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.
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 Interviews & Podcasts
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
Hassan Al Kontar Speaking Testimonials
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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












