# Ali Khawaja — full site content

> Ali Khawaja is an ICF-certified executive coach, educator, TEDx speaker, author, and founder based in the United Arab Emirates. He works with founders, executives, and leaders on clarity, transitions, and growth, and trains other coaches through ICF-approved Continuing Coach Education (CCE) programs.

Canonical URL: https://alikhawaja.com/
Contact: ali@khawaja.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/aliabuzoha
Book an intro call: https://calendly.com/k2labs

Ali's work spans six interconnected practices: educator, coach, advisor, speaker, writer, and builder. The unifying thread is helping people and organizations think clearly, grow deliberately, and build better things.

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# Page: Home (https://alikhawaja.com/)

## Hero

Ali Khawaja.

Be fearless in pursuit of excellence.

I help people and organizations think clearly, grow deliberately, and build better things.

I believe excellence begins with attention: knowing yourself, reading the room, understanding the moment, and choosing your next move with care. My work is shaped by both reflection and strategy, by the inner work of becoming clearer and the outer work of building, leading, and serving well. Whether I am teaching, coaching, advising, speaking, writing, or building, the aim is the same: to help people move through complexity with courage, discipline, and humanity.

## About

- Based in the UAE, working across Sharjah, Dubai, and remotely with clients internationally.
- ICF-certified coach at the ACC level, with 1,500+ hours of coaching.
- Faculty at the American University of Sharjah.
- TEDx speaker, two-time podcast host, and author of *Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones*.
- Founder and operator across F&B, software, and civic-tech ventures.
- Contact: ali@khawaja.org

## Educator

Faculty at the American University of Sharjah. Beyond the classroom, Ali designs and delivers learning experiences for organizations navigating strategy, technology, entrepreneurship, blockchain, and AI.

Teaching people to think, build, and lead for what's next.

Focus areas:
- Strategy
- Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Startups
- Blockchain
- Artificial Intelligence

## Coach

Coaching ambitious minds toward clarity, structure, and direction. ICF-certified coach working with leaders one-on-one and training other coaches through ICF-approved programs.

### One-on-one coaching

ACC-level ICF-certified coach with 1,500+ hours of coaching. Working with high-performing executives, entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals.

Focus areas:
- Executive coaching
- ADHD coaching
- Founder coaching
- Leadership coaching

Coaching is offered both in person in the UAE and remotely via video call worldwide. The first step is an introductory call to explore fit before committing to an ongoing engagement.

Book an intro call: https://calendly.com/k2labs

### Coaching training — 1Mind Academy

ICF-approved Continuing Coach Education (CCE) programs for coaches deepening their craft and credentialing path. Delivered through 1Mind Academy.

Flagship program: Core Competencies in Practice, a 10-hour ICF-approved CCE program designed for coaches who are already practicing and want to deepen their skills, strengthen their understanding of ICF core competencies, and earn CCE hours toward their ICF credential renewal.

Programs: https://1mind.ac/

## Advisor

Helping founders turn ambition into action. Strategic support for founders turning ideas, momentum, and opportunity into clearer execution.

Areas of advisory work:
1. Startup strategy
2. Business model design
3. Product strategy
4. Go-to-market and growth
5. Fundraising and pitch advisory
6. AI integration

Selected engagements:

- **Baytukum** — Board / Advisor. A crowdfunding real estate platform in the UAE. https://baytukum.ae/
- **Bookends** — Advisor. The UAE's largest used book platform. https://bookends.ae/
- **+ others** — Several other engagements under NDA.

Ali works with a select number of founders at any given time. To explore an advisory engagement, book an introductory call at https://calendly.com/k2labs or email ali@khawaja.org.

## Speaker

Conversations worth having. A safe space for honest conversations about life, work, learning, entrepreneurship, and mental health.

