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His Excellency Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani has been appointed the Chief Executive Ofcer of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC).
With over 25 years of experience serving in the government sector, Al Shaibani has held several senior positions in DESC and at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) including being a member of the both organizations Board of Directors. Recognized as one of the founding members of DESC and MBRSC , Al Shaibani has made valuable contributions towards the growth and development of the organizations.
Al Shaibani’s relentless drive and expertise have played a pivotal role in leading the DESC development team to create innovative platforms and soware programs that signicantly enhanced the monitoring of Dubai’s cyber readiness. Under his guidance, these remarkable achievements have paved the way for a more secure and technologically advanced city.
Furthermore, Al Shaibani has le an indelible mark on space exploration and scientic advancements, with his instrumental role in launching the MARS mission and realizing the dream of sending the rst UAE astronaut to space. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of human exploration and scientic discovery has inspired countless individuals and opened new possibilities for the future of space research.
In addition to his roles at DESC and MBRSC, Al Shaibani is also a Board Member of the UAE Cyber Security Council and the UAE Space Agency.
Al Shaibani graduated from the Etisalat University College (now known as “Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research – KUSTAR”), Sharjah in 1995 and went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Microelectronics Systems Design from Central England University (now known as Birmingham City University) in UK in 1997.
Al Shaibani is a true pioneer in the elds of cybersecurity and space exploration, and his exceptional achievements serve as an inspiration to all, motivating us to reach for the stars and never stop exploring the vast potential that lies ahead.
H.E. Amer Sharaf is a highly experienced professional with a career spanning over 20 years, currently serving as the Executive Director of Cyber Security Systems and Services at Dubai Electronic Security Center, part of the Dubai Digital Authority. With experience accumulated over two decades, Sharaf has honed a diverse skill set in the field of Information Technology. Throughout his career, he has consistently showcased proficiency in managing and delivering critical projects, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex challenges with precision and ingenuity.
In addition to his technical knowledge, Sharaf possesses experience in city-level systems, which enables him to manage interconnected networks and emerging technologies effectively. By staying ahead of the rapidly evolving cyber landscape, Sharaf ensures that Dubai Electronic Security Center remains at the forefront of innovation and can adeptly handle emerging cyber threats all through commitment to integrating key security principles and cutting-edge technologies across the organization’s operations.
Dubai Digital Authority
As of June 2023, H.E. Khalifa Al Marri has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Shared Government Services Sector at the Digital Dubai Government Establishment, part of the Dubai Digital Authority. Al Marri is responsible for ensuring the continual operations of all of Dubai Digital Authority’s underlying infrastructure and platforms, as well as the Shared Government Services like the Government Resource Planning (GRP) system.
With over 20 years of expertise in IT Services and Infrastructure Operations, Al Marri embarked on his professional journey at Dubai Aluminum (now known as Emirates Global Aluminum,) gaining proficiency across domains such as IT Security, IT Networking, IT Operations, and Telecommunications. Subsequently, he progressed into leadership roles within the field of IT at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and eventually joined Dubai Digital Authority.
Al Marri holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Information Technology from The Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai, and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing and Publishing from City, University of London.
Dr. Bushra Al Blooshi is the Director of Governance and Risk Management for Cybersecurity at the Dubai Cyber Security Center. She is the first Arab woman to join the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils on Cybersecurity, chair the World Bank’s Cloud Computing Group and receive ISC2 CEO global award.
In December 2023, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, congratulated Dr. Bushra Al Blooshi on her appointment as Chair of the World Bank’s Cloud Computing Group.
Dr. Bushra has contributed to numerous global initiatives with prestigious international organizations such as the initiative to unify digital licenses internationally, the digital agenda for G20 meetings, the global cybersecurity skills framework, the data classification matrix and cloud assessment framework, and studies forecasting the future of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity presented at the World Economic Forum Davos Summits each year.
She also leads many strategic national initiatives in the Emirate of Dubai and United Arab Emirates, such as the Dubai Cybersecurity Strategy, the Dubai Cyber Innovation Park, national cybersecurity policies, the research and development agenda, and the cybersecurity resilience strategy for the city of Dubai. She has participated in several national projects such as UAEPAss, Invest in Dubai, the Dubai Open Data platform, and the Dubai Digital Skills Strategy. Dr. Bushra has over 18 years of experience in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and strategy management.
Dr. Bushra has held numerous positions in various national and international institutions, sectors, and organizations. She has participated in many local, regional, and international conferences. She is also an active member of more than one advisory board and committee at the national and international levels.
Al Blooshi holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, a Master in Information Security from Khalifa University, and another Master in Public Administration from the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government in collaboration with Harvard University. Dr. Bushra’s research interests include cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital forensics, and cryptography. She earned two patents in memory forensics and cloud security from the US patent office.
In his role as CEO at Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), Fahad Al Hassawi is responsible for the organisation’s vision, strategy and long-term success. He is committed to driving innovation, accelerating digital transformation, and creating a fearless and industry-leading telecommunications organisation.
