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Event overview

We are pleased to announce the 9th Edition MENA Cyber Security Conference 2027 – Abu Dhabi Edition, taking place on 27 April 2027 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As the UAE advances its digital transformation, economic diversification, smart infrastructure, industrial innovation, and national security ambitions, protecting critical infrastructure and essential services has become a strategic priority. Sectors including aviation, defence, oil and energy, utilities, banking and financial services (BFSI), healthcare, manufacturing, retail, telecommunications, transport, logistics, and government face increasingly complex cyber threats across interconnected digital and operational environments.

Abu Dhabi’s strategic position in the UAE’s economic, energy, industrial, financial, and technology landscape highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity and operational resilience. The adoption of cloud platforms, artificial intelligence, industrial automation, operational technology (OT), digital identity, and data-driven business models is increasing the need to safeguard critical systems, sensitive information, operational networks, and interconnected supply chains. Strengthening cyber resilience is essential to maintaining business continuity, protecting public services, securing national assets, and preserving trust across the digital economy.

The conference will bring together CISOs, CIOs, CTOs, cybersecurity leaders, government representatives, critical infrastructure operators, and industry decision-makers to explore emerging threats and strategies through expert keynotes, panel discussions, end-user case studies, and technology presentations. Key focus areas will include critical infrastructure protection, IT/OT cybersecurity, AI-powered cyber defence, national cyber resilience, cloud security, Zero Trust, financial services security, aviation and defence cybersecurity, threat intelligence, SOC modernization, incident response, data protection, and supply chain security. The Abu Dhabi Edition will foster knowledge exchange, industry collaboration, and executive networking to help organizations strengthen cyber defence, reduce operational risks, and build a secure, resilient, and future-ready infrastructure ecosystem.

DISCUSSION TOPICS

AI-Powered Cybersecurity & Autonomous Defence-01

AI-Powered Cybersecurity & Autonomous Defence Exploring how artificial intelligence, generative AI, and agentic AI are transforming threat detection, incident response, security operations, and automated cyber defence, while addressing AI-enabled attacks, deepfakes, and emerging AI security risks.

Critical Infrastructure & ITOT Cybersecurity-02

Critical Infrastructure & IT/OT Cybersecurity Protecting essential services and operational environments across oil and gas, energy, utilities, manufacturing, transportation, and industrial facilities through OT visibility, industrial control system security, network segmentation, and cyber-physical risk management.

 

Aviation, Defence & -03

Aviation, Defence & Transportation Cybersecurity Addressing cyber risks across aviation operations, airport infrastructure, defence-related systems, transportation networks, maritime environments, and logistics platforms, with an emphasis on secure operations, resilience, and supply chain protection.

 

Banking, Financial -04

Banking, Financial Services & Digital Payment Security Tackling financial fraud, account takeover, digital identity threats, API vulnerabilities, payment security, data protection, and cyber risks affecting banking, insurance, financial services, and digital payment ecosystems.

Cloud Security-05

Cloud Security, Data Sovereignty & Digital Infrastructure Securing cloud platforms, data centres, hybrid environments, enterprise workloads, and interconnected infrastructure through secure architecture, data governance, continuous monitoring, and resilient cloud operations.

Threat Intelligence-06

Threat Intelligence, SOC Modernization & Incident Response Enhancing cyber defence through threat intelligence sharing, extended detection and response, proactive threat hunting, security automation, coordinated incident response, and measurable security operations performance.

Healthcare, Telecommunications -07

Healthcare, Telecommunications & Connected Services Security Protecting patient information, medical technology, telecommunications networks, connected devices, and essential digital services against data breaches, service disruption, ransomware, and threats to interconnected systems.

Zero Trust, Digital Identity-08

Zero Trust, Digital Identity, GRC & Supply Chain Risk Strengthening identity-first security, privileged access management, regulatory readiness, board-level accountability, third-party assurance, data privacy, and supply chain resilience across public and private sector organizations.

Benefits

Knowledgeable Sessions

Opportunity to learn from the global leaders in cyber security on the best practices to achieve cyber resilience in the fast-paced digital world. Connect with world class solution providers about their solutions and advanced level cyber defence options.

