And it’s powered by AI.
Immerse yourself in the AI Arena for our incredible Headliners, Keynotes and unmissable debates on groundbreaking AI, AI governance, AI in healthcare and finance and a future with AI. Join us as leading experts and visionaries take the spotlight to unravel the mysteries and potential of artificial intelligence.
From breakthroughs in machine learning to the ethical considerations of AI implementation, our Keynote speakers will explore every facet of this transformative technology.
Embark on a journey into the future with futurists, government officials, scientists, business leaders and mavericks as they unlock the limitless possibilities of AI on the main stage.
Sophia
Humanoid Robot, Hanson Robotics
Hanson Robotics’ most advanced human-like robot, Sophia, personifies our dreams for the future of AI. As a unique combination of science, engineering, and artistry, Sophia is simultaneously a science fiction character depicting the future of AI and robotics, and a technology platform for advanced robotics and AI research.
Since her launch in 2016, Sophia captivated the imagination of global audiences. She served as the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, and became the world’s first robot citizen. As a technology, Sophia’s science has won top AI awards including from Neurips, World Technology Awards, and Edison Prize. Sophia’s appearances on BBC, CNN, Reuters, the Tonight Show, and Good Morning Britain, made her the world’s most famous robot— a beloved household name with millions of viewers, subscribers, followers, and fans, who tune in regularly to see Sophia’s story and latest developments.
Humanoid Robot
Hanson Robotics
Jamie Metzl
Author, Healthcare Futurist and Geopolitical Expert, Author of the international bestseller, Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity
Jamie Metzl is one of the world’s leading experts on the implications of the intersecting AI, genetics, and biotechnology revolutions and how governments, corporations, organizations, and individuals can best ride the wave of these unprecedented transformations to build their best possible futures. A technology and healthcare futurist, he is the author of the international bestseller, Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity, the genetics sci-fi thrillers Genesis Code and Eternal Sonata, and other books. His highly-anticipated new book, Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI RevolutionsWill Transform Our Lives, Work, and World, will be published in June 2024.
Jamie is Founder and Chair of the global social movement, OneShared.World, a Senior Fellow of the Atlantic Council, a faculty member of NextMed Health, and a Singularity University expert. In 2019, he was appointed to the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on human genome editing. A former partner in a global private equity firm, Jamie sits on advisory boards for multiple biotechnology and other companies and helped establish and serves as Special Strategist to the WisdomTree BioRevolutionExchange Traded Fund (ticker: WDNA). He previously served in the U.S. National Security Council, State Department, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and with the United Nations in Cambodia.
Jamie appears regularly on national and international media and his syndicated columns and other writing in science, technology, and global affairs are featured in publications around the world. He holds a Ph.D. from Oxford, a law degree from Harvard, and an undergraduate degree from Brown and is an avid ironman triathlete and ultramarathon runner. Jamiemetzl.com
Author, Healthcare Futurist, and Geopolitical Expert
Dr. Divya Chander
MD, PhD, Neuroscientist, Physician, Medical Futurist
World-first - leading Neuroscientist Dr. Divya Chander speaks in the UAE for the first time ever. Neuroscience is on the cutting edge of decoding brains, making it possible like never before to peer into brains and hijack their circuitry. Divya is at the forefront of exploring how old and new technologies make it possible to read visions and dreams, hack thoughts, and plant false memories. Her expertise covers how modern medicine and science make it possible to restore and enhance function to people who are paralyzed, opening the door to digital and robotic control with the human mind. Divya takes us on a journey from brain reading to brain writing to closed-loop brain machine interface systems. She is working on devices that read and write the brain (brain mapping, neuromodulation) and link to brain machine interfaces for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Her work also crosses into studies of human longevity. There is no extended human lifespan without the preservation of the brain and mind. Divya’s work includes the exploration of brain machine interfaces, cryonics, the consideration of human augmentation and its effect on consciousness and human evolution and the potential to recognize consciousness in non-human entities. She has also been modeling the effect of AI and embodied AI in the consciousness space, defining its risk landscape and strategies to mitigate risk
MD, PhD, Neuroscientist, Physician, Medical Futurist
H. E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti
Head of Cyber Security, United Arab Emirates 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.
Head of Cyber Security
United Arab Emirates Government
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi
Director Digital Transformation - Cyber Security - AI Expert, Government of Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi is a renowned expert in Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. He holds some of the most prestigious and globally recognized security certifications, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
At present, he serves as the Director of Digital Transformation, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence at the Government of Abu Dhabi (UAE) and is also the President of the KU Alumni Council.
In this capacity, he plays a key role in shaping and implementing strategies to enhance the digital landscape and ensure robust cybersecurity measures for the government.
Director Digital Transformation - Cyber Security - AI Expert
Government of Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Dr. Salim Al-Shuaili
Director, AI & Advanced Technologies Projects Unit, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology - Oman
Dr. Salim Al Shualili is a dedicated professional with expertise in eGovernment planning and business development. Passionate about technology, he excels in transforming services into eServices and mServices. His adaptability and collaborative skills shine across diverse domains, reflecting a commitment to continuous growth and excellence in achieving objectives.
