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Dr. Al Kuwaiti was appointed by the Cabinet as the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government since 2020. As the Head of Cyber Security, his mandate includes responsibilities as the Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council as well as Managing Director of the National Data Centre under the Supreme Council for National Security. As the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government by investiture, Dr. Al Kuwaiti has legal authority over all aspects pertaining to securing the cyberspace for the entire Nation. In his current role, Dr. Al Kuwaiti is tasked with the responsibility of charting the cyber security strategy for the Nation that not only equips the UAE to enter the digital era with capabilities to deal with the new threat landscape exacerbated by the pandemic, but also ensures UAE’s leadership in cyber security globally; towards establishing the UAE as the world’s leading trusted digital hub and supporting the Nation’s digital transformation agenda and the digital future of all residents who made UAE their home. Towards that end, he leads the Council to outline an implementation plan to protect the UAE cyberspace through emerging technologies such as Cloud, Big Data and AI in a whole-of-government approach coordinating and orchestrating efforts between Emirates and government entities via a unified platform built and managed by the Council. Under Dr. Al Kuwaiti’s leadership, the UAE has advanced 42 positions in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index, rising to the 5th place globally from 47th in the previous assessment. Dr. Al Kuwaiti has also led UAE to many firsts, including Guinness World Records for having the most users in a cyber capture the flag (CTF) competition, the largest bug bounty competition and the largest cyber drill; all initiatives that aim at capacity building in cyber security and improving the technical competencies of cyber security professionals and enthusiasts. More importantly, he has been instrumental in advocating for realizing the value of cyber security by demonstrating cyber security as a critical business enabler. Since 2021, Dr. Al Kuwaiti plays the role of an ambassador for collaboration between the government and cyber agencies, helping to bridge the discussion between the two major stakeholders in the digital economy. Under his chaperone, key public-private partnerships were established between the UAE Cyber Security Council and leading local and international cyber security organizations with the goal of making a positive contribution to the UAE cyber agenda and be a major force that will benefit the global cyber security industry. Additionally, bilateral agreements established with countries both within the region and across the world contributed towards mutual information sharing, capacity development and legal assistance aid treaties, all key outcomes as a result of the National Cyber Security Strategy that he has put in place to realize the vision of the UAE for the next 50 years. Underscoring the UAE’s leadership in cyber security on a global stage under Dr. Kuwaiti’s tutelage, UAE plays a pivotal role in the Arab Regional Cybersecurity Centre with UAE being elected as the Vice Chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Computer Emergency Response Team to respond to cyber emergencies during the 10th Regional Cybersecurity Week for Arab Countries and OIC Member States in 2022. UAE also co-chairs the Information Sharing Committee in the White House Counter Ransomware Initiative, a coalition of 37 international partners. His contributions to accelerate the cyber security maturity of the Nation and fostering a vibrant cyber security ecosystem in the UAE have been recognized in multiple forums, including the (ISC)² Government Professional Award for EMEA. Dr. Al Kuwaiti also sits on the Boards of the UAE Council for Digital Wellbeing, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Federal Geographic Information Center and is on the Advisory Committees of the College of Information Technology under United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Emirates ICT Innovation Center (EBTIC) under Khalifa University. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor under the Homeland Security Program at Rabdan Academy and a visiting lecturer on Cyber Security at universities such as Khalifa University and National Defense College in Abu Dhabi. Prior to his current appointments, Dr. Al Kuwaiti was with the National Electronic Security Authority in various appointments and capacity since 2013 where he was most recently the Executive Director of Government Operations managing National and International government relations. He had served as the Chief Technical Analyst at the Ministry of Interior where he had held other positions, such as Operations Director and CTO of the Counter Terrorism Center. Dr. Al Kuwaiti started his 20 year-long career as a Defense, Air, and Naval Military Attaché with the Embassy of The United Arab Emirates based in Washington, D.C. Dr. Al Kuwaiti has published numerous papers and keynoted at many conferences such as IEEE, RSA, Cyber Warfare Europe, Tele Strategies, ISS World MEA, IDEX, International Anti-Cyber Crimes Conference and Future War Summit. He is a highly sought after speaker internationally and has provided the main keynote address for more than 50 international, regional, and national cybersecurity events such as GITEX, GISEC and the World Government Summit, and has presented the UAE Cyber Security Framework at INTERPOL Global Cyberspace and Cybercrime Complex located in Singapore. Dr. Al Kuwaiti holds a Doctorate in Computer Engineering and Network Security from George Washington University in the U.S. and a master’s degree in Telecommunications and Computer Networks. He also holds a M.A. degree in International and Civil Security. Dr. Al Kuwaiti is an honorable member of the Society of Engineers, IEEE Society, Golden Key National Honor Society and Computer Society. His research interests are detecting, monitoring and responding to cyber warfare, network forensics, corporate governance & processes, and national cyber policy.
