Abbas Sabuwala

IT Security & Operations Manager (CISO), Prominent Freezone in Dubai, UAE

Abbas Sabuwala is a distinguished CISO and a Chartered IT professional, renowned for his adeptness in assisting organizations in fortifying their digital landscape and safeguarding valuable information assets. His proficiency lies in the establishment and maintenance of a robust governance framework across technology, people, and processes, while simultaneously fostering a culture of heightened security awareness. With a comprehensive background in various IT domains, Abbas has undertaken leadership roles in several high-value IT strategic initiatives, encompassing Business applications, Information Security, Cloud Infrastructure, and Telecommunications, within prominent multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government verticals.

Abbas has adeptly overseen numerous pivotal projects in the realm of Mergers and acquisitions, ERP implementations, Integrated risk management, Business resiliency, Crisis management, and Digital transformation. 

Eng. Arif Al Janahi

Security Engineering Director | SIRA, UAE

Arif Al Janahi is a higher collages of technology alumni since 1997. He graduated as industrial electronics engineer. Al Janahi has more than 22 years of experience in the field of security industries. He gained his experience working in Dubai police - department of protective system since 2008, where he had deferent technical specialties managing city wide projects. In 2016 he held his current position as security engineering director in SIRA. He is a registered chartered security professional at the security institute. 

Aaron Coppard

Head of Security MENA, Pakistan & Russia/CIS, GSK, UAE

Over 10 years’ experience in Intelligence and Security, previously in the British Army for 7 years including operational tours in Eastern Europe and Afghanistan. Aaron specialised in identifying and mitigating threats posed by threat actors such as hostile intelligence services and extremist groups. This experience in operational planning provided a deep understanding of the strategies employed by adversaries, which enabled the development of robust security protocols to safeguard the British Army’s reputation. Following the British Army, Aaron joined GSK’s Corporate Security and Investigations function. Currently he is based in Dubai as the Head of Security with an area of operations covering Middle East and North Africa, Pakistan, Russia/CIS. Aaron provides business-enabling support across diverse risk environments, including travel and operations to high risk environments, physical security review of GSK portfolio in the region, training and development of crisis management teams to prepare for business disruption, and supply chain security to safeguard valuable assets and critical medicine for patients.

Aaron Le Boutillier

Regional VP,  ASIS International, Bangkok

Aaron Le Boutillier MSc has been involved in aviation, corporate security, executive protection and investigations since leaving the UK Police force in 1997. Since then Aaron has been involved in writing and delivering in-flight aviation security programs for airlines the world over and has trained over 40,000 cabin crew in all aspects of in-flight security.

He is currently retained by several large MNC’s to act as outsourced head of security and crisis management advisor and by several companies on a 24/7 crisis call out capacity. He has run executive protection details for some of the world’s most prominent business men and conducts specific defensive tactics courses (weaponize your body) to Special Force Operators and Royal Thai Police Commandoes in Thailand where he is fluent in spoken and written Thai. Aaron received his honorary wings from the Thai Special Forces (Special Operations Command, Lop Buri) in 2019 for his work as CPO to Eilon Musk in the Chiang Rai cave rescue.

Aaron has provided executive protections services for the C.E.O. of Northrop Grumman, Mike Tyson and Eilon Musk and other high-profile C.E.O’s.

Abdullah Al Barwani

GM, Corporate Security, Omantel

Abdullah has more than 22+ years’ experience in information technology and security management. Abdullah has established cybersecurity programs in 3 different sectors throughout his career taking a risk-based approach specific to those sectors to acquire and develop the right talent, establish the frameworks and processes, and build organizational structures.

Abdullah started his career in the Ministry of Defense of Oman in the year 2000 as a system administrator before he was given the task to establish the cybersecurity program 3 years later focusing in managing security risks in the entire Ministry. In 2006 Abdullah has moved to the Government Sector as part of the E-Government program where Abdullah established the first cybersecurity division in 2008 where he developed 7 critical managed services run by more than 26 nationals providing services to over 400 government entities.    

Since mid-2017, Abdullah started a new career journey by joining the national telecom operator of Oman (Omantel) as a GM for the corporate security division with a responsibility to establish SOC services covering both IT and Telecom domain as well as other Managed Security services including security advisory. Key projects included the implementation of a signaling firewall, LTE Gateway, Network compliance and Advanced Persistent threats protection. To govern the security program, Abdullah has contributed to the certification of the ISO 27001 and PCI. Other governance frameworks established was IoT and NFV frameworks based on GSMA frameworks. 

Arezki Daoud

Founder & Editor, North Africa Journal (USA)

Arezki Daoud is Chief Executive and Principal Analyst at MEA Risk LLC. He is also the founder and current Editor of The North Africa Journal. Arezki oversees all aspects of MEA Risk research and country risk tracking activity, focusing on Africa. Arezki studied oil, gas and international economics in Algiers and Boston. He previously worked for oil company Sonatrach, then held research, forecasting and consulting positions for Harvard University, International Data Group and IDC. As an expert on North African affairs, Arezki delivers presentations on North African affairs to a wide range of institutions, including global corporations, conferences, think thanks such as Washington DC’s Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), media such as CSpan, associations such as the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), etc. He has been a commentator in the international press, from Al-Jazeera TV and CTV News to CBS Radio and many newspapers. 

Dr. Abdullah Khurram

Strategic Foresight Expert, UAE

Dr. Abdullah Khurram brings over 10 years of political risk and strategic foresight consulting experience across all six habitable continents. He has served as the Head of MENA at Torchlight AI, as a Research Fellow at PoliTact, as aStrategic Advisor at Gulf State Analytics & as a Research Associate at the Middle East Institute in Washington and at the Economic Policy Research Institute in Cape Town, South Africa. He has also served on the board of advisors for Duke University’s U.S.-China Leadership Summit, and has been involved with The University of Chicago’s U.S.-China Treaty Project that advised on federal level on the future of relations between the two countries. Dr. Khurram has frequently guest lectured including at Columbia University, Duke University, Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy, Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies in Slovenia, and not limited to the National Defence University (NDU) of Pakistan. Dr. Khurram holds a PhD in international, political and strategic studies from The Australian National University, a master’s degree in global security studies from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in international relations from The University of Chicago.

Ali M. Al Qahtani

Ras Tanura Industrial Security Operations Manager, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia

Ali AlQahtani, CPP. PSP. is a security operations manager who has been working in Saudi Aramco for the last 15 years. Ali has Bachelor degree on Criminology and Criminal Justice from the university of Leeds in the United Kingdom and Master Degree on business and organizational security management from Webster University from the United States. Since 2016, he acquired the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Physical Security Professional (PSP) from ASIS International.

Ali was hired by Saudi Aramco on 2008 and since then he has been working on the industrial security organization on different field including planning, safety, training and operational excellence. In 2019, he led Saudi Aramco Emergency Center in Dhahran and in 2021, he was assigned as Ras Tanura Industrial Security Operations Division’s Manager where he is leading the security team who are covering several critical oil and gas facilities. He is also ASIS Dhahran Chapter Vice Chairman.

Bruce Braes

Head of Security Consulting, Buro Happold

Bruce Braes is the Head of Security Consulting for Buro Happold the global engineering design and advisory practice headquartered in the UK and operating across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Before taking up this role in August 2020, Bruce was the Director Physical Security at Jacobs, Critical Mission Solutions in the United Kingdom, having joined Jacobs’s Major Projects in 2014. Prior to joining Jacobs, Bruce was Risk Manager with Parson Brinckerhoff, and a Principal Security Consultant with AECOM in Western Australia. Prior to this he spent 12 years as founder and director of Strategic Security Solutions International, a global security risk management consulting firm that he sold in 2008 to Universal Guardian Holdings.

Bruce is a Chartered Security Professional (CSyP), Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), Certification Institute of Risk Management (CMIRM), Certified Security Consultant (CSC), Certified in Risk Identification and Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Nuclear Security Professional (CNSP).

He holds an MA (Security Management) from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, MEng (Risk Management) from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, and MSc (Security Science) from Edith Cowan University In Perth, Australia.

Bruce has served on the ASIS International Standards and Guidelines Commission since 2018. He is on British Standards Institute GW/3 Private Security management and services committee and RM/1 Risk Management Committee. He also serves as a UK expert on the ISO/TC 262. 

He has presented at conferences in USA, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Europe

Craig Jones

Cybercrime Director, INTERPOL 

With more than three decades in law enforcement, Craig Jones leads the INTERPOL Global Cybercrime Programme. The Programme aims to reduce the harm caused by cybercrime impact worldwide through threat response, operations, and global law enforcement capacity building. To do so, INTERPOL strongly promotes Public-Private Partnerships for robust cybercrime intelligence and offers regional support through collaboration with Cybercrime Unit Heads globally.

In addition to managing many significant international projects, Mr. Jones holds various advisory roles in prominent organizations including the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Cybersecurity.

Prior to joining INTERPOL, Mr. Jones held key roles in the UK law enforcement, coordinating responses to the National Cyber Security Programme. Known as a strategic thinker, he foresees the impact of broad developments affecting the global cybercrime threat landscape, with the ultimate goal of building communities to protect communities through partnerships.

Dr. Carlotta Rodriquez

Disaster Risk Data Governance & Policy Design Specialist, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Arab STAG (Scientific Technical Advisory Group), UAE

Dr Carlotta Rodriquez is a risk and emergency management specialist, with particular focus on DRR, policy making and resilience assessment. She combines extensive academic and field experience, teaching theoretical knowledge and how to make it operational.

Her field of expertise covers architecture and seismic engineering, Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Resilience and Social Vulnerability, Disaster management, Shelters and emergency settlements, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Cultural Heritage, Information management, project writing and project management.

She worked as a researcher and professor for several Institutions in Switzerland, Portugal, Italy, and UAE, and as a consultant for international organizations in the field of Disaster Risk Management and Post Disaster Reconstruction, in Asia and in Africa.

Highly flexible and efficient, Dr Carlotta worked effectively all over the world in very diverse environments such as governmental institutions, international organizations, research centers and in the field engaging communities and local stakeholders.

She is part of several international scientific groups: she is member of two ISO working groups withing the Scientific Committee 292 -Security and Resilience, she is member of the national council of the italian disaster managers’ association (ASSODIMA), and she is part of the UNDRR-ARAB Scientific Technical Advisory Group (STAG).

MSc in Architecture –University of Rome “La Sapienza”.

Thesis: Sustainable technologies with a focus on recycled concrete, Life Cycle Assessment and fiber-optic measuring methods.

MSc in Engineering (Advanced structural modelling, analysis and design) –University of Rome “La Sapienza”

Thesis: Structural Health Monitoring of Cultural Heritage.

PhD in Risk and Emergency Management – IUSS Pavia/University of Pavia

Thesis: A framework to assess Disaster Resilience based on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzooqi

Director General, International Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Interior 

A career law enforcement professional, Dana is responsible for driving the Ministry’s international collaboration agenda. She manages international relations and partnerships for the Ministry, working closely with law enforcement agencies and international organizations across the world. She leads multiple international police task forces. She also heads the Secretariat of the International Security Alliance, which consists of Ministries of Interior from 10 countries across the world collaborating on a range of security issues.

Dana is a passionate advocate for ensuring the safety and security of vulnerable sections of our communities. She plays an active role in ensuring the safety of children in the UAE by overseeing the Ministry’s Child Protection Centre. She has led the strategic plan for combatting online child sexual abuse in the UAE and participated in the development and enhancements of national child protection related legislations and policies.

