Speakers 2027

Dr. Ibraheem Sheerah is a distinguished transformation executive, board director, and strategic leadership expert, currently serving as the Chief Transformation Officer at Saudi Arabian Airlines Holding. In this role, he leads the Group’s enterprise-wide transformation agenda across a diverse portfolio of companies, including Saudia Air Transport, Flyadeel, Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (Saudia Technic), Saudia Cargo, Saudia Logistics (SAL), Saudia Ground Services (SGS), Prince Sultan Aviation Academy (Saudia Academy), and Saudia Private Aviation.With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Sheerah has built a robust career specializing in strategy formulation, translation, execution, and realization across industries critical to national development. He began his journey in 2000 as an engineer before progressing into leadership roles where he successfully crafted strategic visions, translated them into operational roadmaps, mobilized organizations for disciplined execution, and ensured measurable impact. His professional path includes contributions to major entities such as Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) — a SAMI subsidiary — and the Saudi Railways Company (SAR) under the Public Investment Fund (PIF), working across both domestic and international markets.

Dr. Moataz BinAli is the Founding Global CEO of Magna AI — a joint venture between Trend Micro and Wistron, powered by NVIDIA technologies — building and operating sovereign, secure, and scalable AI ecosystems for governments, industries, and enterprises worldwide.
With over two decades at the intersection of technology and market transformation, he also serves as Chief Business Officer for AI Ventures at Trend Micro, driving global AI innovation across cybersecurity and adjacent markets.

Previously, Dr. BinAli held senior leadership roles at SAP, IBM, and Microsoft, and led Trend Micro across 90+ countries as Senior Regional Vice President.

He holds a PhD with a focus on AI Technology Innovation Management.

Visionary technology executive with a distinguished track record of leading enterprise-scale digital transformation across data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy, telecommunications, and cloud technologies. Brings extensive experience driving technology strategy and innovation across complex enterprise and service provider environments, enabling business growth, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and transformative customer experiences.

Recognized for establishing and leading enterprise Data Management and Protection functions, delivering modern data, AI, and analytics platforms, and integrating emerging technologies across Smart City and digital ecosystem initiatives. Possesses deep expertise in data governance, cybersecurity, privacy, enterprise architecture, technology strategy, and regulatory compliance, with a proven ability to align business priorities with emerging technologies and global best practices.

Combining executive leadership with deep technical expertise, has successfully led multidisciplinary organizations and mission-critical transformation programs spanning software engineering, enterprise architecture, cloud platforms, service provider networks, cybersecurity, and digital innovation. Passionate about building high-performing teams, developing national technology talent, and translating visionary strategies into measurable business outcomes that create lasting organizational impact.

Amal Dokhan is a Managing Partner at 500 Global, a seasoned professional with experience in startup investments, corporate innovation, and consulting in the MENA region.

Previous to joining 500 Global, Ms. Dokhan was the Managing Director of Babson Global for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Previously, she was the Manager of Learning and Design at the Entrepreneurship Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology where she led the New Ventures Acceleration and Corporate Innovation programs.
Prior to that engagement she worked in the KAUST Seed Fund developing marketing and events, while also providing a range of services to startup clients. Ms. Dokhan sits on the board of several organizations such as Wayakit Company, Cranfield University UK, King Abdulaziz University. She contributes to a monthly column at Leaders Magazine on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and has been a speaker at Davos World Economic Forum, TEDx at Kaust, the Annual Conference of the Islamic Development Bank, among others. Ms. Dokhan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, English Language & Literature from the King AbdulAziz University, and a Masters of Strategic Marketing and Marketing Management from the University of Wollongong

Adel Thuwayi is an accomplished Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with over a decade of experience leading large scale digital transformation across the fintech, insurance, and financial services sectors. Currently heading Technology at Gulf Insurance Group, Adel has successfully modernized complex legacy environments into secure, agile, and customer-centric digital ecosystems.Throughout his career, Adel has led and delivered multiple enterprise wide digital transformation programs, including core system modernization, end to end digital platforms, process automation initiatives, advanced data and analytics solutions, and AI-enabled business applications. These initiatives have significantly improved operational efficiency, customer experience, time-to-market, and regulatory compliance.A strong proponent of cloud first and cloud smart strategies, Adel has spearheaded the adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, enabling scalable infrastructure, improved resilience, and optimized cost models. His cloud initiatives include application modernization, containerization, API-led integration, DevSecOps enablement, and the establishment of secure cloud governance frameworks aligned with regional regulatory and data-residency requirements. These efforts have played a key role in modernizing the IT landscape and positioning technology as a strategic business enabler.

Nezar Al Turki is a distinguished technology executive and former Brigadier General with more than three decades of experience leading information systems, digital transformation, and mission-critical technology initiatives within Saudi Arabia’s security and government sectors. As Chief Information Officer at the Ministry of National Guard, he has been instrumental in advancing enterprise technology capabilities, modernizing information systems, and strengthening operational readiness through innovation and strategic leadership.

Throughout his career, Nezar has led the development and deployment of key automated systems for the National Guard, overseen the migration of legacy mainframe environments to modern computing platforms, and directed large-scale technology and organizational transformation projects. During the Gulf War, he developed specialized systems that provided senior leadership with critical manpower and operational visibility, contributing to effective decision-making in a complex military environment.

His achievements include establishing and managing automated supply systems, leading the construction of the Security Operations Center for the Ministry of National Guard, coordinating organizational and equipment modernization initiatives, and serving on strategic committees responsible for risk assessment, command-and-control operations, and national security projects. His contributions have been recognized through numerous military and national honors, including the Kuwait Liberation Medal, King Fahad Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait, Medal of Security, Medal of Excellence, and multiple Military Service Medals.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Information Systems from Kansas Newman College, USA, Nezar combines deep technical expertise with extensive leadership experience in cybersecurity, project management, systems development, and digital governance. He remains a respected leader driving technology innovation and operational excellence across Saudi Arabia’s public sector.

With over 17 years of diverse experience, Abdullah Al-Sharqi is a highly accomplished professional known for spearheading and directing multi-billion SAR transformation programs and organizations across various sectors. His expertise spans private Health Insurance, Digital, Real Estate, Housing, Education, and Telecom, making significant contributions to both government and private sectors. In the realm of national initiatives, Abdullah has successfully delivered major programs, including Nphies national insurance information exchange and Eskan housing program, valued at SAR 185 billion as part of Vision 2030. In the private sector, he founded Osimah, a tech company with a valuation of SAR 100 million, and established Alsharqi Avenue, a real estate business valued at SAR 60 million.

Abdullah is leading the digital transformation of Tawuniya, achieving SAR 14+ billion in Gross Written Premiums (GWP) through digital channels. As a key decision-maker on the Executive Committee, he oversees a team of 150+ professionals. He also led the setup of the national health insurance platform “nphies” through a PPP model with a SAR 4 billion investment. He spearheaded the digital transformation of CCHI, achieving a high rank in digital maturity within the health sector. Appointed by HE Majed AL-Hokail, Abdullah led the SAR 185 billion housing program, successfully implementing 66 initiatives across 16 government entities. He established strategic business units (SBUs) and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to drive program initiatives.

Abdullah established the Project Management Office (PMO) department, implementing project management standardization. He managed portfolios, programs, and projects to achieve business goals and operational efficiency. Abdullah advised government and private entities on strategy development, financial management, and operations improvement. He led the rollout of new consulting services in the Middle East for the digital age.

