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Who is Behind Rfaha?
Eman Khankan – CEO & Founder, RFAHA
My professional journey began in 2009 at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where I joined the Graduate Student Services division, specifically the Events and Activities Office. Immersed in a dynamic, multicultural environment, I gained a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and working styles—an experience that profoundly shaped my professional outlook and skill set.
It was during this formative period that I uncovered my genuine passion for event planning, strategic coordination, and creative innovation. My potential in this field was soon recognized by my leadership, and I quickly became a driving force behind numerous large-scale university and departmental events. My scope of work extended beyond the university walls to the wider Jeddah community, where I actively supported local productive families by curating meaningful, community-focused events tailored to their needs.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading the planning and execution of some of the university’s most celebrated initiatives—such as the Food Festival, International Culture Fair, Career Expo, and Ramadan Festival. I also contributed to a range of academic programs, including business dinners, networking receptions, and orientation programs for incoming graduate students. In addition, I helped establish the university’s Student Club and played an integral role in organizing graduation ceremonies and institutional celebrations.
One of my proudest accomplishments during my tenure in the Events Office was founding the Residential Life and Activities Office—the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. There, I designed and led student life programming for campus housing, overseeing a team of student leaders who successfully delivered 22 monthly events under my guidance. This initiative not only enriched the student experience but also fostered leadership, responsibility, and community development among the participants.
In 2022, my career took an exciting turn. I transitioned into the world of business, innovation, and national transformation, where I gained invaluable exposure to the corporate and strategic side of events. I joined the National Transformation Institute (NTI) at KAUST, taking the lead in organizing high-impact business events, global exhibitions, and executive programs. This new chapter deepened my passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in supporting startups and building ecosystems that empower the next generation of Saudi talent.
Notable events under my leadership include the prestigious IEEE Global Conference, the WIPO Summer School, and C4IR Mobility Workshops—all of which align with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Each of these projects further sharpened my ability to manage complexity, maintain high standards of execution, and foster strategic collaborations on a global scale.
In 2017, driven by a desire to share my expertise beyond academia, I founded RFAHA for Exhibition and Conference Management. At the time, the business and entertainment events sector in Saudi Arabia was still in its early stages. Yet, I saw the potential—and acted. One of my earliest initiatives was the successful launch of the International Educational Development Exhibition, one of the first of its kind in the Kingdom. The event achieved national acclaim and inspired similar efforts across the region.
Although I was not yet able to fully commit to the business at that time, the vision for RFAHA never left me. When Vision 2030 was announced, it resonated deeply with my own aspirations. I chose to dedicate myself entirely to expanding RFAHA—transforming it from a pioneering idea into a company that brings together years of experience, cultural fluency, and professional excellence.
Today, RFAHA is a reflection of everything I’ve learned and lived. Events, for me, are not just a career—they are a mission, a platform, and a powerful instrument for change. I’ve worked across every tier of the event management spectrum—operational, strategic, and executive—and I approach each project with rigor, creativity, and commitment.
Precision, dedication, and professionalism have been the cornerstones of my journey. Through RFAHA, I strive to deliver exceptional, culturally enriched, and purpose-driven events that not only elevate experiences—but elevate Saudi Arabia on the global stage.
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