AI keynote speaker
for Dubai and the Gulf
Karl Lillrud is based in Dubai and has spoken on major stages in Saudi Arabia, including Seamless KSA and Biban in Riyadh. His keynotes turn rapid AI change into clear decisions, stronger leadership and measurable action for your audience.
Why Gulf organizers book Karl
Senior audiences in the Gulf have already heard what AI can do. They come to your event to learn what to decide next. Karl has been building businesses since 1996 and still builds and tests AI systems in practice, so his keynotes stay concrete: operating models, ownership, customer behavior and commercial results. He is ranked #16 among Global Gurus 2026 Top 30 Motivational Speakers, is a two time TEDx speaker, the author of nine books and a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. With a base in Dubai, he can prepare closely with your team and be on site easily.
Verified stages in Saudi Arabia
Karl has delivered keynotes in Riyadh at Seamless KSA, organized by Terrapinn, and spoken at Biban, including a main stage panel. Terrapinn General Manager Joseph Ridley called his Seamless KSA keynote “nothing short of exceptional”. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce, Majid Bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, described his presentation as “Excellent! Simple yet comprehensive”, and Rana Algowaiz of the Ministry’s E-Commerce Council praised its real life examples. Beyond the Gulf, he delivered a Headline Stage keynote at eCommerce Expo London 2026 and has given two TEDx talks.
Most requested keynotes for Gulf events
For leadership summits and executive forums, The C-Suite AI Adoption Playbook shows how to move from AI pilots to measurable value at scale, with clear ownership and decision rights. For retail, payments and e-commerce events, Agentic Commerce prepares organizations for customers who let AI agents shop, compare and decide. From AI Experiments to Commerce Advantage, first delivered on the Headline Stage at eCommerce Expo London 2026, gives commercial teams the operating model that makes AI convert visitors. Every keynote is tailored to your theme, sector and audience.
Logistics: travel, formats and language
Karl splits his base between Dubai and Spain, so events in the UAE are local for him and Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf are a short regional trip. Keynotes are delivered in English. Formats include a 30 to 45 minute keynote, keynote with Q&A, fireside chat, panel moderation, executive session or workshop, plus a live virtual keynote for distributed audiences. Approved bios, photos and an intro script are ready for your promotion, and agreement, invoicing, travel and recording terms are handled quickly after your brief.
Keynotes for
Dubai, UAE and the Gulf.
The C-Suite AI Adoption Playbook
From AI experiments to an organization that creates measurable value at scale.
Explore Keynote 05Agentic Commerce
Prepare for customers who let AI agents shop, compare and decide.
Explore Keynote 07From AI Experiments to Commerce Advantage
The operating model that makes AI convert your visitors. Headline Stage, eCommerce Expo London 2026.
ExploreWhat happens
in the room.
The brief, what Karl did, and what the organizers said afterwards. Told by the people who booked him.
CloserStill Media
eCommerce Expo London
Across three editions the relationship moved from the 2022 main stage, where the official recap described Karl taking a jam packed theatre through the future of ecommerce, to the 2023 keynote stage and the 2026 Headline Stage. The content evolved with each invitation, from the future of ecommerce to AI and then to the operating model that makes AI convert.
“Karl was a fantastic speaker with a great presence, packing out the room with an attendance of over 90% capacity.”Sam Tidmarsh, CloserStill Media, eCommerce Expo LondonRead the case Keynote · 2018
TEDxPiotrkowskaStreet
TEDxPiotrkowskaStreet
Organizer Dominika Mikurenda described Karl as an engaging speaker whose passion was highly noticeable, and said attendees gained a fresh perspective and valuable insight in just 15 minutes. She also said she would recommend him to other conferences.
“Karl is an engaging keynote speaker who caught attention and interest of the audience. His passion for the subject matter is highly noticeable, in just 15 minutes, attendees gained a fresh perspective and valuable insight.”Dominika Mikurenda, TEDxPiotrkowskaStreetRead the case Keynote · Sanford, Florida, United States · 2024
Seminole State College of Florida
Speaker Series: AI and Our Minds of the Future
In feedback published by Great British Speakers, Associate Vice President Jan Lloyd Lesley describes Karl as accessible and accommodating and says he worked closely with the college team. The same feedback says he made the AI content relevant, impactful, enlightening and personalized.
Read the caseEvery quote is published by the organizer or their agency.
All case studiesBefore
you ask.
Is Karl based in Dubai?
Yes. Karl splits his base between Dubai and Spain, so UAE events are local for him and Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf are a short regional trip. He also travels worldwide.
Has Karl spoken in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. He has spoken in Riyadh at Seamless KSA and Biban, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce described his presentation as “Excellent! Simple yet comprehensive.”
Which language does Karl deliver in?
Keynotes for Gulf events are delivered in English. If your event uses simultaneous interpretation, the brief and key terms can be shared with your interpreters ahead of the day.
How are fees handled?
Fees depend on format, date, location and preparation. Send a short brief and you receive a clear proposal with the fee stated upfront, usually after a 15 minute call. Bureau sourced opportunities stay attributed to the bureau.
Book Karl
for your next event.
Tell us about the room. Karl replies personally, and there is no obligation.
Prefer email? me@karllillrud.com