### Podcasts

**Mental Health AE** (host)
A UAE-based podcast creating a safe space for honest conversations about mental health. The goal is to normalize these conversations through simple, human stories from guests across all walks of life. Together we can make a difference.
- Website: https://mentalhealth.ae/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4glwaRBrEv2EBKzxKqNiCQ
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mentalhealthae

**Talk to Ali** (host)
A podcast where Ali sits down with people he has met across entrepreneurship, startups, incubators, and the wider business ecosystem. The goal is simple: to learn from other people's experiences, stories, and lessons along the way.
- Website: https://talktoali.com/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2FCYFM5rZQELehIjgyNX41
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talktokhawaja

### TEDx talks

**The Art of Slowing Down for a Fuller Life** — TEDxGEMS New Millennium School.
A reminder that, in a world built for speed, slowing down is what makes a life feel full.
- Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD8RoZHixJA

**Equitable and Accessible Access to Education** — TEDxYouth@DPSS.
The power of AI is limited to the creativity of your mind. Create solutions that help the world.
- Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcnxIBkXURA

### Speaking topics

Executive coaching, leadership, entrepreneurship, AI and technology in education, mental health awareness, and personal growth. Available for events in the UAE and internationally.

To invite Ali to speak, email ali@khawaja.org or reach out on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha/.

## Writer

Making complex human experiences easier to understand. Writing that brings clarity, empathy, and practical understanding to ADHD, mental health, growth, work, and relationships.

### Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones

A short, relatable guide for partners, parents, friends, colleagues, and anyone trying to better understand ADHD. Written with clarity and care, the book helps readers understand what ADHD can feel like from the inside, replace frustration with empathy, and support focus, routines, and relationships without blame or confusion.

The book is written for anyone who loves, lives with, or works alongside someone with ADHD. It is not a clinical text — it is written with clarity and care for everyday readers.

Buy the book: https://understanding.guide/

## Builder

Things Ali is building. Projects, ventures, and experiments in the real world.

### F&B brands

**Sushi Now** — Fresh, handcrafted sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, cooked favorites, and vegetarian options, paired with boba and iced coffee. https://sushinow.ae/

**Big Ali Diner** — Bold comfort food with loaded fries, nachos, chili bowls, hot dogs, boba, iced coffee, and desserts, made the Big Ali way. https://bigalidiner.com/

**Broba Boba** — A playful boba brand serving refreshing milk teas, fruit teas, specialty drinks, and sweet add-ons made for everyday cravings. https://broba.ae/

### Apps (iOS)

**xList** — A collaborative task manager that gets out of your way. Projects with their own colors and sections, two views (groups and dates), AI voice input that parses plain language into tasks, priority filters, and live sharing with teammates by code. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xlist-collaborative-tasks/id6763904740

**xRiderGPS** — A GPS speedometer built for riders. Real-time speed, heading, altitude and weather on a live map, automatic trip logging with route and stats, Convoy Mode for group rides in real time, and offline maps so you can ride without a connection. https://apps.apple.com/za/app/xridergps/id6762152478

**xBricker - Lego Collector** — The serious LEGO collector's app. Scan any box by barcode or photo to add a set, see retail prices, minifigures, parts and ratings offline, connect BrickLink for live market values, and import a Brickset collection in one tap. https://apps.apple.com/za/app/xbrick-lego-collector/id6765486855

**xLibrary by Bookends** — A simple, beautiful way to organize the books you own, are reading, and want to read next. Search by title, author or ISBN, filter by rating or genre, view your reading stats, and share titles with friends. From the team behind Bookends.ae. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ae/app/xlibrary-by-bookends/id6765608753 · Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.k2labs.xlibrary

**Prayer & Qibla** — A beautifully minimal prayer times and Qibla direction app with an e-ink aesthetic. Times are calculated on-device using precise solar algorithms, the Qibla compass points to the Kaaba via GPS and spherical geometry, with 6 themes, Arabic and English support, and full offline use. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/prayer-time-qibla-finder/id6768221459 · Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.k2labs.prayerqibla