Simon has over 30 years significant investigative, security and compliance related experience, formed from an extensive corporate and law enforcement background. He is recognised for having conducted complex Bribery, Corruption, Fraud and Misconduct investigations worldwide, in regulated and non-regulated arenas. He is internationally recognised for his public speaking credentials and his vast experience, having successfully led, directed and managed investigation, ethics, compliance and integrity teams within Europe, the USA, Africa and the Middle East. He has also been instrumental in delivering investigative services to the key emerging markets of South America, India and China.
Amru Kotb is a seasoned cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of experience leading strategic initiatives that secure and transform organizations across the banking, government, and enterprise sectors. As the Senior Vice President for the MENA region at Comforte AG, Amru delivers state-of-the-art tokenization solutions that safeguard sensitive data, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance cybersecurity resilience for some of the region’s most critical industries.
Amru’s career is distinguished by his ability to navigate complex security challenges and implement robust solutions tailored to unique needs of financial institutions, government bodies, and large enterprises. His leadership has positioned Comforte AG as a trusted partner in data security, particularly within the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sectors.
In addition to his current role, Amru brings significant experience from his tenure at Giesecke & Devrient, where he managed high-stakes projects involving IT security and payment solutions for governments and major enterprises. His work included launching the first e-government platform in the Middle East and securing critical contracts with top-tier clients. Amru has also collaborated with global customers across the US, Europe, and the Middle East, including major institutions such as Visa International, where he drove key security initiatives and product developments.
Amru’s background includes significant achievements in roles at Oracle and Cryptomathic, where he delivered cutting-edge security solutions that drove growth and market share expansion. His experience spans multi-factor authentication, advanced key management, and secure digital transformation strategies, all with a focus on aligning security initiatives with business objectives.
Fluent in Arabic, English, and German, Amru combines deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen. He holds an MBA from Henley Management College and has completed executive education at Stanford University. Currently based in Munich, Germany, Amru continues to influence the secure digital transformation of organizations across the MENA region and beyond.
Anoop brought in his information security Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Management experience to help GN Media to ensure Project Management and Operational Risk Management, cost reduction and improve People, Process and Technology performances. Over 20 years Information Technology (IT) GRC management experience enabling business-based decisions regarding Project Management, Defining Information Security Governance Risk and Compliance Strategies including Cyber Security Framework, curbing technology vulnerabilities & risk through effective risk & vulnerability management programs, vendor management & organizational leadership. Passionate, persuasive, articulated and communicated effectively with Technology & Business stakeholders to protect against reputational and/or financial implications. Anoop’s experience derived from System Security Design, Administration and Integration in Manufacturing, Printing, Media Production, and Digital Media development and publishing with strong project management background.
An industrial cybersecurity professional with 15+ years of experience, A coordinator of the International Industrial Cybersecurity Center (CCI), CISSP, CSSA, NNCE. Anton Shipulin is an industrial cybersecurity evangelist at Nozomi Networks, a coordinator for the Middle East at non-profit international Industrial Cybersecurity Center (CCI), with 15 years of experience in protecting critical infrastructures globally, as well as a contributor to multiple industrial cybersecurity community projects, Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Nozomi Networks Certified Engineer (NNCE).
