Advisory Board

Sofia Hagen

Sofia Hagen leads an award-winning creative practice working at the intersection of art, design and tech to create 3D-printed sculptural products and installations. The practice has built a reputation for blending high-end design with cutting-edge technology and advanced biomaterial research. Merging recycled materials with traditional craftsmanship and innovative technology, Sofia Hagen produces elements, feature installations, an placemaking schemes that push the boundaries of engineering whilst bearing the incentive of a continuous, sustainable afterlife. Sofia Hagen's practice remains committed to designing for a circular economy to reshape debates on product, consumption and the place of creativity within.

Prior to launching her own studio, Sofia Hagen was cofounder of HagenHinderdael, a practice that received critical attention for its use of cutting-edge technology and advanced material research to create high-end design products. As creative director at HH, she led the creative conception and design development of the practice’s 3D-printed products and installations, working closely with digital fabrication specialists and material scientists globally.

A highly versatile practitioner with keen business acumen, she worked from product design to interior and large scale architectural developments at some of the leading names in the industry, including Zaha Hadid Architects, Heatherwick Studios, Design Haus Liberty, Acme Space, David Collins Studio, Bompas and Parr, and Make.

Austrian-Polish, Sofia trained in architectural design under the aegis of Zah Hadid at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, where she graduated with a Masters in Architecture in 2008, followed by a traineeship as interior designer at Odile Decq Architects, Paris.

Murtaza Asgar Balasinourwala

Murtaza Asgar Balasinourwala is the Founder of ANID Turnkey Projects and Co-Founder of Buildmode Interiors FZC LLC. A passionate interior designer, sustainabilist, and industry mentor, he is widely recognized for his expertise in interior fit-out and joinery. Known as the "wood doctor," Murtaza specializes in repurposing discarded wood into artistic and sustainable solutions, earning recognition from Dubai Municipality for his innovations from waste. Beyond his business ventures, he is committed to mentoring, training, and upskilling professionals, creating meaningful social and environmental impact.

Janis Kienberger

Ritika Kothari

As the CEO of Colab Cloud Tech Ltd., Ritika Kothari leads the charge in integrating AI, AR, VR, and other cutting-edge technologies to create immersive experiences for global brands. From virtual showrooms to interactive digital solutions for real estate, luxury retail, and more, her focus is on redefining how businesses engage with their customers by creating experiences that drive higher ROI.

At Pinboard Media, Ritika helps luxury brands and innovative businesses craft compelling narratives through content, branding, events, and strategic collaborations. With a presence across Dubai, Mumbai, and New York, her team bridges creativity with impactful business launches and increased global visibility.

She is also the curator of Luxeverse, an immersive design conclave that explores the intersection of technology, design, and innovation. The event shines a global spotlight on hybrid experiences and excellence in the exhibition space.

When she’s not leading her ventures, Ritika hosts two podcasts—The Pod and Beyond Borders—where she engages in meaningful conversations with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are pushing boundaries in their industries.

Abdelbasset Betraou

Abdelbasset “Abdul” Betraoui is a seasoned entrepreneur with a strategic vision for the built environment, leading multiple companies across real estate, construction, interiors, and design. With over 14 years of expertise, he has established, grown, and transformed businesses that deliver end-to-end solutions across the MENA region. His leadership is centered on innovation, operational excellence, and the ability to anticipate and meet the evolving demands of the industry.

At the core of his entrepreneurial journey is Horton Interiors, where he has redefined the standards of interior fit-out and turnkey solutions, elevating the firm into a market leader known for its quality, efficiency, and design excellence. Complementing this is Vanta, a premier furnishing solutions provider, which under his leadership has expanded its footprint across commercial, residential, educational, and healthcare sectors.

Beyond interiors and design, Abdul played a key role in the strategic growth of Land Sterling, where heled business expansion efforts across project management, cost consultancy, building and facilities management consultancy, strategic advisory, property valuation, and more, delivering a whole life-cycle one-stop solution for all real estate needs. His forward-thinking approach strengthened the company’s capabilities, secured large-scale projects, and reinforced its position as a trusted consultancy firm in the region.

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Abdul holds a degree in Construction Management from Leeds Beckett University (formerly Leeds Metropolitan University) in West Yorkshire, England.

Sayed Habib

Sayed Habib is the Director of Danube Home and serves on its leadership role.

Before Being named Director – Danube Home in May 2023, Mr. Sayed Habib was Director – Business Development, Buying and Franchisee operations of Danube Home and was responsible for the company’s worldwide Business Development in terms of company owned stores and franchisee’s and also the Head of Buying for merchandise being procured supporting all markets and countries. He also headed Danube Home’s ecommerce division and played a key role in the development of a sustainable business with strategic partnerships and ensuring flexibility in response to increasingly demanding digital presence.

During his initial days, was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing business development. Soon he was promoted as Deputy General Manger to oversee new product launches and development of all product ranges like Furniture, Electrical, Doors, Kitchen & Innovative flooring products to name a few.

As a dynamic team leader and a people’s person Mr. Habib has constantly evolved to an exemplary personality over the years and for his continued success, he had named the Director of Danube Home. In his current role as Director, he is responsible for expansion and innovation in the retail business starting from products to strategizing the new concept of Danube Home across stores in the region, managing people & expenses, instituting policies, and defining the vision for future growth.

Mr. Habib earned a Master’s degree in Marketing & Finance from IILM Delhi and a Graduation in Finance from Utkal University, India.