Director, AI & Advanced Technologies Projects Unit
Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology - Oman
Dr. Duaa Abaoud
Advisor, MOMRAH (Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing)
With over 12 years of experience, Dr. Duaa Abaoud is a tech-savvy professional and business-oriented leader. Specializing in ICT, digital strategy, Digital Transformation, AI, and Smart Cities, she serves as an advisor at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. Holding a doctorate in Information Systems and Technology, a Master's in IT Management, and a bachelor's in computer science, Dr. Duaa is a seasoned digital transformation consultant, contributing to multiple sectors.
Advisor
MOMRAH (Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing)
Dr. Chris Cooper
CEO, AIQ
Dr Chris Cooper is an accomplished ICT professional with over 25 years of
experience in the technology sector. Dr Cooper has held leadership, sales, and
business development positions with several renowned technology
multinationals in the UAE, UK, and the EMEA region, including strategic roles to
build regional operations and presence.
Dr Cooper brings a diverse range of capabilities to AIQ, including business
analysis, team management, and business strategy. As a business leader, Dr
Cooper has a proven track record of successfully applying strategic insight and
innovation to drive growth and build market share and recognition. His ICT
expertise spans multiple domains, including cloud computing, artificial
intelligence, high-performance computing (HPC), data centers, enterprise
technology, and life sciences. His proficiency in navigating the complexities of
these cutting-edge fields contributes to his success in steering organizations
toward innovation, efficiency, and strategic excellence.
As the new CEO of AIQ, Dr Cooper is tasked with guiding the company into its
next phase of growth, leveraging its innovative product portfolio of AI solutions
for industry to target opportunities in new markets and industries. Dr Cooper
will also focus on strengthening existing partnerships for AIQ and forming new
alliances, collaborating with global technology leaders, systems integration, and
platform partners.
Dr Cooper’s career began at HP, and his career includes five years at Lenovo and
nearly 12 years at IBM. Most recently he was Regional Director for the Middle
East & North Africa at Citrix.
A multilingual professional, Dr Cooper is proficient in English, French, German,
and Spanish. Dr Cooper has a PhD in Physics, Electronics, and Materials Science
from the University of Dundee, UK, and a BSc in Theoretical Physics from the
University of East Anglia
CEO
AIQ
Ali Abdulla Al Sadadi
Chief of Information Technology, Ministry of Oil and Environment - Bahrain
With over 19 years of experience in Information Technology, Ali Abdulla Al Sadadi serves as the Chief of Information Technology at Bahrain's Ministry of Oil and Environment. A versatile professional, he excels in Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity, Digital Sustainability, and Cloud Transformation. Passionate about IT Service Management and proficient in applying ITIL concepts, Ali is dedicated to delivering significant value to his organization and Bahrain. Leveraging his extensive knowledge, he actively contributes to advancing and securing the digital landscape, ensuring a positive impact on both the organization and the nation.
Advisor
Ministry of Oil and Environment - Bahrain
Tamer Hamed
Chief Information Officer, Dubai Cable Company (Ducab)
With over 25 years in IT, I'm a transformative leader leveraging technology strategically for business growth. As CIO at Ducab and Julphar, I directed successful technology strategy and implementation, staying ahead with certifications like PMP, CISSP, and TOGAF. Experienced in diverse sectors, including manufacturing and retail, I've implemented SAP, Oracle, Microsoft ERP, Salesforce, and Microsoft CRM. Pioneering Industry 4.0, I integrate ML & AI for operational excellence. My focus on team building and collaboration consistently delivers high-impact results, making me an invaluable asset for organizations seeking to enhance IT investments and business solutions.
Chief Information Officer
Dubai Cable Company (Ducab)
Robert Hahm
CEO, Mashreq Capital
Robert has more than 20 years of experience in the investment making business.
He is heading Mashreq Capital as CEO and Head of Asset Management since 2017 and has been with the firm since 2011. As chairman of the Investment Committee he is steering the investment process, monitors investment activities and is managing dynamic active strategies.
He is also serving on the board of directors of the Gulf Capital Markets Association.
Robert started his career at the treasury of Dresdner Bank Lateinamerika AG managing EMD investments and subsequently held various roles in market risk management for financial start-ups.
Robert holds a master’s degree in Economics from University of Hamburg and is a CFA charter holder.
In 2020 Robert completed a post-graduate program from Columbia Engineering in Machine Learning and AI.
He is the founder of Algorada Tech a fintech company dedicated to software development for analytical tools and automation to enhance investment management processes.
CEO
Mashreq Capital
Sven Herzing
CTO, Talabat
Sven is a consumer-focused engineering leader who functions as the Chief Technology Officer at talabat. He enjoys building highly effective teams by acquiring the right talent through hiring or development, which produces the ideal structures that enable teams to move fast and develop successful products and organizations. Additionally, he has extensive experience in developing large-scale consumer-facing products and security-sensitive government systems. Sven was previously the Director of Engineering at Careem.
CTO
Talabat
Ram Kumar
Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Cigna
Ram Kumar is the Chief Data and Analytics Officer of Cigna’s International Markets where he is responsible for driving data and analytics strategy and its execution for 35+ countries covering The Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. He also the Head of Cigna Health Solutions India, COE for Cigna.
Ram has over 35+ years’ experience in industry and has held many executive roles namely, as CEO, CTO, CIO, Senior Consultant and as Chief Architect for global organizations and has managed teams in over 40 countries.
