Hassan Al Kontar

Keynote Speaker | Vancouver, British Columbia

Diversity & Inclusion Expert
Best Selling Author | Human Rights Activist

Hassan Al Kontar Expertise Strategic Thinking, Change Management, Adaptability & Agility, Transformation, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Cultural Diversity, Racial Justice, Leadership and Change and Change Makers & Advocates.

Hassan Al Kontar

About Hassan Al Kontar

Hassan Al Kontar is a Syrian Refugee, best selling author, and Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights advocate. Who spent 7 months in Malaysia to avoid joining the Syrian army. In 2018 when Hassan al-Kontar found himself stranded in a Malaysian airport for seven months, unable to leave for fear of his life. Five years on, the Syrian refugee, Hassan Al Kontar has now become a Canadian citizen. Hassan Al Kontar is a humanitarian, and human rights and refugee activist who advocates compelling stories & is committed to advocating for refugees around the world using the creative, upbeat approach that made him beloved by a broad audience.

Hassan Al Kontar Videos

Hassan Al Kontar | Keynote Speaker | Speakers Bureau of Canada

Hassan Al Kontar's Presentation at Uvic

Syrian Refugee Arrives in Vancouver After Months in Malaysian Airport

Hassan Al Kontar Interviews & Podcasts

This Syrian Refugee Has Been Stuck in an Airport Transit Zone for More

Why Has This Man Been Stuck at an Airport for Months? Bbc Stories

Refugees, Immigration, and Being Stateless with Hassan Al Kontar | Eth

Hassan Al Kontar: Owning Your Destiny

HASSAN AL KONTAR BIOGRAPHY

Hassan Al Kontar is an author, a case manager for the Canadian Red Cross, a humanitarian, a refugee activist, and a compelling speaker who is committed to advocating for human rights around the world. He encourages individuals to believe in their capacity to make a difference. His creative, upbeat approach has made him an in-demand speaker beloved by a broad array of audiences.

Hassan Al Kontar was born in Sweida, Syria. He was working in the United Arab Emirates when the civil war began in Syria in 2011. His humanitarian ideals made it impossible for him to fight against his people as part of a dictator’s army. This moral stance cost him his passport and his work permit. Exiled by war and geopolitics, Hassan became homeless for five years in the UAE.  Deportation followed, which eventually led to him being trapped, essentially stateless, in an airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hassan lived in the airport for seven months, sleeping on the floor, and made headlines around the world as “The Airport Prisoner”. He used social media to inform the world of his situation, and the plight of refugees from Syria and other countries. Hassan Al Kontar was eventually arrested and detained in a deportation centre. A group of Canadians had become aware of his desperate situation and with enormous effort eventually managed to assist him in immigrating to Canada. Hassan Al Kontar is now a Canadian citizen and works full-time for the Canadian Red Cross, giving back to the country that welcomed him in his time of need.

Hassan wrote a book about his experiences titled Man@The Airport, which was published by Tidewater Press in 2021 and received glowingly positive reviews. Through the telling of his own story, he examines broader issues of refugeeism, humanitarianism, human rights, and the ability of individuals to effect positive change in the world.

Throughout his refugee journey and subsequent Canadian experiences, Hassan Al Kontar has given hundreds of media interviews to organizations including CBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, BBC, Der Spiegel, and many others. His written articles on issues of human rights have been published in major news media.

Hassan Al Kontar has a unique gift for sharing humanitarian ideas with a wide variety of audiences through his thoughtful analysis of issues, positive style, and his sense of humor. He calls on every one to engage in change, saying,  “Don’t look to others to be your hero. Find the hero in yourself – then stand up!” His particular refugee journey is a compelling example of one of the most timely issues of our generation, and through it, Hassan Al Kontar shares his profound understanding of the issues of human rights which shape all our lives.

