The Global AI Show gathered the MOST IMPORTANT names in AI in Dubai this April. With an outstanding line-up of CXOs, Ministries, and the world’s top companies as well as top corporates and enterprises at the cutting edge of AI and tech development across the UAE, the who’s who came together to shape the future of AI in the region.
Here’s what happened
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.
Head of Cyber Security Council
UAE Government
Co-Chair for Global Future Council, World Economic Forum
Co-Chair for Global Future Council
World Economic Forum
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.
CTO
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
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
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.
Chief Customer Experience Officer
Sobha Realty
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.
Chief Customer Officer
RAKBANK
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
CDO
Dubai Health
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.
Group Chief Data Officer
Pure Health
CMO
Al Shaya Group
CEO & MD
Tafaseel BPO
Group head of supply chain & logistics, Red Sea Global
Michael is currently the Group Head of Supply Chain and Logistics at Red Sea Global, one of the leading giga projects in Saudi Arabia, following a 35-year career in the global logistics and supply chain industry, including a 10-year role as CEO of B2C Logistics Consulting, a specialist supply chain strategy and management consulting organisation.
Michael has extensive experience and expertise in the GCC environments; developing commercial strategies, high performing teams, excellence in business capability, superior financial results, and world class logistics facilities.
Michael has worked extensively with large private and government organisations across the GCC, such as Abu Dhabi Ports, Emirates Transport, Al Futtaim, Al Faisaliah and the Savola Group, and with 3PLs such as Tibbett & Britten and Exel, driving sustained growth for the organisations, and consistently delivering better-than-market financial results.
Holding a Master’s Degree from the University of Cumbria and currently completing a PhD in Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Michael is also an experienced faculty member at several UK Universities and a regular speaker at industry conferences.
Group head of supply chain & logistics
Red Sea Global
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
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
Head of Software Engineering & Development, Ministry of State Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office (UAE)
Head of Software Engineering & Development, Ministry of State Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office (UAE)
Director Digital Transformation - Cyber Security - AI Expert, Government of Abu Dhabi (UAE)
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)
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
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
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
Chief Data and 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
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Have a drink and unwind with hundreds of top names in blockchain and AI!
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
Founder of TRON, Member of the HTX Global Advisory Board
H.E. Justin Sun is the Ambassador and former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the WTO, Founder of TRON, one of the world's largest blockchain DAO ecosystems, and Advisor to HTX, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges. A protege of Alibaba's Jack Ma, Sun has been named Forbes' 30 under 30 in the Consumer Technology category several times, among other global recognitions. Sun is an avid art collector, gamer, investor, philanthropist, and space enthusiast.
Founder of TRON
Member of the HTX Global Advisory Board
CEO, Animoca Brands,
Robby is CEO of Animoca Brands – a leader in Web3 gaming and investing, and the company behind the Sandbox. Robby’s career has focused on the TMT industries, from the early days of analogue mobile and web 1.0 to traditional ad-supported media and free-to-play games.
CEO
Animoca Brands
Founder, XX Network
David Chaum pioneered privacy in modern communication as the inventor of mix nets, blind signatures, and multiparty computation that laid the foundation for enabling secure voting systems, anonymous internet surfing (Dark Web/TOR Network) and DigiCash, the first cryptocurrency and precursor to Bitcoin to allow for anonymous transactions. Chaum is currently leading xx network, a completely private, quantum-secure decentralized messaging and payment platform. He is working with the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) on new technologies for CBDC digital currencies.
Founder
XX Network
Chief Commercial Officer, OKX
With over 15 years of experience in crypto and financial services, Lennix spearheads business strategy and operations at OKX globally. Since joining in 2017, he has been pivotal in transforming OKX into a leading hub for DeFi, NFTs, blockchain gaming, and crypto trading. Formerly with JP Morgan, AIG, and CASH Financial Services Group, Lennix is committed to fostering financial inclusion and dismantling traditional barriers to wealth creation through innovative, decentralized, and secure means. His mission is to empower everyone to create and own wealth on a global scale.