Ram commenced has over 28 years of solid background in Information Technology coupled with over 24 years’ experience in data strategy and execution. He has a strong basic and applied R&D background in AI and Machine learning and was actively involved in this field between 1986 and 2005, and has worked closely with some of the fathers/pioneers in this field. His first big data based advanced analytics/ML project was in 1992 for a large government organization in Australia. Ram served as a member of the Data Research Advisory Board of MIT Sloan School from 2016-2019. He spent over 16 years building open data standards under OASIS, a Global Standards Body and his standards have been implemented globally and notably by Google Maps.
Ram has published over 150 articles and is a regularly invited keynote speaker in conferences globally and has spoken extensively in about 400 industry events globally. Ram is recipient of several IT and Data related awards globally. His work has been published as chapters in books as global best practices. Ram serves as the advisor and executive committee member of MIT CDOIQ Symposium, the world’s biggest data event, as Member of the Global Editorial Board of the CDO Magazine and as the CDO Ambassador for Singapore, an initiative of CDO Magazine, MIT CDOIQ and Institute of CDOs.
Ram holds a Master's degree in Computer Science and Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering with Artificial Intelligence as the major in both.
Chief Data and Analytics Officer
CIGNA
Peter Larnholt
Chief Information Officer, du
Peter Larnholt, a visionary Value Creator and technologist hailing from Sweden, brings extensive global experience from Spain, the USA, and the UAE. Specializing in digital transformation and strategic growth, he champions ethical leadership, prioritizing diversity and sustainability. With expertise in AI, analytics, and cloud computing, Peter drives operational efficiency and market expansion. His people-centric approach fosters enduring progress, seamlessly aligning human and organizational needs. Committed to continuous improvement, Peter's focus on AI innovation underscores his dedication to driving sustainable growth and achieving constant enhancement.
Chief Information Officer
du
George Yacoub
Group Chief Information Officer, Burjeel Holdings
George is a forward-thinking Information Technology and operations executive leader with over 25 years of international experience growing the business and achieving set goals, driving digital innovation and improving service delivery, developing and integrating IT organizations, designing and leading transformation initiatives, workflow optimization, and process improvement at large integrated academic healthcare delivery systems and research centers.
An innovative business leader with demonstrated achievements in transforming operations to produce better patient outcomes, and enhanced internal users’ experiences while reducing operating costs.
I have successfully led "SEHA" to achieve HIMSS-Analytics Level 6 at all 12 hospitals of the health system (the first hospital in the GCC in 2012 and the first health system in Asia then).
Certified Healthcare Chief Information Officer (CHCIO) by CHIME.
Group Chief Information Officer
Burjeel Holdings
Kartik Bhatt
Chief Digital Officer, SONY
Kartik Bhatt is a seasoned omnichannel business leader with over 22 years of expertise in PNL management, operational leadership, retail strategy, and digital transformation. With extensive experience spanning across Ecommerce and Brick N Mortar Retail in Adventure, Fashion, and Duty-Free sectors across GCC, South East Asia, and India, Kartik has a proven track record of success. As an entrepreneur, he co-founded Fashionara.com, a venture-funded Ecommerce startup in India, and played a pivotal role in its growth. Kartik has also spearheaded the development of large-scale marketplaces, led global business development initiatives, and provided strategic guidance to retailers. A passionate blogger and keynote speaker, Kartik Bhatt brings a wealth of experience to his role as Chief Digital Officer at Sony.
Chief Digital Officer
SONY
Veneeth Purushothaman
Group Chief Information Officer, Aster DM Healthcare
Veneeth has over two decades of experience in leading technology enablement and transformation across Retail, Education and Healthcare sectors. Prior to joining Aster DM Healthcare, he was the CIO of Fortis Healthcare. An ISB-Kellogg School of Management Alumni and a certified Healthcare CIO (CIOH) and a board member and joint secretary at CHIME India Chapter.
He is a CIO – Hall of Fame honoree and was conferred the Images Most Admired CIO of the year – Retail in 2015 by the Images Retail Organization. He is also awarded India’s Top 50 CIO’s by CIO Associations of India.
Group Chief Information Officer
Aster DM Healthcare
Mohamad Charafeddine
Vice President of Product, Careem
Mohamad Charafeddine is the Vice President of Data & AI at Careem, where he leads efforts to leverage AI for delivering competitive value from data. His work includes personalizing discovery and search experiences across the Everything App, optimizing marketplace efficiency and pricing, and using Generative AI to drive innovation and create new experiences.
Prior to joining Careem, Mohamad was part of the Core ML team at Meta in Menlo Park, where he focused on classifying all ad content across Facebook and Instagram. He also led the Applied AI R&D lab at Samsung, where he developed the first large-scale applied Reinforcement Learning and Deep Learning AI enterprise platform. Under his leadership, the lab produced several patents and co-published with OpenAI, as well as at top AI conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, and CVPR.
Mohamad holds an MBA from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and a PhD in engineering from Stanford University, where his research earned an IEEE Best Paper Award. He is passionate about AI, technology, and the VC space in the MENAP region, with a focus on driving economic empowerment and GDP growth.
Vice President of Product
Careem
Chandra Khatri
Head of AI, Ola Krutrim
As the founding Head of AI at Krutrim, Chandra Khatri is shaping India's AI landscape, crafting a comprehensive stack from chips to AI cloud. Focused on India's linguistic diversity, he strives to bridge urban and grassroots communities through multimodal, multilingual models. Chandra recently led the creation of "Krutrim," the world's first India-centric multilingual LLM, outperforming global models in an Indian context. Prior, he founded Got-It AI, a conversational AI pioneer, and played a pivotal role at Amazon, Uber, and eBay, leading teams and creating the Alexa Prize. Beyond product development, he invests in innovative tech companies like ThirdAI and Optivolt.