Abdulaziz Al-Ghufaili is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Bank Albilad and a pioneering architect of Saudi Arabia’s digital future. A recognized “Triple Threat” executive, Al-Ghufaili has led large-scale technological transformations across three of the Kingdom’s most critical sectors: Telecom (Mobily, STC and GO Telecom), Semi-Government (Saudi Industrial Development Fund – SIDF), and Banking.
He holds the distinction of being the first Saudi executive to become a Certified CTO from UC Berkeley, a credential that underscores his blend of global strategic foresight and deep technical mastery.

At the forefront of the “Sovereign AI” movement, Al-Ghufaili is the author of the influential “Culture-as-Code” framework. This philosophy challenges the industry to move beyond “AI Adoption” and toward “AI Authoring,” ensuring that the invisible architecture of future intelligent systems is built upon the specific cultural values, language, and heritage of the Kingdom.

Throughout his career, Al-Ghufaili has been the engine behind massive institutional shifts. At SIDF, he spearheaded the award-winning “Tamkeen” digital ecosystem, earning global recognition for excellence in digital innovation. Now, at Bank Albilad, he is redefining the intersection of fintech and AI, recently securing DELL Infrastructure Transformation Award at LEAP 25.

An MBA graduate from American University and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Al-Ghufaili continues to shape the national discourse on AI governance and digital sovereignty, positioning the “Architect” as the vital link between high-speed innovation and cultural preservation under Vision 2030.

With over 34 years of experience in the Information Technology industry, this technology and business visionary currently serves as the CIO of Flynas, one of Asia’s fastest-growing airlines. His extensive career includes 21 years as a CIO for major global carriers such as Qatar Airways Group, IndiGo Airlines, Oman Air Group, and Kingfisher Airlines, as well as serving as a founder team member for Beond. Beyond his executive roles, he is a Member and Vice Chair of the IATA Digital Transformation Advisory Council and sits on the Board of Directors for SITA. His foundational expertise was built during a 13-year tenure at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where he held various international leadership roles, including CEO of a Singapore Airlines IT subsidiary.

Eng. Weam Munshi serves as Chief Information Security Officer at Tabby Financing Company JSC, the leading financial services and BNPL platform across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region. He leads the company’s enterprise-wide security strategy, governance, and risk programs, safeguarding millions of consumers and merchants across one of the fastest-growing fintech ecosystems in the Kingdom.

At Tabby, Weam is shaping the next generation of AI-driven security operations — from applying machine learning to fraud detection and transaction risk scoring, to defending against adversarial AI threats targeting financial platforms, including deepfake-enabled social engineering, synthetic identity fraud, and prompt-injection attacks on AI-powered customer experiences. His work sits at the intersection of AI innovation and consumer trust in regulated financial services.

With over a decade of experience in cybersecurity, Weam has built his career across the industries that define the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure — financial services, telecommunications, insurance, and energy. Prior to Tabby, he served as Cyber Security Manager at Lebara Mobile KSA and as Chief Information Security Officer at BURUJ Cooperative Insurance Company. Earlier, he spent over seven years at Saudi Electricity Company, leading OT cybersecurity and SCADA engineering programs that protected national grid operations.

Rodolphe Abou Nassar is the Chief Cloud Officer at Edarat Group, bringing over 26 years of experience across cloud transformation, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), and large-scale enterprise IT strategy.

With a strong foundation shaped by international exposure, including extensive Australian experience, Rodolphe has built a career at the intersection of technology, regulation, and business innovation. He has led and delivered complex digital and cloud initiatives for top global banks, government entities, and telecommunications operators, enabling organizations to modernize securely while meeting stringent compliance requirements.

His expertise spans cloud architecture, cybersecurity governance, regulatory frameworks, and enterprise risk management, positioning him as a trusted advisor for organizations navigating digital transformation in highly regulated environments.

At Edarat Group, Rodolphe drives the company’s cloud and AI strategy, leading the development and adoption of Edarat’s AI NeoCloud offerings, including Sovereign and Public Cloud frameworks. He plays a key role in shaping cloud governance models that ensure compliance, data sovereignty, and operational resilience, while helping clients accelerate adoption, strengthen security, and unlock value through trusted, scalable, and compliant cloud ecosystems.

Himanshu Shrivastava is a veteran technology leader with over 25 years of experience in Technology and Digital Transformation.

As Group Chief Technology Officer at Al- Futtaim, he spearheads the Group’s technology vision and roadmap. He is responsible for the development and delivery of enterprise-wide digital and data platforms, overseeing technology operations, and providing strategic technology guidance across all operating divisions, including Automotive, Retail, Healthcare, Insurance, and Real Estate. He also leads the Blue division, driving the Group’s latest digital business ventures.

Previously, Himanshu has worked in various roles within the technology sector, including leadership roles in organisations such as Citibank (APAC leadership role based out of Singapore), American Express Bank, Bank of America, ABN AMRO Bank, Polaris Software Lab Ltd. He has been involved in the design, development, and deployment of products such as Internet Banking, Mobile Application, Open Banking APIs, Loan Origination, EBPP, Collections, Branch Application, Teller, Call Center Application, and Enterprise Service Bus (Middleware).

Mohamed Zain El Sadany is an accomplished Chief Governance Officer and Board & Committees Secretary with over 16 years of leadership experience across governance, compliance, risk management, and internal audit within Saudi Arabia’s industrial and public-private partnership sectors.

He currently serves as Chief Governance Officer at MOWAH Co., where he leads the development and execution of the corporate governance framework, ensuring alignment with CMA requirements and global best practices. Mohamed plays a central role in managing IPO readiness, integrating governance across subsidiaries, and acting as the principal secretary for Boards and Committees by ensuring disciplined meeting management, high-quality documentation, and strong follow-up mechanisms.

Ahmed Aloraij is a distinguished leader and visionary in the global health tourism sector, recognized for his pioneering contributions to advancing Saudi Arabia’s role as a premier destination for health and wellness travel. With more than two decades of expertise spanning healthcare, tourism, and investment, he has been instrumental in shaping the Kingdom’s medical tourism landscape and positioning it on the international stage.

He currently serves as Chairman of the Saudi Health Tourism Association, where he leads national efforts to align healthcare and tourism sectors with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. In addition, he holds the position of Vice President of the Global Healthcare Travel Council (GHTC), representing Saudi Arabia in global dialogues on cross-border healthcare collaboration and patient mobility. Mr. Aloraij is the founder of the Health Tourism Future Forum (HTF), an international conference that convenes leaders, policymakers, and innovators to foster dialogue and partnerships in the medical tourism industry. He is also the CEO of BLSM, Saudi Arabia’s first AI-powered medical coordination platform, which connects patients with accredited providers while integrating concierge services and advanced digital healthcare solutions.

Through his leadership, Mr. Aloraij has championed initiatives that strengthen international cooperation, enhance service quality, and expand access to world-class medical care. His vision reflects a commitment to building bridges between nations, providers, and patients, ensuring that Saudi Arabia plays a central role in shaping the future of global medical tourism.

Vishal Parmar is the Founder and CEO of VAP Group, a premier global consulting and media powerhouse with over 12 years of expertise driving technology-led growth. A visionary entrepreneur and ecosystem builder, he has positioned VAP Group at the forefront of the world’s most transformative technology sectors — Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Gaming.

He is a strong advocate for breaking down industry silos, championing the belief that AI, blockchain, and gaming must converge as one interconnected ecosystem rather than operate as isolated verticals. Under his leadership, VAP Group has built a robust portfolio of flagship B2B events — the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show — alongside a global media network that connects policymakers, enterprises, and innovators across strategic communications, ecosystem-building, and talent solutions.

Talal Albakr boasts a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in Leadership, IT management, sales, business management, business launches, and entrepreneurship.