Chief Commercial Officer
OKX
Founder & Chief Scientist, DFINITY Foundation
Dominic is founder of the Internet Computer (ICP) blockchain project and President and Chief Scientist of the DFINITY Foundation.
Before transitioning to work full time in crypto in 2013, Dominic was an engineering entrepreneur that created multiple internet technologies and products.
His previous venture was an MMO game that had millions of users. He was first introduced to cypherpunk thinking when using Wei Dai's crypto++ library in 1998, which had documentation referencing the b-money proposal.
Founder & Chief Scientist
DFINITY Foundation
COO, MURGO
Nikhil, EMURGO's COO, spearheads commercial adoption efforts worldwide with 115 global employees. He oversees Fintech, Media, and Education product development and establishes an incubation arm. Formerly, he served as COO at a Singaporean startup focusing on trade solutions with Hyperledger Fabric and Corda, raising $7m Series A during Covid. With 15 years at Barclays, he enhanced capital efficiency, engaged in regulatory lobbying, and drove strategic initiatives for Asian business growth, collaborating closely with senior management and investment banking divisions.
COO
EMURGO
Chief Alchemist, Mantle
Jordi Alexander is a prominent figure in the global market making space, specializing in Digital Assets. Serving as the Chief Alchemist of Mantle, he leads innovation in token-governed technologies on the Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain. In addition to his role as Chief Information Officer at Selini Capital, Jordi wears many hats—hosting the SteadyLads podcast, demonstrating expertise in game theory, and actively participating as an angel investor and advisor. His multifaceted involvement adds depth to his influence in shaping and advancing the realms of blockchain, investments, and decentralized technologies.
Chief Alchemist
Mantle
Chief Communications Officer, CoinW
Carmen, CoinW's Chief Communications Officer, embodies resilience and innovation, boasting ASIC RG 146 Tier 1 certification. Her expertise extends to AML and CTF compliance, showcased on global stages like Token2049 and the World Blockchain Summit. Recognized as a TOP BIT INFLUENCER 2022, Carmen's impact graces Nasdaq billboards. Her journey from Emirates Airline to CoinW signifies her tenacity and talent in shaping the web3 landscape, marking her as a trailblazer in financial and blockchain realms.
Chief Communications Officer
CoinW
Founder, The Moon Group
Carl Runefelt, also known as ‘The Moon’ is the founder of The Moon Group and cryptojobs.com. He is a serial entrepreneur who has invested in over 400 blockchain-based startups, & has been featured in Forbes 30 under 30. The crypto evangelist has also been featured in top business publications such as, FOX Business, Forbes US, CNBC, Business Insider, Coin Telegraph and Tech Telegraph UK.
Founder
The Moon Group
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4 Coffee & Snack Breaks
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VIP Lounge Access
VIP Party Access at White Beach Dubai
Main Stage Access
Secondary Stage Access
Mobile App Access
Networking Lunch on Day 1
Networking Lunch on Day 2
All-day Ice cream & Mocktail Bar
4 Coffee & Snack Breaks
Networking Drinks on 1st Day
Networking Lounge Access
VIP Lounge Access
VIP Party Access at White Beach Dubai
Main Stage Access
Secondary Stage Access
Mobile App Access
Networking Lunch on Day 1
Networking Lunch on Day 2
All-day Ice cream & Mocktail Bar
4 Coffee & Snack Breaks
Networking Drinks on 1st Day
Networking Lounge Access
VIP Lounge Access
VIP Party Access at White Beach Dubai
Main Stage Access
Secondary Stage Access
Mobile App Access
Networking Lunch on Day 1
Networking Lunch on Day 2
All-day Ice cream & Mocktail Bar
4 Coffee & Snack Breaks
Networking Drinks on 1st Day
Networking Lounge Access
VIP Lounge Access
VIP Party Access at White Beach Dubai
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