Hassan Al Kontar Topic Presentations

Hassan Al Kontar Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Man @the Airport: One Man's Story: A Nation's Tragedy

Tweeting for Asylum

Hassan Al Kontar Books & Articles

Man@the_airport, How Social Media Saved My Life
Man@the_airport, How Social Media Saved My

When civil war broke out in his home country in 2011, Hassan Al Kontar was a young Syrian living and working in the UAE. After a series of...

We Caught up with the Syrian Refugee Who Spent Seven Months Trapped in an Airport
We Caught up with the Syrian Refugee Who Spent

https://www.vice.com/en/article/gyanpj/we-caught-up-with-the-syrian-refugee-who-spent-seven-months-trapped-in-an-airport

Syrian Refugee Stranded at Airport for 7 Months Realizes His Dream of Canadian Citizenship
Syrian Refugee Stranded at Airport for 7 Months

Hassan Al Kontar may be celebrating alone in his Princeton, B.C., hotel room, but he feels like he has the support of an entire country...

Syrian Refugee Who Lived in Airport for Months Becomes Canadian Citizen
Syrian Refugee Who Lived in Airport for Months

It was 2018 when Hassan al-Kontar found himself stranded in a Malaysian airport for seven months, unable to leave for fear of his...

He Spent 7 Months Living in an Airport, Until Canada Took Him In. Now He's Written a Book About It
He Spent 7 Months Living in an Airport, Until

Coffee has been a lifeline for Hassan Al Kontar since the war broke out in Syria. The former refugee spent seven months living in legal...

Hassan Al Kontar Speaking Testimonials

Coming Soon!

You May Also Like

Charles Achampong

Charles Achampong

Leadership Speaker & Author | Leadership Under Pressure, Judgment & Decision Making Expert

Charles Achampong

Speaker Topics

  • Leadership and Change
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Leadership Development
  • Governance
  • Change Management
  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Resilience & Change
  • Mindfulness
Charles Achampong is an award winning keynote speaker, storyteller, and Executive in Residence known for helping leaders lead under...
Dr. Kevin Alderson

Dr. Kevin Alderson

Mental Health | Diversity And LGBTQ2 Expert

Dr. Kevin Alderson

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Addictions & Substance Abuse
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Change Management
  • Confidence
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Disability
Dr. Kevin Alderson is a dynamic keynote speaker with 30 years experience as psychologist who is a recognized expert in...
Calgary Calgary, Alberta
Adera Angelucci

Adera Angelucci

Award-Winning Producer | Director | #1 Best-Selling Author | Speaker

Adera Angelucci

Speaker Topics

  • Digital & Social Media Marketing
  • Brand Strategy & Storytelling
  • Leadership
  • Leadership and Change
  • Excellence & Success
  • Women In Business
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Change Management
Adera Angelucci is an Award-Winning Host, Director and Producer. She's also a video and marketing coach to passionate, purpose-driven...
Carrie Anton

Carrie Anton

Paralympic Gold Medalist | Diversity | Innovation & Accessibility Expert

Featured

Carrie Anton

Speaker Topics

  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Happiness & Positivity
  • Mindset & Attitude
  • Resilience & Change
  • Personal Growth
  • Mental Health
  • Stress Management
  • Work Life Balance
Carrie Anton is a gold medalist, needs consultant, trainer, and technician with 20 years of experience in the assistive technology and...
Edmonton Edmonton, Alberta
Dr. Aaron Barth

Dr. Aaron Barth

TEDx Speaker | Workplace Science | E Learning And Inclusion Expert

Featured

Dr. Aaron Barth

Speaker Topics

  • Career Advancement
  • Change Management
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Happiness & Positivity
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Leadership
  • Leadership Development
Dr. Aaron Barth is a recognized expert in organizational transformation, leadership development, and workplace culture, with a Ph.D. in...
Mark Breslin