He currently holds the position of Country Lead for Scale AI in Saudi Arabia, where he is tasked with introducing innovative and impactful AI solutions to the market that deliver measurable value. Previously, he served as the Founding CEO of SCCC by stc, where he founded the company, launched its cloud components, and developed its go-to-market strategy, establishing it as one of the leading hyper-scale cloud providers in Saudi Arabia. He has also held advisory roles at stc and served as Vice President for Digital Solutions and Cloud Services at Solutions by stc. Additionally, he has occupied regional sales positions at Dell and Fujitsu.

In his entrepreneurial pursuits, Talal has launched a venture builder named Embark, which incubates several companies, including Data Insights, an open banking API aggregator; The Lending Hub, a peer-to-peer crowd lending platform.

Ibrahim Alseghayr is a senior enterprise technology executive and Managing Director for Salesforce in Saudi Arabia, where he leads the company’s strategic expansion and operations across the Kingdom. He is responsible for establishing and scaling Salesforce’s presence in Saudi Arabia, including building local capabilities, expanding strategic partnerships, and driving the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, data platforms, and customer-centric solutions.

Prior to Salesforce, Ibrahim held leadership roles at UiPath, SAP, GE, and Siemens, where he led high-impact commercial and strategic initiatives across Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region, delivering large-scale transformation programs.

Markus works at the crossroads of policy, architecture, landscape, and urban planning. After leading major international projects at renown design firms in the Netherlands, he founded MLA+ in 2012, now operating from Rotterdam, Shenzhen, and Riyadh. His work focuses on systemic changes of planning systems, urban transformation and climate-adaptive planning, with projects such as the London Olympic Legacy, Ekaterinburg’s development strategy, Water as Leverage Semarang, Shanghai Mid-Town, and the Greater Accra Extension.

Markus has taught at leading institutions including the Berlage Institute and Amsterdam Academy of Architecture, and in 2023/24 was Professor of Urban and Rural Planning in Shenzhen. Since 2024, Markus serves as Chief Technical Adviser for Saudi Arabia’s national spatial planning reform with UNDP and UN-Habitat. He writes regularly on urbanism, including on his blog The Daily Urban Dose.

Maya Ayoub is an impact entrepreneur, public speaker, and women’s empowerment leader driving positive change in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

As Founder and CEO of District Twelve, a Riyadh-based corporate communications and events agency, she has spent over 15 years curating high-profile global forums shaping the region’s event industry. She also leads boutique firms The Private Circle and Fait par Fées, among other ventures. In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Ayoub is actively involved in international organizations that champion women’s leadership like Women in Tech® Global, serving
as Saudi Arabia Country Director. She drives national initiatives to close the gender and digital divide, aligned with a global mission to empower 5 million women by 2030.

As a member of 100 Women @Davos and a speaker at World Economic Forum, LEAP, and global summits, she is shaping the future of women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in the Arab world.

Holding a PhD in Economics, Maya bridges academic excellence with real-world impact, empowering women to unlock their potential and inspiring the next generation of changemakers

Shadi Al-Ghanim is a C-suite technology executive and currently VP IT and Head of Cybersecurity at AICC. He specializes in digital transformation, AI-enabled enterprise modernization, cybersecurity, and cloud platforms, with previous leadership experience across Alfanar Digital Solutions, IBM, SAP, and Atos ecosystems. Shadi is a frequent speaker on technology leadership and the future of AI in construction and enterprise environments.

Nate Busa is Director of AI and Automation at NEOM, leading the delivery of secure, distributed AI at scale—from inference infrastructure and LLM platforms to production AI assistants integrated into enterprise systems. A 20-year CTO and AI leader, he focuses on turning AI strategy into measurable urban and operational impact. He studied AI at Stanford and completed Wharton’s CTO Program.

With over 35 years of experience in banking, he is dedicated to Business Continuity, specializing in crisis management and resilience. He brings expertise in negotiation, coaching, sales, sales management, and team building. As Chairman of the Central Bank’s Business Continuity Committee, he contributes to strengthening industry standards. Passionate about empowering teams, his focus is on driving innovation and advancing business continuity strategies within the banking sector.

Fady Sleiman, Group Chief Information and Digital Officer at AlBawani Holding, is a prominent technology leader in the EMEA region with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation. His career includes senior roles at industry leaders such
as General Electric, Mubadala/Waha Capital, Petrofac and Mantrac Group, where he has developed and executed digital strategies that redefine industry standards. By leveraging advanced technologies, Fady enhances operational efficiency, streamline
processes and strengthens competitive advantage, delivering consistent, impactful results across diverse sectors.
Recognized for his people-focused leadership, Fady excels at navigating change management and building collaborative cultures that embrace innovation. His commitment to integrating sustainable, technology-driven solutions has positioned organizations for long-term success. Named Top CIO of the Year at the CIO50 Middle East Awards 2024, Fady’s influence shapes the technology landscape, inspiring teams and guiding businesses toward a future of growth and resilience.

Ghada Alshammari is a seasoned professional in the field of information technology and cybersecurity, currently serving as a member of the Financial Sector Cybersecurity and Business Continuity Management committee at the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). With extensive experience as Chief Information Security Officer at Alraedah and as Cyber Security Operations Manager at MEDGULF, Ghada has also held roles in information and cyber security at Chubb and served as an Information Technology Project Manager at Innosoft SA. Ghada holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology with a focus on security and network from King Saud University, earned between 2011 and 2015.

As a trailblazing woman leader in Artificial Intelligence, I bring over 15 years of expertise in data governance, IT solutions, and strategic innovation. My leadership has driven transformative projects at the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia, where I have led diverse teams to deliver impactful results, modernize legacy systems, and implement cutting-edge AI and Microsoft-based solutions.  I am passionate about breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of women in technology. With a master’s degree in Data Analytics by AI and globally recognized certifications, I combine technical mastery with strategic vision to redefine industry standards. My mission is to leverage AI and data-driven strategies to create sustainable impact while championing women’s leadership in technology on a global scale.

Ian Mahoney is the Chief Technology Officer of webook.com and a seasoned technology and transformation leader with more than 25 years of experience across retail, e-commerce, marketplaces, and omnichannel customer platforms. With a background in software engineering, Ian has led large-scale digital transformations at Cazoo, New Look, Selfridges, Marks & Spencer, and Sky, building high-performing engineering organisations and modernising enterprise systems. At webook.com, he drives the company’s technology and data strategy as it scales to become one of the region’s leading entertainment and experiences platforms.

Dr. Abdullah is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of CNHI in Saudi Arabia and a technology executive with 20+ years leading enterprise digital transformation, AI and data strategy, and innovation programs that deliver measurable business impact.

Led cross-functional digital transformation initiatives spanning strategy, operating model, and delivery across complex organizations.

Built and scaled AI, analytics, and big-data capabilities—from vision and governance to products, platforms, and high-performing teams.

Drove fintech and technology modernization programs, advising executive leadership on prioritization, risk, and value realization.

Founded and led an AI venture, shaping product direction, partnerships, and go-to-market execution.

Established AI centers and applied advanced analytics to mission-critical domains, including safety, security, and strategic decision support.

Serves on boards and advises technology companies on growth strategy, governance, and digital execution.
He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Artificial Intelligence from KAUST and has published peer-reviewed papers and book chapters.

