the tech industry. Passionate about solving customer challenges, Shahaf has a proven track record in crafting and implementing strategies for launching customer-centric solutions that drive growth and create value.
With a rich background spanning cybersecurity, digital intelligence, AI, enterprise solutions, SaaS, and more, Shahaf offers a unique blend of cross-disciplinary knowledge and strategic thinking. He is committed to creating a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement while building high-performing multinational teams. Dedicated to helping people grow and fulfil their potential, Shahaf has mentored dozens of product practitioners, helping them take the next step in their careers.
Batsi – After graduating from the University of Cape Town with a BSc in Computer Science, Batsi took his enthusiasm for digital platforms and entrepreneurship to start his own design agency. This period was instrumental in enhancing his skills set ranging from creative campaign ideation, software/website development, product design, and business development. His success then led him to Africa and the Middle East where he occupied different positions in the design sphere. He currently heads the design department as Assistant Vice President & Design Advocate for one of the leading banks in the Middle East.
Tony Pagliocco is a seasoned product management executive with over two decades of experience driving innovation in technology and digital spaces across diverse industries. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Product Management at ALDAR, Tony leads a team focused on advancing the product management practice for users in commercial, residential, hospitality, and other digital sectors. Tony’s career is marked by leadership roles in the USA at industry giants like Boeing and Hasbro, where he honed his ability to integrate technical expertise with executive leadership. He has led teams from startups to Fortune 500 companies, consistently balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution and fostering a culture of excellence, agility, and collaboration. Beyond his role as a product leader, Tony is a mentor, strategist, and a strong advocate for team synergy. His extensive skill set includes Agile methodologies, data analytics, digital transformation, AI, and more. Looking ahead, Tony remains committed to leading from the front, championing innovation, and inspiring teams to create products that make a meaningful impact.
Whether you’re a seasoned designer, a product manager, or simply interested in the future of our industry, this event is for you. Come ready to engage, learn, and contribute to the conversation!
Massive thanks to Peter and Jack from our partners aspexx as well as the co-organisers Jonathan, Nathalie, Nada and Leopold.