His key responsibilities include achieving revenue targets, enabling greater customer engagement, and increasing du’s market share by creating seamless customer journeys that are focused on the end-to-end customer experience end-to-end. Under his leadership, du has streamlined how business units interact with optimised service delivery, operations, finance, and central service hubs. This has maximised efficient, increased customer satisfaction and set du on a path to long-term and sustained growth.
Fahad Al Hassawi is also responsible for overseeing telecom operations of du and Virgin brands’ digital lifestyle and innovation divisions, overseeing infrastructure development, technology and network investment, and continued 5G rollout.
In his previous role as Deputy Chief Executive Officer at du, Fahad Al Hassawi assumed responsibility for a broad scope of operations across various business units, including enterprise, consumer, brand & communication, planning & strategy, government relations, and customer experience. He also held positions as the company’s Chief Human Resources & Shared Services Officer and Executive Vice President – Human Resources. He held several Human Resources positions at Emirates Airline prior to his roles at du.
Fahad holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Miami and he completed a Global Business Consortium Programme at the London Business School in 2005.
Mr. Mohammed Bin Sulaiman, the CEO of Data Hub Integrated Solutions Moro LLC (Moro Hub), is one of the key leaders who spearheaded the commencement of Moro Hub in 2018. In a very short period, Moro Hub was able to establish its global footprint in the fields of digital transformation and data innovation in line with the national strategies and the initiatives of Dubai Future Accelerators.
As a part of Dubai 10X vision, Moro Hub is committed to lead disruptive innovative solutions, attracting partnership with global pioneers, large investments and engaging in vast digital transformation projects. Mr. Bin Sulaiman is leading Moro Hub to be the best data hub to offer best of breed technology solutions abreast with latest digital services focusing on sustainability and sovereignty. Moro Hub is the largest solar powered data center operator in the world, in addition to various elite certifications and awards in digital security and data services. Moro Hub’s consistent ongoing achievements has substantially created a qualitative shift in the progress of digital solutions in the public and private sectors in the UAE and the region.
Mr. Bin Sulaiman is a holder of EMBA from the UAE Higher Colleges of Technology. Graduated from Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (Impactful Leaders Program -2019). He is recognized as inspiring and collaborative leader with influencing skills to motivate & lead people in diverse cultural environment. He has over 21 years of cross functional expertise in telecom, energy and digital solutions spectrum. He began his career in the Emirates Telecommunication Group Company (Etisalat) in 2003, served various positions in Telecom Carrier, SMB/ Channels and Govt & Enterprise Sales. Bin Sulaiman possesses high business acumen skills in leading B2B & B2C market segments.
In 2016, he joined Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) appointed as Chief Digital Solutions Officer to lead the digital innovation, customer happiness and transformations projects.
Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni is a leading figure in emerging technologies, serving as CEO of AI for Dubai’s Department
of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC). His appointment is part of
Dubai’s ambitious ‘Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence’, which aims to position the city as a global leader
in AI innovation and implementation.
In his role at DET, Dr. Al Zarouni works closely with both the public and private sector to roll out policies and
initiatives to harness AI to enhance the quality of life for Dubai’s residents and enrich visitor experiences. As
the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), he has been instrumental in driving blockchain adoption in the
region. With over two decades of experience in technology, information security, digital forensics, and AI, he has
driven significant advancements in blockchain adoption and AI innovation.
As a founding member of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) and the Artificial Intelligence Ethical
Committee (AIEC), Dr. Al Zarouni is recognized globally, including being named one of the top 100 influential
figures in blockchain and cryptocurrencies by CoinTelegraph in 2022. His contributions to the field have also
earned him a place as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Cryptocurrencies from
2020 to 2021.
Director, Core Engineering Products
Hsiao Ming is the Director of Core Engineering Products at GovTech Singapore, where he leads the development of platforms in the Singapore Government Technology Stack. His group’s flagship products include APEX, a secure government API gateway, and SHIP-HATS, a set of CI/CD tools with supply chain and governance features. He also part of the team behind Government on Commercial Cloud, a key enabler for cloud adoption, and StackOps, a government-wide observability solution.
A software engineer by trade, Hsiao Ming is passionate about cloud technologies, software development, and Generative AI. He co-chairs the World Bank’s Cloud Working Group and is one of the organisers behind the STACK Developer Conference. He has previously held technical roles at NVIDIA and Autodesk.
Hsiao Ming holds a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Computer Science from the National University of Singapore and is a certified Scrum Master.
Kevin is an accomplished global tech leader with over 20 years of working experience. He has significant experience in launching new technology capabilities, as well as growing new product and engineering teams. At GovTech, he leads the product and engineering teams for Government on Commercial Cloud (GCC) and Singapore Government Techstack (SGTS) as Senior Director of GDS Central. Products launched include SHIP-HATS, for Whole of Government CI/CD; APEX, for Whole of Government API portal and gateways; and GCC family of products including GCC 2.0 for commercial cloud workloads and GCC+ for more sensitive cloud workloads.