Tech Driven Use-cases

In today’s world with emerging technologies and new innovations has brought the technology industry towards huge transformational change. Be among the first to adapt technology use-cases presented by the pioneers in the field of cyber security.

Product Display

This unique platform provides opportunities in terms of presentations, knowledge sharing sessions, and use-case studies by global thought leaders with their primary focused helping business and organizations to adapt next level of cyber security solutions.

Brainstorming Discussions

Share and exchange your ideas by brainstorming with some of the thoughtful leaders in cyber security space. Our panel discussions include senior technology leaders and experienced seasoned professionals with an aim to breach the knowledge gap between the cyber security and organizations.

One-On-One Meetings

Get involved with in-depth discussions with top-class solution providers and secure your businesses by sharing your specific requirements and challenges directly with the consultants.

Private Networking Lounge

Network and consult with the experts across industry sectors at the designated spaces assigned focusing on personal attention and query redressal.

Who Should Attend MENA CYBER SECURITY CONFERENCE?

Who will attend?

  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • BFSI
  • Fintech
  • Energy & Utilities
  • Transportation / Automobile
  • Manufacturing
  • Real Estate & Infrastructure
  • Retail & e-commerce
  • Sports
  • Defense & Security
  • Aerospace
  • Tourism & Hospitality

Job Titles:

  • Chief Information Security Officer
  • Chief Information Officers
  • Chief Digital Officers
  • Chief Data officer
  • Chief Technology Officer
  • Chief Security Officer
  • SVP/VP/Director / Head / Manager of IT / OT
  • General Manager IT / Heads of IT
  • Cybersecurity Leaders
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • SCADA Engineers / Security Engineer
  • Cyber Security Risk Monitoring professionals
  • Cyber Security Operations professionals
  • Cyber Security Governance Manager
  • Cybersecurity Advisor
  • Cloud Architect
  • Head of IT Infrastructure

Sponsor Categories:

  • Ransomware Resilience and Recovery
  • Attack Surface Management
  • Supply-Chain Security / Application Security
  • Network Security / Endpoint Security
  • Web Security / Mobile Security
  • Risk & Compliance / Threat Intelligence
  • Data Security & Vulnerability Exploitation
  • Cloud Security / AI Security 
  • Identity & Access Management
  • Fraud Prevention & Transaction Security
  • Security Operations & Incident Response
  • Managed Security Service Provider ( MSSP)
  • Advanced Threat Intelligence
  • Fraud & Law Enforcement
  • Predictive security Management
  • Quantum Computing
  • Automotive security management

speakers

Dr. Hamad Khalifa Al Nuaimi

ICT Advisor, Abu Dhabi Police G.H.Q

Hussain Al Khalsan

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Zand
Faisal Khan

Associate Director Information Security and Compliance, Dubai World Trade Centre
Kawther Haciane

Partner - Lead Digital Risk MENA, EY
Vishal Vaghela

CISO, Americana Restaurants
Ahmed Nabil Mahmoud

Head of Security Engineering, Leading International Bank
Ahmed Al-Bahdoor

Head of Cyber Security, Oman Airports
Nishanth Kumar Pathi

Director - Cyber Security & Governance, Leading Airline Company
Gagan Delouri

Principal Solutions Engineer, Ping Identity
Syed Muneer Bakht

Global Head of Products and Strategy, NETS International Group
Shyamlal Babu

Cybersecurity Regional Leader - MEA, Schneider Electric FZE
Badreya AlMehairi

AVP Senior Manager - Data Privacy & Information Security, Mashreq Bank
Saif Al Shehhi

Head of IT Security, Resilience and Compliance, Edge Group
Narinderjit Thandi

Director of Data Science and Security, Uney
Jeevan Badigari

Associate Director - Cybersecurity, Arada
Usman Mustafa

Director, Orange Business
Shahid Shaikhali

Head of Cyber Defence, Equiti Group
Ibrahim Abuawwad

VP Cybersecurity & Technology Mitsui EP
Claude Fachkha

Professor, University of Dubai
Mansoor Ahmad Khan

Senior Manager Network Security, IHS Towers
Amit Bhatia

Chief Information Security Officer, Henry Harvin
Anoop Kumar

Head of Information Security Governance Risk and Compliance, Al Nisr Publishing
Nikita Astionov