Head of AI
Ola Krutrim
Valerie Hawley
Executive Director, Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI)
Speaker Bio: Valerie Hawley, Executive Director of the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence, spearheads its mission to advance AI capabilities in the Middle East. Tasked with positioning SCAI as a premier education and research provider, she focuses on revenue generation and client satisfaction. With an MSc in Optical Engineering and dual MBAs, Valerie boasts a robust academic background. Her 15+ years of experience include entrepreneurship, leadership at HEC Paris, Head of Innovation at Daman, and strategic consulting at KPMG. A general partner at True Global Ventures, Valerie is a thought leader, mentor, and board member, fostering innovation and tech ecosystems in the UAE.
Executive Director
Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI)
Dr. Thierry Lestable
Chief Researcher, Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
Dr. Thierry Lestable is the Chief Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, heading Telecom (B5G/6G) & Cybersecurity Units within the Artificial Intelligence & Digital Science Research Center (AIDRC). With over 25 years of experience in Telecom, Mobility, and Energy industries, he has led innovation in technologies like Generative AI, mMIMO, and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface. Dr. Lestable, a former Executive Director of AIDRC, also served as Director at Sagemcom, where he played a key role in e-Mobility & Automotive Business and Industrial IoT Business Development. He holds an Engg. Degree and Ph.D. from Supélec, France, and has authored numerous publications and patents.
Chief Researcher
Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
Rodger Werkhoven
Independent Creative Director, Open AI | iO | D-ID
In Spring 2022, Rodger Werkhoven joined OpenAI, contributing significantly to the beta launch of DALL•E 2 and the successful release of ChatGPT in September 2022. Addressing biases and championing creative AI potential, he continues to test OpenAI's GenAI innovations. Werkhoven, also part-time Executive Creative Director at iO Digital, played a pivotal role in AI-generated video experiments with D-ID. With over 30 years of experience, he co-founded CollaborAitors, producing the acclaimed AI-short film 'Let’s Be Friends' in 2022. Based in Amsterdam, Werkhoven's creative influence extends to advising on responsible AI implementation and showcasing generative art globally at events like Art Basel Miami and TEDx Amsterdam.
Independent Creative Director
Open AI | iO | D-ID
Awad El-Sidiq
Head of Artificial Intelligence and Analytics, ADNOC Distribution
Mr. Awad Ahmed Ali El-Sidiq (Award Winner of Cheif Data Officer and Best AI use case Implementation for Energy and Utilities Sector 2022 & Winner Oracle Worldwide DBA Excellence Award for EMEA Region 2013 at Open World) is the Head of Artificial intelligence & Analytics at ADNOC Distribution – U.A.E and SIG Director of Oracle Engineered Systems for Middle East Oracle User Group and member in Datawarehouse – Big Data - AI Worldwide Leader Program.
With more than 15 years of IT Industry experience in architecting and managing large enterprise Database Applications and Advance Analytics Solutions for delivering services to more than 10,000 users and millions of customers across all ADNOC Distribution businesses.
Pioneer in Implementing BI & Advance Analytics (AI/ML) Solutions in Oil and Gas industry in Middle East & Africa region (MEA). His dedication and initiatives has been recognized globally.
Head of Artificial Intelligence and Analytics
ADNOC Distribution
Head of Software Engineering & Development, Ministry of State Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office (UAE)
Miguel Angel Villalonga
COO, e& enterprise Cloud
Miguel is an ICT executive with over 30 years of international experience. He is the COO of e& enterprise, the digital transformation arm of e&. He looks after business and operations across all its solutions portfolio, ranging from datacenters and multi-cloud services to AI enabled business solutions and customer experience platforms.
Previously he served 8 years as the CEO of Emitac enterprise Solutions, one of the leading regional Systems Integrator, based in Dubai, where he led a successful transformation from a traditional Value-Added Reseller to a vibrant Solutions and Services firm with a growing focus on Cloud, Big Data and Security.
Prior to Emitac, Miguel was one of the founders and managing partners of Swissrisk Group, a European software services company that grew from zero to more than 1,000 professionals in less than 7 years. Miguel started his career in Hewlett Packard Consulting where he spent 10 years.
Miguel holds a Masters in Computer Science and an Executive MBA by IE – Instituto de Empresa in Madrid.
COO
e& enterprise Cloud
Ali Alkhajeh
Chief AI Officer, Digital Dubai
With a career extending over 15 years, I have played a strategic role in enhancing digital services across various sectors, culminating in my current position at the forefront of government innovation. As Director of Software Engineering & QA Department at Digital Dubai, I apply my skills to bolster our technological framework. I've been privileged to lead initiatives like the Dubai AI project, furthering our smart city capabilities. My experience as Product Manager for UAEPass was integral to advancing our nation’s digital identity services. My professional path is characterized by a series of leadership roles that have enabled me to contribute to the digital evolution, always with a focus on future-ready government initiatives.