Prior to joining GovTech, he was the Senior Director, Product and Technology at Expedia and was based in Singapore and London. Kevin has led global teams involved in search and globalisation, transformed monolithic solutions into microservices on the cloud, created reusable platform components for both customer-facing apps and internal-use pipelines, and re-architected monolithic systems to incorporate artificial intelligence models. His team spanned across multiple locations globally and comprised engineering and product directors, product managers, technical product managers and engineers.
Kevin graduated with a B.Sc. (First Class Honours) in Computer Science from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and holds a M.Sc. (by Research) in Computer Science from NUS.
João Ricardo Vasconcelos is a Senior Governance Specialist in the GovTech Global team of the Governance Global Practice of the World Bank. His areas of expertise include whole of government approaches for public sector digitalization; green GovTech, CivicTech, interoperability, inclusive GovTech and service delivery.
Before joining the World Bank, João was a digital government policy analyst at the Open and Innovative Government Division, Public Governance Directorate of the OECD, being the lead coordinator of several cross-cutting activities in the Digital Government team.
Previously to the OECD, João led the Innovation and International Relations Unit of AMA – Agency for the Administrative Modernization, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Portugal, coordinating projects such as the EGOV Innovation Hub, Dados.gov and the Common Knowledge Network.
Mr. Herrera, a Mexican National, has extensive experience in governance, as a practitioner and from the development and academic perspectives. He joined the World Bank in 2010 as Senior Public Sector Management Specialist in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. He held various positions in the Bank including as Sector Manager in LAC, Practice Manager in Governance Global Practice for the LAC and East Asia and the Pacific regions in the Global Unit before leaving the World Bank Group in 2018.
Between 2018 and 2021 he has held leadership positions in the Government of Mexico as Co-Head of the Finance Team in Presidential Transition Team, Deputy Finance Minister and, most recently, as Minister of Finance and Public Credit. He was also the Chairman of Mexico’s Exchange Commission and Member of the Board of the Central Bank.
As Global Director for Institutions, country-level governance, especially in fragile, conflict and violent settings; maximizing the effectiveness of operational support for public financial management and public procurement; fostering excellence in the Bank’s Prosperity vertical work on public sector administration and operational support for legal and judicial reforms.
Mr. Herrera has also taught Monetary and Banking and Macro and Micro Economics at both El Colegio de Mexico and New York University where he completed his doctoral studies in Economics.
She’s a Brazilian federal public servant and Director of Digital Public Service Platforms at the Secretariat of Digital Government, in the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services. She’s part of the GOV.BR Platform team and leads the government cloud, public service automation, and digital government platform operation and monitoring teams, which are at the center of the Brazilian government’s digital transformation. She holds a postgraduate degree with an MBA in Software Engineering with an Emphasis on Projects and has a degree in Computer Science from the Catholic University of Brasília.
Mr. Vinay Thakur has more than 20 years of experience in implementing IT and e-Governance Projects. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Engineering College Jabalpur and a Master’s degree from the Delhi College of Engineering Computer Science. He has implemented many e-Governance projects comprising of Land Records Computerisation NREGA workflow, Mobile based Fertilizer Monitoring System, GIS platform, etc. Also, he has published around 30 papers on e-Governance, Land records, and the Social impacts of e-Governance projects and guided around 60 MCA / MTech / B.E. students. Presently, he is working as Director (Projects), National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), where he has been instrumental in designing the Government e-Market Place (GeM), Geographic Information System(GIS) for fast decision making in government.
PagoPA S.p.A. Digital public services, Italy
With a degree in Computer Engineering and a +20-year experience in software development and digitalization processes management, Mirko has used and applied a large variety of technologies covering the entire WEB and Enterprise Stack, front end implementation, mobile and universal interfaces.
In 2020, he joined PagoPA S.p.A. (the State Owned Enterprise aimed at spreading digital payments and citizen services in Italy) where he is currently leading the Technology & Services Department aimed at developing e-Government infrastructures and platforms that are at the basis of a new generation of digital public services.
Prior to PagoPA, he worked as Technical Project Manager at the Italian Government’s Digital Transformation Team to lead the realization and spread adoption of ANPR (National Registry of Resident Population). In his previous international career, he has worked as technical architect, senior developer and CTO for companies based in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Switzerland. From 2017 to 2020, Mirko served as Contract Professor in Web and Mobile Development at the University of Camerino.
Dr. Nasser Alamri has been recently appointed on an execu8ve posi8on as Chief Informa8on Officer (CIO) at Ins8tute of Public Administra8on (IPA), with extensive experiences in Digital Transforma8on and Cybersecurity with over 15 years.
Previously, Dr. Alamri was posi8oned as the Cybersecurity Execu8ve Director at IPA, He is an advisory board member in different en88es and a dis8nguished speaker at mul8ple summits and conferences. He has been recognized the CISO award at Global CISO Forum in 2023 and 2024 respec8vely. He also has been recognized by CXO DX LEAP as the CISO award of the year in May 2024. Recently, Dr. Alamri has been recognized by IDC CSO30 award for excellence in cybersecurity in the Middle East region in June 2024.