**xLife** — A daily piece of wisdom on your iPhone home screen, no tapping, no scrolling, no noise. Choose from 8 curated collections covering life, stoicism, mindfulness, productivity, ADHD and more, or build your own list. Each widget cycles its list daily in shuffled order, with 10 themes, 40 fonts, and custom backgrounds. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xlife-advice-for-life/id6769053071

**Red Dial Timer** — A visual focus timer with a bold red dial that winds down as your session runs. Set your focus duration, watch time disappear at a glance, and stay locked in without the noise of a busy interface. https://apps.apple.com/ae/app/red-dial-timer/id6776783244

**xClassTracker** — Visual attendance for teachers. Tap a seat on a class layout to mark a student present, track attendance history over time, and export records in seconds. https://apps.apple.com/za/app/xclasstracker/id6778525469

**Bookends Loyalty** — A digital punch card for Bookends. Scan in-store, collect punches, and redeem rewards. No account needed. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/bookends-loyalty/id6777265545 · Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.k2labs.bookendsloyalty

**SpeedyGPS** — A GPS dashboard for riders and drivers. Dual speedometers, a live speed graph, heading-up mapping, offline maps, trip logging, and Convoy Mode for group rides. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/speedygps/id6773472952

**xGridUp** — Turns an iPad or iPhone into an always-on ambient display. Build a screen from a grid of live widgets covering time, weather, stocks, calendar, and more, in hundreds of layouts. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xgridup-dashboard/id6785068574

**xFileCrypt** — A private, encrypted vault for photos, videos, and documents. AES-256-GCM encryption on-device, PIN protection, no account, no server. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xfilecrypt-encrypted-storage/id6787506955

### Ventures and projects

**xPrep** — A portable Raspberry Pi device that creates its own offline WiFi network with maps, books, guides, tools, and learning resources available to anyone nearby. No internet, cloud, subscriptions, or apps required. Open source. https://xprep.co/

**Expat Prepper** — An urban preparedness framework for expats, travelers, and globally mobile families. Practical guidance, checklists, resources, and shopping lists across documentation, shelter, security, power, water, food, medical, finance, evacuation, and emergency planning. https://expatprepper.org/

**Dig Well** — A clean water project funding reliable hand pumps and safe water access for communities in need. Supports rural families with durable wells, regular condition checks, and a transparent model where 100% of donations go toward digging wells. https://digwell.org/

**Wheel of Balance** — A simple self-assessment tool for creating, tracking, and visualizing life balance. Helps users reflect on what matters most, identify areas for growth, and set clearer goals across different parts of life. https://wheelofbalance.org/

**SKNR** — An AI-powered receipt scanning platform for modern restaurants. Helps teams capture receipt details, customer data, and order totals in seconds, then automate WhatsApp follow-ups, review requests, and customer engagement from one simple dashboard. https://www.sknr.cc/

**CamGrader** — A simple grading tool for educators to scan paper-based quizzes, capture answers, and review results quickly. Helps teachers grade assessments using their own device, reduce manual marking, and access useful performance data for students and classes. https://camgrader.com/

**AI Web Readiness** — A free scanner that grades how well a website speaks to AI agents. Checks llms.txt, structured data, crawler permissions, content ratio, feeds, and citation signals, then explains exactly how to fix what is missing so your site can be discovered, parsed, and cited by AI systems. https://www.aiwebreadiness.com/

## Credentials

### Certified by
- International Coaching Federation — ICF Certified Coach (ACC level)
- CryptoCurrency Certification Consortium — Blockchain (C4)
- Inthrface — LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
- Industry certifications from IBM, Microsoft, Google, and HubSpot

### Studied at
- American University of Sharjah — BS, MBA
- London Business School — Executive education
- Princeton, Stanford, Caltech — Advanced courses
- University of Nicosia — Blockchain

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# Frequently asked questions

## Who is Ali Khawaja?
Ali Khawaja is an ICF-certified executive coach, educator, TEDx speaker, author, and founder based in the United Arab Emirates. He works with leaders, executives, and founders on clarity, growth, and transitions, and trains other coaches through ICF-approved Continuing Coach Education programs delivered via 1Mind Academy.