Bharat is a highly accomplished Cybersecurist & Fraud Management leader with over 28 years of experience, having held leadership roles in multinational ventures in the Technology and BFSI sectors.
As a strategic advisor and CxO, he has deep expertise in deploying business cybersecurity, risk, fraud and compliance frameworks.
Bharat has a proven track record of managing large-scale missions to monitor threats, incidents, and responses on digital frameworks. He has developed technical, management, and administrative solutions to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity. He is also an expert in governance, audit, and assurance, having designed, implemented, and monitored control frameworks to ensure compliance with various regulations.
In addition to his professional expertise, Bharat has led procurement, vendor and contract management, M&A, and third-party assurance services. He is also an SME in fraud management ESG Compliance and business resilience management as well have associated with developing the Start-up echo system and M&A
Bharat holds several industry certifications, including CRISC, CGEIT, CFE, CISM, CISA, CICA, CFAP, CIA, COBIT, ITIL, and ISO 2×000, and is a BCM Practitioner.
In his spare time, Bharat enjoys listening to retro tunes and classic melodies, plays cricket & golf and embraces the one-with-nature mindset.
Betania Allo, a cyber lawyer, policy expert and thought leader, brings over a decade of experience in governance and public policy, executive roles in the private sector, and entrepreneurial ventures. She recently launched her own global consulting firm, providing senior-level guidance on complex cyber legal and policy issues, including in emerging technologies for clients across the US, Australia, China, Europe, and Latin America. She excels in areas like cybersecurity, data privacy, compliance, and counter-terrorism, and has held roles at the United Nations specializing in technological solutions for criminal investigations and digital platform protection. Awarded as one of the Top 25 Cybersecurity Stars of 2023 and 40 under 40, Allo is an Argentine lawyer, holds an LL.M. from Syracuse University, a Master’s in International Relations with a focus on International Security from Harvard University, and a postgraduate in cybersecurity and compliance from Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. She’s now pursuing a Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics at George Washington University. She also lectures at various universities and frequently speaks at cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, emerging technology, and leadership conferences. Until recently, she led the Cyber Culture Program and Innovation & Partnerships at NEOM in Saudi Arabia, the world’s first cognitive city.
Darren Craig is the founder and CEO of RiskXchange. With over 27 years of experience in cybersecurity, Darren held key roles at Natwest Banking Group and IBM. In 2017, he founded RiskXchange, focusing on creating innovative solutions to help businesses manage their cyber risks.
Dr. Eduardo Solana is Senior Lecturer of Cryptography and Security at the University of Geneva. Amongst others, Dr. Solana has worked for IBM and PricewaterhouseCoopers where he was Global Subject Matter Expert for authentication solutions. He has more than twenty five years of experience in the fields of cryptography and information security both in the private sector and the academia. Dr. Solana is a deeply experienced security practitioner, technical writer and regular speaker at the most relevant conferences and symposia in the field. During his extensive career, he has provided consulting services to multinational organizations and states in security related issues.
Previously serving as Group CIO of Petrofac (FTSE 250) and In this remit, I lead the Digital transformation of the Company, building best in class Cyber capabilities and develop Digital products to deliver better business outcomes for Customers . I am also driving the Cloud transformation program in the Company where we are upgrading our technology landscape (1000+ Applications) and also implementing ERP Fusion Cloud. I am leading a Global team of 500 IT professionals to support a global work force of 12000 employees based across US to Asia Pacific.
Before joining Petrofac, i spent 13 years with General Electric (GE) where I had an accelerated and diverse career with experience in multiple international executive leadership roles in Cybersecurity, Digital transformation and Technology space. My most recent role at GE was heading Cybersecurity practice for GE International regions ($60B revenue) as a CISO with a team of 100 employees.
George is a graduate of GE IT leadership program (ITLP), GE Six Sigma Black Belt program and graduate of GE Corporate Audit Staff (CAS), a fast track Executive leadership program of GE
George is an International speaker on multiple Cyber Security conferences including IBM Think 2020, Microsoft Ignite 2019, RSA 2022.