Dr. Nasser Alamri is an enterprise technology and cybersecurity executive with extensive leadership experience across government, regulated industries, and national transformation initiatives in Saudi Arabia. With a distinguished track record spanning CIO, CISO, and digital transformation leadership roles, he specializes in enterprise modernization, cybersecurity governance, AI strategy, cloud transformation, institutional resilience, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). Currently serving as Director General of IT — CIO / Acting CTO for a government-affiliated organization, Nasser carries full P&L accountability for the enterprise technology function, overseeing capital and operational expenditure across infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation programs aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. He has also served in senior executive advisory and cybersecurity leadership roles across government entities, managed services organizations, and national transformation programs, overseeing enterprise cybersecurity operations, strategic technology portfolios, operational resilience initiatives, and regulatory compliance frameworks. Nasser is widely recognized for advising executive leadership and institutional stakeholders on enterprise technology strategy, cyber risk governance, AI adoption, cloud modernization, operational continuity, and digital transformation. His expertise spans enterprise architecture, risk management, business continuity, strategic partnerships, and organizational transformation across highly regulated environments. Throughout his career, he has led cross-functional transformation initiatives, developed governance and operational frameworks, and built high-performing multidisciplinary teams that deliver measurable business and institutional outcomes. He has consistently delivered technology-led cost optimization — managing portfolios and redirecting resources toward strategic institutional priorities. His leadership combines strategic vision with operational execution and fiscal discipline, enabling organizations to strengthen resilience, modernize technology ecosystems, and accelerate digital maturity while maximizing return on technology investment. In addition to his executive leadership roles, Nasser has contributed extensively to thought leadership, executive advisory, and professional development initiatives across the region. He is a frequent keynote speaker and contributor at regional and international technology and cybersecurity forums and has been recognized through multiple industry awards, including the CSO30 Award for Excellence in Cybersecurity, CISO Award of the Year, and recognition among the Top Digital Leaders in Saudi Arabia. Nasser holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Florida Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Computer Science from Western Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from King Abdulaziz University. He also holds multiple industry certifications and executive education credentials from globally recognized institutions including MIT, INSEAD, and IMD.

Andrew Chen is Vice President of Platform at Magna AI, leading the strategy, development, and operationalization of AI-native platforms that enable secure, scalable, and production-ready enterprise AI. With nearly 20 years of experience in AI infrastructure, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and platform engineering, he specializes in building the foundational systems that power intelligent enterprise ecosystems.

Prior to Magna AI, Andrew spent 19 years at cybersecurity giant, Trend Micro™, where he served as Director of Product Management, leading the development of machine learning-driven cybersecurity solutions and enterprise security platforms. His work focuses on secure-by-design architecture, human-machine collaboration, and helping organizations operationalize AI at scale with confidence.

Halah Al-Jubeir accelerates innovation and founder success across MENAP as General Partner & Managing Director for Saudi Arabia at Antler. She brings over 20 years of global experience spanning strategy, investment, and development — helping founders and companies raise capital, expand into new markets, and build transformative partnerships.

As Vice President of Corporate Development at HALO Space, she anchored the company’s Saudi strategy, cultivating key relationships and strengthening its position in the Kingdom. Earlier, she spent over a decade at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Washington, DC and Singapore, leading initiatives across social sustainability, infrastructure investment, and donor engagement in emerging markets.

Halah holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and degrees from Georgetown University.

Mr. Sivagnanam’s exceptional leadership and his pivotal role in driving Petromin’s transformation into a modern mobility solutions provider. Under his guidance, the Group has expanded its reach across key segments: vehicle sales, after-sales service, fueling, and electric vehicle infrastructure through the launch of Electromin.

His forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainability have been instrumental in accelerating the region’s shift toward cleaner transportation. With a strong focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and responsible growth, Mr. Sivagnanam continues to set new benchmarks for excellence in the automotive and mobility sectors.

Amro is a Saudi national with an international executive leadership pedigree and over 18 years of accumulated experience in the fields of Audit, Risk and Governance. Professionally skilled and certified in designing, building, and leading audit, risk, governance functions and chairing audit and risk committees.Amro is currently the Chief Governance, Risk and Control (GRC) Officer of Bupa Arabia, a role that oversees the Risk, Cybersecurity, Legal, Governance, Corporate Secretaries Departments, and supporting Audit, and Compliance in pursuit of providing board-level combined assurance over the design and effectiveness of the Company’s Internal Controls System.In addition to his Digital Transformation Committee Membership, Strategy Committee, Executive Risk Committee, he is also the Chairman of the Cybersecurity Committee and the Chairman of the Assurance Group Committee and recently was appointed as the Board General Secretary.Amro is engaged with several Audit and Risk Committees. He is Audit Committee Chairman of the YBA KANOO Group. Also, he serves as the Audit & Risk Committee Chairman of Advanced Piping Solutions Company and an ARC Member of East Pipes Integrated Company. Amro also is a member of the Audit Committee at the Saudi Arabian Mining Services Company and a member at both the Audit and Risk Committees at Foodics Pay. Lately, Amro was appointed as the Chairman of Manafeth Audit Committee (Najm subsidiary).

Atiq Bajwa serves as Chief Risk Officer at Sulaiman Alrajhi Holding, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading Waqf-owned holding companies with diversified interests across financial investments, real estate, and direct investments. He oversees Enterprise Risk Management, Business Continuity Management, and Internal Controls across multiple subsidiaries.

An internationally recognized authority in risk and resilience, Atiq leads the Business Continuity Institute-Saudi Arabia Chapter and serves as a BCI global and regional Awards Judge. He was recently honored as “Top Business Continuity Professional” in the GCC by the International Disaster Recovery Institute, recognizing his significant contributions to the profession.

A sought-after keynote speaker at major regional conferences, Atiq brings extensive global experience leading large-scale risk and continuity initiatives across the Americas, Europe, MEAF, and Asia Pacific. He holds distinguished certifications including Certified Senior Lead Risk Manager (ISO-31000), Certified Business Continuity Professional

Currently, Sami serves as Chief Advisor at the National Industrial Development Center (NIDC), where he leads the development of strategies to localize and grow the Machinery and Equipment sector with a strong focus on Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. His role supports the center’s mandate to align with the Kingdom’s National Industrial Strategy by driving innovation, attracting foreign direct investment, and enabling advanced manufacturing capabilities across priority value chains in Saudi Arabia.

His recent research on SME readiness in R&D and innovation is notable as one of the first comprehensive studies at the national level, addressing critical gaps in the SME ecosystem. Sami has been a pivotal force in helping SMEs adopt Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. As the founder of the 4IR Center at KAUST, built on his previous work with the SME Innovation Services department, Sami has driven initiatives tailored to SMEs, impacting over 4,000 businesses. His deep understanding of the unique challenges SMEs face from limited budgets to knowledge gaps has guided the development of accessible, hands-on training in transformative technologies like digital twins, IoT, and AI

Javed A. Akbar is a multi-award-winning global leader in Governance, Risk, Strategy, Audit, and Finance, renowned for turning complex challenges into strategic advantages by integrating sophisticated business, financial, and technological landscapes. With extensive experience in the Middle East and on the global stage, Javed’s career as a senior executive and board member showcases a rare blend of financial acumen, strategic governance, risk management, technology and audit expertise.Javed has consistently driven sustainable growth, fostered high-performance cultures, and implemented robust governance and resilience frameworks across diverse industries and regions. His leadership on boards and committees in North America and the Middle East highlights his ability to innovate and lead at the highest levels of corporate strategy and risk management.Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Javed is a captivating speaker and trusted advisor, regularly invited to share his insights at prestigious international conferences, summits, and exclusive executive forums. His thought leadership in risk management, corporate strategy, ESG governance, and emerging technologies resonates with global audiences. Javed holds a master’s degree in Finance from the University of London (UK) and is a Certified Board Director (NACD.DC – USA), Chartered Professional Accountant (Canada & UK) as well as a Certified Internal Auditor (USA). As a sought-after thought leader and trusted advisor, Javed continues to shape the future of Governance, Risk, and Finance on the global stage.

