Fake TEDx Dubai Event Exposed: Speakers Targeted With $25,000 Scam Packages
TEDx Dubai scam offers “guaranteed” speaking slots and viral exposure for hefty fees.
A fake TEDx event in Dubai has been exposed for scamming aspiring speakers with “guaranteed” speaking slots priced as high as $25,000, promising viral video exposure on TED’s official platforms.
The elaborate fraud was uncovered by Khaleej Times through an undercover investigation, where journalists posing as clients were offered tiered “speaker packages” costing between $10,000 and $25,000 (approximately Dh37,000 to Dh92,000).
TED Confirms: No charges allowed.
TED headquarters in Vancouver has denounced the operation, clarifying that no authentic TEDx event charges its speakers.
“TEDx events are independently organised by local volunteers around the world under a free licence from TED. Just like TED events, TEDx events should not have any commercial agenda,” a spokesperson told Khaleej Times.
The organisation added: “Our rules explicitly state that speakers are not to be charged or paid for their participation. Any organiser found to be charging speaker candidates, or staging clients with services charging candidates, may have their event licence removed and be subject to legal action if necessary. Resulting talks associated with such services will be removed.”
How the Scam Worked
The fake event, allegedly set for October 16 at a five-star hotel in Dubai Marina, was being run by Indian fraudsters claiming to represent TEDx. Promotional materials obtained by Khaleej Times advertised “Guaranteed TEDx Speaker Packages” — including the $10,000 Spotlight Package that promised fast-tracked approval, publication on TED’s official YouTube channel, and “private networking with other speakers.”
A $15,000 Elite Package offered additional perks such as IMDb listings, SEO boosts, and PR coverage in over ten publications. Meanwhile, the $25,000 Ultimate Package assured curated scripts, professional coaching, and an “international publicity blitz.”
To lend credibility, scammers falsely named high-profile participants, including Joe Mittiga, founder of Project Smile; “$100m entrepreneur” Martin Martinex; Swiss consultant Samuel Huber; and Dutch e-commerce mogul Samuel Onuha of Icon Amsterdam.
Hotel management later confirmed that a booking had indeed been made for that date, but it was not linked to any licensed TEDx organiser.
TEDx Community Urged to Stay Alert
The discovery has sparked fresh warnings for public speakers and entrepreneurs across the UAE to verify the legitimacy of events before paying or applying.
TED stressed that all official TEDx events are listed on its website and operate under strict non-commercial guidelines.
This incident adds to a growing number of online scams exploiting globally recognised brands for profit, particularly in regions with vibrant startup and influencer communities like Dubai.