Mark Breslin

Mark Breslin | Canadian Comedy Icon | Renowned Speaker | Entrepreneur | Author

Featured

Mark Breslin

Speaker Topics

  • Communication
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Humour in the Workplace
  • Influence & Negotiation
  • Business Leadership
  • Mindset & Goal Accomplishment
  • Personal Leadership
  • Purposeful Work
  • Public Relations & Media Training
Mark Breslin is a visionary in the Canadian comedy scene, significantly impacting the entertainment industry. Born in Toronto, Mark Breslin...
Hon. Judge Marion Buller

Hon. Judge Marion Buller

MMIWG Commissioner & Former Judge | Human Rights, First Nation & Indigenous Advocate

Featured

Hon. Judge Marion Buller

Speaker Topics

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Cultural History, Safety & Humility
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Excellence & Success
  • Gender Equality
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Indigenous
  • Indigenous Business & Economics
Judge Marion Buller is a keynote speaker & human rights advocate who helped form the First Nations Courts in BC & the first woman...
Julie Cass

Julie Cass

Mindset and Wellness Expert | Leadership Strategist | Best Selling Author

Julie Cass

Speaker Topics

  • Strategic Thinking
  • Influence & Negotiation
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Nutrition & Fitness
  • Work Life Balance
  • Personal Leadership
  • Self Improvement & Self Care
  • Mindset & Attitude
  • Happiness & Positivity
Julie Cass is a keynote speaker, two-time best-selling author, and expert in wellness-based leadership. With over 20 years of...
Michael Redhead Champagne

Michael Redhead Champagne

Indigenous Advocate | Community Leader | Author | Public Speaker

Michael Redhead Champagne

Speaker Topics

  • Indigenous
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Racial Justice
  • Communication
  • Mental Health
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Community Resilience
  • Youth Empowerment
Michael Redhead Champagne is an Indigenous advocate, speaker, and author from Winnipeg’s North End, with roots in Shamattawa First...
Mahfuz Chowdhury

Mahfuz Chowdhury

3x International TEDx Speaker | Brand Strategist | Storyteller | Author | Podcaster

Featured

Mahfuz Chowdhury

Speaker Topics

  • Brand Strategy & Storytelling
  • Sales
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Resilience & Change
  • Teamwork
  • Business Leadership
  • Workplace Culture
  • Leadership
  • Strategic Thinking
Mahfuz Chowdhury is a national award winning brand strategist, author, and keynote speaker specializing in brand storytelling, resilience,...
Devon Clunis

Devon Clunis

Former Winnipeg Chief of Police | Workplace Culture Diversity & Inclusion Expert

Featured

Devon Clunis

Speaker Topics

  • Strategic Thinking
  • Change Management
  • Transformation
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Influence & Negotiation
  • Racial Justice
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Inclusive Leadership
Devon Clunis is an international business and leadership consultant with extensive Executive Leadership experience. He was Chief of Police...
Pearlene Clunis

Pearlene Clunis

Personal & Professional Life Growth | Diversity | Inclusion Expert

Featured

Pearlene Clunis

Speaker Topics

  • Excellence & Success
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Leadership and Change
  • Leadership Development
  • Mindset & Attitude
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Personal Growth
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Self Improvement & Self Care
Pearlene Clunis is an expert in personal and professional life growth, as well as diversity and inclusion. Born in Osoyoos, British...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hassan Al Kontar known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Hassan Al Kontar is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Hassan Al Kontar speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Hassan Al Kontar delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Hassan Al Kontar is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Hassan Al Kontar is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Hassan Al Kontar from and where do they speak across Canada?

Hassan Al Kontar is from Vancouver, British Columbia and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Hassan Al Kontar available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Hassan Al Kontar is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Hassan Al Kontar deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Hassan Al Kontar may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Hassan Al Kontar to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Hassan Al Kontar is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Hassan Al Kontar for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Hassan Al Kontar is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Hassan Al Kontar as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Hassan Al Kontar keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Hassan Al Kontar for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Hassan Al Kontar may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Hassan Al Kontar for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Hassan Al Kontar should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Hassan Al Kontar represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Hassan Al Kontar is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More