CEO & Founder, Cyronel Services

Rahul Mahesh Sharma

Identity Security Solutions Consultant – GCC, Gulf IT Network Distribution
Subham Ray

Sr. Consultant, GulfIT Network Distribution

Sponsors & Partners

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

CYBER SECURITY PARTNER

Bronze Sponsor

Exhibitors


Supporting Partners

Isaca logo-16
Gafai logo-18
GCGBS logo-05
GCPIT logo-06


Community Partner

Ot Securitylogo-17


Knowledge Partner

Knowledge Partner Ec council logo-22


aCADEMIC Partner

Academic Partner Ec Council uni logo-20


ctf pLATFORM Partner

CTF Platform Partner Hackrserse logo-21


Media Partners

security-middle-east
international-business-magazine
global-risk-community
Zex logo-13
startup logo-11
cyber-defence-magazine
Arab logo-24
All conference logo-12
Media Partner CISO logo-19

ORGANISER

IGR Events (Innovative Global Resource) we are a team of seasoned, highly experienced industry professionals committed towards delivering the best global standards with each event and have collectively more than 30 years of experience. The diversity of our backgrounds, knowledge and experience helps us resolve challenges that every business faces.

We are founded on the common intention to customize a platform for the business houses wherein they get a variety of options to choose from our wide range of Private Board Rooms, Webinars, Certified Trainings, and In-Person & Virtual Conferences and Exhibitions to choose from as per their need.

B2B Event Management Company

VIEW MORE ABOUT IGR EVENTS

B2B Event Management Company

ORGANISER

IGR Events (Innovative Global Resource) we are a team of seasoned, highly experienced industry professionals committed towards delivering the best global standards with each event and have collectively more than 30 years of experience. The diversity of our backgrounds, knowledge and experience helps us resolve challenges that every business faces.

We are committed to providing businesses with a tailored platform offering a wide range of options, including B2B conferences, customized events, private boardrooms & roundtables, managed events, exhibitions, certified training programs, and lead generation & appointment setting services, all tailored to meet your business needs.

VIEW MORE ABOUT IGR EVENTS
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Copyright 2026 IGR Events Private Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Hamad Khalifa Al Nuaimi

Dr Hamad Al Nuaimi is an ICT Advisor at Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters with extensive experience in telecommunications, networking, and cybersecurity. He began his career in 2002 as a Network Technician and pursued his education in parallel, earning a Higher Diploma from the Higher Colleges of Technology, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Networking, a Master’s degree in Telecommunication Network Management from Syracuse University, and a PhD in Project Management from the British University in Dubai.

He has participated in more than 100 local and international events focused on network security and cyber technologies. Currently, he serves as Telecom Section Manager at Abu Dhabi Police GHQ and leads telecom committees for major events such as the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix. He is also the Co-Founder of “Digital Barza,” a professional community dedicated to knowledge sharing and digital innovation.

Hussain Al Khalsan

Hussain AlKhalsan CISO joined Zand as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in June 2019. In his role, he oversees and manages the Cyber Security Program of Zand. He is a seasoned professional with 18 years of experience in IT Security, Information Security and Cyber Security within the banking and financial services industry.

Faisal Khan

Faisal Khan is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with extensive experience in information security, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Known for his strategic foresight and practical approach, Faisal has led enterprise-wide security programs across complex environments in the public and private sectors. He has been recognized among the Top 100 Cybersecurity Leaders in the Middle East and has contributed to organizations receiving accolades in cybersecurity leadership and risk management excellence. His areas of expertise include security governance, cyber risk, regulatory alignment, and the development of resilient security cultures. A passionate advocate for continuous learning and innovation, Faisal actively mentors emerging professionals and regularly speaks at regional and international cybersecurity forums. His thought leadership reflects a deep commitment to raising the bar in cybersecurity maturity across industries.