Ayman is a founding member of D360 Bank, overseeing the Bank’s risk strategy. He was Chief Risk Officer at Emkan Finance and held senior roles at Al Rajhi Bank, Ayman holds a bachelor’s degree in MIS from KFUPM and an MBA from King Saud University, where he graduated top of his class.

Omar is a healthcare technology executive and Chief Information Officer with more than 25 years of IT experience, including over 15 years in executive leadership roles driving digital transformation across healthcare organizations. He currently serves as CIO at Alrajhi Medicine, where he leads the technology strategy for a new-generation digital healthcare organization, overseeing the implementation of Oracle Health HIS, Oracle Fusion ERP, Revenue Cycle Management, enterprise integration, cloud, network, and cybersecurity platforms.
With extensive experience in commissioning green-field digital hospitals, Omar has successfully led large-scale technology programs, enterprise application deployments, and digital innovation initiatives that enhance patient care, operational efficiency, and organizational performance. His expertise spans healthcare digitalization, AI adoption, cloud computing, cybersecurity, IT governance, and emerging technologies, with a strong focus on aligning technology investments with strategic business and clinical outcomes. He is a recognized leader in building digitally enabled healthcare ecosystems that support sustainable growth, operational excellence, and future-ready healthcare delivery.

Ali Abussaud is a seasoned investor and investment executive with a career spanning more than two decades across private capital, institutional banking, and principal investing. At his core, Ali is an investor by instinct and by practice. Having managed his family’s investment portfolio for over twenty years, he has developed a disciplined, long-term capital allocation philosophy grounded in risk management, asymmetric returns, and value creation. His professional journey includes over a decade in corporate and institutional banking, where he held leadership roles within leading regional banks, advising large corporates and structuring complex financing solutions.

Driven by a deep conviction in venture capital as a transformational asset class, Ali co-founded HALA Ventures in 2018, which later evolved into HALA Capital, a CMA-regulated investment management company focused exclusively on alternative investments. Since its inception, HALA Capital has expanded its platform to include private equity, private credit, and other alternative investment strategies, reinforcing its position as a comprehensive alternative asset manager.

Ali is widely recognized as a high-conviction, hands-on venture investor with a long-term institutional mindset. He is deeply involved in portfolio strategy, governance, and scaling initiatives, partnering closely with founders and management teams to unlock durable growth. Beyond capital deployment, he actively advises and restructures private companies across multiple sectors in Saudi Arabia and has co-founded ventures in IT solutions, training, and F&B.

Ameer Albahouth is the Founder and CEO of Arbaaa, a strategic communications and marketing firm helping organizations build trust, influence, and sustainable growth through research, storytelling, and digital transformation.

With a degree in Medical Science from McGill University and executive business studies at MBSC, Ameer works at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and strategy. He has advised healthcare organizations, public sector entities, and private companies on patient engagement, digital health communication, customer experience, and AI-enabled marketing.

His work focuses on translating complex healthcare and technology concepts into strategies that improve adoption, strengthen institutional reputation, and create measurable impact. Drawing on experience across North America and the GCC, Ameer brings a cross-disciplinary perspective on how AI, pharmaceutical innovation, and healthcare systems can work together to shape the future of medicine

Dr. Mohammed Alshahrani is an Executive Advisor specializing in statistics, strategic data, economic policy, and decision-grade data systems. He advises on ministerial-level national policy files where statistical evidence, data quality, and indicator reliability are critical to executive decision-making.

His work focuses on transforming administrative and operational data into trusted, decision-grade indicators that support economic policy, public-sector performance, and responsible AI adoption.
He is also the Founder of AISSET, a decision-grade data and indicator intelligence platform focused on data quality, statistical governance, AI-ready data architecture, and the transformation of fragmented data into trusted assets for policy and enterprise intelligence.

Michael Lints is a Founding Partner MENA at Golden Gate Ventures (GGV), where he leads the firm’s venture initiatives across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from his base in Qatar. With over two decades of experience spanning Europe, Asia, and MENA, he focuses on cross-regional capital formation, early and growth-stage investments, and portfolio value creation.

Since joining GGV in 2013, Michael has helped expand the firm’s global reach, raising funds and guiding portfolio companies through later-stage rounds, acquisitions, and exits. He also chairs The Consumer Justice Foundation in the Netherlands.

Beyond venture capital, Michael is the filmmaker behind Broken Chains, a documentary on social injustice, and an active patron of the arts. A former national karate athlete, he brings the discipline of sport to investing—connecting capital, culture, and impact across global markets.

Kamal Farag is a seasoned CTO with a proven track record of success in the digital space. He is a skilled leader who has demonstrated expertise in building, managing, and growing technology departments and companies, and has been trusted by business leaders to develop and execute strategies that meet evolving customer needs and drive commercial outcomes. With experience in both start-ups and enterprise organizations

Dr. Sufana AlMashhadi is the Innovation Director at the Saudi National Institute of Health (Saudi NIH), a MISK 2030 Leader, and a member of the Saudi Leadership Society (SLS); where she is purposefully leading the ecosystem’s innovative efforts towards human centricity, and contributing in a global shift in the current model of care.
Sufana has gained her PhD in NEUROSCIENCE, from the University of Sheffield, UK; and her Postdoctoral Fellowship from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston, USA where she has worked at Sloan School of Management and remains maintaining this prestigious affiliation till date.

Prior to the current leadership role, Sufana has established and has directed the Innovation Center at King Fahad Medical City for three years.

As a leader of innovation in the Middle East, Sufana’s ultimate goal is to establish a solid framework to harness national, regional and global creativity and innovation by connecting the best minds across Innovation’s ecosystem, and by establishing national policies and platforms for idea and innovation management.

My career to date has spanned academic and biotechnology research, research funding, the monitoring and evaluation of scientific research, research strategy and policy, with significant time also focused on establishing meaningful partnerships.
As the Director, my team and I will endeavor to shape and drive KAUST research. We will achieve this through: maintaining research excellence, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to monitor, evaluate and enhance KAUST Research.
I believe in bringing science to the forefront of human society, I am passionate in what I do and considerate to my time and place.

Jonathan Calder is a senior digital transformation and innovation leader with extensive experience shaping strategy, operations, and technology across the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. As Director of Commercial IT and Digital for AstraZeneca Saudi Arabia, he drives Digital and AI-enabled transformation, omnichannel engagement, and patient-impact initiatives that improve outcomes at scale.

Recognized for building high-performing, cross-functional teams across the Middle East, Jonathan has led large-scale programs to modernize commercial engagement, accelerate adoption of advanced digital platforms, and operationalize AI across marketing, medical, and field force teams. His leadership consistently delivers scalable, measurable results, from enterprise-wide initiatives to omnichannel platforms reaching broad healthcare audiences.

Jonathan’s career spans senior roles at AstraZeneca and Aspen Pharmacare, where he combined technical expertise with strategic influence to architect enterprise solutions, enable supply chain optimization, and establish digital governance frameworks.

A recognised IT executive with about 20 years of experience in leading-edge IT and change implementation in the Middle East in IT, Smart City, Cloud, ERP, DSS, IT Outsourcing & transforming IT into a Profit Centre. They are acclaimed as an agent of change with a track record of successfully implementing complex IT and change projects to a reference site standard, meeting challenging deadlines on time and within budget. Twice, I was awarded one of the Top 10 IT Managers of the Middle East. I was featured in numerous IT, Smart City, and Project Management articles in the region’s IT publications.