Dana is actively involved in enhancing international efforts to combat the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. She serves as a Board Member on the WEPROTECT Global Alliance and the Virtual Global Taskforce. She is also the co-chair of AI for Safer Children (AI4SC), a joint initiative between UNICRI and the UAE Ministry of Interior to leverage the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Dana Haubold

CISO external, Help AG

Dana is a Security, Risk and Business continuity management professional based in UAE with 16 years of work experience in business and security for the energy sector, design & engineering, and event & sport industries in the Middle East. Dana’s professional focus areas are the development of integrated Security Risk Management for Physical, Information and Cyber Security, Security Strategy, Governance, Compliance, Business Continuity, and Incident and Crisis Management. She holds a number of security certifications in various domains, including the CSMP®, CISSP, CRISC and CBCI and has recently achieved the Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) status. Dana also sits on the Middle East Members Group of The Security Institute, which is the regional representation of the UK’s largest membership body of security professionals.

Daniel Norman

Regional Director - EMEA, Information Security Forum

Daniel Norman is the Regional Director for the ISF across EMEA. His expertise lies in cyber resilience, supplier security, risk management and changing security behaviours. He has worked on a variety of research projects at the ISF exploring future threat forecasting, cyber exercises and social engineering. He has experience at Goldman Sachs, PwC and is a frequent contributor to Security Middle East Magazine.

David Rubens

Executive Director, Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM), UK

Dr David Rubens is Executive Director of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM) and CEO of Deltar Group, a global provider of strategic crisis management programmes and consultancy services. He is a recognised global authority on strategic management of complex events, and has over 30 years experience working with government agencies, multinational corporations and NGOs in modelling, preparing for and engaging with the complex risks that the world is currently facing.

David is a member of the UK National Preparedness Commission, is a Professor in the United Nations University European Centre for Peace and Development where he is Director of the Strategic Risk and Crisis Management programme, and is on the Advisory Board of numerous global organisations. He is a former member of the UK Critical Infrastructure Resilience Executive Steering Committee as a Subject Matter Expert for the strategic management of complex crisis management, and was voted the IFSEC No 1 Global Security Thought Leader of 2019.

David Alamos Martinez

Chief, Office on Parliamentary Engagement, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (Special Projects and Innovation Branch)

Mr. David Alamos is a Spanish attorney at law, specialized in Criminal Law, with experience in the areas of justice reform, criminal justice, terrorism prevention and the fight against organized crime. He is also graduated as Business Administrator and has worked in developing and managing technical assistance programmes to enhance capacities of Member States of the United Nations at the national, regional and international levels.

Mr. Alamos has been working with the United Nations Organization since 2004, in Austria, Colombia, Italy, Qatar and Switzerland, holding different positions as Chief of Crime Prevention and Justice and Terrorism Prevention Expert for Latin America and the Caribbean at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Legal Advisor at the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), Evaluation and Monitoring Advisor at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Donor Relation Officer at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Prior to his experience in the United Nations, Mr. Alamos worked in the European Commission and in the Embassy of Spain in Austria, as well as in the private sector.

Currently, Mr. Alamos serves as the Head of the Parliamentary Engagement Office in Preventing and Countering Terrorism at the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). He is dedicated to enhancing parliamentary core functions and coordination of parliamentary assemblies in preventing and countering terrorism and addressing the underlying spread of violent extremism. Through the implementation of the UNOCT Global Programme on Parliamentary Engagement, Mr. Alamos focuses on strengthening the role of parliaments in law-making, policy-setting, budget allocation, oversight of government actions while ensuring a whole-of-society and gender sensitive approaches to counter terrorism, as well as the interests of communities and the work with vulnerable groups at risk of radicalization.

Divakar Pandian

 Associate Director – Resilience| Red Sea Global, Saudi Arabia

Divakar Pandian is a distinguished figure in the world of resilience engineering, boasting a remarkable 15-year journey dedicated to helping organizations strengthen their resilience culture and enhance their capacity to navigate and recover from unforeseen disruptions. As the founder of the #MakeResilienceAccessible movement, Divakar has spearheaded an initiative that strives to make resilience accessible to all, ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to preparing for an unpredictable future. Author of the insightful book, "Defluffing Resilience: A Practical Guide to Resilience," Divakar provides a fresh perspective on resilience that resonates with the universal truth that disasters show no discrimination – they strike without regard for wealth, status, or industry. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, his book underscores the pivotal role economic strength plays in shaping the effectiveness of resilience measures. "Defluffing Resilience" stands as a manifesto committed to ushering in a new era of comprehension and empowerment in the realm of resilience. By demystifying the jargon and complexities that often shroud this subject, the book offers straightforward yet profound insights that promise to redefine the future of resilience practices. Furthermore, Divakar is the host of an engaging podcast that bridges the gap between theory and practical implementation. With a focus on making resilience accessible to both beginners and seasoned experts, his podcasts foster insightful conversations that demystify the intricacies of resilience engineering. Passion drives Divakar Pandian's advocacy for resilience engineering, firmly believing that it is an indispensable pillar for any organization aspiring to not just survive but thrive in today's intricate and unpredictable world. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making him a sought-after expert in the field.

Dr. Daria Daniels Skodnik

Senior Scholar, International Security & Defense & Former Deputy Commandant & Dean | NATO Defense College, Slovenia

Dr. Daria Daniels Skodnik is an international affairs expert and a distinguished academic renowned for her exceptional professional experience, which encompasses an extensive military, academic, and diplomatic background.

Having spent over two decades in international relations and publicdiplomacy, Dr. Daniels provides her expertise at the intersection of international organizations, governments, academia, and think tanks. She has held multiple leadership and management roles in the public policy sector, dealing with international relations and organizations such as the UN, EU,

OSCE, and NATO. Within her diplomatic capacity, she has contributed significantly to the development of senior professional education and has worked extensively on bilateral and multilateral diplomacy platforms with governments and academic institutions worldwide.

Eleanor Berry

Deputy Country Manager | CTG South Sudan & Steering Committee | Oversees Security Advisory Council (OSAC), UAE

Eleanor Berry, Deputy Country Manager, CTG South Sudan Eleanor has over a decade of experience in security, intelligence and risk management. Currently managing CTG’s operations in South Sudan, Eleanor previously directed an intelligence advisory firm headquartered in Dubai. Her expertise lies in cultivating and guiding diverse teams and providing counsel to clients navigating high-risk environments. She also sits on the OSAC Dubai Steering Committee, spearheading Diversity Equality & Inclusion initiatives for women in security.

Emanuel Jech

Head of Security Risk Management, WSP, UAE

Emanuel leads the multidisciplinary Security Risk Management consulting practice at WSP Middle East. He is a security and risk professional with 35 years of industry experience in private security, corporate security, and in consulting for the built environment and information security in Canada, Europe and in the Middle East. As an end client, he has worked as a Google Data Centre Security Manager,  Safety & Security Manager EMEA at Salesforce, and corporate security manager at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi in a GRC role within the technology department covering operational sites and capital projects security risk and planning for security systems and operations.

Faisel AllTaleb

AVSEC Proffesional Manager and Cargo Security Manager, Saudi Arabia

Faisel AllTaleb is a certified ICAO AVSEC Professional Manager with experience in enhancing and managing cargo security operations within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, throughout his professional career he has studied and worked in enhancing security measures and practices using innovative security technologies at King Khalid International Airport, through successful delivery of high-profile security infrastructure projects.

Dr Gaurav Singh

Head Technology, Innovation and Automation, Adani Group Security

Dr Gaurav Singh, Head Technology, Innovation and Automation - Adani Group Security, earned his PhD in ‘Supply Chain Optimisation & Risk Management’ from IIT Delhi and won ‘Gold medal’ and the prestigious “Padmashri MM Suri” award during his M. Tech from IIT Delhi. 

As General Manager of Army Base Workshop, he drove the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaign resulting in indigenization of 350+ high-tech and low-tech assemblies, resulting in optimizing, costs and lead times of Manufacturing.

Currently, Other than 250+ Projects globally, he is driving Digital Transformation and centralized integration of various applications and services, to enable cross functional consumption of data for effective analysis, and better and faster business Multi-Criteria Decision Making.

Dr Gaurav Singh has delivered keynotes in numerous Government, Industry, Technical and Academic Seminars and conferences. He is a peer reviewer for several International Journals. He is the ‘ASIS’ State chapter co-chair.

Dr. Gareth Lee Stubbs

Interim Program Chair – Policing & Security, Rabdan Academy, UAE

Dr. Gareth Stubbs became a police officer after completing his Law degree and served for 18 years in Northern England, working predominantly in uniform roles in Emergency Response and Community Policing. Whilst serving, Gareth completed his 2^nd degree, two Masters Degrees, and started his PhD in Policing. Gareth’s PhD was in diversity in police recruitment, utilizing social identity and labor market theoretical frameworks. He finished his service as a senior manager, managing the Uniform response and Neighborhood policing functions in a very busy town in the UK. Gareth is now the Interim Program Chair of Policing and Security at Rabdan Academy. He has a deep interest in the use of technology in policing, change management, and is currently exploring the intersection between frontline service delivery and digital policing methods. His current focus is on attempting to understand the likely challenges police will face in the Metaverse.

Hamad Al-Melaihi

Head of Industrial Security Operations Planning & Performance, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia

Hamad Al-Melaihi has graduated from King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals with a bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering. He also has a masters degree in Human Resources Development from Texas A&M. Hamad has several leadership and professional certifications including Executive Leadership from MIT, Project Management (PMP) and Professional Security Professional from ASIS International (PSP).

Hamad has joined Saudi Aramco on 2008 as an Engineer and  progressed within the company covering many positions. He was assigned to Aramco Americas during the period of 2013 to 2016 overseeing the development programs. On 2019, Hamad has been assigned as Fire Protection Northern Remote Area Manager. He has wide experience Security Maintenance Systems, Security Training, Fire Protection, Project Management and Planning and Performance. In 2023, he has been assigned as the Head of Industrial Security Operations Planning and Performance. Hamad also is handling the role of ASIS Assistant Regional Vice President in the Middle East.

Hussein Abdallah

Security Risk Expert and Government Relations Adviser, Shell, UAE

Hussein is Shell’s regional corporate relations adviser, covering non-technical risks to business in the MENA region with focus on supporting business development. Prior to his present role, Hussein covered regional security intelligence as part of Shell’s global intelligence and assessment team. Hussein has a diverse professional background in corporate, consultancy, government, and media. He is a steering committee member of OSAC’s Dubai chapter and a contributor to OSAC regional conferences in MENA since 2016.

Col. John Pumphrey

Military Police and Security Executive, Canadian Armed Forces, UAE


Colonel Pumphrey joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986 and has served in specialist security and policing positions throughout his career. Recently, he has been employed as the defence advisor to several Canadian Embassies and has worked to improve bilateral defence relations in Southeast and Southwest Asia, and within the family of GCC countries. 

Career highlights include serving as a Chief of Police and Security at a Canadian Military Base, deploying with the United Nations in Haiti, acting as NATO’s senior policing advisor for security sector reform of the Afghan National Police throughout southern Afghanistan in 2008, and serving as the first commander of a specialist security formation that included VIP Protective Services, the national military prison and custody services, and security management services for Canadian embassies worldwide.

In 2011, he assumed duties as the Deputy Departmental Security Officer for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Department of National Defence (DND) where he developed a national strategy for security reform across the enterprise. Later he assumed the position of

Director of Defence Security Operations within the newly established Director General Defence Security organisation which he helped to define.

Colonel Pumphrey was appointed as an officer of the Order of Military Merit in 2011. He is also a Certified Protection Professional with ASIS International. He has a diploma in engineering, a bachelor’s degree in military and strategic studies, and holds advanced degrees in the Study of Risk, Crisis, and Disaster Management, as well as an MBA in Quality Management. He is currently a doctoral candidate in applied social science, with research interests in decision-making and conflict prevention in fragile nation states.