George is also Board of Advisor for IBM Security, Continuity Software and Seed Group.
Irene is responsible for the execution of the ADSIC Information Security Programme, Security Governance, Risk and compliance to IT Security Policy. She offers 27 years of combined and diverse experience in IT (Security, Operations and Strategy), Quality & Excellence. She has worked in various industries and region and led strategic initiatives in Asia, Middle East, Europe and America. An emerging seasoned speaker on Information and Cyber Security Conferences, Irene has spoken in a number of conferences in Asia, Middle East and Europe. Irene acquired her Masters of Science in IT from University of Wales, and holds the following certifications: ITIL V3, PMP, ISO (QMS and 27k) Lead Auditor and EFQM Assessor. Irene is Co-Founder of Women in Cyber Security Middle East, which promotes and increases women’s participation in the field of cyber security. www.womenincybersecurity.me
Respected and leading CISO, awarded the CISO of the year for 2019 in Luxembourg, Sentinel CISO Global 2020, EU CISO 2020, and recently Ambassador of the year 2021 in Luxembourg. Versatile and innovative Cybersecurity professional with emphasis on cyber security risk management, policies and procedures creation, IT/IS security, IT Operations, audit, risk mitigation, business process improvement, IT governance. Passionate about participation and encouragement of women in cybersecurity and in STEM programs.
Prior to current role, served as the Senior Operational Risk and ISO manager for another EU Institution. Earlier in career, managed IT Audit and Compliance for Sobey’s, one of the two national grocery retailers in Canada and Audit, Corporate Development, M&A and growth strategies and IT Audit for George Weston, one of the Canada’s largest publicly traded food processing and distribution companies.
Julia Dudenko in her role as Group CISO of Haniel, one of the oldest Private Equities in Germany, oversees the cybersecurity practices in 7 international portfolio companies in various industries. She understands cybersecurity as a behavioral change among leaders, employees, customers, and suppliers. She strongly believes in evidence-based security and advocates diversity in this ever-evolving field.
Kais Barakat is an internal Cybersecurity advisor, mastering process engineering and optimization while crafting cutting-edge governance model. Kais has a successful track record of over 30 years in diversified areas within IT and Information Security. In the last few years Kais devoted his effort to shape the next generation of Cybersecurity professionals and future leaders. Kais is PMP, CISM, ISO 27001, CRISC, COBIT 5
Kevin Wong is a Senior Manager at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Before his current role, Kevin spearheaded cybersecurity efforts for management consultancies across the Middle East. His leadership was instrumental in managing complex incidents, including ransomware attacks, business email compromises, cybercrime investigations, and insider threats.
Kevin’s career path also includes a significant tenure in Law Enforcement with the UK National Crime Agency, where he led investigations within the National Cyber Crime Unit. Prior to this, he served as a Detective in the London Metropolitan Police Service, on the Police Central eCrime Unit among other specialised teams.
Kevin Wong’s diverse experience in both international and domestic contexts under-scores his deep commitment to advancing cybersecurity and financial regulation.
A well-versed, adept communicator, with more than 20 years in the Cybersecurity field, Lorna has an MSc, and is CISSP certified. She is currently working in Gartner as a CISO Advisor and Partner. She is a known speaker in security events in the region with several published blogs and articles. She also runs security awareness sessions to Boards of Directors, non-security Executives, VPs and GMs in organizations. Lorna got her B.Sc. in Communications and Electronics Engineering from Ain Shams University, Cairo-Egypt; Computer Networks Diploma from Information Technology Institute (ITI), Cairo – Egypt; M.Sc. in Information Technology and Security from University of Nottingham, Nottingham-UK. Lorna’s journey into security started with her joining Internet Security Systems (ISS) in 2003 after almost two years extensive experience in the network arena. She was responsible for all technical related activities in the region. She moved on to the more specialized security industries of Telco and Financial Institutes and was responsible for six countries. After the IBM acquisition of Internet Security Systems in 2007, she smoothly transitioned into the IBM security environment as a Senior Information Security Specialist for IBM Security Services. Since then, she worked on large and small projects alike with the same dedication and Customer-Satisfaction goal. She got to be known with her extensive knowledge of security products, professional services and managed security services. Her experience in the Gulf and Levant region became unparalleled when it came to information security consultancy. Lorna joined Gartner in 2019 and currently holds the role of CISO Advisor and Partner. She has worked with more than 45 Cybersecurity Leaders/CISOs in the region, across different industries, to help them achieve their security goals and overcome challenges.