Dr. Alamri has a wide experience in leadership roles and has contributed with his solid knowledge and exper8se through various consul8ng services related to his fields. Between 2008 and 2024, he held various leadership posi8ons and led mul8ple ini8a8ves and projects such as GRC Senior Manager, Head of Informa8on Technology Sector, building Digital Transforma8on Strategy, developing Cybersecurity strategy, Cybersecurity Execu8ve Program Manager, and establishment of Cybersecurity LAB. Moreover, He has been leading and implemen8ng various big projects with targe8ng cost saving on projects. Dr. Alamri participates as an active member on multiple steering and executive committees. He joined MIT executive programs in the field of Digital Business Innovation and Technology
Antonio De Palmas was appointed Vice President of Worldwide Public Sector Market Development for Microsoft in August 2020. In this role, Antonio heads the new Global Market Development operations to shape Cloud, AI and Procurement requirements and drive global digital transformation across the Public Sector.
De Palmas came to Microsoft from Boeing, where he was President of Southern Europe region, overseeing the company operations, growing in-country business activities and seeking development opportunities for the whole Boeing enterprise.
De Palmas started working at Boeing in 2003 and led the company’s European and NATO Relations, engaging with all European institutions and representing Boeing interests in the European Union (EU) and at NATO.
From 2000 to 2003, De Palmas was director of Business Development for Cisco Systems. In this position, he initiated and managed strategic initiatives for the company and was in charge of developing the public sector market for the company.
Before joining Cisco Systems, De Palmas developed his career in Brussels in the EU policy areas for eight years. During this time, he established and managed the EU and Government Affairs function for Oracle Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and also handled EU affairs for various business interests.
An Italian native, De Palmas has a degree in law and is fluent in four languages: Italian, Spanish, English and French.
Roby Senderowitsch currently serves as the Practice Manager for Public Administration, Governance Global Practice at the World Bank. Previously, he has held various positions, including Practice Manager, Governance Global Practice, Europe and Central Asia (West); Manager for Leadership, Learning & Innovation; Manager of the Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA); and Country Manager in the Dominican Republic. His work at the World Bank includes a strong focus on political economy analysis, building coalitions for change, anti-corruption, and performance-based management of public institutions. He has been a lecturer in Human Resource management in nonprofit organizations, as well as director of educational programs and community development and HR management in the private sector.
Roby’s publications include “Building Effective, Accountable, and Inclusive Institutions in Europe and Central Asia,” “Democratic Governance in Mexico: Beyond State Capture and Social Polarization” (with Yasuhiko Matsuda), “Performance Informed Budgeting and Trust in Government” (with Nick Manning and others), and “From the International Financial Crisis to Inclusive Growth in the Dominican Republic.” Senderowitsch holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Buenos Aires and a Masters in Policy Studies, Public Administration/Nonprofit Management from the Johns Hopkins University.
Khuram Farooq is Senior Financial Management Specialist, Africa Region, since February 2014. Prior to taking this role, he worked as consultant for the World Bank, IMF and DFID during 2012-2014.
Prior to this, he joined the Bank as Program Manager, HRMIS, HRVP, World Bank Group in December 2008.
Before joining the Bank, he worked in the civil service of Pakistan. He oversaw the implementation of PFM reforms in Pakistan as Director, Project to Improve Financial Reporting and Auditing (PIFRA), from 2001-2008. During this period, he managed, among others, the implementation of SAP based IFMIS for the federal, four provincial and 127 district governments in Pakistan. During this project, he also implemented payroll of 2.25 million employees.
Currently, he works on treasury systems, budgeting, IFMIS, HRMIS, and financial reporting reforms in Africa, South Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Khuram Farooq holds an MBA in MIS from The University of Hull, UK, and post-graduate diploma in Public Financial Management, from the University of London.
Senior public sector specialist and senior member of the World Bank’s Global GovTech Unit. More than 28 years of experience in business process improvement, information and communication technologies (ICT), public sector modernization and digital transformation (DT). Master in Business Administration, Bachelor in Informatics and Computer Science, Specialist in Tax Administration, Public Management and Change Management.
Core member of the GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) and the Global Solutions Group for Domestic Resource Mobilization and Public Administration of the World Bank.
Co-author of ICT methodologies and interactive tools for the assessment of Infrastructure Needs, Automation, Information Security and Core Government Systems, including AI/ML solutions.
Former international consultant for different international organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank, the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations, United Nations and National Director of Tax Modernization in Bolivia.
Leader in successful projects of digitalization, transformation, and technological modernization in public administration for several regions/countries (Panama, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Poland, Uganda, Ghana, Vietnam, Cameroon and Georgia among others).