Colonel Pumphrey plans to finish his doctorate in 2024 and then switch his attention to improving his guitar playing skills. He needs a lot of practice.

Jude Carnegie

Director - EMEA Emerging Markets & Africa, Security & Resilience Operations, Google, UAE

Jude Carnegie is the EMEA Emerging Markets, Security and Resilience Operations Director in Google’s Global Security and Resilience Services (GSRS) team, which ensures our people and spaces are safe while preserving Google’s open and collaborative culture.

Prior to Google, Jude has held a number of security leadership and advisory positions, most recently delivering the security program for Expo 2020, as the Head of the Security Project Management Office. She has also worked for Frontier Services Group, Invest bank and as a senior security consultant working for Control Risks and G4S Risk Management, where she worked in a variety of sectors, both government and commercial including; ports, oil & gas, NGO, transport, retail, hospitality, and critical national infrastructure. Jude began her career in the British Army as an Army Officer, completing two tours in Afghanistan.

Jude has a wealth of experience in developing strategic relationships and advising C-Suite and governmental personnel on geo-political and security-based risks. Her expertise resides in crisis management and communication, security governance, continuity, and resilience, particularly in the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Jude has a BA in History and a Masters in International Affairs from the King’s College London. She holds a range of security qualifications and is an active member across various networking forums including OSAC, ASIS, ISMI and the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals. She has lived in Dubai for around 10 years, is married, with two young children aged 5 and 3.

Col. Kanwal Kishore

Head of Security I Jio World Centre - Reliance Global Corporate Security

An Indian Army veteran with 21 years of service who has demonstrated professional competence and expertise in high-risk security operations. He has shown persistence when faced with challenges in counter terrorist operations. He served as Military Observer with UN at DRC and has been trained in specialized skills at Saalfelden, Austria.  He has been a training instructor at three prime institutes of the Indian Army and has been conferred with Gallantry Award by President of India and won appreciation for rescue missions.

From last six years he is heading security of Asia’s biggest multi-use customer facing infrastructure – Jio World Centre. His expertise lies in protection of assets, security automation systems, emergency response, crisis management, business continuity management and protection to mega events. He is CPP from ASIS and CBCP from DRI International. He has been awarded multiple times and recently been accoladed with ‘Security Professional of the Year award in Corporate Security 2023’.  

He has participated in various knowledge sharing sessions as keynote speaker and panellist. He is a member of ASIS International, DRI International, FSAI and IFSEC India. He brings to the table vast experience of a soldier and a corporate security specialist who is a team player, focused, and has a high level of integrity.

Kashif Khalid

Regional Director - Africa & Middle East (Operations, Safety & Security)  l IATA 

Kashif Khalid is Regional Director – Africa & Middle East for IATA’s Operations, Safety & Security division with a core focus on Airports, Passenger Experience, Cargo, Ground Operations, Security & Facilitation, providing leadership and advocacy with stakeholders to further IATA’s mission, projects, strategic partnerships, and industry standards.

Formerly he was Head of Assets & Acquisitions at Abu Dhabi Airports, leading the Global Airport development and M&A function for the UAE Government entity and its Sovereign Wealth Fund as well as the innovation, sustainability, and operations strategy for the UAE Airports portfolio.

He has advised global Airports, Governments and Airport Investors/Operators on both Greenfield and brownfield development projects, Operations Strategy, Commercial-Nonaeronautical revenue development, privatizations, public private partnerships in airports and associated infrastructure projects and concessions.

Dr. Kaan Yıldızgöz

Senior Director of Membership & Global Operations | UITP (Belgium)

Kaan Yıldızgöz is currently responsible for UITP's global operations, including the supervision of all global offices, legal entities, and subsidiaries. Dr. Yıldızgöz is also accountable for membership development/retention worldwide, which involves providing services and maintaining relationships with public transport organizations. Previously, he worked as the Senior Director in charge of Membership, Marketing & Services, and earlier as the Director of UITP Academy in Brussels, Director of MENA Centre for Transport Excellence in Dubai, Loyalty & CRM Director of Turkish Airlines, and Quality & Development Director at Metro Istanbul.

Dr. Kaan Yıldızgöz was a member of the Star Alliance Loyalty Strategy Committee, an Advisory Board Member of the International Association of Transport Regulators (IATR), and a Training Advisory Board Member of the International Road Union (IRU). He served as part-time teaching staff at Istanbul and Bahcesehir Universities, and he was a guest lecturer at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

Kaan Yıldızgöz holds the distinction of being the first student from Istanbul Technical University to graduate in 2.5 years from the four-year-long Management Engineering Program. Additionally, he holds a master's degree from Marmara University in the field of International Business Administration and completed the "Infrastructure in a Market Economy: Public Private Partnerships" Executive Education Program at Harvard University. Dr. Yıldızgöz has completed his Ph.D. studies with a thesis titled "Emergence of Transportation Network Companies: An Analysis of Urban Mobility, Regulation, and the Future Role in Urban Mobility Ecosystem."

Furthermore, Dr. Yıldızgöz is the author of the books "Taxis in the Era of Digitalization" (2018) and "Taxis in the Era of Coronavirus" (2020).

Kevin Graham

CEO, The Critical Communications Association (TCCA)

Kevin is a communications industry expert with more than 40 years’ international experience in engineering, sales and marketing, management, advisory and Board roles for private and public companies across APAC, the USA and Europe. He has 20 years’ experience in providing advisory services to telecommunications sectors including critical industries, resources, government, public safety, transport and utilities. Kevin is founding chair/director of critical communication industry associations in Australasia (2000-2021), North America (2012-2015), past President Australian Radio Site Owners and Users Associations (now ARCIA). 

Lorraine Adkins

Interim Director of Campus Safety Operations| New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE

Lorraine Adkins is the Interim Director Campus Safety Operations at NYUAD, with a wide remit covering emergency management, business continuity, and all aspects of the physical security operations spectrum. 

Lorraine is a retired British Army Officer who served for 26 years in British Military Intelligence. During a successful military career, Lorraine saw active service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Afghanistan and completed two operational tours in Iraq. 

Lorraine was awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal in 1993 for her contribution to Operation Desert Storm in Iraq, while working as a security and intelligence analyst at the UK Ministry of Defense in Whitehall, London.

Now in her ninth year at NYUAD, Lorraine continues to use her crisis management knowledge and experience to develop campus incident response plans and emergency and business continuity protocols. Prior to her current role, Lorraine has worked as a security and intelligence consultant in the UAE, Qatar and the UK.

Leo Levit

Steering Committee Chair | ONVIF, Sweden

Leo Levit has spent many years in the technology innovation and product management fields. Beginning with a master's degree in Electronic Engineering, his professional career has included multiple positions in several multinational companies such as Ericsson and Sony. During Leo’s 20+ year career, he has contributed to technology adoption in the telecommunication, security and video analytics fields. Leo is currently the Director of System Integration at Axis Communications AB.

Mark Nuttall

Director of Risk, Thomson Reuters & Chair | ISRM UAE Chapter

Mr Nuttall MA CAMS CPP PMP is Chair of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management in the UAE. He has an extensive counter-crime, business, geopolitics, and risk background, and over 25 years of experience in global risk management, anti-financial crime, and international security. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, the Institute of Paralegals, the International Compliance Association, the Institute of Strategic Risk Management, and the Royal Society of Arts, and holds a Master’s degree in International Security. His extensive practitioner and leadership experience span the corporate, political,  and government sectors, and he has had work published across multiple mediums.

Mauro Miedico

Director United Nations Counter- Terrorism Centre | United Nations Office on Counter Terrorism (UNOCT), USA

Mr. Mauro Miedico is an Italian attorney at law with post-graduate studies at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Italy, and at the prestigious Ecole Nationale d’ Administration (ENA) in France.

He has been working with the Organization of the United Nations since 1996, in the United States, Austria, Haiti, Serbia, Sierra Leone, and Colombia, holding different positions as Legal Advisor with the United Nations Department of Peace-keeping Operations (UNDPKO), with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and with the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT). Mr. Miedico has particularly worked in the field of justice reform and as an advisor to a number of governments on criminal justice and on preventing and countering terrorism. 

Mr. Miedico currently serves as Director of the United Nations Counter Terrorism Centre (UNCCT). He provides strategic and programmatic advisory services and expertise to the Under-Secretary General of Counter-Terrorism addressing complex strategic, operational and policy issues. In his senior leadership position at the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism, he also oversees, and has lead responsibility on a variety of counter terrorism technical assistance initiatives and programmes under the Office. 

Mike Latza

Regional Chief Security Officer l Mastercard Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa

Mike Latza, based in Dubai, is responsible for protecting Mastercard critical assets and assisting the business to build trust in the cyber domain so we can secure the world beyond cash for the Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Prior to his current role, Mike served 8 years as a Special Agent in the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service at various locations domestically and throughout the Middle East & Africa. Mike also served as a U.S. Army Engineer officer in Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Mike holds the Certified Protection Professional designation from the American Society for Industrialized Security, the Certified Information Security Manager certification from ISACA, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Dayton, Ohio.

Mike Redington

Chief Executive | BSIA, UK

Mike Reddington was appointed as Chief Executive of the BSIA (British Security Industry Association) in 2019. The BSIA is a trade association that represents more than 70% of UK companies operating in the professional security industry sector and is recognised as ‘the voice of the professional security industry’.

Mike has worked in the security industry for over 25 years and began his career in electronic engineering before moving into sales, marketing and management, rising into senior roles for a variety of leading blue-chip organisations, such as Honeywell and ADI. He is passionate about the industry with a commitment and drive to identify and develop standards, quality, best practice, and professionalism within the security industry. Mike also holds an MBA from Leeds University Business School.

Mohammad S. Alries

Chief of Emergency Center| Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia

Mohammad S. Alries, Chief of Saudi Aramco Dhahran 911 Emergency Center. Mohammad hold a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice from University of Arizona. In 2012, Mohammad joined Saudi Arabia Control and Investigation Board “ Nazaha” in Tabuk. In 2013, Mohammed Joined Corporate Security Services at Saudi Aramco as an investigator dealing with different types of investigation cases within the company. In 2019, Mohammad was appointed as Sr. Planner for Dharan Area Industrial Security Operation. In 2020, Mohammad was assigned as Security Support Services Unit head. In 2021, Mohammad was assigned as the manager of the security and Operation Control Room OCR of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. The Pavilion was a major success with 5,000,000 visitors have visited the pavilion safely and securely.  Mohammad has a massive experience as a manager of different security operation divisions and organization. Mohammad is the Industrial Security Operation representative for the Saudi Aramco Emergency Management taskforce and corporate emergency preparedness committee. Mohammad has a broad experience in security Operation and Security Operation Control. 

Mohannad Salam

Regional Lead, Smart Cities, AtkinsRéalis, UAE

Mohannad Salam is the Regional Lead, Smart Cities, Middle East, at AtkinsRéalis. As part of his role, he leads on providing innovative advisory solutions for designing smart cities in the Middle East region. With more than 20 years’ experience, he developed transformation strategies with chief experience officers (CXOs) and government executives, and managed cross-functional teams to design, develop and deliver disruptive solutions. In addition, he advised enterprises on driving growth through innovation and transformation, and built successful vendor partnerships, such as Intel & Microsoft, to become their strategic IoT Partner in the region. An award-winner, Mohannad was named among "Best 20 Worldwide IoT Solution Providers" by CIOReview, the enterprise technology magazine, in 2018.