Kawther Haciane

Kawther Haciane is a Principal at EY, specializing in Digital Risk within Risk Consulting. With over 20 years of international experience, she has developed knowledge in managing complex technological environments and mitigating risks in several sectors. Her career spans across multiple industries, including oil and gas, financial services, health care and IT consulting. Kawther’s dedication to Digital Risk has seen her in pivotal roles such as CISO of National Bank of Canada and Air Transat. She has also led IBM Security business in the Gulf and Levant.

Vishal Vaghela

Vishal Vaghela – CISO with 20+ years of global leadership in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Expert in cybersecurity strategy across finance, retail, energy, and government sectors. Skilled in budgeting, resource hiring, and mentoring high-performing teams. Proven in digital transformation, cost optimization, and aligning IT strategies with Board directives. Successfully managed and led cybersecurity teams (30+) ensuring robust security postures and compliance with international standards (e.g. NIST, SOX, GDPR , PCI-DSS, ISO 27001:2005 ISMS, COBIT). Strategic Vision: Developed and implemented comprehensive cybersecurity programs / projects, (with an average annual budget of 25+ million USD) ensuring optimal allocation of resources that align with business objectives and regulatory requirements, significantly reducing risk exposure. Digital Transformation, Innovation and Emerging Technologies: Spearheaded the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as AI / machine learning and Blockchain to help roll out fintech products and startup ideas into real products. Led multiple digital transformation projects, introducing new consumer products (banking, retail, customer service) enhancing customer experience.

Ahmed Nabil Mahmoud

Ahmed Nabil has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Information Technology/Systems, Infrastructure, Project Management, Information Security, Application development/Automation, IT management and holds several professional IT certifications from Microsoft, CISCO, ISACA, ISC2, PMI, IAPP, CWNP, PECB and EC- Council.

Ahmed is an industry expert in Information Security and Digital Transformation, public speaker at several international conferences (Microsoft Ignite the Tour, ITCamp Cluj, CISO Africa Summit, GISEC UAE, Egypt CSCAMP, Cyber in Africa, Arab Security Camp, SAYA, SharePoint Saturdays, CloudWeekend, Credence…..etc.) and author of several international published articles and a recent book on M365 Security technologies co-authored with other fellow MVPs.  

Ahmed is currently the Corporate Chief Information Security Officer in a leading financial organization, prior to this Ahmed was the Regional Information Security Manager at one of the international Banking institutions, Global Chief Security Architect at one of the top Oil and Gas companies in the world as well as the CISO and CIO for top Engineering company in Egypt and Middle East.

Ahmed Al-Bahdoor

Ahmed Al-Bahdoor is a seasoned Enterprise Cyber Security Leader with extensive experience in cyber strategy, defensible security architecture, SOC operations, threat and vulnerability management, incident response, and end-to-end security across network, endpoint, application, cloud, and IoT/OT environments. He has a proven track record in protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data within the aviation sector. Currently leading cybersecurity at Oman Airports, Ahmed has been instrumental in establishing the Cyber Security Department and driving major technology refresh initiatives that significantly strengthened the sector’s security posture. He excels in building high-performing security teams, conducting enterprise risk assessments, and ensuring regulatory compliance, supported by a deep understanding of airport operations and aviation-specific cyber challenges.

Nishanth Kumar Pathi

Nishanth Kumar Pathi is a highly accomplished Cyber Security professional with extensive expertise across cloud security, governance, risk management, and enterprise architecture. He holds several globally recognized certifications, including CIPM, CIPT, CISA, CISM, AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Azure Solutions Architect, Oracle Architect, and Gremlin Chaos Engineering Professional. 

He is also a co-author of the “OWASP Security Configuration Guide” and an active contributor to the null Cyber Security Community, where he regularly conducts and participates in cyber security events. His continuous involvement in the industry reflects his strong commitment to advancing cyber security awareness and best practices.