Assistant Professor, Research Scientist
Dr. Luigi Martino is Research Scientist at the Center for Cyber Physical Systems (C2PS) and oversees the activities of the Cyber Security Academy at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi UAE. He is Professor of Cyber Security and International Politics, and CyberSecurity and International Business at the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Bologna and Professor in Intelligence and National Security at the University of Florence, Italy, where he Directs the Center for Cyber Security and International Relations Studies (CCSIRS). Dr. Martino obtained his PhD from the School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Italy, and has established academic affiliations with notable institutions such as MIT in US, UCL and the University of Kent in the UK. He actively participates in the UN Open-ended Working Groups (OEWG) on both cyber and ICT issues including the emerging threats related to AI and Quantum Technology impacting also the Space sector, shaping international policies in these critical areas.
Dr. Martino has over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity, international strategic advisory, the intersection of technology and policy, and in the design and implementation of national innovation programs for emerging technologies and digitalization, and the implementation of public-private partnerships model to enhance the protection of critical Infrastructure from cyber attacks.
Dr. Martino is the principal investigator (PI) of the project “Academic Engagement or Strategic Leverage? Assessing Dual-Use Technology Transfer, Sharp Power, and Security Risks in Sino-Italian Research Partnerships” a grant founded by the US Department of State.
He actively participated at the G7 Ise-Shima Cyber Working Group and contributed to draft the Convention on Resposible State Behaviour in Cyberspace. Dr. Martino is a member of the CINI Italian Cyber Security Lab and the G7 Cyber Expert Group, focusing on the financial sector with a focus on the strategic adaptation of AI and Quantum Technologies in this sector. Additionally, Dr. Martino contributes to the EU-ENISA working group, which implements national policies, and collaborates with EU DGINTPA to promote the internationalization of the EU’s digital projects. He is member of the scientific committee of the CISO Executive program implemented by the DCIP and the DESC in Dubai, UAE.
In 2019, Dr. Martino was honored with an award from the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for his contributions to the Multilateral Partnership in Cyberspace. In 2024, He is recipient of the IEEE Technical Committee on Homeland Security (TCHS) Young Research Award. His latest book is Cybersecurity in Italy. Policies, Governance and Ecosystem, published by Springer in 2024.
Md. Hafijur Rahman is a seasoned Technology Analyst with over 16 years of experience in designing and implementing Whole-of-Government (WoG) systems and platforms. He specializes in reforming public service delivery through process simplification, innovative cloud-based solutions, and the development of scalable web and mobile applications that ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all citizens.
With a profound understanding of government structures and processes, Hafijur has been instrumental in driving digital transformation in Bangladesh. He has collaborated extensively with the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Division, ICT Division, and numerous ministries and departments to modernize public service ecosystems.
Hafijur’s expertise lies in fostering collaboration and partnerships within the academia-industry-government ecosystem, leveraging his proficiency in Digital Public Goods (DPGs) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Certified in TOGAF, Prince2, and ITIL, he is adept at project management, leadership, and working with diverse local and international stakeholders. His contributions include spearheading transformative e-service initiatives and enabling the adoption of secure, transparent, and efficient cloud technologies for public sector advancements.
Secretariat of Digital Government, Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services
Akshay is a security, privacy, compliance leader with experience across multiple industries and geographies. In his role, he develops and scales solutions that solve complex GRC challenges – protecting revenue and driving strategic growth for a multi-billion book of business for Google. Akshay read an MBA from the University of Oxford, and a Bachelors in Engineering from the University of Delhi.
Camila Saad is a Principal on the International Government team at Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this role, Camila works with governments, multilaterals, and non-profits to help them prepare for, and respond more effectively, to human-made and climate disasters using cloud technology. She has led efforts to address numerous major crises, particularly in Latin America, including the 2021 Haiti earthquake, the 2023 Hurricane Otis in Mexico, the 2024 wildfires in Chile and Colombia, and the 2024 floods and landslides in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Before joining AWS, Camila worked in international development and management consulting at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and McKinsey & Company, among other organizations. She earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Bentley University. Committed to building resilient communities, Camila is mainly focused on government’s digital transformation to mitigate the impact of climate and human-made disasters.
Investment Corporation of Dubai
Douraid is EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Investment Corporation of Dubai, the principal investment arm of the Government of Dubai ($380 billion in Total Assets), a diversified and international investment fund. Leading the Corporate Affairs (including Finance, Strategy, ESG, Legal, Governance, Technology …), he supports the Managing Director in the corporate strategy development and is responsible for the efficient management of the organization with the aim of optimizing business performance.
Douraid is a member of several boards from diverse industries, including IHI – International Hotel Investments, Dangote Cement and SmartStream, boards where he is very active and results driven as chairman or member of different committees (Sustainability, Investment, Finance, Remuneration, Governance …).
Prior to joining ICD, he was with Xerox for over 25 years during which he held several board, CEO, general management, leadership and transformation roles in Europe, North America and globally. His last position was Corporate Officer and President, Channel Partner Operations for Xerox based in New York, leading an end-to-end global business generating over $10 billion in revenue.