## What does Ali Khawaja do?
Ali Khawaja works across six interconnected practices: teaching at the American University of Sharjah, one-on-one executive coaching, startup advising, public speaking, writing, and building ventures. The common thread across all his work is helping people and organizations think clearly, grow deliberately, and build better things.

## Where is Ali Khawaja based?
Ali Khawaja is based in the UAE. He works with clients locally across Sharjah and Dubai, as well as remotely with founders, executives, and coaches internationally.

## Is Ali Khawaja ICF certified?
Yes. Ali Khawaja is an ACC-level ICF-certified coach, credentialed by the International Coaching Federation. He also delivers ICF-approved Continuing Coach Education (CCE) programs through 1Mind Academy for coaches working toward or maintaining their ICF credentials.

## What type of coaching does Ali Khawaja offer?
Ali Khawaja offers one-on-one coaching for executives, entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals. His focus areas include executive coaching, leadership coaching, founder coaching, and ADHD coaching. He also delivers ICF-approved coach training programs for practicing coaches through 1Mind Academy.

## Who is executive coaching for?
Executive coaching is for leaders, senior professionals, founders, and entrepreneurs who want to think more clearly, lead more effectively, and navigate complex decisions and transitions with greater confidence. It is most valuable during periods of growth, change, or increased responsibility.

## What is the difference between executive coaching and life coaching?
Executive coaching focuses on professional performance, leadership, decision-making, and organizational impact. Life coaching addresses broader personal goals and lifestyle. Both are forward-focused and non-therapeutic. Ali Khawaja specializes in executive, founder, and leadership coaching for high-performing professionals in the UAE and beyond.

## How do I book a coaching session with Ali Khawaja?
You can book an introductory coaching call with Ali Khawaja through his Calendly page at https://calendly.com/k2labs. The intro call is the first step to exploring whether coaching is the right fit before committing to an ongoing engagement.

## Does Ali Khawaja coach remotely or in person?
Ali Khawaja coaches both remotely and in person. In-person sessions are available in the UAE. Remote coaching is available internationally via video call, making his coaching accessible to founders and executives regardless of location.

## What is ADHD coaching and who is it for?
ADHD coaching helps individuals with ADHD build structure, improve focus, manage routines, and navigate work and relationships more effectively. Ali Khawaja offers ADHD coaching for adults, particularly professionals and entrepreneurs, drawing on both his ICF coaching training and his authorship of Understanding ADHD.

## What does ICF-certified mean?
ICF stands for the International Coaching Federation, the globally recognized professional body for coaches. An ICF-certified coach has completed accredited training, logged verified coaching hours, and passed a credentialing exam. The ACC credential held by Ali Khawaja is the first level of ICF professional certification.

## What is Continuing Coach Education (CCE)?
Continuing Coach Education, or CCE, refers to ICF-approved training hours that credentialed coaches complete to maintain and renew their ICF certification. CCE programs focus on core coaching competencies, ethics, and advanced practice. Ali Khawaja delivers ICF-approved CCE programs through 1Mind Academy.

## How do I earn ICF CCE hours?
ICF CCE hours are earned by completing training programs approved by the International Coaching Federation. Ali Khawaja's 1Mind Academy offers ICF-approved CCE programs, including Core Competencies in Practice, a 10-hour program designed for coaches deepening their craft and working toward credential renewal.

## What coaching programs does Ali Khawaja offer through 1Mind Academy?
Through 1Mind Academy, Ali Khawaja offers ICF-approved Continuing Coach Education programs for practicing coaches. The flagship program is Core Competencies in Practice, a 10-hour CCE program focused on deepening coaching skills and supporting coaches on their ICF credentialing path. More information is available at https://1mind.ac/.