Adel Miran is a strategic leader in administration, facilities management, and innovation, currently serving as Director of Administration and Facilities Management at Dubai Holding Real Estate. With extensive experience managing complex organizational environments, he plays a key role in driving operational excellence, smart infrastructure strategies, and future-ready enterprise systems within one of the UAE’s leading real estate developers.

Adel is also the Founder of Miranco Innovation & AI Consultancy, where he focuses on advancing the integration of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and intelligent operational frameworks across industries. His work explores how AI, advanced analytics, and next-generation technologies can transform governance, asset management, and large-scale organizational ecosystems.

Recognized as a Legacy Maker and Visionary Leader of the Year by the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards, Adel contributes to global conversations on innovation and technology. He serves as an Expert Board Member at Universal Consulting Group in AI and Innovation and is a member of the AI Future Forum, where he engages with international leaders shaping the future of intelligent systems.

At this event will share insights on the evolving role of AI, intelligent infrastructure, and next-generation technologies in shaping the future of real estate, smart cities, and enterprise operations.

Samia led Makkah Health Cluster to a national milestone as Saudi Arabia’s first accredited innovative government organization, setting new benchmarks in healthcare excellence and leadership.

Samia empowered MHC team to win five awards at Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions showcasing Saudi leadership in healthcare innovation. She stands as a national and global mentor and judge, inspiring future innovators.

Samia launched the Innovation Bridge Platform — a pioneering governance and investment model that transforms ideas into impactful healthcare solutions, inspiring leaders and shaping sustainable opportunities for Excellent Health for all.

Kamal Farag is a seasoned CTO with a proven track record of success in the digital space. He is a skilled leader who has demonstrated expertise in building, managing, and growing technology departments and companies, and has been trusted by business leaders to develop and execute strategies that meet evolving customer needs and drive commercial outcomes. With experience in both start-ups and enterprise organizations

Daniel Hill is a former IFBB World Champion bodybuilder turned entrepreneur at the intersection of health, technology, and artificial intelligence. With an academic background in pharmacology, he combines scientific rigor with firsthand expertise in human performance and optimization.
Daniel began his career as a professional athlete, representing global nutraceutical brands, where he developed a deep understanding of supplementation, hydration, and metabolic health. This foundation led him to explore advanced water technologies, culminating in the co-invention of a patented treatment system (WO2020148157) that produces alkaline and hydrogen-enriched water designed to support human performance and recovery.

He is the co-founder of Aquivio Systems, an AI-powered hydration platform redefining how water and functional beverages are delivered, personalized, and monetized.

Aquivio integrates smart hardware, IoT infrastructure, and machine learning to enable real-time personalization of hydration based on user preferences. The systems also provide predictive maintenance, consumption analytics, and dynamic pricing models, transforming hydration into a data-driven, scalable service.

With its regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, Aquivio is aligned with Vision 2030 by contributing to digital transformation, sustainability, and preventive healthcare. Daniel’s work sits at the convergence of AI, wellness, and smart infrastructure, positioning him as a forward-thinking voice on how intelligent systems can reshape everyday human experiences.

Nishanth is a Cyber Security professional with 15+ years of experience Advisory, Consulting, Designing, Implementation and primary focus areas include Cyber Security Engineering & Ops, Cloud Native Security Ops, Data Privacy Engineering, DevSecOps, Site Reliability Engineering, and Chaos Engineering.Nishanth has worked in sectors such as Information Technology, Banking, Finance, Telecommunications, Transportation, and Industrial Manufacturing. His international experience, which spans Algeria, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Egypt, India, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Tunisia, has enriched his understanding of the unique needs and challenges in these regions.His competency and commitment are reflected in the professional certifications he holds, including CIPM, CIPT, CISA, CISM, AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Azure Solutions Architect, Oracle Architect, and the Gremlin Chaos Engineering Professional.

Mohammed is an engineer turned engineering manager, turned entrepreneur, turned tech investor. Made numerous investments in both startups and VC funds along the years, 110+ investments and counting. Currently the Founder & Managing Partner of Nama Ventures Capital Company, a Saudi capital market authority (CMA), asset manager focused on Venture Capital. A member of many Angel Networks including Sand Hill Angels in Silicon Valley, Founding board member of Riyadh Angel Investors in Riyadh, and an advisor with Woman Spark in KSA.

Mohammed was one of the co-founders of Tech Wadi in Silicon Valley and he’s an advisor to numerous MENA tech incubators, accelerators and startups, and currently sits on numerous startup boards. Mohammed holds an MBA from London Business School and a BS in Electrical & Computer Engineering from Brigham Young University, and numerous technology certifications.
Mohammed can be reached on twitter at @mzu3bi

Aamir Khalid Pirzada is an accomplished technology executive and cybersecurity leader with more than 20 years of experience in Cybersecurity, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), IT Infrastructure, and Software Project Management. His industry expertise spans manufacturing, oil & gas, retail, telecommunications, and public sector organizations, where he has successfully led enterprise-scale technology initiatives and operational transformations.

As a strategic Chief Information Officer (CIO), Aamir specializes in aligning technology strategies with business objectives to drive innovation, operational excellence, and cybersecurity resilience. He has extensive experience managing complex IT ecosystems, enterprise applications, infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity frameworks, and technology governance while ensuring scalability, performance, and regulatory compliance.

Aamir possesses strong expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and data-driven transformation initiatives. He actively supports organizations in leveraging AI technologies, automation, advanced analytics, and intelligent business solutions to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, improve decision-making, and accelerate digital innovation. His growing focus on AI governance, enterprise data strategy, and secure AI integration positions him as a forward-thinking technology leader in the evolving digital landscape.

Throughout his career, Aamir has successfully led the implementation and transformation of major ERP platforms, including SAP S/4HANA, Oracle E-Business Suite, and Microsoft Dynamics AX. His expertise includes enterprise architecture, business process optimization, solution design, IT strategy, and project governance, enabling organizations to achieve sustainable growth and operational agility.

In the cybersecurity domain, Aamir has led the development and implementation of comprehensive security frameworks, risk management programs, security operations, compliance initiatives, and cyber defense strategies. His leadership in establishing robust security policies, conducting security assessments, and implementing advanced protection measures has significantly strengthened organizational resilience against evolving cyber threats.

Aamir is also recognized for his strong leadership, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration skills. He has consistently built high-performing teams, managed large-scale transformation programs, optimized IT investments, and delivered technology solutions that create measurable business value.

With a unique combination of strategic vision, technical expertise, cybersecurity leadership, ERP transformation experience, and AI-driven innovation capabilities, Aamir Khalid Pirzada continues to help organizations modernize their technology landscape, strengthen cybersecurity posture, and achieve long-term business success in an increasingly digital world.

Over thirty years of experience, with a proven track record in IT transformation, team management, and project management. My expertise lies in crafting and implementing IT strategies that leverage advanced emerging technologies, focusing on ERP systems and business solutions. I excel in exploring, recommending, and implementing ERP and other business solutions across all functional areas, including HR, WMS, Sales Force Automation, CRM, IoT, and BI tools. I have extensive experience in implementing SAP ECC and S4 HANA, fine-tuning, and increasing system utilization.

In addition to my business applications experience, I have spearheaded the implementation of infrastructure solutions in Network and security, Disaster Recovery, Cloud Migration, physical security systems, and collaboration tools. I have a deep understanding of the importance of a robust and secure IT infrastructure to support business operations.