On a social and humanitarian level, he has always been very active in the fields of education, health, innovation, and ESG. He is a member of the board of directors of IPEMED, a Euro-Mediterranean Think Tank and also enjoys delivering practicum classes to Master students in different universities and particularly at Université Paris II, Panthéon Assas.
Douraid attended Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris, holds an engineering degree from the National School of Public Works – ENTPE (France) and is graduated in Business Administration – Strategy and Management – from ESSEC (Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) in Paris. He is multilingual, speaks French, English, Spanish, Italian and Arabic and has lived in France, USA, Spain, Italy, UK and Dubai.
Quentin is a highly experienced cybersecurity and compliance professional with a career spanning over 15 years at leading technology companies, including AWS and Google. He has a proven track record of assisting clients in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and achieving their cybersecurity and compliance goals.Quentin has extensive experience collaborating with policymakers and regulatory bodies to develop and implement data sovereignty solutions. His expertise in this area has been further honed through 7 years of dedicated research and collaboration with the cybersecurity community, where he focuses on balancing risk mitigation with practical business needs.
CNN
Partner Data & Artificial Intelligence
Data and Insights Transformation Solution Lead
Ernst & Young, Middle East & North Africa
Dr. Eva-Marie Muller-Stuler is leading the Data & AI practice for Ernst & Young in the Middle East and North Africa. She is responsible for the development of Data & AI Governance frameworks, Strategies and the implementation of complex data science and AI projects and transformations. Previously, Dr. Muller-Stuler was CTO for Artificial Intelligence and Chief Data Scientist for the Middle East and Africa at IBM.
After studying mathematics and dissertation, Dr. Eva-Marie Muller-Stuler started her career in advising European companies on restructuring and performance optimization. For this, she developed many first-of-a-kind data methods and models. At KPMG in London, she led one of the first data science teams in Europe to develop groundbreaking data driven methods and techniques. Since 2013, after seeing the impact of her work on industries and society, she spearheaded the development of Ethical and Responsible AI policies and frameworks with governmental and non-governmental organizations and highlighted the possibilities and impact of data science and AI on the economy, society and individuals.
For over 20 years, Dr. Muller-Stuler has worked for NGOs, governments and F500 companies. She is a sought-after speaker at the United Nations, UNESCO and many international conferences, as well as the founder and investor of several tech companies.
Today, Dr. Eva-Marie Muller-Stuler is one of the world’s most respected data science thought leaders and has received numerous awards, including “World’s Best Data Scientist” (2020), “The 10 most influential Women in Technology” (2021), “Top 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics” (2022). She is a strong advocate of equality in science and has founded and led several organizations that contribute to the advancement of women in the technology industry.
Senior Program Manager
Digital Dubai
Mohamed Elimam brings over a decade of experience in Digitalization and Sustainability. With an MSc in City Science specializing in Smart Sustainable Cities, his award-winning thesis on Peer-to-Peer Energy Trade using blockchain highlights his innovative approach to renewable energy and resilience in digital infrastructure.
At Dubai Digital Authority, Mohamed has designed, implemented, monitored, and reported on high-impact city-level interventions and strategies that drive sustainable development through digitalization. This includes spearheading pragmatic initiatives such as the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which fosters financial inclusion and economic efficiency, and the Digital Resilience Strategy, which enhances the city’s ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover from digital disruptions. His contributions extend to leading international efforts in sustainable urban development, such as the SDGs Cities Initiative by UN Habitat, Dubai’s Voluntary Local Review on the SDGs, and the SDG11 Cities Insights Report, ensuring alignment with both global and local sustainability targets.
Having been involved in various sustainability councils and initiatives, such as the UAE Youth Advisory Council on SDGs, the Global Council on SDG11, and the Future Open Council’s working groups, Mohamed is committed to advancing sustainable development goals and strengthening digital resilience for cities.
Luca has more than 20 years of experience working with European Institutions and International Organisations, specialising in the domains of digital transformation, cybersecurity, and research and development.
Before joining the ECCC as Executive Director in 2024, he held the roles of Deputy Executive Director and Interim Executive Director of eu-LISA, the European Union Agency for the management of large-scale IT systems. Prior to that he served as head of the Global Technical Centre of the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group at the European Central Bank.
Luca’s academic achievements include an Engineering Degree from the Polytechnic University of Milan, a Master’s Degree from the School of Management of the Polytechnic of Milan (MIP), and an MBA from Oxford Brookes University. He has completed the Advanced Leadership and Management Programme (OALMP) at Saïd Business School, Oxford University, as well as the Program on Negotiation (PON) at Harvard University.
About the ECCC
The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC), together with the Network of National Coordination Centres (NCCs), is Europe’s new framework to support innovation and industrial policy in cybersecurity. This ecosystem will strengthen the capacities of the cybersecurity technology Community, shield our economy and society from cyberattacks, maintain research excellence and reinforce the competitiveness of EU industry in this field. The ECCC, which will be located in Bucharest, will develop and implement, with Member States, industry and the cybersecurity technology Community, a common agenda for technology development and for its wide deployment in areas of public interest and in businesses, in particular SMEs.