## Who is the Core Competencies in Practice program for?
Core Competencies in Practice is designed for coaches who are already practicing and want to deepen their skills, strengthen their understanding of ICF core competencies, and earn CCE hours toward their ICF credential renewal. It is delivered through 1Mind Academy and approved by the International Coaching Federation.

## What is Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones about?
Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones is a book by Ali Khawaja that helps partners, parents, friends, and colleagues understand what ADHD feels like from the inside. It replaces frustration with empathy and offers practical guidance on supporting focus, routines, and relationships without blame or confusion.

## Who is the Understanding ADHD book written for?
The book is written for anyone who loves, lives with, or works alongside someone with ADHD, including partners, parents, friends, and colleagues. It is not a clinical text. It is written with clarity and care for everyday readers who want to better understand and support someone with ADHD.

## Where can I buy Understanding ADHD by Ali Khawaja?
Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones by Ali Khawaja is available at https://understanding.guide/. The website has information on the book, its contents, and how to purchase a copy.

## What topics does Ali Khawaja speak on?
Ali Khawaja speaks on executive coaching, leadership, entrepreneurship, AI and technology in education, mental health awareness, and personal growth. He has delivered two TEDx talks, one on slowing down for a fuller life, and one on equitable access to education, and is available for events in the UAE and internationally.

## How do I invite Ali Khawaja to speak at an event?
To invite Ali Khawaja to speak at an event, you can reach him by email at ali@khawaja.org or connect via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha/. He speaks on topics including leadership, entrepreneurship, AI in education, mental health, and personal growth.

## What is the Mental Health AE podcast?
Mental Health AE is a UAE-based podcast hosted by Ali Khawaja that creates a safe space for honest conversations about mental health. The show features guests from all walks of life sharing simple, human stories with the goal of normalizing mental health conversations across the region. Available on Spotify and at https://mentalhealth.ae/.

## What is the Talk to Ali podcast about?
Talk to Ali is a podcast hosted by Ali Khawaja featuring conversations with founders, entrepreneurs, and people from across the startup and business ecosystem. The goal is to learn from real experiences, stories, and lessons. Available on Spotify and at https://talktoali.com/.

## What kind of founders does Ali Khawaja advise?
Ali Khawaja advises early to growth-stage founders working on strategy, business model design, product direction, go-to-market planning, fundraising, and AI integration. He has advised ventures including Baytukum, a crowdfunding real estate platform, and Bookends, the UAE's largest used book platform.

## How can I work with Ali Khawaja as an advisor?
To explore an advisory engagement with Ali Khawaja, you can book an introductory call at https://calendly.com/k2labs or reach out directly at ali@khawaja.org. He works with a select number of founders at any given time, with several engagements currently under NDA.

## How do I contact Ali Khawaja?
Ali Khawaja can be reached by email at ali@khawaja.org. You can also book an introductory call at https://calendly.com/k2labs, connect on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha/, or follow him on Instagram at https://instagram.com/aliabuzoha.

## Where can I follow Ali Khawaja's work?
Ali Khawaja's work is available across https://alikhawaja.com/, his two podcasts (Mental Health AE and Talk to Ali), his book at https://understanding.guide/, and his apps on the iOS App Store. He is also active on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha/ and Instagram at https://instagram.com/aliabuzoha.

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# Canonical links

- Website: https://alikhawaja.com/
- llms.txt: https://alikhawaja.com/llms.txt
- llms-full.txt: https://alikhawaja.com/llms-full.txt
- Sitemap: https://alikhawaja.com/sitemap.xml
- RSS feed: https://alikhawaja.com/feed.xml
- Coaching training: https://1mind.ac/
- Book: https://understanding.guide/
- Mental Health AE: https://mentalhealth.ae/
- Talk to Ali: https://talktoali.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha/
- Email: ali@khawaja.org