Director of Software Engineering & QA Department, Digital Dubai
Kamran Ahsan
Senior Director, Smart Data for AI Smart Data Solutions Business, e& enterprise
Kamran Ahsan, with professional experience of over 25 years, brings demonstrated achievements in building, transforming and accelerating business plans by propelling technological, financial and people performance. He offers a unique combination of technology and business acumen with a credible track-record in serving public and private sectors and service provider organizations in UAE, Canada and Pakistan.
In his current role in e& enterprise, Kamran is tasked with establishing and running the AI & Smart Data Business where he is building capabilities around people, platforms, processes, portfolio and partnerships. The business is geared for delivering verticalized Secured AI Solutions with faster time to value.
A senior leader in e& enterprise since 2014, Kamran has successfully built the Digital Security business from ground-up, commercially accelerated the practice in three years and played a key role in a strategic acquisition resulted in multi-fold growth in revenue with market share of 25%.
In 2020, he served as a CTO of UAE Trade Connect (UTC), UAE's first SME lending fraud prevention system co-created with leading banks in the country. Under this responsibility, he and his team built technology, security and operations units. UTC was successfully launched in April 2021.
Kamran earned a Masters in Applied Science (MASc.) degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Toronto, Canada in 2002. He is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO) from EC Council, a Certified Payment Card Industry Security Implementer (CPISI), holds professional certifications in ISO (ISO 27001 Lead Auditor) and IT Governance (COBIT) and a graduate of e& Senior Leadership program, GOLD.
As a thought leader, Kamran has been a keynote speaker on Digital Transformation with emphasis on AI & Data and Cyber Security in domestic and international conferences.
Senior Director
Smart Data for AI Smart Data Solutions Business, e& enterprise
Dana Alomar
Technology Reporter, The National News
Dana Alomar is a journalist known for her expertise in technology reporting. Currently serving as The National's technology reporter. Prior to her role at The National, Dana held the position of senior technology, media, telecom, and health reporter at CNN Business Arabic, and business reporter at Arab News, contributing significantly to both publications’ coverage of key economic and business developments.
Dana's journey in journalism began during her time as an intern at Zawya by Refinitiv, focusing on business news in the UAE and gaining invaluable insights into the regional business landscape. She further expanded her expertise during her internship at Esquire Middle East, where she delved into a diverse range of topics including technology, hospitality, and fashion.
Dana's contributions to journalism extend beyond her written work, as she has also made a mark as an on-camera journalist for CNN Business Arabic. Her interviews with notable figures such as Frederic Moll, the Founder of the da Vinci Surgical Systems, Physics Guru Michio Kaku, CEO of Astratech & BOTIM Super App Abdallah Abu Sheikh, Director of the Public Health, Environment and Social Determinants of Health Department of the World Health Organization Maria Neira, Saudi Princess Lamia Bint Al Saud, and other prominent personalities have showcased her ability to engage with diverse subjects and deliver compelling stories to her audience.
A graduate of the American University of Sharjah, Dana holds a major in mass communication with a concentration in journalism, and a minor in history.
Technology Reporter
The National News
Hassan Alnoon
CTO, AstraTech | Botim
As Chief Technology Officer at Astra Tech, Hassan Al Noon spearheads the company’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics efforts. Venturing into tech with an
education journey into information security, Hassan recognized the transformative potential and impact of information security. He subsequently pursued advanced
studies, where he specialized in information security, before securing a Masters degree in security, cryptology, and coding of information systems from the National School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics of Grenoble. He has leveraged this knowledge to shape the trajectory of technological advancement in his professional career with stints at the Emirate Advanced Investment Group, and Multiverse Innovation. Notably he contributed to UAE’s esteemed National Experts Program (NEP), which is aimed at professional development via a comprehensive mentoring, tailored learning, and in-field training opportunities, where he plays his role to the nation’s prosperity.
CTO
AstraTech | Botim
Kevin Soltani
CEO, GIMA Group | Managing Partner, Orthogonal Global Group
Kevin Raham Soltani, a blockchain strategist, founded GIMA Group and GIMA Labs in 2015, focusing on blockchain, gaming, property tech, and web 3.0 assets. Beginning as a crypto miner in 2011, he established Bit Rig Builders, sold in 2015. GIMA Group advised 50+ blockchain projects and established the California Blockchain Alliance. In 2020, he exited GIMA Esports, founding Semper Fortis Esports, listed on the London Stock Exchange. With a BS in Finance from the University of San Francisco, he prioritizes GIMA Group's growth, holding 4 tech exits and 1 gaming IPO. Kevin is an avid investor, advisor, and speaker across 22 countries and prestigious platforms like WEF and TEDx.
CEO - GIMA Group
Managing Partner - Orthogonal Global Group
Abdallah Abu Sheikh
Founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim
Abdallah Abu Sheikh is an international entrepreneur who has founded several companies, and currently sits as Astra Tech's Founder and CEO of Botim. His international success in the business realm is shaped by his diverse cultural background, strong educational acumen, and relentless ambition. Abdallah has addressed tech market saturation by creating an Ultra App, through Botim, that simplifies the everyday lives of more than 150 million users across MENA. Inspired
by a life-altering accident, making the Forbes 30 under 30 list twice, he is committed to compassionate leadership and the merging of diverse talents to breed organizational success.
Founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim
Ahmad Altarawneh
Senior Transformation Consultant, Dubai Police HQ
A Senior Transformation Consultant at Dubai Police, where I lead and support strategic initiatives, program management, and project delivery across various domains, such as digital government, IA, 7 star service, EPM, smart city solutions, social influence, Future Readiness and agile maturity capacity building. I have more than 25 years of experience in civil engineering, Global business development, market strategy, business analysis, global trends, Transformation & Change Management, and benchmarking in 12 countries across the MENA region.
I hold a DBA in Responsive Smart City and Data Science, an MBA from the University of Wales, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama, and 32 international certificates in various fields related to Quality, Project/Program/Portfolio Management, Digital Transformation, Change Management, Management Consulting, and Emerging Technologies.
I am passionate about helping build Future Ready productive people and organizations by leveraging Metaverse, Digital Twins, Conversational AI, and Web3. I have won several team and innovation awards for my contributions and achievements.
Several Patents held: Future Management, TX (Total Experience Management), The use of Chatgpt for Government Everyday Work, Metaverse use cases for Government, Future Readiness Labs, and more.
Senior Transformation Consultant
Dubai Police HQ
Rashid Aljneibi
Director CX & Cloud Communication Technology, e& enterprise
Rashid is the Technology unit head of EngageX the Cloud Communication and Customer
engagement solution unit of e& enterprise regionally with a focus on UAE and KSA.
Rashid is an accomplished executive professional with over 15 years of experience in different
dynamic domains of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Customer Experience. He
has worked in several organizational functions including CX Digital Transformation, Artificial
Intelligence, Cloud Communication Operations, Mobile Network Optimization, and Network
Performance. Rashid has a multi-skilled background in technical and non-technical skills in digital
areas such as Cloud Communications, Conversational and Generative AI.
Throughout his career, Rashid has achieved several milestones including the Middle East Technology
Excellence Award 2022 in ICT Technology, Best Business Line Award in e& enterprise 2021, and the
Best Network Operation Center Award in e& for 2018. Rashid has been shortlisted for several
innovative projects such as the Optimized building A/C project for the U.K. Telecom award 2017.
As a head of EngageX Technology at e& enterprise, Rashid is responsible for defining and leading
the implementation of long-term strategic EngageX CPaaS technology roadmap. He is also
responsible for the common foundational technology strategy for the EngageX as well as planning,
development, and operations function of EngageX technology. Rashid's key goals include expanding
globally and ensuring availability in different regions, improving software delivery efficiency, product
resiliency, and optimizing compute and network costs as well as growing and managing a global
engineering team.
Prior to this role, Rashid was leading Messaging & Retail IoT Operations at Etisalat by e&, where he
was responsible for leading a team of Digital Channels and IoT network operation personnel that
provide end-end support for a managed network state of art services offering. He was responsible for
managing & leading a team that owns all aspects of the restoration and support processes required
for the customers that Interface provides a broad set of managed Digital Channels and IoT network
services.
Rashid holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) from the University of
Sharjah. And a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) in Computer Engineering from Khalifa University. And
currently he is preparing his PhD in MIS.
Director CX & Cloud Communication Technology
e& enterprise
Ritesh Dhanak
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer, Gems Education
Ritesh merges his background in education with a keen interest in technology, He explores how innovation can make learning more engaging and effective. He's had the privilege of sharing insights on integrating tech into educational spaces through several platforms, including workshops and articles.
He actively engages in discussions and forums to keep updated with the latest in EdTech. His goal is to help educators understand and adapt to new technologies, ensuring they harness them to enhance their teaching practices.
With experience in both education and technology sectors, He's always open to connecting with individuals who value the intersection of these domains. Let's share, learn, and grow together
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer
Gems Education
Francis Arul
Group Chief Information Officer, DAMAC
With 23 years of visionary leadership in digital transformation, Francis is a catalyst for operational excellence and revenue growth. As the former Director of Digital & Enterprise Solutions for the Alshaya Group, he established a Centre of Excellence, delivering 250+ successful projects and capturing millions in business value. Francis led transformative initiatives at Louis Vuitton, increasing sales by 20% through innovative IS strategies. His expertise encompasses enterprise solutions, digital strategy, e-commerce, and multicultural team management. A strategic thinker and collaborator, Francis is poised for continued success in shaping the digital landscape and driving global business innovation.
Group Chief Information Officer
DAMAC
Yuri Berchenko
Head of Product Partnerships, You Tube
With over 15 years of experience, Yuri Berchenko is a tech-savvy business development professional with an extensive knowledge of media, music and digital entertainment sectors. He currently leads YouTube’s Product Partnerships efforts across the expansion markets of Europe, Middle East and Turkey. Prior to taking up the Head of Partnerships role, he led Google’s business with the Retail and E-commerce vertical in Russia with deep focus on developing and integrating AI & ML technologies to segmentation and automation. Yuri started his career at Kearney, a US-based global management consulting company, where he helped large companies to build digital capabilities. Yuri studied Digital Economy in Vienna University of Economics and Business and holds a Master's degree in International Relations from Plekhanov University of Economics.
Head of Partnerships
YouTube Music + Premium
Paul Bloch
President & Co-Founder, DDN
Mr. Bloch co-founded DDN and brings over twenty five years of experience in starting, growing, and successfully managing technology businesses, including serving as the president of DDN, Personal Writer, Inc., and MegaDrive Systems, Inc.