The Centre and the Network together will enhance our technological sovereignty through joint investment in strategic cybersecurity projects.
With over six years of dedicated experience in the cybersecurity industry, Ayesha Mohammad’s role is to ensure digital landscapes are properly protected against emerging cyber threats. Beginning her journey with the Dubai Electronic Security Center, Ayesha has delved into various initiatives within the cybersecurity domain.
From the cybersecurity policies, standards and certifications to the development and of critical information infrastructure resilience plans, Ayesha has also been instrumental in the review of digital skills frameworks implemented across Dubai government, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. In addition to her work for DESC, her portfolio also includes a World Economic Forum report she co-authored, emphasizing the importance of harmonization of standards and international alignment in the cybersecurity field.
Through her multifaceted expertise, Ayesha is facilitating the adaptation of cybersecurity regulations by government organizations. With a vigilant eye for the latest emerging technologies and an unwavering dedication to security, she continues to carry out DESC’s vision to be at the forefront, ensuring safety and protection of Dubai’s cyber space in the face of ever-changing technologies.
As the Director of Ecosystem for Alibaba Cloud META, I lead the recruitment and development of partners to join the Alibaba Cloud Partner Network (ACPN) program, which provides reliable, secure, and cost-effective cloud services to empower applications and data. With over 14 years of experience in cloud and software optimization, I have a solid background in channel management, business development, business planning, negotiation, project management, enablement, sales, customer service, and market management.
I am passionate about building and nurturing long-term relationships with partners across all sectors and regions, providing them with training, support, and joint business plans to drive their growth and success. I hold 4 certifications in cloud services: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, HCIP – Cloud Service Solutions Architect, AEPC and APPC. I am also proficient in three languages: English, French, and Arabic.
After training at the Naval Academy in Livorno he graduated in Electronic Engineering at the University of Pisa. Subsequently, embarked on Italian Navy ships, he took care of the technical management of on-board electronic systems in different contexts and operational theaters.
From 1997 to 2001, Commander Billet held the position of national representative in two programs set up by the Italian and the US Navy for the collaborative development and management of missile systems, first in California, then in Washington D.C..
Subsequently, he oversaw the integration and coordinated the contractual activities regarding the purchase and installation of the combat system embarked on the new Italian aircraft carrier , also having responsibility for the security certification of the on-board computer networks.
Following assignments were at the Fleet Headquarters, the Navy General Staff and the Navy Shipyard in Taranto, and dealt with the life cycle of embarked electronic systems and human resources management in the technical field.
At the Defense General Staff he headed the Integrated Systems Office of the VI Department, in charge of network architectures for military applications, dealing specifically with the requirements of security, interoperability and resilience.
After reaching the rank of Rear Admiral, he was selected for assignment at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, from 2013 to 2021, as managing director in the information security sector with direct responsibility for product certification, approval of computer networks and cryptographic applications, accreditation of test laboratories and connected auditing activities.
In June 2022, Andrea Billet became Head of the Certification and Oversight Service of the National Cybersecurity Agency.
Graduated in electronic engineering from USJ Lebanon and ENSTA- France, Holds two PhDs in Engineering: one in electronic and the other in Biomedical Engineering from SUPELEC Paris XI France. Holds four European patents in engineering and medical fields. Holds a Master in Philosophy from the Lebanese University. Senior expert in cybersecurity, Biometric systems, IS, Hospitals Infrastructure and Heavy Technology. Has served since 2017 as the National Coordinator for ICT, Cybersecurity, and Counter-Terrorism since 2020 in an EU-funded project at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. Advisor to 10 ministries since 1995 Health Education Energy Water Administrative Reform, Interior , Defense etc.
National Coordinator for the preparation of Cybersecurity Strategy, Counter Terrorism and Cyber Crimes Strategy, Auditor for the Digital Transformation Strategy. A professor at the Lebanese University (faculty of Engineering and faculty of law) in modern telecommunications, AI, Real Time embedded systems, and Modern physics, Lobbying and Decision making etc. Owner of 2 companies ECS Consulting and EDITRA. An international consultant for various organizations (EU, UNESCO, WHO, WB, KFARD etc.), Expert in Information Systems, Biometrics, AI, and cybersecurity. Health Information Systems etc PHD .Supervisor recently published several articles in cyber sciences.
Member of WCSME, USJ Foundation, USJ Choir (Opera Singer)
Vinay Saini is a distinguished mentor and pioneering leader with over 20 years of experience in shaping the future of technology on a global scale. Renowned for his groundbreaking work in Quantum Security and Artificial Intelligence, Vinay is at the forefront of advancing next-generation technology solutions that redefine industry standards.
As a strategic thinker and passionate problem-solver, Vinay partners with stakeholders across diverse sectors to address critical business challenges and lead discussions on their technology planning. His visionary approach to quantum is transforming how industries anticipate and solve complex issues, setting new benchmarks for innovation and security.