Throughout my career, I have gained valuable business experience in diverse industries including Manufacturing, FMCG, Health Care, and Retail. This broad exposure has given me a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in these verticals.
Combining my technical expertise, leadership skills, and industry knowledge, I am well-equipped to drive IT transformation, optimize business processes, and deliver innovative solutions that align with the organization’s goals.

Mohammad Alamri is an Acting CTO with experience in fintech, IT operations, cloud infrastructure, observability, and cybersecurity governance, leading technology transformation and operational resilience initiatives in regulated environments.

Alanood Alothaimeen serves as Executive Director of Strategy at the Saudi Sports for All Federation, leading strategic planning, institutional development, and corporate positioning efforts, supported by experience across localization and economic development, advanced analytics and functional cohesion, as well as community engagement and participation structures, complemented by advisory contributions to national planning initiatives and representation across regional and international platforms.

With over ten years of leadership experience, I currently serve as Chairman at Diriyah Consulting. My expertise lies in strategy formulation and decision-making, supported by a strong foundation in computer science and engineering. I have contributed to fostering innovative approaches that align with organizational goals and drive impactful outcomes.

My professional journey includes roles as Managing Partner, Advisory Board Member, and Founding Partner, showcasing my commitment to strategic growth and enterprise development. I am deeply motivated to collaborate with teams to create strategies that empower organizations to achieve sustainable success.

With a proven track record of working in the ICT and Military industry, Hussain is skilled in Analytical Thinking, Computer Science, Project Management and Leadership.
Hussain has a deep specialization in Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Big Data and Space and Defense.

AlHasan AlGhamdi is a seasoned cybersecurity leader and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with extensive experience across government and financial sectors in Saudi Arabia. He specializes in cybersecurity governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, and enterprise security strategy. With a strong track record of leading security transformation initiatives and strengthening cyber resilience, AlHasan is recognized for driving secure digital innovation while ensuring alignment with national and international cybersecurity frameworks

Steve Foster is a technology and cybersecurity leader at Netskope, advising CIOs, CISOs, and CTOs on AI adoption, digital transformation, and enterprise security. He works with organizations across global markets to help them unlock the value of AI while maintaining governance, trust, and resilience, enabling innovation at scale in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Mustafa Kol is a systems architect working at the intersection of applied artificial intelligence and large-scale critical infrastructure. Trained in physics and data statistics, he builds AI systems designed to operate in the real world, where decisions must hold up under genuine uncertainty.

He serves as technical lead on major construction and security projects, including the integrated security platform for King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.

A familiar voice in the region’s AI and data-infrastructure community, Mustafa has served as both speaker and moderator at data center and AI events across UAE and Saudi Arabia. At the Global AI Show, he brings a technical practitioner’s view on what it takes to move AI from demonstration to dependable, real-world operation.

Thamer Alrowidhan is a seasoned cybersecurity executive with extensive experience leading information security strategy across government and critical national sectors in Saudi Arabia. As a Chief Information Security Officer, he specializes in building and scaling cybersecurity programs aligned with national regulations, risk management frameworks, and large-scale digital transformation initiatives.

With a strong background in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), Thamer has led the development of resilient security architectures, incident response capabilities, and enterprise-wide security operations. His expertise spans cloud and hybrid security, data protection, third-party risk management, and aligning cybersecurity with organizational and national priorities.

Thamer is recognized for his practical, execution-driven approach to cybersecurity—bridging strategy with real-world implementation. He has played a key role in strengthening cyber resilience within complex environments and advising leadership on managing evolving threat landscapes.

He frequently contributes to industry discussions and forums, sharing insights on cyber resilience, regulatory compliance, and the future of cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia.

Atef Roshdy Abdelaziz is a senior IT executive and transformation leader, currently serving as Group IT Director at Al Watania for Industries in Saudi Arabia. He leads enterprise-wide digital initiatives spanning SAP S/4HANA, cybersecurity, and AI-driven innovation—partnering closely with executive leadership to turn technology into a strategic growth engine. Known for his strong governance mindset and business-first approach, Atef is at the forefront of positioning IT as a catalyst for competitive advantage in the Kingdom.

Abdulaziz Alowais is Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at King Salman International Airport (KSIA), where he leads the airport’s AI strategy, data-driven transformation, digital trust initiatives, and intelligent guest experience programs aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

With over 15 years of experience across government, consulting, and technology sectors, Abdulaziz has held leadership positions at KSIA, PwC Middle East, Sparc Consulting, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

He has contributed to national transformation programs related to AI, digital government, data governance, innovation, and emerging technologies. He is also Co-Founder of iWavesStore Inc., where he has been involved in entrepreneurship and digital growth for more than 15 years.

Abdulaziz holds both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Information Technology and Management from the University of Dallas. His areas of expertise include artificial intelligence, digital identity, verifiable credentials, digital trust, data governance, and intelligent infrastructure.

Eng. Layla AlSalehi is the Director of Virtual Health Services in Seha Virtual Hospital in Ministry of Health MOH. Her role is leading the implementation of virtual services projects using emerging technologies and trends. She has over 18 years’ experience in the field of digital transformation, digital health, national programs and portfolio management and strategic planning. She contributed to the achievement of MOH represented by SVH obtaining multiples awards and accreditation.

Abdulaziz Alzahrani is the IT Operations & Services Director at Najm for Insurance Services, with over 21 years of experience in IT operations across leading Saudi organizations including Mobily, ZATCA, Saudi Payments (SAMA), and Tamkeen Technologies. At Najm, he leads the 24/7 run-and-operate functions behind a mission-critical national production environment, having driven major production-stability and disaster-recovery initiatives. His focus spans observability, AIOps, and operational resilience for increasingly complex, AI-driven workloads, in line with Saudi Vision 2030

Executive digital transformation & digital health leader scaling virtual care and digital health platforms across Saudi Arabia. I lead national and cross-border programmes across strategy, governance, operating models, delivery execution, and adoption, ensuring regulatory-aligned outcomes and sustainable performance.

Venture builder with experience launching and scaling startups: business models, go-to-market, partnerships, team leadership, and investment readiness.

Dr. Mohammed Abdur Rahman is a Full Professor and the Founding as well as current Head of the Department of Cyber Security and Forensic Computing at the College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, University of Prince Mugrin (UPM), Madinah, Saudi Arabia. He is also the Founder and Director of AdvancedMediaLab, a research and innovation laboratory focused on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Trust, and Emerging Technologies.
Recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists, Dr. Rahman has secured more than USD 15 million in competitive research funding from national and international funding agencies across Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and other global research ecosystems. He has received the University of Prince Mugrin Best Researcher Award for five consecutive years.
Dr. Rahman has authored more than 150 scientific publications, including 57 journal articles, 90 conference papers, and 37 Q1 journal publications. His publication portfolio spans Artificial Intelligence, Agentic AI, AI Governance, Cybersecurity, Blockchain-enabled Trust Architectures, Digital Banking Security, IoT/6G Security, Smart Cities, Digital Healthcare, and Cyber-Physical Systems, reflecting over two decades of research and innovation. His research contributions focus on building secure, trustworthy, scalable, and explainable intelligent systems capable of operating in complex real-world environments.
His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge intelligent technologies and their secure deployment in industry and society, with a particular focus on trust, resilience, privacy, governance, compliance, and large-scale operationalization. He has led and contributed to numerous national and international initiatives involving AI-powered healthcare, smart cities, digital trust ecosystems, critical infrastructure protection, intelligent transportation systems, digital banking security, and large-scale digital transformation programs.
Dr. Rahman’s recent research explores the convergence of Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and Autonomous Systems to build resilient, transparent, and trustworthy digital ecosystems capable of supporting next-generation financial services, intelligent infrastructure, and national-scale AI deployments.