Moulham Zahabi

Director of Asset Management, Airport Master Planning (Projects & Technical Affairs) | Matarat Holding, Saudi Arabia 

Moulham Zahabi, a seasoned aviation specialist in the field of airport planning and development. As a Director at Matarat Holding's Masterplanning Division, he is keen to explore innovative security solutions that not only enhance safety but also elevate operational efficiency and customer experience. With published works on the AWS.blog, features on the ACI website, and a patented AI algorithm that can predict electro-mechanical equipment failure.

Muttahir Salim

Associate Director – Security | Buro Happold, UAE

Introducing Muttahir Salim: a seasoned security expert with 25 years' experience, a Fellow at the UK Security Institute, and a decade of UK military service. His experience spans 15 years across the Middle East and Africa. Currently an Associate Director at Buro Happold, he leads the Middle East security practise out of Riyadh and Dubai working across a multitude of Saudi GIGA projects working towards blending technological innovation with physical security design.

Muttahir is a PhD Candidate at the Department of Security and Crime Science at University College London. His research leverages cutting-edge tools like geospatial analysis, social network analytics, machine learning and deep neural networks. His academic background features a Bachelors in Applied Physics and Master's in War Studies from King's College London, with a focus on terrorism and counter insurgency.

Beyond his security roles, Muttahir played an instrumental role as a founding partner in a pioneering mobile technology platform in Scotland (UK), which later achieved a valuation of USD 300M. With a story of dedication, tech acumen, and leadership, Muttahir is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming Intersec conference.

Patrick Kane

Senior Director of Security | Atlas Air, USA

Patrick Kane is Senior Director Security for Atlas Air, a US airline conducting cargo and public/private passenger operations worldwide.  Patrick is heavily focused on developing and implementing mitigation measures to support highly mobile global workforce and multiple travelers, to include pre-travel risk assessments, coordinating secure transportation and journey management, assessing hotel and transportation options.

Patrick currently serves as the Chair of the ASIS International Santa Barbara Ventura Chapter #21 and is the President of the Corporate Executive Protection Leadership Council (CEPLC).  He recently spearheaded the creation of a Travel Risk Working Group within ASIS International. Patrick is also the past Chair and Chair Emeritus of the OSAC Aviation Security Working Group.  He has over 20 years of experience working in private sector corporate security; most of that time focused on international operations and has personal experience on the ground in more than 70 countries.

Since 1996 Patrick has been a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) in good standing under the auspices of ASIS International.  He received an International Executive MBA from Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain in 2004.  .  Prior to entering the private sector, Patrick served as an infantry officer in the US Marine Corps. 

Col. Kanwal Kishore

Head of Security I Jio World Centre - Reliance Global Corporate Security

An Indian Army veteran with 21 years of service who has demonstrated professional competence and expertise in high-risk security operations. He has shown persistence when faced with challenges in counter terrorist operations. He served as Military Observer with UN at DRC and has been trained in specialized skills at Saalfelden, Austria.  He has been a training instructor at three prime institutes of the Indian Army and has been conferred with Gallantry Award by President of India and won appreciation for rescue missions.

From last six years he is heading security of Asia’s biggest multi-use customer facing infrastructure – Jio World Centre. His expertise lies in protection of assets, security automation systems, emergency response, crisis management, business continuity management and protection to mega events. He is CPP from ASIS and CBCP from DRI International. He has been awarded multiple times and recently been accoladed with ‘Security Professional of the Year award in Corporate Security 2023’.  

He has participated in various knowledge sharing sessions as keynote speaker and panellist. He is a member of ASIS International, DRI International, FSAI and IFSEC India. He brings to the table vast experience of a soldier and a corporate security specialist who is a team player, focused, and has a high level of integrity.

Suzan Ahmad Al Ghanem

Section Head - Organizational Resilience and Business, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

Suzan has been involved in the BCM implementation since 2015 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecological and Environmental Biology [UAE University] and Master of Science in Organizational Excellence [HBMSU]) and has more than 15 years of experience & certifications in various fields including: Business Continuity, Emergency Management, Crisis Management, Environment Health & Safety, Food Safety and Audit. She has participated in providing solutions in these specialized fields for both government agencies and the private sectors. She has also published a number of scientific articles internationally; contributed to the development and implementation of BC programs, disaster recovery strategies, risk assessment, BIAs; selected appropriate post-disruption continuity strategies; and developed plans, guidelines and standard operating procedures. Suzan also participates in several committees and works in teams at institutional, local (UAE), and international levels. She is an active speaker in the Business Continuity community on a local and international level.

Syed Ali

Head of Technology Risk (Cyber GRC, Responsible AI) | Tonomous

Syed brings with him over 23 plus years of Cybersecurity, Risk Management and Audit experience, working with leading UK Banks and Telco Operators in the GCC. Syed has led the GRC and Assurance Cybersecurity Teams, at large Telecom Operators and was previously the Senior Cybersecurity Advisor to the CISO of stc group, including Board Advisor/Observer over cybersecurity subsidiaries. Syed currently heads the Technology Risk function at Tonomus NEOM leading Cybersecurity, Data Privacy and Responsible AI. At Tonomus, NEOM, Syed is laying the foundation for a Truly Cognitive Cyber, GRC and Assurance Function, critical for a Cognitive city of the Future, as well as building the first Responsible AI function in that region.

Shreeram Marathe

Lead – Security Automation (O&M) - Group Security, Adani Enterprises Ltd

Lt Cdr Shreeram Marathe (Retd) is an ex- Indian Navy Officer from Naval Aviation Technical Arm. Presently, he is working with Adani Enterprises in Group Security Services as Lead – Security Automation and Technology to lead centrally driven projects and solution implementation for Adani Group.

In his 21.5 years of exciting professional journey, he had worked with Cairn Oil & Gas (A Vedanta Group Company), Wipro Ltd and Indian Navy to lead various projects ranging from military grade avionics upgrades to IT Infrastructure Management for one of the largest banks in Asia and Security Automation Projects for large conglomerates.

He is passionate for process automation and tech-innovations. In his free time, he likes to read history, watch documentaries, explore new places and hone his culinary skills. He is associated with social causes like green initiatives, tree plantation and physical fitness through Yog for masses.

Dr. Shamma Hamdoon Al Naqbi

Associate Dean (Assistant Professor) - Dean of Faculty Office | Rabdan Academy, UAE

Currently, Shamma serves as the Associate Dean at Rabdan Academy. Her professional journey commenced at the Higher College of Technology, where she assumed the role of English Faculty Lead. In this capacity, she oversaw the design and implementation of specialized programs aimed at educating and training young Emirati educators for kindergarten and primary level instruction. Over a span of five years, She progressed to the position of Foundation Program Chair, showcasing hercommitment to educational leadership.

Her career trajectory has been marked by a strategic transition to Rabdan Academy. She held significant roles as the Chair of the Foundation and General Education Programs, shaping a critical phase of her professional growth. Subsequently, she was appointed as the Student Affairs Director, a role in which she orchestrated a thorough restructuring and proficiently executed annual work plans for the Student Affairs Department.

Her unwavering commitment to continuous professional development is underpinned by a robust academic foundation. She possesses a Master of Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense College, a Ph.D. in Education Management, Policy, and Leadership, a Master of TESOL from Melbourne University, and a Bachelor of Education from the Higher Colleges of Technology. Each academic achievement has significantly contributed to her expertise and dedication to the field of education and its broader societal implications.

Satia Rai

CEO | IPSA, UAE

Satia has enjoyed an extensive career in the security profession starting on the front line in the retail sector, over 27 years ago. She progressed to management and senior leadership roles, with experience in security services and risk management within the public and private sector at both operational and strategic levels. Satia has played a significant role at C-suite level in various key organisations and has an exceptional record of leading transformational change within the security sector.

As well as being a dedicated security professional, she is an outstanding spokesperson for equality, diversity and inclusivity in all of its forms.

In a voluntary capacity Satia is CEO of International Professional Security Association (IPSA) and Chair for the Security Industry EDI forum, a member of the International Security Expo Advisory Council, a member of the Security Skills board and she also participates in the Security Industry Authority (SIA) stakeholder forum.

Satia is also a winner of the Young Professional of the year Award for the Institute of Strategic Risk Management award (ISRM), Winner of the Chairmans award at the British Security Awards 2023, and a finalist in 2022 for the Women in Security Awards (WiS) and Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) 2023.

Staffan Jansson

Head of Crisis Management & Security APAC, Middle East and Africa | Hitachi Energy

Over 25 years’ experience in Operational Risk Management and Global Corporate Security.

15 years with Organization Resilience responsibility in Emergency Response, Crisis Management and Business Continuity in ABB and since 2020 Hitachi Energy.

My scope of work covers the globe and in the recent 12 years my primary focus has been mostly APAC, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa.

I have been delivering precautionary measures such as setting up security policies, creating various security programs, launching training and exercises, horizon scanning and conducting risk analyses; in addition, providing operational risk management and security support to business units and functions.

Tero Personen

Board Vice-Chair & Chair of the Critical Communications Broadband Group, The Critical Communications Association (TCCA)

With a career spanning 25 years in critical communications, Tero has been involved in various global management and leadership roles, facilitating strong customer relations, strategic business orientation and wide-ranging solution development. He has been involved with professional mobile radio communications since 1997, promoting and organising TETRA interoperability activities and developing a deep understanding of public safety application models.

Most recently, Tero has been involved in ground-breaking work related to new opportunities in mission critical broadband. He works closely with major public safety and critical infrastructure operators and users, creating advanced solutions to meet mission critical requirements. Since September 2014 he has been Chair of TCCA’s Critical Communications Broadband Group (CCBG), bringing different stakeholders together to create a common critical broadband future. He is also the Vice Chair of TCCA’s Board, representing the Finnish governmental public safety operator VIRVE. Tero holds Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering and economics.

Viktor Polic

CISO | ILO

Dr. Viktor Polic has 30 years of cross-functional professional experience in information management and governance, with particular focus on information security, risk management and assurance for large multilateral public sector organizations with global presence in technology, financial, humanitarian, and development sectors. Actively contributing to inter-organizational working groups for establishing policies, standards, and guidelines in the area of information security, personal data protection, awareness programs, risk analysis and metrics. Conducting research in cryptography, data protection regulation, information assurance, and risk management. Viktor has been teaching for 20 years undergraduate and graduate courses in computer science, telecommunications management, Business decision support systems, and cybersecurity courses as an adjunct faculty at Webster University Geneva, a certified National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). He is also a member of the Scientific Committee for Advanced Studies in Information Security at the Department of Management Studies of the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences at the University of Geneva.

Abdullah Al Barwani

GM, Corporate Security, Omantel

Abdullah has more than 22+ years’ experience in information technology and security management. Abdullah has established cybersecurity programs in 3 different sectors throughout his career taking a risk-based approach specific to those sectors to acquire and develop the right talent, establish the frameworks and processes, and build organizational structures.

Abdullah started his career in the Ministry of Defense of Oman in the year 2000 as a system administrator before he was given the task to establish the cybersecurity program 3 years later focusing in managing security risks in the entire Ministry. In 2006 Abdullah has moved to the Government Sector as part of the E-Government program where Abdullah established the first cybersecurity division in 2008 where he developed 7 critical managed services run by more than 26 nationals providing services to over 400 government entities.    

Since mid-2017, Abdullah started a new career journey by joining the national telecom operator of Oman (Omantel) as a GM for the corporate security division with a responsibility to establish SOC services covering both IT and Telecom domain as well as other Managed Security services including security advisory. Key projects included the implementation of a signaling firewall, LTE Gateway, Network compliance and Advanced Persistent threats protection. To govern the security program, Abdullah has contributed to the certification of the ISO 27001 and PCI. Other governance frameworks established was IoT and NFV frameworks based on GSMA frameworks.