With an impressive portfolio of over 100 patents filed, Vinay is recognized as a trailblazer in the tech industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible. His commitment to mentorship has empowered numerous industry professionals, guiding them through intricate challenges and facilitating significant career advancements.
A sought-after speaker at international conferences, Vinay shares valuable insights into technology, innovation, and leadership, inspiring the next generation of thought leaders. Known for his dedication to fostering growth and collaboration, he brings a rich blend of knowledge, creativity, and vision to every initiative, leaving a lasting impact on the technology landscape.
Currently serving as a Principal Architect with Cisco CX, Vinay holds prestigious industry certifications, including CCIE, CCDE, and CWNE.
du
Jasim Al Awadi, Chief ICT Officer is a remarkable leader, who has been in the technology field for over 23 years and has worked for du for more than 17 years. In his journey at du, he has been an integral part of functions like technology and commercial where he was heading the government segment. Jasim Al Awadi is now leading du’s ICT department to accelerate the digital transformation agenda for the company for government entities, large / medium enterprises, start-ups and individualsrepresenting du Tech sub-brand. To enable a seamless digital economy, where digital trust, digital infrastructure and digital innovation are the key driving pillars and lie in the heart of everything.
Jasim Al Awadi has a strong commercial acumen and leadership qualities where he has contributed in generating billions of dirham worth business projects that drive critical digital growth initiatives and has been in the forefront of the development of the right cutting-edge 5G and ICT solutions enabling the vision of the Ruler of UAE to create a future ready country. His passion to lead and work closely with the ICT team to drive the vision of becoming a more purpose-driven, performance-focused and customer-centric organisation with a secure and agile ecosystem and a huge portfolio of digital solutions is outstanding.
To name a few projects he has played a key role in include, hyperscale cloud and sovereign AI services powered by AI GPU as a service for government & public sector entities in UAE, launched the first NVIDIA supercluster in GCC that will leverage cutting-edge liquid cooling technology to enhance AI processing efficiency, sustainability, and performance in Dubai which marks a significant advancement in the Data Centre and AI technology landscape of the region. Unique Industry 4.0 Technology robotics automation deployed, first of its kind agritech platform, 5G Drones with Digital Dewa, Digital Twin for RTA, Fednet UAE Smart Government, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the launch of 5G in the UAE, the development of the first-ever full-insight customer portal, the leadership of the virtual CPE [customer premises equipment], and the cloud.
Jasim has won several recognitions and awards, some of them include, “Government Leader of the Year” from Edge Middle East, “Security Leader of the Year” from ITP Media. “Innovation in cooling 2024” at Dubai Cloud & Data Centre Convention & Awards 2024 from W.Media. “ICT Champion Award 2024” from the Integrator. “The Best Cloud Provider” and “The Best Government digital transformation initiative in 2023, at Telecom Review Summit. “The Best Middle East 5G Innovation” and “The Best Asian CSR Initiative” at Telecom Review Regional Excellence Awards 2022. As well as “Smart Data Excellence Awards -Telecom” at Smart Data Summit Awards 2022.
Prior to joining du in 2007, he worked for telecom industry in UAE and for Canar in Sudan. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering from Etisalat University of UAE and a post-graduate digital transformation leadership program at Henley Business School in London.
With over 21 years of experience in IT, Ahmed Alzarooni is a seasoned professional renowned for his expertise in technological innovation and transformation. Currently serving as the First Vice President of IT & Information Security at a prominent Government organization, Ahmed has played a pivotal role in shaping the IT landscape across multiple sectors including malls, towers, smart cities, smart education and hotels. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Enterprise Computing, and graduating magna cum laude with a GPA of 3.82, Ahmed possesses a diverse skill set that spans IT compliance, cybersecurity, infrastructure management, and software development. His strategic vision and technical acumen have driven successful implementations of complex IT projects, earning him recognition as a thought leader in the industry.
Ahmed is also a prolific author, with notable works including “Technical Thinking” and “The Bubbles Theory.” His books provide insights into strategic thinking and life management, reflecting his holistic approach to personal and professional development. Ahmed’s expertise and thought leadership are further demonstrated through his active participation in over 200 live interviews on TV, radio, and online platforms, where he shares his insights on IT strategy, cybersecurity, and technological advancements.
Dr. Khalid has over two decades of experience in Information Technology, IT Operation & Governance. He is one of the key ICT leaders in Bahrain, mainly in the public sector, and played significant role in many national projects and initiative such as the “Cloud First” policy, government transition to cloud computing, which has laid the foundational principles for transforming Bahrain into a center of excellence in cloud computing. He was one of the national team assigned for the adoption of artificial intelligence in addition of leading the Bahrain’s first Data Lake project to ensure the provision of real-time information and data for decision-makers
With expertise in management, quality assurance, data analysis, and research and academic services, Dr. Almutawah was selected to speak in many top-level ICT conferences, such as the Gartner Symposium in Dubai, with a paper about the Bahraini government’s Cloud migration journey to Amazon Web Services. He was also selected to speak in many other regional and international conferences related in the ICT arena.
Speaker Bio here…
