Theme: Odd One Out

Join us for the 12th annual TEDxYouth@DAA event on February 11th, from 10 AM to 1 PM in the DAA auditorium. Celebrating the theme "Odd One Out", our high school students take the lead as both speakers and organizers, showcasing their unique perspectives and innovative ideas. This year's event is a showcase of their dedication and creativity, offering talks that challenge conventional wisdom and embrace diverse viewpoints. Our DAA community—families, friends, students, and staff—are all invited to experience a morning filled with inspiring and thought-provoking talks that reflect TED's mission of spreading impactful ideas. Follow the excitement and updates on Instagram @tedxdaa and be part of this extraordinary journey of learning and discovery.

Media Rotana
Hessa Street
Barsha Heights
Dubai, Dubayy, 00000
United Arab Emirates

Adam Farhat

Student at GEMS Dubai American Academy

Adam Farhat, originally from Brooklyn New York, is currently a 10th grade student at DAA. As a math enthusiast and a pianist of 5 years, he finds interest in exploring both fields. This year, Adam will share his unique perspective in exploring irregularities and change in both music and math.

Alexander Ghorayeb

IB Diploma Student at GEMS Dubai American Academy

Alexander Ghorayeb is a Senior at Dubai American Academy completing the IB Diploma Program to study Law at university. As someone who has led a busy life managing university, school, extracurriculars, and a social life, Alexander goes over the successes and failures of striving for success.

Amanda Saenz

Student at GEMS Dubai American Academy

Amanda Saenz, a grade 9 student at DAA from New York. An aspiring artist, she hopes to work in the gaming industry. Additionally she is highly interested in psychology and how the human mind works in everyday social life.

Ella Doubleday

IB Diploma Student at GEMS Dubai American Academy

Ella Doubleday is a grade 11 student at DAA and an avid public speaker and hopes to pursue a career in law. She is very passionate about the environment, she blends her interest by taking part in a variety of activities including junk kouture, an international sustainable fashion competition. This year, she'll share her passion for psychology and sociology at TEDxyouth@DAA 2024.

Kiara Petiwala

Student at GEMS Dubai American Academy

Kiara Petiwala is a senior at DAA studying in the IB program, shes deeply interested in how the brain works and strives to continue to learn about ourselves. Kiara created a platform with an AI chatbot to encourage growth and openness about oneself. She hopes to express that enjoying to be yourself and spending time with yourself challenges what it means to be the odd one out.

Maria Madalena Rebelo de Sousa

IB Diploma Student at GEMS Dubai American Academy

Maria Madalena is a Junior at Dubai American Academy. Although she is Portuguese, she has lived in several different countries around the world. Madalena aspires to be a Biomedical Engineer, however her life extends far beyond her academics. From being a Varsity Athlete to Vice-President of the Math Honors Society. She deeply values her family and is passionate for learning.

Miraya Aggarwal

IB Diploma Student at GEMS Dubai American Academy

Miraya Aggarwal, is a student at Dubai American Academy, she hopes to pursue a degree in Business and Economics, at university. She has held a keen interest in both these fields since a young age. She hopes to in the future run a business of her own with a focus in product development, and pursuing being a professor in economics, with hopes of publishing her own novel in Analytical Literature.