May Brooks-Kempler is a cybersecurity expert whose career began in the 1990s, exploring the realms of game “cheats” and “hacks” on IRC chats. This early fascination led her through a distinguished journey in cybersecurity, from Penetration Testing to becoming a Security Architect and eventually a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Today, she is a highly sought-after strategic consultant, speaker, and mentor, known for her dynamic involvement in developing and promoting innovative cybersecurity initiatives and guiding startups.
May’s expertise and engaging delivery have made her a favourite at numerous speaking engagements, including a TEDx talk, keynotes, and as a commentator on critical cybersecurity issues. Her role as a podcaster further amplifies her reach, where she shares vital security insights with a global audience.
As a member of the ISC2 Board of Directors, an authorized CISSP instructor, and a co-author, May’s dedication to advancing the cybersecurity profession is unmistakable. Her upcoming book, “Think Safe Cyber – The Ultimate Guide to Online Safety,” and her online courses, reflect her commitment to making the digital world a safer place for all, especially families, as underscored by her personal mission as a mother of three.
Through her extensive experience and influential voice in the field, May Brooks-Kempler continues to shape the future of online safety, making her a pivotal figure in the world of cybersecurity education and advocacy.
Markus Härlin, an experienced B2B sales professional, leads the in-house consulting team at Hays. His expertise lies in selling complex solutions to demanding organizations. Over his 25-year career, he has built the key account management function at Hays, introduced professional negotiation techniques, and is currently deeply engaged in the topic of ‘selling to top decision-makers’.
Michael is a technology leader with over 28 years of experience in guiding international public sector organizations, DAX 30 businesses, and mid-sized international firms through strategic technology initiatives. He is an expert in digitization and IT transformation and a thought leader in cyber security, organizational risk management, and IT compliance. He advises small and large enterprises ranging in size from 20 to 220,000 employees in the medical, pharmaceutical, biotech, translation, and manufacturing industries worldwide, just to name a few. Throughout his career Michael has led complex, diverse organizations toward enhanced operations while saving hundreds of millions in operating costs. He is passionate about mentorship, coaching, and removing cultural barriers. He was born in the USA, raised in Texas, and has travelled the world helping people maximize potential. Michael lives in Germany and is focused on family, volunteer work, and supporting a multitude of international clients at Hays.
Head of Poste Italiane CERT. It works in the field of information security and network for more than twenty years’ experience gained in international environments. In the security area he was involved in encryption design and network security, also working in complex infrastructure like mobile and 3G networks. He has collaborated with several magazines in the computer industry as a journalist contributing to the dissemination of issues related to security and legal technical aspects. Teaching Security, since 2005, at the Master in Network Security of the Sapienza University. Member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) since 2004 and promoter of technological innovation, collaborates with several start-ups in Italy and abroad.
Dr Leivesley is an international communicator for media during events that are catastrophic in nature, including cyber, terrorism, natural disasters, infrastructure and nuclear war risks. She has also worked extensively on psychological effects of crises and disaster recoveries and has led two disaster recovery units under government appointments in Australia. She has a breadth of experience on cyber security of the built environment and has served as a member of the Technical Committee advising on Code of Practice-Cyber Security in the Built Environment for the British IET.
Her prime focus is on the protection of life and critical infrastructure from extreme threats including cyber, terrorism and nuclear war. In 2015 she presented to the Electrical Infrastructure Security Council’s conference in the Capitol Building on Black Swan energy risks. Dr Leivesley has led many international science meetings on resilience, nuclear conflict mitigation, Covid-19 mitigation and planetary defence against hazardous near-earth objects. She has also presented at ADIPEC on cyber and physical security in the oil and gas sectors.
Dr Leivesley undertook Scientific Advisory training during the Cold War from the British Home Office to work on national survival from nuclear, chemical and biological weapons effects. She holds a PhD, London University on catastrophic risk across all industry sectors, awarded in field of Economics. She is a specialist in CBRN for the British Register of Security Engineers and Specialists (RSES), a Member for 25 years of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI) and a Member of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence Studies.
Steve is a former Scotland Yard Detective who specialised in International Organised Crime including the trafficking of humans, drugs and firearms as well as murders, kidnaps, rapes, money laundering, corruption and terrorism. Steve was also an expert adviser to the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime (UNODC) on specialist investigation techniques. Steve worked with numerous international LEAs including Interpol, Europol, Eurojust etc.
On leaving the Police, Steve specialised (and still does ) in Crisis Management, Investigations and Security ( that means so many different things to so many people) in the luxury and ultra-luxury worlds of retail (e.g. Harrods, Richemont – Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Panerai etc) and hospitality (e.g. Aman, Marriott – Ritz Carlton, W, Edition, Accor – Savoy, Raffles etc.)
In his spare time Steve watches Police dramas and gets annoyed with the inaccuracies to the extent nobody will watch them with him. And he supports Arsenal (by himself).
Steve was very recently CISO at Credit Suisse and head of the CISO Hub at UBS. He was previously global head of Operational Resilience and, before that, global head of Technology, Cyber and Third Party Non Financial Risk Management. Before retiring from government in 2017 (as Deputy Director in the Cyber and Government Security Directorate of the National Security Secretariat in the Cabinet Office), Steve worked extensively at senior UK government levels delivering strategic impact against complex political and security challenges, Steve is a visiting senior research fellow at King’s College, London. He graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge.
Introducing Vidya – Cybersecurity Transformation Leader across, UK, USA, and UAE.
Vidya is a global thought leader in Cybersecurity, working with some of the world’s most prominent organisations across Europe, the USA, and the Middle East.
With over 20 years of experience, Vidya has consistently strengthened organisational security postures by designing strategies and driving transformational programs in complex, high-stakes environments. Notable achievements include leading security efforts for a $1.3B M&A and building security capabilities from the ground up in a greenfield organisation.
As Director of Cyber Strategy, Governance, Risk, and Compliance at Careem Networks (an Uber subsidiary), Vidya developed and implemented comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks while successfully navigating the organisation through major business transformations. Vidya continues to serve as a trusted advisor, helping organisations enhance their security, manage risk, and achieve regulatory compliance, enabling them to pursue their objectives with confidence. By offering tailored, strategic guidance, Vidya empowers businesses to make informed decisions and secure their operations.
A passionate advocate for diversity in tech and the empowerment of women in cybersecurity, Vidya is an active member of Security in City, dedicated to promoting inclusive, forward-thinking security cultures. With an ongoing commitment to continuous learning and innovation, Vidya remains at the forefront of addressing emerging cyber threats and shaping the future of cybersecurity.
More than two decades of professional experience in information management and governance, with particular focus on information security, risk management and assurance for large multilateral public sector organizations with global presence. Actively contributing to inter-organizational working groups for establishing policies, standards, and guidelines in the area of information security, personal data protection, awareness programs, risk analysis and metrics. Conducting research in cryptography, data protection regulation, and risk management. I’ve started professional career in information technology in the year of the release of Mosaic Web browser, Intel Pentium CPU, Microsoft Windows NT, Debian Linux, Doom computer game… Since the Internet bubble, teaching computer science and telecommunications courses as adjunct faculty at Computer Science Department of Webster University in Geneva. Actively contributing to academic program advancement as a member of the Scientific Committee for Advanced Studies in Information Security at the Department of Management Studies of the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences at the University of Geneva. Advocating advancement in information security as an author in journals and as a speaker at professional conferences.
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