Rihla Team
Mehran Haghirian
Initiative Director
Dr. Mehran Haghirian is the Director of Regional Initiatives at the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation. His work centers on conflict resolution and diplomacy, with a particular focus on the Persian Gulf region. Haghirian holds a PhD in Gulf Studies from Qatar University and a master’s degree in International Affairs from American University’s School of International Service in Washington, DC. He has previously served as a researcher and assistant director at the Ibn Khaldon Center for Humanities and Social Sciences and a program assistant at the Atlantic Council's Future of Iran Initiative. Currently, Haghirian leads the Integrated Futures Initiative, a project focused on strengthening regional diplomacy and fostering economic cooperation in the Gulf, and the Rihla Initiative for Green Economic Growth, a project aimed at enhancing cooperation on climate transition and socioeconomic development between policy, commercial, and technical leaders from the Gulf and the Global South.
mehran [at] bourseandbazaar.org
Naser Alsayed
Policy Fellow
Naser Alsayed is a Policy Fellow and Gulf Committee Coordinator at the Rihla Initiative for Green Economic Growth, a project by the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation. Naser is a doctoral candidate at SOAS University of London. His work concentrates on environmental policy, climate change, and their intersection with economic and legal dimensions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on his expertise in law, economics, and environmental policy. Naser also holds a Master’s degree in Economic Law from SOAS. He has published various papers on related topics on the GCC. Previously, Naser has experience in legal consultancy, particularly in law reform initiatives, working with London-based firms that specialise in policy development and legal frameworks.
naser [at] bourseandbazaar.org
Vuyiswa Hlongwane
Regional Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa
Vuyiswa Hlongwane is the Rihla Initiative Regional Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation. She is a sustainability professional with expertise in decarbonisation strategies, energy transition planning, and ESG frameworks. Her background includes experience in program management, sustainability consulting, and leading initiatives that advance inclusive development and environmental impact. She has worked with policymakers, private sector leaders, and development institutions to align regional priorities with strategic objectives. Vuyiswa is currently pursuing a Master’s in Management with a focus on economics and development at Wits Business School and holds certifications in microfinance, impact investing, and sustainability disclosure standards.
vuyiswa [at] bourseandbazaar.org
Shakhlo Kamaladinova
Regional Coordinator for Central Asia and the Caucasus
Shakhlo Kamaladinova is the Rihla Initiative Regional Coordinator for Central Asia and the Caucasus at the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation. She is a recent graduate of the Master of Arts in Global Risk program at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Her primary research interests include Political, Macroeconomic and ESG Risks in Central Asia. Previously, Shakhlo served as a leading research fellow at the Information and Analytical Center for International Relations under the MFA of the Republic of Uzbekistan. She holds a BA in World Politics from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent.
shakhlo [at] bourseandbazaar.org
Dao Nguyen
Regional Coordinator for South and Southeast Asia
Nguyen Dang Dao is the Rihla Initiative Regional Coordinator for South and Southeast Asia at the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation. He is a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University and the founding co-president of the Young Urbanists of Southeast Asia, a non-profit promoting sustainable urban development across Southeast Asia. His expertise includes inclusive urban planning, climate adaptation and justice, and diplomacy. Dao has extensive experience with the United Nations, Cornell Center for Cities, and various government agencies. He has been appointed the COP 29 Youth Delegate and Head Delegate of the ASEAN Delegation to the G20 Youth Summit.
dao [at] bourseandbazaar.org
Khuzamah Wardeh
Regional Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa
Khuzama Wardeh is the Rihla Initiative Regional Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa at the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation, focusing on fostering dialogue, research, and collaboration on sustainable economic development between the Gulf and the broader MENA region. She is an environmental engineer and researcher with a focus on international development, sustainability, and policy. She holds an MSc in Engineering for International Development from University College London (UCL) and has worked across technical, research, and policy roles, with focus on environment and energy. With expertise in energy transition and integrated sustainable development, she has contributed to projects across the MENA region with the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, driving climate change commitments and sustainable development.
khuzama [at] bourseandbazaar.org