Previously, Mr. Bloch enjoyed a successful tenure as a director for Hi-Tech Consulting Group, a European management consulting firm based in the United States. Mr. Bloch graduated with an Engineering degree from National Superior School of Telecommunications (ENST) in France and a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
President & Co-Founder
DDN
Manish Gurnani
CTO, Ksolves India Limited
Mr. Manish Gurnani is an accomplished leader in the field of Information Technology and Services, boasting over 23 years of expertise. Backed by a robust entrepreneurial foundation, he holds a PGDM in Finance from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow. As the CTO of a publicly listed company, he worked on various complex projects, such as architecting a highly scalable Microservices application that catered to a 100-million user base and processed billions of transactions. He also oversaw the development and productionalization of a Predictive Analytics ML model for deployment in the Healthcare domain. With a strong foundation in AI/ML, Big Data, Cloud Technologies, and Solution Architecture, Mr. Manish Gurnani brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization. He has worked with Fortune 5 renowned clients and successfully built impactful AI models as per their business needs. His extensive background in these cutting-edge technologies allows him to spearhead innovation and drive growth at Ksolves.
CTO
Ksolves India Limited
Dr. Doaa Taha
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology-Dubai
Dr. Doaa Taha is the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, the US’ fastest growing STEM university, in its Dubai Global Hub Campus, and is the Program Lead for its Artificial Intelligence, Analytics and Data Science Program where she is also a Professor and Researcher in the US home campus, leading the inception of its Women in STEM program (the WISER Institute – Women in Science, Engineering and Research). She is an entrepreneur having led a number of global business portfolios, as Managing Director and Board Co-Chair of global boutique Strategic Advisory Services (woman owned minority) firm Grey Matter LLC (Washington D.C., USA). Doaa is a Civil Society Leader as Chair of ADC Women’s Empowerment Forum;she is the National Board Secretary of the ADC (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee). She serves on the Advisory Committee of Women Forward International, an institutional partnership promoting women’s rights to advance humanity through research on real world solutions integrating cultural parameters. A George Washington University Doctoral Alum in Engineering. Doaa is a published researcher, author, co-editor, and peer reviewer, on a number of Academic and Professional areas of endeavor. Doaa is a member of leading STEM global societies and a number of other professional and civil society associations (IEEE, WDC-WPN, USCC, IIBA, INFORMS, etc.). Dr. Taha was knighted, in 2023, as a Dame of the Knighthood of the Order of Parte Guelfa, in Florence, Italy, one of the world’s oldest and most prominent Knighthoods and Confraternities focused on environmental protection: she was knighted for her work in strategic and applied technology research and sustainability in the service of humanity.
Assistant Vice Chancellor
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology-Dubai
Radovan Kavicky
Data Science & AI Evangelist, AIslovakIA - National platform for the AI development in Slovakia
Data Science & AI Evangelist
AIslovakIA - National platform for the AI development in Slovakia
Laurent Thiers
Vice President, DDN
Laurent Thiers, Dipl. Eng. ECAM, is the Vice President Sales at DDN, Storage Veteran for High Performance Computing and Parallel File Systems. Laurent is managing the sales and technical team for the Region, providing At Scale Storage Solutions for Strategic End-Users. He works cross-functionally with his Team, Customers Board, DDN’s Sales Leadership, CTO’s, Product Management and Support organization in order to offer Best-in-Class Solutions that meet and exceed customer’s expectations.
Prior to joining DDN in 2001, Laurent Thiers held appointments at Procter & Gamble (SAP HR Project Manager, System Analyst, ABAP/4 Programmer) & Alcatel-Lucent Indonesia (IT Director Branch Office, UNIX Sys. Admin). Feel free to remind him Bahasa Indonesia and “ein wenig of Deutsch” too.
Vice President
DDN
Dr. Imran Shaikh
CTO, Virgin Mobile
Track record of leading Digital Transformation for small to large Organizations and setting them apart in the Digital Experience Economy by overhauling Customer Journeys, growing revenue and reducing acquisition cost. Known for leveraging disruptive technologies and analytic-based knowledge of consumer behaviors/needs to spur tremendous growth. Admired for building, mentoring, and inspiring elite, customer-focused teams across professional disciplines. Expert in acquiring, retaining, and monetizing revenue through Digital Channels.
Summary of Accomplishments:
Track record of saving large organizations up to $65 Million in QA and Digital Development spend; Track Record of zero breach on customer facing Digital Enterprise Applications; Successful Data Center and Application Migrations to cloud with a complete overhaul to Industry Standards; Track record of successfully implementing Digital Industry Best Practices (AGILE, SCRUM, MicroServices, DevOps, Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery);
Developed teams as large as 500 Onshore and Offshore; Planned, Budgeted, Executed and Closed projects with budgets as much as $35 Million / Year; Established a Quality Assurance and Service Integration COE with standardized Process, Documentation, and Reports; Developed innovative testing methodologies for Application Testing, Mobile Testing, Infrastructure Testing and Application Performance Management Testing; Developed Reporting Strategy for Business to make informed decisions: Automated QA Status Report alignment with PMO, Monthly Operational Reports, Governance Reports – KPI / SLA reports linked to Requirements for every Project
Established a successful PMO, Development, QA, ITSM, and Release Management Center of Excellence
CTO
Virgin Mobile
Saravan Penubarthi
CTO, AIQ
Saravan Penubarthi is a highly experienced and versatile Chief Technology Officer with
expertise driving global digital transformations across various industry verticals. He has
a proven track record of delivering innovative technology strategies and solutions and
executing cloud initiatives across multiple industries. With a strong background in
digital innovation and execution, Saravan is adept at aligning and collaborating with IT
and business stakeholders to drive revenue improvements and efficiency enhancements
through adopting innovative digital business models.
Before joining AIQ, Saravan was the Chief Technology Officer for Microsoft in the APAC
region and was responsible for driving the company's cloud initiatives and developing the
overall IT digital strategy and execution. He led a diverse team of engineers, architects,
and project managers and served as the Chief Technology Advisor for CxOs and the board
in the region. He has also previously led digital technology partnerships and was
responsible for driving digital transformation initiatives across several organizations.
Saravan has held several leadership positions throughout his career, including as a cloud
consulting team leader for DXC (erstwhile CSC), global consulting services lead for Asia
Pacific and Japan for Software AG Singapore, and enterprise integration practice lead for
HCL Technologies in India.
Saravan earned his Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from Jawaharlal Nehru
Technological University in Hyderabad, India.
CTO
AIQ
Saket Dandotia
CEO & Founder, OneTabAI
Saket Dandotia is a dynamic and forward-thinking CEO and Founder of Onetab with a passion for leveraging technology to drive business growth and innovation. With a strong background in data-driven mobility research and international market strategies, Saket is a customer-centric marketer known for his love for storytelling and hockey stick growth curves.
At Onetab, Saket leads a team dedicated to developing advanced AI technology aimed at enhancing workplace productivity and collaboration. His vision is to empower individuals within organizations to work smarter and more efficiently, ultimately enabling them to reach their full potential.
Prior to Onetab, Saket co-founded Magnifi.ai, a groundbreaking interactive video platform revolutionizing the realm of shopping and video streaming. Under his leadership, Magnifi.ai introduced innovative features like clickable hotspots, significantly increasing viewer engagement and creating immersive experiences.
With over a decade of experience as the Chief Executive Officer at Linkites Infotech Pvt Ltd, Saket has demonstrated his strategic acumen and leadership skills in driving business success. He has also co-founded VideoVerse, contributing to the advancement of digital media and entertainment.
Saket has enriched his educational journey with a Certificate Programme in Leadership and Change Management from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management, Indore.
Additionally, he has actively participated in the Stanford Seed Spark Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. These invaluable experiences have endowed him with a profound comprehension of leadership dynamics, adept change management strategies, nuanced insights into customer behavior, and astute international business acumen.
Throughout his career, Saket has shown a proactive approach to adopting new technologies and exploring innovative use cases. His expertise in image processing, machine learning, blockchain and video meta tagging reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
CEO & Founder
OneTabAI
Cinderella Amar
Managing Partner, Glass Ventures
Amar is a seasoned financial professional with over 15 years of expertise in Capital Markets (Fixed Income) including in the Web3 space gained through hands-on experience over 7+ years.
She is a trailblazer in the Hong Kong tech scene, pioneering the introduction of AI chatbots on a trading floor in 2018.
In early 2022, Cinderella relocated from HK to Dubai to spearhead the development of Matrixport.
She is a GP at Glass Ventures, the first Web4 Venture Capital Firm.
Amar is a sought-after speaker, moderator and MC at blockchain conferences worldwide. She is educated in Business, Political Science, Fintech and Psychology at top universities and a tech evangelist at heart
Managing Partner
Glass Ventures
Vivek Sharma
CFO, e& enterprise
Vivek Sharma was appointed as Acting Chief Financial Officer of e& enterprise in August 2022.
His key mandates are to deliver strategic financial direction to e& enterprise, oversee financial performance across e& enterprise and its subsidiaries, and to enable the financial carve-out of e& enterprise from e& Group.
Since his appointment, Vivek has created an entirely new Finance department. He is heavily involved in M&A activities that are aimed at enabling regional expansion and delivering profitable revenue growth for the Group. From the inception of e& enterprise, Vivek has been involved in the successful completion of two key projects: the acquisition of Smartworld which was fundamental to augmenting the capabilities of the IoT & AI business unit, and the joint venture with Bespin Global which will lead to the creation of a regional managed services cloud provider.
Prior to his appointment as Acting CFO, Vivek was Senior Director for Business Analysis & Performance in the B2B division of etisalat by e& (formerly Etisalat UAE) for 7 years. In this role, he established a Pricing Office that improved financial and commercial discipline, supported significant digital revenue growth and was instrumental in driving and delivering cost efficiency targets.
Before joining e&, he held multiple senior Finance positions at Vodafone Group, based in London.
Vivek Sharma is a qualified accountant, associated with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and has over 20 years of professional experience in the Telecoms and Technology industry, with his specialty in the B2B sector.
CFO
e& enterprise
Alex Mukhin
Co-Founder and Managing Partner , Cryptomeria Capital
As a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Cryptomeria Capital and former COO of Cointelegraph, Alex brings 25 years of entrepreneurial acumen, specializing in business development and global expansion. He's initiated ventures across six regions, orchestrated two M&A deals in LATAM and MENA, and boasts six years of asset management experience in both traditional and crypto markets. Alex is backed by institutional investors including the largest south EU FoF and Axon Partners. Additionally, he co-founded Metaverse Post, rapidly growing to 3 million monthly active users, solidifying its competitive edge in the media industry.
Co founder and Managing Partner
Cryptomeria capital
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