Abdullah has an MBA from Bradford University in the UK and master in Strategic Studies in National defense and Security from Sultan Qaboos university in addition to cybersecurity certifications such as MCSE, CISM and SABSA. Abdullah is a member of many steering committees in Oman, and he is also a member of the advisory panel of the security and fraud group of the GSMA.

Dr. Ahmed Ali Abdel-Hafez

VP for Cyber Security Affairs | National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA), Egypt

Dr. Ahmed has B.Sc. and M.Sc., in Electrical Engineering from Military Technical College (MTC) in 1990, 1997 respectively, he has a Ph.D. from the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada in 2003.

Dr. Ahmed has more than 32 years’ experience in the field of Telecommunication Systems, he is Certified as a Consultant in Information Security Systems Since 2013 (Engineering Syndicate of Egypt) and was responsible for establishing and developing Cryptography Research Center (CRC) (Egyptian MOD) including the management, supervision, and capacity building of center staff, and became a Head of the Center for 8 years whereby led the design, development of a National Encryption Algorithm, and production of different cryptosystems for the defense and governmental sectors.

DR. Ahmed worked as Visiting Lecturer/Professor in numerous top universities in Egypt, where he has Academic Supervision of PhD and MSc students in top universities in Egypt (30+ researcher) and has 70+ international publications in peer reviewed scientific journals and in academic conferences

Dr. Ahmed chairs the Executive Bureau of The Egyptian Supreme Cybersecurity Council as well as a prime member of the Egyptian Supreme Cybersecurity Council

Dr. Ahmed has awarded with the Second-Class Order of the Republic by the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, (in 2020) for his significant and distinguished contributions.

Ahmed Abdallah

Dubai Chapter Leader | OWASP, UAE

He has an experience over than 15 years in designing, implementing and security systems and digital solutions. Ahmed has been supporting various governmental, public and private held entities achieving their goals by securely utilizing digital solutions.

Ahmed is OWASP Dubai Chapter Leader with major focus on Web and Mobile Application Security, Secure Coding, Cloud and Blockchain Security. He is also IBM certified Artificial Intelligence Analyst.
As an International trainer he has successfully delivered 8000+ training hours to hundreds of satisfied professionals across Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia.

Abdulaziz Aljurais

Head of Information Security. Industrial Security | Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia

Abdulaziz Aljurais is cybersecurity expert with over 10 years of practical experience safeguarding critical assets for the Saudi Arabian Energy giant, Aramco. As the Head of Information Security, within the Industrial Security department of Aramco. His extensive expertise bridges the Information and Physical Security domains, enabling a holistic view of challenges across the security landscape.

Abdulaziz has demonstrated his technical expertise hands on in Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC), Data Management Protection, Identity and Access Management, Security Incident Handling, Cybersecurity resilience and Business Continuity, to enhance the security posture of the Industrial Security Department.

Abdulaziz is recognized for his transformative leadership and management skills, which has transformed organizations and which have been recognized at a corporate level. He has received a corporate awards in Operational Excellence by the president of Aramco.

Abdulaziz's mission is ensuring the safety, security, and continuity of operations for his organization to deliver on a global scale. His commitment is deeply rooted in a passion and respect of the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Anoop Kumar

Information Security Manager l Al Nisr Publishing

Anoop brought in his information security Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Management experience to help GN Media to ensure Project Management and Operational Risk Management, cost reduction and improve People, Process and Technology performances. Over 20 years Information Technology (IT) GRC management experience enabling business-based decisions regarding Project Management, Defining Information Security Governance Risk and Compliance Strategies including Cyber Security Framework, curbing technology vulnerabilities & risk through effective risk & vulnerability management programs, vendor management & organizational leadership.

Ahmed Abdel Hamid

Security and Compliance Regional Leader, META (Worldwide Public Sector)| Amazon, UAE

Ahmed leads Security and Ccompliance for for Public Sector Middle East and Africa (MEA) in AWS. Based at AWS’s regional headquarters in Dubai. With 20+ years of Security and Compliance experience, Ahmed advises senior leaders across MEA governments and key regulatory bodies around security strategy as well as implementation of robust and future-looking security and compliance postures in the cloud. Prior to joining AWS, Ahmed worked in senior security roles at Cisco and IBM. He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering and communications in addition to an MBA with specialization in operations management.”

Bharat Raigangar

Board Advisor, 1CxO, CyberSecurist & Mentor

Bharat has over 25+ Years of leadership experience in field of Corporate Service, CyberResilience Risk, Compliance, Audit and Assurance including Strategic Advisory, Mentorship

Bharat, in the last  25+ years have  Roles performed include, CEO, GEO Business Head, CISO, Head of Corporate Service, Head of Info Sec & Fraud Management, Business Partner, Manager, Program, President of Professional Association for organization  ranging from HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, NBF, ABN Amro, IBM, WIPRO among others.

He is currently a Board Advisors for couple of startups into Risk & Compliance Management and to SI’s in framing their Cyber Services besides being a1CxO to end-customer.

He is active in the board of non-for-profit professional association like the ISACA, EliteCISO, ACFE among others.

Craig Jones

Cybercrime Director, INTERPOL 

With more than three decades in law enforcement, Craig Jones leads the INTERPOL Global Cybercrime Programme. The Programme aims to reduce the harm caused by cybercrime impact worldwide through threat response, operations, and global law enforcement capacity building. To do so, INTERPOL strongly promotes Public-Private Partnerships for robust cybercrime intelligence and offers regional support through collaboration with Cybercrime Unit Heads globally.

In addition to managing many significant international projects, Mr. Jones holds various advisory roles in prominent organizations including the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Cybersecurity.

Prior to joining INTERPOL, Mr. Jones held key roles in the UK law enforcement, coordinating responses to the National Cyber Security Programme. Known as a strategic thinker, he foresees the impact of broad developments affecting the global cybercrime threat landscape, with the ultimate goal of building communities to protect communities through partnerships.

Daniel Norman

Regional Director - EMEA, Informational Security Forum

Daniel Norman is the Regional Director for the ISF across EMEA. His expertise lies in cyber resilience, supplier security, risk management and changing security behaviours. He has worked on a variety of research projects at the ISF exploring future threat forecasting, cyber exercises and social engineering. He has experience at Goldman Sachs, PwC and is a frequent contributor to Security Middle East Magazine.

Faheem Siddiq

Group Director - Information Security, One of the Largest Conglomerate in the UAE

Faheem Siddiq is a continuous learner in the art (and sciences) of managing cyber risks in digital transformations. Having experience in securing industry processes of energy, banking, and retail sectors, he has co-authored CIS Critical Security Cloud Controls (CIS CSC) and is a contributor to upcoming NIST DevSecOps standards. A thought leader in his field of expertise, Faheem covers topics of cyber security innovation, its regulatory compliance across GCC nations and forming new-age, integrated digital risk management framework that encompasses domains of artificial intelligence, cyber defense, data privacy and business continuity.

When not learning new concepts, he tends to mentor national workforce and younger talent into this exciting domain of defining and executing ‘fit for purpose, risk based’, cyber security strategies.

Dr Gaurav Singh

Head Technology, Innovation and Automation, Adani Group Security

Dr Gaurav Singh, Head Technology, Innovation and Automation - Adani Group Security, earned his PhD in ‘Supply Chain Optimisation & Risk Management’ from IIT Delhi and won ‘Gold medal’ and the prestigious “Padmashri MM Suri” award during his M. Tech from IIT Delhi. 

As General Manager of Army Base Workshop, he drove the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaign resulting in indigenization of 350+ high-tech and low-tech assemblies, resulting in optimizing, costs and lead times of Manufacturing.

Currently, Other than 250+ Projects globally, he is driving Digital Transformation and centralized integration of various applications and services, to enable cross functional consumption of data for effective analysis, and better and faster business Multi-Criteria Decision Making.

Dr Gaurav Singh has delivered keynotes in numerous Government, Industry, Technical and Academic Seminars and conferences. He is a peer reviewer for several International Journals. He is the ‘ASIS’ State chapter co-chair.

Dr. Hoda A. Alkhzaimi

Co-Chair for Global Future Council for Cyber Security | World Economic Forum, UAE

Hoda Alkhzaimi, a visionary leader with over 17 years of experience in industrialization, economic development, and greenfield projects, has made a significant impact on the global technology landscape. With a focus on disruptive and emerging tech investments, she has helped shape the future of science and technology development for both local and international markets. In this article, we delve into Hoda Alkhzaimi's illustrious career, highlighting her achievements in various domains and her commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable development.

Javed Habib

Global Head OT/ICS Security for FGRGBU+ Regional Head of Plant Controls & Life Cycle Management for AMEA | Engie, UAE

Javed is working in the industrial automation arena since 1993, after completing the education in Engineering from City University of New York, USA. He in his professional life has worked for various national and multinational organizations in various countries. Control systems, networks and security of data and connected systems have always been Javed's focus. Currently he is working for Engie, a company with its HQ in France, has business/stake in business worldwide related to power generation, gas distribution, district cooling and other services and solutions. Javed in his current role is regional head and is responsible for providing technical support to all of Engie's businesses in the AMEA (Asia, Middle East, and Africa) in the area of Industrial control systems and OT cyber security. Also, he has dual responsibility as global head for the scope of providing overall governance for all thermal assets of the company in Europe and Americas i.e. in the area of OT cybersecurity. He has participated in various international technical conferences, two of his research papers have been published in the technical journals of University of Manchester.

Linoy Kidd

GBM MENAT CIO | HSBC, UAE

Linoy Kidd has worked in 5 countries and has worked in HSBC for 15+ years: started in UK, then moved to HK, China, Mexico and currently resides in UAE as the MSS CIO of MENAT. She is known for her leading from the front mentality and growing teams in different locations.  She also builds schools on the side of her job.  So far she has built 7 schools in Africa, Haiti, Nicaragua and a house for the homeless in Mexico.

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti

Head of Cyber Security, UAE Government

Dr. Al Kuwaiti was appointed by the Cabinet as the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government since 2020. As the Head of Cyber Security, his mandate includes responsibilities as the Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council as well as Managing Director of the National Data Centre under the Supreme Council for National Security. As the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government by investiture, Dr. Al Kuwaiti has legal authority over all aspects pertaining to securing the cyberspace for the entire Nation.

In his current role, Dr. Al Kuwaiti is tasked with the responsibility of charting the cyber security strategy for the Nation that not only equips the UAE to enter the digital era with capabilities to deal with the new threat landscape exacerbated by the pandemic, but also ensures UAE’s leadership in cyber security globally; towards establishing the UAE as the world’s leading trusted digital hub and supporting the Nation’s digital transformation agenda and the digital future of all residents who made UAE their home.

Towards that end, he leads the Council to outline an implementation plan to protect the UAE cyberspace through emerging technologies such as Cloud, Big Data and AI in a whole-of-government approach coordinating and orchestrating efforts between Emirates and government entities via a unified platform built and managed by the Council.

Under Dr. Al Kuwaiti’s leadership, the UAE has advanced 42 positions in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index, rising to the 5th place globally from 47th in the previous assessment. Dr. Al Kuwaiti has also led UAE to many firsts, including Guinness World Records for having the most users in a cyber capture the flag (CTF) competition, the largest bug bounty competition and the largest cyber drill; all initiatives that aim at capacity building in cyber security and improving the technical competencies of cyber security professionals and enthusiasts. More importantly, he has been instrumental in advocating for realizing the value of cyber security by demonstrating cyber security as a critical business enabler. Since 2021, Dr. Al Kuwaiti plays the role of an ambassador for collaboration between the government and cyber agencies, helping to bridge the discussion between the two major stakeholders in the digital economy.

Under his chaperone, key public-private partnerships were established between the UAE Cyber Security Council and leading local and international cyber security organizations with the goal of making a positive contribution to the UAE cyber agenda and be a major force that will benefit the global cyber security industry. Additionally, bilateral agreements established with countries both within the region and across the world contributed towards mutual information sharing, capacity development and legal assistance aid treaties, all key outcomes as a result of the National Cyber Security Strategy that he has put in place to realize the vision of the UAE for the next 50 years.

Underscoring the UAE’s leadership in cyber security on a global stage under Dr. Kuwaiti’s tutelage, UAE plays a pivotal role in the Arab Regional Cybersecurity Centre with UAE being elected as the Vice Chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Computer Emergency Response Team to respond to cyber emergencies during the 10th Regional Cybersecurity Week for Arab Countries and OIC Member States in 2022. UAE also co-chairs the Information Sharing Committee in the White House Counter Ransomware Initiative, a coalition of 37 international partners. His contributions to accelerate the cyber security maturity of the Nation and fostering a vibrant cyber security ecosystem in the UAE have been recognized in multiple forums, including the (ISC)² Government Professional Award for EMEA. Dr. Al Kuwaiti also sits on the Boards of the UAE Council for Digital Wellbeing, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Federal Geographic Information Center and is on the Advisory Committees of the College of Information Technology under United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Emirates ICT Innovation Center (EBTIC) under Khalifa University. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor under the Homeland Security Program at Rabdan Academy and a visiting lecturer on Cyber Security at universities such as Khalifa University and National Defense College in Abu Dhabi.

Prior to his current appointments, Dr. Al Kuwaiti was with the National Electronic Security Authority in various appointments and capacity since 2013 where he was most recently the Executive Director of Government Operations managing National and International government relations. He had served as the Chief Technical Analyst at the Ministry of Interior where he had held other positions, such as Operations Director and CTO of the Counter Terrorism Center. Dr. Al Kuwaiti started his 20 year-long career as a Defense, Air, and Naval Military Attaché with the Embassy of The United Arab Emirates based in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Al Kuwaiti has published numerous papers and keynoted at many conferences such as IEEE, RSA, Cyber Warfare Europe, Tele Strategies, ISS World MEA, IDEX, International Anti-Cyber Crimes Conference and Future War Summit. He is a highly sought after speaker internationally and has provided the main keynote address for more than 50 international, regional, and national cybersecurity events such as GITEX, GISEC and the World Government Summit, and has presented the UAE Cyber Security Framework at INTERPOL Global Cyberspace and Cybercrime Complex located in Singapore.

Dr. Al Kuwaiti holds a Doctorate in Computer Engineering and Network Security from George Washington University in the U.S. and a master’s degree in Telecommunications and Computer Networks. He also holds a M.A. degree in International and Civil Security. Dr. Al Kuwaiti is an honorable member of the Society of Engineers, IEEE Society, Golden Key National Honor Society and Computer Society. His research interests are detecting, monitoring and responding to cyber warfare, network forensics, corporate governance & processes, and national cyber policy.

Mohammed Basleem

Senior Information Security Analyst | Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed Basleem is a Senior Information Security Analyst at Aramco with 10 years of experience helping security operations with cybersecurity risks. Specializing in risk management & Implementation of international cybersecurity standers and frameworks, Mohammed uses that experience to Maintain cybersecurity status of security operations, ensuring all risks are minimized and monitored.

Mohammed has capitalized on his Computer Science degree from King Faisal university and professional information security certifications (such as CRISC, GSEC and ISO 27001 lead Auditor) to combat the latest technological risks on industrial security.

Over the years, his contribution at Security Operations Department has garnered recognition through different operational excellence programs in data protection section and being recognized by Aramco Chief Information Security Officer for being within the tops of president cybersecurity excellence award. Mohammed may spend his days at his office in Dhahran, but it’s the managing cybersecurity risks over security operations that gets them up in the morning.

Mohamed Ibrahim

 Dubai Chapter Leader | OWASP, UAE

His leadership and software engineering Skills and helped himto reach a position of 
technical Senior project manager, and Service Delivery Manager in his career path.
As an experienced technical trainer, he successfully delivered training programs in 
UAE, KSA, Kuwait and Egypt with more than 5000 training Hours in different software
fields such as Dev Ops, Agile Scrum, Cloud Computing, Web-Development, Linux 
Administration, and IBM Digital Business automation.

Mahmoud Hussien

 Dubai Chapter Leader | OWASP, UAE

A cyber security consultant with experience in designing and building complex cyber security solutions for IT and OT systems. My responsibilities include preparing high level and low level designs, implementing, testing and commissioning various cybersecurity solutions like intrusion detection systems, anti-malware, application monitoring and centralised logging systems.

Patrick Kane

Senior Director of Security | Atlas Air, USA

Patrick Kane is Senior Director Security for Atlas Air, a US airline conducting cargo and public/private passenger operations worldwide.  Patrick is heavily focused on developing and implementing mitigation measures to support highly mobile global workforce and multiple travelers, to include pre-travel risk assessments, coordinating secure transportation and journey management, assessing hotel and transportation options.

Patrick currently serves as the Chair of the ASIS International Santa Barbara Ventura Chapter #21 and is the President of the Corporate Executive Protection Leadership Council (CEPLC).  He recently spearheaded the creation of a Travel Risk Working Group within ASIS International. Patrick is also the past Chair and Chair Emeritus of the OSAC Aviation Security Working Group.  He has over 20 years of experience working in private sector corporate security; most of that time focused on international operations and has personal experience on the ground in more than 70 countries.

Since 1996 Patrick has been a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) in good standing under the auspices of ASIS International.  He received an International Executive MBA from Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain in 2004.  .  Prior to entering the private sector, Patrick served as an infantry officer in the US Marine Corps. 

Rajarshi Dhar

Director, MEASA Head for Security, Growth Advisory | Frost & Sullivan, India

10+ years of experience in research and consulting with a diverse client base and expertise in:

• Growth consulting
• Market expansion
• Market entry strategy
• Portfolio/LoB expansion
• GTM
• Sales enablement
• Market intelligence

Rajashi has a detailed understanding of the security space – cybersecurity, OT security and physical security market. He previously worked with cybersecurity OEMs/telcos/MSSPs, building management system providers, and video surveillance product and service companies on specific client requirements. He lead consultant for security projects for Frost & Sullivan in India and Middle East, adept to drive research & consulting engagements for security and ICT customers. 

Prior to Frost & Sullivan, Rajarshi has experience in Market Research & Consulting activities for Fortune Companies and Startups with ResearchFox Consulting, front-lining with US based customers in providing technical support for their Internet services at Wipro.

Dr. Srijith Nair

CISO | Careem, UAE

As Careem's CISO, Srijith leads the team that keeps Careem secure and ensures trust between Careem's Customers, Captains, Colleagues, merchants and partners.

Srijith is an accomplished cyber and information security leader whose career has spanned industry verticals (tech, telecom, security, ecommerce), geographies (Middle East, Europe, USA), and sizes (startups, scale-ups, MNCs). He has previously led the security product management at Booking.com. He also worked as the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Product Officer of Axiomatics, and Principal Security Researcher at British Telecom.

Srijith holds several international patents, contributes to security industry standards and authored various widely-cited journal articles and conference papers. He serves on the External Advisory Board of the Institute of Cyber Security for Society (iCSS), University of Kent, and on the Technology Advisory Board of UCON Project, a joint project between Huawei GmbH and Fortiss GmbH.

Srijith holds a PhD in Computer Science from Vrije Universiteit, the Netherlands. He has held memberships in IEEE and ACM.

Sergi Marcen

Secretary of Telecommunications & Digital Transformation | Government of Catalonia, Spain

His Secretariat is devoted to defining and directing the strategy for the digital transformation of the Public Administration in Catalonia; managing up to 1 billion euros per year and more than 600 public servants across the territory.

Previously, he was part of the board of the Center for the Telecommunications and Information Technologies, the public entity responsible for the technological infrastructure of the region. He occupied the Executive Offices of Digital Talent and Strategy and Innovation; and during his tenure, he worked on several initiatives such as the Digital Capabilities Reskilling Plan for all public employees, or the upholding of the public and private collaboration, among others.

He has also served as Delegate of the Government of Catalonia for the United Kingdom and Ireland, where he spent eight years promoting digital alliances on both ends.

Additionally, he also played a key role in the negotiating process for the establishment of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona; oversaw the first industrial plan for the ICT sector in Catalonia, and advised the European Mobile and Mobility Industries Alliance for the European Commission. 

Shaikh Ikram

Team Lead - Plant Network & System Security Group, Saudi Aramco

Shaikh Ikram is a recognized subject matter expert in the field of cyber security with more than 15 years of experience working on different roles. Shaikh has extensive experience building and leading intelligence practices in both the public and private sectors in four continents. Currently, leading a team for Plant Network & System Security group within Saudi Aramco in KSA. Shaikh holds an Engineering degree in Computer systems along with Masters in Information & Communication Systems Security from Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden. He is a key member of several cyber security communities across the globe. Shaikh has provided technical expertise and guidance for both commercial sector customers, as well as O&G clients.

Syed Ali

Head of Technology Risk (Cyber GRC, Responsible AI) | Tonomous

Syed brings with him over 23 plus years of Cybersecurity, Risk Management and Audit experience, working with leading UK Banks and Telco Operators in the GCC. Syed has led the GRC and Assurance Cybersecurity Teams, at large Telecom Operators and was previously the Senior Cybersecurity Advisor to the CISO of stc group, including Board Advisor/Observer over cybersecurity subsidiaries. Syed currently heads the Technology Risk function at Tonomus NEOM leading Cybersecurity, Data Privacy and Responsible AI. At Tonomus, NEOM, Syed is laying the foundation for a Truly Cognitive Cyber, GRC and Assurance Function, critical for a Cognitive city of the Future, as well as building the first Responsible AI function in that region.

Shafiullah Ismail

Vice President - Cyber Security and Risk | Mubadala Capital, UAE

Shafiullah is passionate about transforming security as a business enabler through a number of digitization initiatives. During his 16+ years in the cyber security industry, Shafiullah has worked with many technologies in different positions from technical to management. He was a driving force in some of the key cyber security strategies and has managed a portfolio of mission critical cyber security projects and initiatives. He is a member of several security professional organizations including ISACA, CSA, ISC2 and other security industry forums. He holds a Computer Science & Engineering degree and industry recognized CISSP, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, TOGAF9, CCSK certifications.

Shafiullah has won several awards, including being named as one of the top security champions at The Cyber Sentinels CISO Awards at the GEC Security Symposium 2021. He was recognised as one of the leaders who is using technology to secure critical business information assets and minimise risk while delivering business value. He was also named as a Top 10 CISO of the Year at the IDC Middle East Excellence Awards 2022.

Siham Benhamidouche

MEA Cyber Security Officer | Schneider Electric, UAE

Siham Benhamidouche has been working for more than 15 years in IT and Cybersecurity.

She started her career in Security at Areva T&D as Network Supervisor and then she became Telecommunication, Security and Messaging Manager to deliver all the security solutions (peripheric and end points) for a secure and performant network to more than 200 sites over the world.

In 2012, she moved to Schneider Electric where she has taken over the role of Web Infrastructure Director, maintaining and leveraging Amazon cloud or hybrid model to deliver relevant and secure infrastructures to critical applications.

