Mohamed Al Kuwaiti
Head of Cyber Security Council, 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.
Lt. Col. Dr. Essa Almutawa
Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Dubai Civil Defense
Lt. Colonel Dr. Essa Almutawa is the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, the Head of Global Indicators for Fire Incidents, and the Director of the Department of Monitoring and Inspection at Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) in the United Arab Emirates. In his current position, Dr. Essa leads the development and implementation of strategic initiatives for the Department of Monitoring and Inspection at the DCD, ensuring that all safety protocols, inspection procedures, and regulatory practices comply with international and national standards of excellence and quality.
As Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, he has established a new strategic approach for AI integration within Dubai Civil Defense, focusing on fostering a culture that prioritizes and accelerates the adoption of AI technologies across the organization. Dr. Essa has an extensive background in proactive and progress monitoring, information security governance, and crisis management. He holds a Master's in Crisis and Disaster Management from the University of Modern Sciences and a Master's in Digital Governance and Innovation from the University of Central Lancashire. He also holds a Diploma in Leadership and Digital Transformation, as well as a Doctor of Business Administration and Leadership from the University of Gloucestershire.
Known for his strategic leadership, Dr Essa has been instrumental in driving innovation and excellence within Dubai Civil Defense, positioning the organisation at the forefront of safety and technological advancement in the region.
SAQR ALHEMEIRI
Chief Innovation Officer, Ministry of Health and Prevention - UAE
Saqr AlHemeiri, MBA, is the Chief Innovation Officer and Director for the Strategy and Future Department at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) in the United Arab Emirates. In his current position, Saqr spearheads the formulation and execution of the Ministry’s strategy and its’ cascading of the healthcare sector at the national level, ensuring that MOHAP services and practices adhere by international and national quality and excellence standards. As Chief Innovation Officer, he has set a new strategic approach for innovation in the healthcare sector in the UAE focused on building a culture that nurtures and prioritizes innovation across the industry. His work in innovation has won the Ministry multiple awards in the field, including most recently the prestigious Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashed Excellence Award for Most Innovative Entity. Saqr has an extensive background in building and administering programs across all organizational levels in the private, semi-governmental and governmental sectors, spanning multiple industries including Airline, Utilities, Retail and Healthcare. He holds an Executive Masters in Business Administration from the University of Sharjah, and a Diploma in Government Innovation from the Mohamed Bin Rashed Government Centre for Government Innovation (in collaboration with Cambridge University), and is a graduate of the Executive Leaders program from the UAE Prime Minister Office (in collaboration with Said Business School – Oxford University). He has co-authored many articles on healthcare training, including on supporting critical emergency medicine nurses and critical emergency medicine trauma team simulation training programmes.
Georges De Moura
Group Vice President and CISO, EDGE Group
Georges De Moura serves as the Vice President of Information Security and CISO at EDGE Group, an Advanced Technology and Defence international conglomerate headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He has 20+ years’ experience in information technology and cybersecurity across multiple industries, including aerospace, defence, and Aviation. Prior to taking on his current role, he oversaw the Industry portfolio at the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Cybersecurity. Before joining the World Economic Forum, he was the global CISO at Etihad Aviation Group, where he directed the execution of a major holistic cybersecurity transformation program. He also headed the information technology and cybersecurity organizations for all USA entities at Thales Group. He also served as a member of the IBM Security Board of Advisors and the Airbus STAR Advisory Group.
Mohamed El Sabbagh
CTO, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Mohammed is an innovative and results-driven Chief Technology Officer with over 20 years of experience leading the development and execution of advanced technical infrastructures and solutions. He has a proven track record in strategic management, stakeholder engagement, and delivering cost-effective technology strategies. Mohammed is adept at driving digital transformation, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and managing large-scale cloud migrations. He is recognized for building robust technology solutions, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and steering high-performance teams to achieve organizational goals. Additionally, Mohammed is experienced in finops and multicultural environments, with a strong focus on client-centricity and innovation.
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.
Anshu Raja Sharma
Chief Transformation Technology Operations Officer, Africa Middle East, Standard Chartered
Anshu is a strategic leader adept at managing and transforming business, processes, technology, and people. With over 25 years of experience in premier investment banks and technology firms, she has successfully delivered strategy and execution of enterprise solutions, digital technology infrastructure, and data science across financial services and telecom domains.
Recognized as one of the top 10 influential data science leaders in 2017 by Analytics India Magazine, Anshu set up a high-performing data science unit for AIG in India. She co-authored a white paper with Manipal Global Education to develop custom education programs aimed at skilling and reskilling young talent in digital and data science technologies. Additionally, she co-authored the “Wiley Black Book of Exponential Technologies,” published in January 2019.
Anshu is a dedicated diversity champion, actively sponsoring gender diversity networks and LeanIn circles.
Dinesh Dua
Chief Customer Experience Officer, Sobha Realty
Dinesh is highly experienced in Digital & Omni-channel transformation, Customer Experience, Managing Contact Centres, Collections, RPA & Analytics, AI implementation, Operations Management, Project Management, Customer Life Cycle Management, Relationship/Vendor Management, Business Excellence, Quality Assurance & Business Analysis. He specializes in transitioning and setting up new projects.
Dongjun Choi
Chief Customer Officer, RAKBANK
DONGJUN (DJ) CHOI joined RAKBANK in March of 2022 as Chief Customer Officer and is leading the Customer & Strategic Analytics function, which includes Group Strategy, Digital Transformation & Enterprise Program Management Office, Center of Excellence (CoE) for Advanced Analytics, Brand & Marketing, and Customer Excellence & Protection functions.
DJ has a diverse portfolio of experiences across financial services. In his 28+ years of international experience, DJ has managed teams in Asia-Pacific, Greater China, UK, Middle East and Africa, and the US. He joins us from AXA Asia where he was the Chief Strategy and Customer Officer of Asia & Chairman of China, accountable for all business functions and driving the growth of AXA’s strategic region. In his previous roles, DJ has held executive positions of MD Strategic Analytics CoE at Barclays UK, Chief Marketing Officer for International Markets at Cigna Corporation, and senior executive positions at Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
DJ holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University.
Dr. Dirk Jungnickel
SVP Enterprise & Analytics & Intelligence, Emirates Group
Dr Dirk Jungnickel heads up the Enterprise Data & Analytics function of Emirates Group, which is responsible for the group’s BI, data science and AI capabilities. Following an academic career and professorship in theoretical physics, with more than seven years of postdoctoral research, Dr Jungnickel has held senior executive positions across various industries and organizations in a private sector career spanning 24 years. His responsibilities have included BI and advanced analytics, data management and governance, IT architecture and implementation, project and programme management, and an associate partner role in a global management and strategy consulting firm.
Tareque Choudhury
Vice President - Technology, Dubai Airports
Tareque Choudhury leads the technology function at Dubai Airports, overseeing technological advancements to ensure a safe, secure, and seamless travel experience at the world’s busiest international airport. With over 20 years of experience, Tareque has consistently driven business value through digital and operational transformations within the technology industry. Before joining Dubai Airports, he held senior roles at prominent organisations across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, where he delivered impactful digital programmes that revolutionised business operations.
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.
Rizwan Tufail
Group Chief Data Officer, Pure Health
Rizwan leads the data, data science, and AI strategy and execution at Pure Health. He brings 30+ years of experience including 10 years leading Microsoft's work across Middle East and Africa, leading and successfully exiting his own Silicon Valley startup, and his advisory work on innovation policy for Ontario, Canada. He holds master's degrees from Harvard and Chicago Booth and a PhD/ABD from the University of Chicago.
