Rasha takes us inside a classroom of the future—where artificial intelligence isn’t replacing teachers, but reimagining how Arabic is taught and learned. Through heartfelt stories, humour, and real success cases, she shows how AI tools can personalise learning, build confidence, and empower both students and educators. Rasha is a visionary educator and Director of Arabic and Islamic Studies at GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail in Dubai. With over 15 years of experience, she leads Arabic language innovation across FS to Year 13, designing inclusive curricula and pioneering AI integration in language education. A passionate advocate for student-centred learning, Rasha empowers teachers, students, and parents to embrace technology as a tool for transformation. Her leadership was recently praised as the strongest Arabic and Islamic leadership ever seen in a Dubai private school. Today, she shares how AI is redefining Arabic learning, making it more personal, accessible, and powerful than ever before. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Bereket shares a deeply personal and timely reflection on how smartphones and digital habits silently shape our minds, moods, and moments. From endless scrolling to the quiet transformation sparked by mindfulness and boundaries, he explores the ripple effect our online behaviours create—either building us up or breaking us down. A Year 12 student at the Academy, Bereket is passionate about leadership, innovation, and making a lasting impact. He aspires to build businesses that empower people and solve real-world challenges. Today, he explores how small daily choices shape our future—and why our generation must take the lead. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Hridaynee explores the invisible influence of artificial intelligence on our everyday decisions—from the shows we watch to the ideas we believe. With relatable stories and sharp insight, she reveals how personalised algorithms can quietly shape our preferences, limit our growth, and even define our identity. Hridaynee is a student in Year 10 at the Academy. She is a Wellington Singing Scholar and a committed LAMDA student, having completed Grades 1 to 6 in Acting. With a long-standing passion for the performing arts, she has played an active role in the academy’s music and drama events. Through her TEDx Talk, she explores how artificial intelligence is shaping our sense of identity in the modern world. Hridaynee believes that creativity, self-expression, and storytelling are vital tools for navigating the future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Holly invites us into the next act of live performance, where technology breaks down the barriers between artist and audience. From VR and holograms to spatial audio and interactive storytelling, she reveals how immersive tech is revolutionising theatre, dance, and music—turning passive spectators into active participants. Holly is a Year 10 student at the Academy, passionate about the Performing Arts and music. She believes that creativity and imagination are essential for young people to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Over the past five years studying at GEMS schools, Holly has actively contributed to various school activities—including supporting lighting and sound for school productions and serving on the student leadership team. Through these experiences, she has developed a strong appreciation for the value of sharing the skills she has gained through the art of performance. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Avenna takes us behind the scenes of going viral at 13 to reveal the hidden toll of internet fame—and the unexpected hope in what's coming next. From algorithm anxiety to the emotional burnout of constant performance, she opens up about the high cost of likes and views. But as AI begins to blur the line between real and artificial personas, Avenna asks: could authenticity become the most powerful form of influence Avenna became a social media influencer at the age of 13 for speaking all six official United Nations languages. Her interest in languages grew from a love for understanding people and cultures. She enjoys studying psychology and history, with hopes to one day pursue a career in law. Outside the classroom, Avenna is fascinated by filmmaking and figure skating. In her talk she offers a thoughtful look into both the light and the unseen, darker side of social media attention; what it gives, what it takes, and what it means for young people finding their voice in a digital world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

As our lives become increasingly shaped by digital environments, Amanda challenges the idea that some kids just aren’t “good learners.” Sharing her own story and classroom insights, she introduces a framework that helps students identify what they need to stay engaged and feel seen. In a fast-paced world, she reminds us that learning isn’t about compliance—it’s about connection, agency, and purpose. This talk is a call to rethink how we support young minds in finding their voice and their spark. Amanda Slavin is an educator, author, and entrepreneur renowned for her work in reimagining engagement in education. With a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, she co-founded LearningFREQUENCY, a platform that personalises learning by identifying students' unique engagement styles.Her proprietary Seventh Level Engagement Framework, detailed in her best-selling book The Seventh Level, is taught in institutions like Yale and Howard University. Amanda is also the founder of The Future Frequency, a personalised learning ecosystem that leverages AI and evolving avatars to empower learners to own their growth. Her initiatives aim to transform how we define and measure success in learning.Recognised as one of the most innovative thinkers in education today, Amanda has spoken at major global platforms including SXSW, TEDx, and the United Nations. Her work bridges the gap between emotional intelligence and emerging technologies, making her a leading voice in the future of learning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx