Harvard Club of the UAE

Board of Directors

Laila Kuznezov, President

MPA, Harvard Kennedy School

Laila Kuznezov has lived in the UAE for nearly a decade. She is an experienced consultant, focusing on public-sector-led reforms in the GCC. She has also worked in international development and for global philanthropy – all of which has taken her across the GCC and nearby MENA countries, Eastern and Central Europe, and a few other locations. Laila has been involved with HC UAE since moving to Dubai and is currently also involved with the Harvard Women in Defense, Diplomacy, and Development (W3D) and Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs (HAE) networks. Laila is originally from the US (beautiful Maine and exciting New York!), but is happy and proud to be settled and raising her two children in the incredible, dynamic UAE.

Ruqayya Albloshi, Vice President

A graduate in International Relations from Harvard University (2020), Ruqayya holds the position of Director of the International Affairs Department at the Prime Minister's Office of the UAE. She contributes to creating content and knowledge transfer in the field of Diplomacy and International Cooperation through published articles.

Pallavi Sangtani, Secretary

Pallavi Sangtani is a digital transformation lead and a marketing expert, who loves food and travel. She has been a part of high growth startups like Zomato and dubizzle and is currently building the digital product stack at a wellness service company in the GCC region. Pallavi is a culinary enthusiast who loves traveling for food and is very passionate about finding the best places to eat at! She is an avid reader and enjoys adventurous activities - Having tried everything from skydiving to bungee jumping, and even flying a plane.

Saurabh Rai, Director

Saurabh is a graduate of HBS a hospitality leader extraordinaire, passionate father, and husband. He loves to travel, having visited over 50 countries. Saurabh is a Hotelier, Investor, Entrepreneur and YPO Member, dedicated to mentoring young leadership for tomorrow. He is an active investor in disruptive tech and also leads Global Business Development for Beyond Green. Nominated by Forbes for “40 under 40” in 2020 and ranked among the "Power 100 - Top 100 most influential people in the hospitality industry" by Hotelier India 2016 & 2013.

Salama Al Shamsi, Director

Aaron Fallon, Director