Asad Makki is a technology and AI leader with nearly two decades of experience across artificial intelligence, data, analytics, cloud, and decisioning technologies. He holds a BSc in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence from City, University of
London, and an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School.

Throughout his career, Asad has worked closely with government, banking, telecom, healthcare, and public sector organizations across the Middle East, helping them translate AI and data strategies into practical, enterprise-scale outcomes. His work has covered areas such as advanced analytics, AI-driven decisioning, fraud and financial crime, data governance, model management, customer intelligence, and real-time analytics.

At SAS, Asad has held multiple regional leadership roles, including leading cloud advisory, AIoT, platform modernization, decisioning, and architecture initiatives across the Middle East. Most recently, he has taken on a country leadership scope for SAS in Saudi Arabia, where he leads customer advisory and go-to-market activities, supports strategic customer engagements, builds AI and analytics capabilities across the team, and helps organizations align AI innovation with business value, governance, and trusted outcomes.

Asad is passionate about the responsible adoption of AI, helping enterprises move beyond experimentation into scalable, governed, and impactful AI programs that deliver measurable value.

Wasif is currently serving as the Advisor to the CEO of a PIF Portfolio Company on Strategic Initiatives such as AI enablement, Products & Technology. In a career spanning over 25 years, as a Global Transaction Banking Leader and Innovator, he has played a key role in building and growing Trade, Supply Chain Financing (SCF) & Transaction Banking business, grounds-up, in multiple local & international banks.

He has also been instrumental in banks becoming market leaders in Trade & Transaction Banking solutions based on the strength of their products.

Wasif is a trusted go-to person for leading strategic initiatives, digitalization, technology transformation programs, FI/Fintech partnerships and sophisticated solution sales.

Wasif completed Executive Education from MIT Sloan School of Management and MS Degree from KFUPM. He is a thought leader and has represented his organizations as a public speaker in distinguished forums such as 24Fintech, AI & Data Centers Summit, Saudi Trade Finance, World Fintech Show and others.

Over 30 years of progressive technology management of ICT Services and Infrastructures. Highly skilled in determining strategic impact of emerging issues and trends. My experience encompasses Digital transformation advisor, Chief Enterprise architect, Solution Architect, Program/Project Manager, Operations Manager and Senior Consultant. I have also more than 6 years’ experience in academia, teaching, coaching/mentoring and was an active member in various industry forums and standardization groups (ITU-R, TM Forum, SEA-ME-WE consortium). Multi Awards winner, speaker/moderator/panelist in multiple international professional forums and events

Rachid is a Sales Manager at Dynatrace, driving AI-powered observability and digital transformation across Saudi Arabia, supported by deep regional expertise in the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain.
Known for combining strategic alignment with disciplined execution, Rachid has built a strong track record of delivering measurable business impact for high-profile enterprises in the government, BFSI, retail, aviation and transport sectors. His customer-centric approach has been instrumental in fostering long-term partnerships and accelerating advanced technology adoption across the region.

Dr. Mansoor Ali Baig is a prominent Digital Transformation and AI strategist and specialist, widely recognized in the realm of Healthcare Research in Saudi Arabia and beyond. With 29 years of extensive experience in digital solutions, software development, IT, and data, he has been affiliated with the Research and Innovation at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center since 2009, he pioneered the digital transformation and AI initiative for the Rsearch & Innovation. His innovative approach aims to modernize healthcare research systems as part of a comprehensive digital transformation and AI strategy in Healthcare Research and Innovation. A prolific author in the areas of Digital Health, Machine Learning, and AI, he has been honored with multiple awards for his visionary contributions to digital transformation and AI.

Noor Binsaleh is a Saudi youth leader, athlete, and moderator whose work sits at the intersection of leadership, sports, and national development.

Professionally, Noor has worked in public sector consulting under the leadership of His Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Nasser, contributing to projects and initiatives focused on national development and strategic growth. Her experience spans youth leadership, sports governance, stakeholder engagement, and public-private sector collaboration, allowing her to bridge conversations across industries, generations, and sectors.

As an athlete, Noor is recognized as part of the first Saudi female tennis players who contributed to the rapid growth of women’s sports in the Kingdom. She is also an accomplished show-jumping athlete, giving her a unique perspective across multiple sporting disciplines.

Her contributions to international sport extend beyond competition. For two consecutive years, she worked with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the global governing body of professional women’s tennis. Through international campaigns, media initiatives, and engagement with some of the world’s top-ranked female athletes, she contributed to showcasing Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a destination for world-class sporting events and global sporting excellence.

As a Law & International Relations student, Noor currently serves as President of the Sports Club at AlFaisal University, where she leads initiatives that connect students with industry leaders, athletes, and global organizations.

Alongside her university leadership, Noor joined as the youngest female member of Tomouh (TCL), an exclusive leadership community that brings together some of Saudi Arabia’s leaders and decision-makers from the Kingdom’s public and private sectors.

Noor also served as Executive Secretary for the INSEAD Saudi Alumni Community, one of the world’s leading business schools, where she spent five years working with other various Saudi alumni groups (Cambridge, Harvard, Oxford, etc…) contributing to leadership engagement and executive initiatives.

Through her leadership, athletic career, and professional experience, Noor is passionate about empowering young people, fostering innovation, and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s continued growth on the global stage.

Abdulelah Alshareef is Principal, Venture Capital at Merak Capital, a CMA-licensed multi-strategy investment firm headquartered in Riyadh, where he leads the firm’s venture capital team and its investment strategy across emerging technologies.

Abdulelah focuses on identifying, backing, and scaling companies at the frontier of artificial intelligence, working with founders building applied-AI products across sectors including healthcare, gaming, and digital platforms. He led Merak’s Venture Capital Guide to Artificial Intelligence, the firm’s thought-leadership report on the AI investment landscape, and is a regular voice on where institutional venture capital meets applied innovation.

He brings an engineer’s grounding to AI investing, holding a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from King Saud University, alongside an institutional investor’s discipline on what separates durable AI businesses from passing trends. Before his current role, he served as Vice President, Venture Capital at Merak Capital and held positions across the technology and telecommunications sectors. His perspective bridges the technical and the commercial: how AI moves from capability to company, and from prototype to scaled, investable business.

AI-specific speaking themes Investing in artificial intelligence: how institutional venture capital separates durable businesses from hype
From capability to company: what it takes to build a scaled, investable AI business The AI investment landscape in Saudi Arabia and the region under Vision 2030 Applied AI across healthcare, gaming, and digital platforms: where the value is created What an engineer turned investor looks for in an AI founder and team Capital, talent, and infrastructure: building the Kingdom’s AI ecosystem

Megha Merani is Senior Editor and Chief Correspondent at Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI). A former software programmer,, she moved into journalism after finding herself repeatedly translating complex technology and business transformation concepts to non-specialist audiences. She now covers technology, business, finance, regulation and the economy across the Gulf, with a track record of breaking exclusive stories and making complex issues accessible through clear, accountable reporting.

An accomplished and multifaceted PR & Intercultural Communications Strategist with 20+ years of experience in the US and Middle East. Committed to driving change and innovation in media, PR & communications and strategic impact storytelling with expertise in the sociocultural, historical and heritage consultancy.

Proven track record in strategizing and executing results-driven campaigns and programs for multinational corporates, government and non-profit clients.

A trusted advisor and consultant skilled at building strategic partnerships and leading cross-functional teams. A bilingual American citizen and published author with in-depth international cultural fluency and insight.