Khadija Behzad is an Emirati tourism entrepreneur and cultural ambassador dedicated to creating meaningful connections between visitors, residents, and Emirati culture. Guided by the belief that travel is best experienced through people, she has built her career around designing authentic, immersive experiences that showcase the UAE’s heritage, traditions, and contemporary way of life.

She is the Founder and CEO of Meet The Locals, a social tourism company specializing in the design and delivery of authentic Emirati cultural experiences. Through curated encounters led by certified Emirati tour guides, the company enables tourists and expatriate residents to engage directly with Emirati nationals—offering first-hand insight into local customs, values, and stories beyond conventional sightseeing.

In recognition of its impact on the tourism sector, Meet The Locals was awarded Best Tourism Startup at the SEFFY Awards during the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival in 2017. 

Khadija is also a trailblazer within the guiding profession, proudly recognized as the first female Emirati safari tour guide (in 2021), breaking barriers and redefining representation within adventure and desert tourism.

In 2023, Khadija was selected as one of the 52 Emirati Women Achievers, recognizing her contribution to tourism, entrepreneurship, and cultural advocacy at a national level.

Khadija continues to champion and advocate for the growth of the tourism industry in the UAE, promoting authentic cultural experiences and inspiring the next generation of Emirati leaders in tourism and hospitality.