S&S Connect hosted Founders Forward, its flagship entrepreneurship event, at Atelier M, Pier 7, Dubai Marina.

Built around the theme “Strategies for Scaling in the Next Era of Entrepreneurship,” the event brought together founders, investors, innovators and business leaders for an evening of honest discussion, practical insight and high-quality networking.

The guest panel featured five recognised entrepreneurs and industry leaders, each bringing a different perspective on building, scaling and sustaining successful ventures:

Ahmed Ben Chaibah - Founder and CEO of AquaFun, Guinness World Record holder and the Emirati entrepreneur behind the world’s largest inflatable water park. Featured by Forbes Middle East, Ahmed shared a journey shaped by resilience, having overcome bankruptcy and rejection before building an eight-figure global brand.

Dr. Saliha Afridi - Founder and Chairwoman of The LightHouse Arabia, clinical psychologist and internationally recognised speaker. She is known for her work across resilience, emotional well-being and conscious leadership, as well as for building one of the Middle East’s leading mental wellness organisations.

Dariush Soudi - Founder of Arena Capital and Gladiator Summit, author of Twelve Principles of a Modern-Day Gladiator and a globally recognised speaker. Named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Gulf Business Awards, Dariush has built businesses across marketing, crypto, hospitality and healthcare while growing a worldwide community of more than one million “Gladiators.”

Ghizlan Guenez - Founder and former CEO of The Modist, the first global luxury modest-fashion platform, and founder of FForce, which supports women in launching and growing businesses. The Modist expanded to more than 200 brands across 120 countries and earned recognition from Forbes, Vogue, The New York Times, The Financial Times and Fast Company.

Paola El Sitt - Entrepreneur and digital creator behind the Mlle Paola fragrance line and food venture JOI, which was recognised by Vogue Arabia as one of the region’s leading healthy food services. With an audience of more than 1.5 million, Paola has worked with major international brands while building businesses across fragrance, food, beauty and lifestyle.

During the panel discussion, the speakers shared the decisions, setbacks and lessons that shaped their journeys. The conversation explored how founders can scale without losing direction, remain resilient through uncertainty, build brands that stand out and adapt as markets continue to change.

Guests also had the opportunity to connect directly with fellow founders, investors and professionals from across Dubai’s business community. The evening created space for new introductions, meaningful conversations and potential partnerships in a setting designed to bring ambitious people together.