Since 2017, Siham is working as Digital Risk Leader, protecting all Schneider Electric’s public facing footprint to secure interactions with Partners, distributors and Customers, and ensuring compliance with regulations as well as providing web security guidelines, standards and driving Cybersecurity awareness within the Global marketing practice. In 2019, she has also taken the role of Cybersecurity Officer for Middle East and Africa, where she is responsible for leading and implementing the Cybersecurity strategy across the zone, contributing to improve Schneider Electric’s cybersecurity maturity and posture.

Shreeram Marathe

Lead – Security Automation (O&M) - Group Security, Adani Enterprises Ltd

Lt Cdr Shreeram Marathe (Retd) is an ex- Indian Navy Officer from Naval Aviation Technical Arm. Presently, he is working with Adani Enterprises in Group Security Services as Lead – Security Automation and Technology to lead centrally driven projects and solution implementation for Adani Group.

In his 21.5 years of exciting professional journey, he had worked with Cairn Oil & Gas (A Vedanta Group Company), Wipro Ltd and Indian Navy to lead various projects ranging from military grade avionics upgrades to IT Infrastructure Management for one of the largest banks in Asia and Security Automation Projects for large conglomerates.

He is passionate for process automation and tech-innovations. In his free time, he likes to read history, watch documentaries, explore new places and hone his culinary skills. He is associated with social causes like green initiatives, tree plantation and physical fitness through Yog for masses.

Shahmeer Amir

3rd Ranked Bug Bounty Hunter & Top 10 Hacker MS/FB

Shahmeer Amir is a world-renowned Ethical Hacker and the 3rd most accomplished bug hunter who has helped over 400 Fortune companies, including Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Twitter, resolve critical security issues in their systems. He has founded multiple entrepreneurial ventures in the field of Cyber Security, and currently leads three startups in four countries.
As the CEO of Younite, Shahmeer's premier company is working on next-generation audio-video communication technologies. He is also the CEO of Veiliux, Asia's first mainstream Cyber Security startup present in the Asia Pacific, UAE, and the UK. Authiun, another startup, is a complete passwordless authentication solution for the 21st century.
Shahmeer is the Cyber Security Advisor to the Ministry of Finance Government of Pakistan, involved in multiple projects regarding Deep Sea Tracking, Digital Transformation of Legislation, and Digitization of Pakistani Cultural Content. He is also a member of Forbes Technology Council.
As an Engineer and a Cyber Security professional with relevant certifications from renowned organizations like EC-Council, Mile2, SANS, etc., Shahmeer is currently looking at the Blockchain technology for his doctorate. He has authored three books, including Bug Bounty Hunting Essentials, and a dozen research papers.
Shahmeer is a highly sought-after keynote speaker on Cyber Security, Blockchain, and other technologies, having been invited to over 80 conferences globally. including Blackhat, GiSec, FIC, AEC Alberta, Hackfest and many more. He has also been accepted at multiple prestigious academic institutions in their entrepreneurship programs, including Stanford. As a CTO of companies, Shahmeer has learned to code in 25 languages and read code in 35, making him an expert in multiple technologies.

Tomàs Roy Català

Director | Cyber Security Agency of Catalonia, Spain

Senior Telecommunications Engineer at the UPC; senior engineer in Electronics at the Turin Polytechnic in Italy; degree in Educational Sciences at UNED; master's degree in Management in Public Administrations from ESADE; interuniversity master's degree in intelligence analyst from the UAB and postgraduate degree in Innovation and Design Thinking from MIT in the United States.

He has been certified in different areas of cybersecurity, auditing and management of ICT services and has attended courses related to his functions, such as IESE Effective Communication, among others.

Cybersecurity expert manager with more than 20 years of experience in the sector. Between 2002 and 2004 he was Director of Cybersecurity and Privacy at FIAT GM POWERTRAIN.

From 2004 to the present, he has developed different areas of management responsibility in cybersecurity in the Generalitat: 8 years in the Center for Telecommunications and Information Technologies; 2 years as executive director of the Information Security Center of Catalonia (CESICAT), 9 years as director of the Strategy area at the Cybersecurity Agency of Catalonia and until now as director of the Cybersecurity Innovation and Competence Center area of the Cybersecurity Agency.

He has participated as a professor in master's degrees, courses and talks related to innovation and cybersecurity.

Azam Soukar

Director Group HSE | Dubai Holding Real Estate, UAE

Azam Soukar is an internationally experienced senior Health, Safety & Environmental, quality and risk Professional with more than 27 years of experience delivering strategic and operational solutions in relation to the effective management of Health, Safety, Environmental and quality solutions cross a diverse range of markets and businesses. He applies his core capabilities in Organizing, planning, and implementing effective controls to create and sustain a positive HSE culture across the organizations. 

Abdullah Al-Ghamdi

Chairman | Society of Occupational Safety & Health & Compliance Lead | Aramco Project Management, Saudi Arabia

Over 30 years experience in Upstream, Downstream, Health Care and Project Management HSE feild

Lead of Excellence and Compliance group for Aramco-controlled government projects management and internal auditor/evaluator for operational excellence responsible for professional safety, the environment, and the well-being of the workplace.

Dee Arp

Chief Operating Officer| NEBOSH, UK

Eisa Malek, currently working as Senior Engineer Services with HSE (West Kuwait) Team of Kuwait Oil Company. He has started his career in K.O.C in Nov 1999. After completing Bachelor of Tug Master from the UK through a scholarship program in Kuwait Oil Tanker Co., he joined Export and Marine Group in KOC. Moving on to HSE Export & Operations Team in 2003 as Environment Engineer, he was deeply involved in handling Environmental aspects of Marine Operations  and Export Operations, providing technical guidance on the implementation of Kuwait Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA) regulations and was responsible for maintaining, enforcing and liaising with various Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations/ agencies on HSE issues.

He was promoted as Senior Engineer Services (HSE) in 2011 and was subsequently instrumental in controlling the contractual and service provisions of various HSE Contracts including Road Monitoring Services – Mobile and Fixed/ Point to Point Speed Cameras within KOC field areas.

Eisa Malek

Senior Engineer Services – HSE | Kuwait Oil Company, Kuwait

Eisa Malek, currently working as Senior Engineer Services with HSE (West Kuwait) Team of Kuwait Oil Company. He has started his career in K.O.C in Nov 1999. After completing Bachelor of Tug Master from the UK through a scholarship program in Kuwait Oil Tanker Co., he joined Export and Marine Group in KOC. Moving on to HSE Export & Operations Team in 2003 as Environment Engineer, he was deeply involved in handling Environmental aspects of Marine Operations  and Export Operations, providing technical guidance on the implementation of Kuwait Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA) regulations and was responsible for maintaining, enforcing and liaising with various Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations/ agencies on HSE issues.

He was promoted as Senior Engineer Services (HSE) in 2011 and was subsequently instrumental in controlling the contractual and service provisions of various HSE Contracts including Road Monitoring Services – Mobile and Fixed/ Point to Point Speed Cameras within KOC field areas.

Dr. Gaurav Singh

Head Technology & Automation – Group Security, Adani Enterprises Ltd.

Dr. Gaurav Singh, Head Technology, Innovation and Automation - Adani Group Security, earned his PhD in ‘Supply Chain Optimisation & Risk Management’ from IIT Delhi and won ‘Gold medal’ and the prestigious “Padmashri MM Suri” award during his M. Tech from IIT Delhi. 

As General Manager of Army Base Workshop, he drove the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaign resulting in indigenization of 350+ high-tech and low-tech assemblies, resulting in optimizing, costs and lead times of Manufacturing.

Currently, Other than 250+ Projects globally, he is driving Digital Transformation and centralized integration of various applications and services, to enable cross functional consumption of data for effective analysis, and better and faster business Multi-Criteria Decision Making.

Dr Gaurav Singh has delivered keynotes in numerous Government, Industry, Technical and Academic Seminars and conferences. He is a peer reviewer for several International Journals. He is the ‘ASIS’ State chapter co-chair.

He is in process of creating solutions for dovetailing Deep Learning and AI to propel Operational effectiveness and efficiency to include enhancing the ‘Le-Agility in GSOC Operations’. He is also modeling Plants and Infrastructure for deployment of Digital Twins at project and Operations and Maintenance stage.

His interests include Deploying Digital Twins in Infrastructure space, Digital Twins driven Simulation and Optimization, Risk Management through Modelling and Quantification, and Security Risk in Supply Chain Management.

Dr. Ghanim Kashwani

Senior Manager, Applied Research| Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE 

Ghanim Kashwani is a UAE National, Professor of Civil Engineering and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. 

Ghanim has held senior roles at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and is highly recognised amongst the key institutions in the United Arab Emirates.

Professor Ghanim Kashwani gained his PhD in Civil Engineering from the Heriot-Watt University, Scotland in the United Kingdom.

He is a Fellow Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng-FICE) of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)-UK.

Ghanim is a is also a Chartered Scientist (CSci), a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv-MSSE) and a Chartered Manager (CMgr-MCMI). He was awarded Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering by the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and completed his MBA with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David-UK.

Professor Kashwani served as an elected board member in the Society of Engineers (SOE) in the UAE and Education Lead in British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi (BCC AD).

Dr. Hadi Al Badi

HSE Director | Masdar, UAE

Dr. Hadi Al Badi is a seasoned executive in Risk, Assurance and Sustainability, specialises in Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) management.

As the Director of QHSE, ESG, ERM, and BCM, he excels in formulating strategies for organizational resilience and compliance with industry standards. His career in the Oil and Gas sector began at ADMA-OPCO, progressed to a Senior Environment Engineer at Dolphin Energy, and advanced through roles as a Process Safety Manager and HSE Director at TAQA.

Currently, Dr.Al Badi is contributing his extensive expertise to Masdar, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and environmental stewardship.

Dr. Al Badi holds a doctorate in business and administration, an executive MBA, and degrees in engineering management and chemical engineering.

A visionary leader, he is deeply committed to promoting safety, sustainability, and resilience within the industry.

Dr. Hani Al Hossani

Ex EHS & BCM Director | Tadweer, UAE 

Hani is an engineer with a Doctorate degree in Business Administration (Triple Crown), along with a multitude of certifications reflecting his extensive experience in project management and the implementation of HSEQ & BCM standards across diverse sectors.

He was EHS and BCM Director at Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company-TADWEER from 2014 to 2023.

Hani is a NASP Certified Trainer, Certified Safety Training Specialist (STS) and Certified Safety Planning Specialist (SPS). He is a member of many local and international professional organisation’s, and has achieved Fellow status with the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM) and the UK “Health, Safety, Specialist Experts Board”.

Hani has been an active member of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group since 2010

Khalid Al Abdulqader

Head of HSSE | Saudi Tourism Authority  

Khalid has over 21 years of experience working in the fields of Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection. In addition to Oil and Gas, he has also worked in the fields of Project Management, Manufacturing, and Engineering.

Khalid has extensive experience in establishing, implementing, and managing comprehensive HSSE programs and systems. A second area of his experience is direct/indirect participation in the development/execution of health, safety, and environmental directives and initiatives with governmental stakeholders’ organizations.

A graduate of King Faisal University with a business administration degree, Khalid also holds accredited HSE qualifications e.g., NEBOSH level 6 diploma.

Mohammad A. Naggaz

Director - HSSE New Business Development | GCC Lab, Saudi Arabia

He has a total of twenty-three years of experience in the field of Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) in Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), Maaden Phosphate Company (MPC), SABIC and (SATORP).

Experience includes management, development, and implementation of HSSE Systems during normal operation and turnarounds, TQMS and Service Level Agreement (SLA).

Current position is the director of HSSE new Business development at GCC Lab.

Matthew Cox

Deputy QHSE Director | Veolia & IIIRSM Trustee and Council Member, UAE 

Matthew is a Fellow of IIRSM and has worked across the Middle East for almost 20 years. He is currently Deputy QHSE Director for the Veolia Group of Companies in the UAE.

In 2014, he was recognized by the UAE Ministry of Labour,(now MOHRE) for his contribution to Occupational Health and Safety in the country and was the first overseas recipient of the Prestigious IIRSM President’s Commendation award.

He was IIRSM’s UAE Branch Chairman from 2013-9 and since 2018, he has served as both Trustee and Council Member of the Institute

A passionate advocate of common sense driven Risk Management, he seeks to achieve safer workplaces through employee education and empowerment

Maged Elkassaby

HSE Manager| Aramco, Saudi Arabia

Maged Elkassaby is an experienced HSE Manager with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Civil Engineering and Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment. He is a CSP and CMIOSH and an approved HSE trainer. With 16 years of HSE experience in mega projects across Qatar, UAE, and KSA, Maged has trained safety practitioners, introduced safety methodologies like the shout and show training method, and spoken at media events. He was a speaker at the 2022 Arab OSH Conference.

Michael James

Director – Health & Safety | Red Sea Global, Saudi Arabia

Michael is a resourceful and solution-focused Senior Health Safety and Environmental Leader with over 20 years of HSE experience in complex, high risk environments and giga projects within APAC, Africa  and the Middle East. Michael possesses exemplary industry knowledge and a proven record of delivering strategic change initiatives; shaping organizational strategy; designing and managing frameworks and delivering transformational projects. 

Michael is currently working as Director, Health and Safety for Red Sea Global, overseeing the delivery of the worlds most ambitious and regenerative tourism development.

Michael is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master in Occupational Health and Safety Management from Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia.

Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee

Director - Health & Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, UAE

Naseem worked with Dubai Municipality for over 16 years in which 2 years worked at Dubai Municipality Clinic as Safety Officer then held the position of manager of consumer products safety section in 2008, and director of Health & Safety department since 2019,  during which she developed & managed the operations of many important programs in the feild that have a strategic impact on both Dubai & Municipality strategic plan such as registration of different categories of consumer products (e.g. Health Supplements, cosmetics and personal care products , fragrances , disinfectants, biocides and recently Toys, food contact material and textile being added ), in addition to the related programs as field inspection and ports control for the imported consignments, and other health and safety related activities managed Covid-19 crisis committee in alignment with Dubai supreme committee of crisis & disaster management to contain crisis and support UAE, Dubai economy and recovery, managed National Disinfection Program in Dubai, and conduct a comprehensive control program for the related establishments and activities in Dubai to ensure their compliance with the precautionary measures obtaining international related standards , e.g. ISO/PAS 45005:2020 certificate for DM during 2021 as first global municipality for the scope of COVID-19 aspects management system, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems, ISO 17020:2021 requirements for operation of various types of bodies performing inspection. As a member, in high level federal and local government committees, participated for evaluation of Health and safety, and consumer products, related policies regulations and safety.

Represented Dubai Municipality in a number of international and national conferences & seminars by presenting papers in the different related fields, Published papers on the risks of consumer products and service quality in reputable journals.

She won “Emirates Women Award 2022” leadership category - winning the Best smart Initiative Award in Hamdan Bin Mohammed Programme for smart government in 2017, emirates women wards in 2018, best person in crisis management 2021.

As an active volunteer national in UAE, worked as Executive Director -volunteer part time career - at UAE Genetic Diseases Association that aims to support the UAE community in educational and awareness programs of genetic disorders from 2011-2015.

Paul Burns

Corporate HSSE Training | ACWA Power, UAE

Paul is a curious, passionate, and accomplished HSE professional with 25 + years of extensive experience, working together with people and businesses within various industries, he is committed to supporting and leading organisations with their business strategy and culture in focus. He is currently working together with ACWA Power supporting the people, businesses, communities, and environment in which we live and work.

Paul has academic qualifications from leading Irish, EU, UK and international institutions including Hons Science Degrees in OHSE, Risk and Project Management

Paul Slater

Executive Director QHSE | Saudi Entertainment Ventures, Saudi Arabia

Paul is a passionate Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental professional, with over 20 year’s experience. Paul is currently employed by Saudi Entertainment Ventures, which is a Public Investment Fund subsidiary company, operating out of Riyadh. In his current position as Executive Director Quality, Health, Safety & Environmental, he is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic health and safety vision across the organisation, furthermore, he also responsible for providing operational health, safety and environmental support.

Paul has worked within the UAE and the Middle East for the past 14 years, within various sectors and prior to that within the UK. Paul holds a Master’s degree in safety and risk management through Robert Gordon University in the UK and is a chartered health and safety professional, with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Penny Brooks

Qualification Development Manager | RoSPA, UK

Penny Brooks is RoSPA Qualifications’ Qualification Development Manager, responsible for the development of qualifications in the transport and logistics sector. For more than 15 years she has specialised in the field of driver and road safety and has worked with clients to develop training qualifications for the UK and Global markets.

Dr. Rahaf Ajaj

Assistant Professor of Environment, Health & Safety | Abu Dhabi University, UAE

Dr. Rahaf Ajaj is a distinguished Assistant Professor at Abu Dhabi University's College of Health Sciences, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise to the next generation in environmental health, safety, and sustainability. With a commitment to fostering diversity in the sustainability field, Dr. Ajaj also assumes a leadership role as the head of the UAE chapter of Women in Renewable Energy Canada.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Ajaj serves as the Cluster Leader for Climate Change and Public Health at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, contributing significantly to developing and refining national policies. Her impact extends beyond borders as she advocates for robust and inclusive strategies in the ever-evolving landscape of environmental sustainability.

Drawing from a wealth of experience spanning over 15 years, Dr. Ajaj possesses a multifaceted background that includes regulatory work as a Health Physicist overseeing radiation facilities and advising prominent petroleum organizations. Her research proficiency encompasses diverse fields, including occupational health, climate adaptation, and radiation protection, reflecting her dedication to addressing complex global challenges.

Driven by an unwavering passion for environmental stewardship, Dr. Ajaj seamlessly bridges the gaps between academia, government service, teaching, and community leadership. Her holistic vision and proven track record of collaboration across disciplines and industries make her a catalyst for transformative change. By mobilizing action at both grassroots and policy levels, Dr. Ajaj is actively shaping higher education and policymaking to drive sustainable solutions for a better future.

Samir Benmebark

Safety Advisor | Dragon Oil, UAE 

Samir Benmebarek is a Chartered Engineer with an illustrious career spanning over 35 years.  He has worked in the Upstream and Downstream Oil and Gas Industry as well the Refining and Petrochemical Industries. Samir has worked in a multitude of work environments in the Arabian Gulf, North Africa, North America and Northwest Europe.

As Dragon Oil’s HSEQ Manager, he is responsible for providing expert advisory support on all HSE and Process Safety related matters.

Salman Dawood

VP HSE and Sustainability| Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), UAE 

Salman Dawood Abdulla has overseen Health, Safety, Sustainability, Environment, Fire & Rescue, Quality and Business Transformation at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer in the world, since 2016.

As Executive Vice President, he is accountable for developing EGA’s corporate strategy and operational targets for HSSEQ and Business Transformation. Mr. Abdulla has worked for the company since 1984, in a various engineering and project leadership roles.

Mr. Abdulla has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Staffordshire University as well as an MBA from the University of Bradford. Currently he is a doctoral candidate for Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Bradford, with a focus on the impact of different leadership constructs on safety performance of safety critical organisations.

Mr. Abdulla was appointed as Chairman of the Safety and Environment Committee of the Gulf Aluminium Council in 2017.

Sultan Al Karrani

Team Leader – HSE | ADNOC, UAE

Sultan Al Karrani graduated from U.A.E University in 2000 with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and went on to complete a Master’s degree in environmental science in 2007.

He has worked at Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations Limited (ADCO) since 2008. After gaining five years’ experience as a Health, Safety and Environment Engineer in the drilling department, Sultan moved to the operations site, and was promoted to Health, Safety and Environment Team Leader. In 2022 Sultan became a HSE contractor management specialist based at ADCO headquarters and leads a team of over 20 people who  ensure that operations are safe and cause no harm to environment.

Suzan Ahmad Al Ghanem

Section Head - Organizational Resilience and Business, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

Suzan has been involved in the BCM implementation since 2015 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecological and Environmental Biology [UAE University] and Master of Science in Organizational Excellence [HBMSU]) and has more than 15 years of experience & certifications in various fields including: Business Continuity, Emergency Management, Crisis Management, Environment Health & Safety, Food Safety and Audit. She has participated in providing solutions in these specialized fields for both government agencies and the private sectors. She has also published a number of scientific articles internationally; contributed to the development and implementation of BC programs, disaster recovery strategies, risk assessment, BIAs; selected appropriate post-disruption continuity strategies; and developed plans, guidelines and standard operating procedures. Suzan also participates in several committees and works in teams at institutional, local (UAE), and international levels. She is an active speaker in the Business Continuity community on a local and international level.

Saleh Ali Albalushi

VP, HSE Division | Drydocks World, UAE

Saleh Ali Albalushi has over 22 years of work experience in the Oil & Gas, Aircrafts, Energy, Shipyards and Real Estate industries, he held senior management positions in reputed organizations where he has played a leadership role by developing and implementing a group-wide corporate health, safety, environment, risk management and Business Continuity Management strategy and worked alongside the executive leadership team to provide strategic advice across a range of different critical areas.

Saleh is Vice President - Health Safety & Environment at Drydocks World, a DP World company, he oversees the HSE Division that includes Safety Operation, Compliance, Governance and Sustainability, & Fire & Rescue, Environment, Engineering Procurement Construction and  Medical departments.

Previously held a position of Corporate Health, Safety and Environment Director at TECOM Group and Dubai Holding Asset Management operations.

Syed Mazhar

HSE Manager | Parsons, Saudi Arabia

Syed Mazhar currently serves as the Chair of the IOSH UAE Branch and holds the esteemed title of Chartered Safety Professional. He is also recognized as an Authorized Trainer by IOSH UK.

Mr. Mazhar's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire and Safety Engineering, complemented by a host of professional qualifications in Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental (OHSE) practices. Among his notable certifications are NVQ, NEBOSH, IOSH, NASP, and OSHA.

With a wealth of experience spanning more than 15 years in the field of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), Mr. Mazhar has made significant contributions to renowned global organizations. His professional journey has encompassed roles at prominent companies such as ADNOC, Jacobs, DP World, K Home International, AE7, TUV, and Al Bawani, showcasing his expertise and commitment to the field.

Thomas Kramer

Managing Principal | LJB Inc. & Director at Large | ASSP, USA

With nearly 30 years with LJB Inc., Thom is registered as both a professional engineer and as a certified safety professional.  From an education background, he has both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in engineering, as well as a Master of Business Administration degree.  He is the chair of the ANSI Z359 full committee on fall protection and previously, was chair of three other ANSI Z359 subcommittees (Z359.1, Z359.6, Z359.17).  Thom is the president of the International Society for Fall Protection and was recently elected as the VP of Finance for the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Thom has presented on the topic of fall protection at international and national conferences including the American Society of Safety Professionals’ Professional Development Conference and the National Safety Council’s Congress and Expo, as well as sessions in Australia, Brazil, Bahrain, Germany, Finland, Kuwait, Myanmar, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and United Kingdom.