Gagan Delouri

Gagan Delouri started his career in IAM with companies like Sun Microsystems and CA Technologies in Australia, then moved to Enterprise Security working in Sales Engineering and Customer roles with F5 Networks and Insurance and Telecommunication companies in Australia. Hen then moved to UK in 2020 with Deloitte Consulting. A global citizen with strong cross-domain functional application experience, its interlocks with bottom-up approach that covers end to end, starting from Infrastructure and Security to functional aspects at the application/solution level, achieving the business outcome is what makes Gagan to be able to operate at all levels of technical, management and commercial aspects with customers. Gagan currently leads the Partner Sales Engineering Team at Ping Identity covering the EMEA region where he supports channels and alliances in the adoption of Ping solutions and Go-To-Market strategies.

Syed Muneer Bakht

Syed Muneer Bakht is a seasoned technology leader with over 18 years of global experience driving innovation and business transformation across multiple industries. He is a passionate strategist and expert in harnessing the power of technology to revolutionize businesses. Syed Muneer has worked on multiple transformation projects such as Business Strategy, Modern Workplace, Cloud, Data Center, Cybersecurity and AI/ML. 

Syed Muneer Bakht currently serves as the Global Head of Products and Strategy at NETS International, a leading technology systems integrator headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with direct offices in 9 countries having delivered more than 4,000 technology projects in over 25 countries worldwide, includes clients from Fortune 500 and Global Multi-national companies. Prior to his current role at NETS, Syed Muneer Bakht honed his technological expertise by working at tech giants such as IBM in South Asia as well as Hewlett-Packard (HP) in Canada.

Shyamlal Babu

Shyamlal Babu is a seasoned cybersecurity leader overseeing Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) for the Energy Management business across the Middle East and Africa. With deep expertise spanning OT, IT, and digital transformation, he drives cybersecurity strategy, resilience, and regulatory alignment to secure critical energy and industrial infrastructures while enabling business growth. 

In his regional leadership role, Shyamlal partners with C-level executives, architects, and operational teams to embed secure-by-design principles, strengthen cyber maturity, and translate complex risks into clear executive decisions. Recognized for his strategic impact and thought leadership, he was featured as an Emerging Leader in Cybersecurity by Cyber Sentinels Magazine – MEA for advancing cybersecurity resilience across the energy sector.

Badreya AlMehairi

Badreya AlMehairi is an accomplished cybersecurity and data privacy leader with over a decade of experience driving enterprise-wide security, privacy, and risk management initiatives across global environments. Currently serving as AVP / Senior Manager for Data Privacy and Information Security, she specializes in building scalable privacy frameworks, leading security operations, and ensuring regulatory and audit compliance. She holds industry-recognized certifications including CISM and CDMP, is trained in CISSP and ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management), and is a certified ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, with a proven track record of guiding organizations through complex risk assessments, audit readiness programs, and governance transformations. With a strong foundation as a Network Security Engineer, she bridges deep technical expertise with executive-level strategy and decision-making, and as an active speaker, she shares insights on cybersecurity, data governance, and organizational resilience, driven by integrity, risk awareness, and a commitment

Saif Al Shehhi

Saif Al Shehhi’s journey in cybersecurity began not with policies or frameworks, but with curiosity about how systems fail and how organizations recover. Over the past 12 years, that curiosity has evolved into leadership across Information Security, Governance, Risk, and Compliance at the enterprise level. Throughout his career, Saif has witnessed firsthand that technology alone does not create resilience. Real security is built in boardrooms, in difficult conversations, and in the moments when critical decisions must be made under pressure. These experiences shaped his belief that cybersecurity is ultimately about engineering trust across people, processes, and platforms.   

He focuses on transforming lessons from incidents into stronger governance, embedding risk thinking into executive strategy, and ensuring that security becomes a foundation for confident digital growth. 

Narinderjit Thandi

Narinder Thandi is a senior cyber-AI and defence technology executive with over two decades of experience across government, defence, and national security environments. He has led AI-enabled cyber strategy and delivery for governments and defence clients, including secure AI infrastructure, LLM security, threat intelligence, IoT/OT security, and post-quantum security planning. He brings a practical executive perspective on how AI is reshaping cyber defence, resilience, and mission-critical security operations.

Jeevan Badigari

Jeevan is a passionate cybersecurity professional with over 20 years of experience. He currently heads cybersecurity function at ARADA in Dubai. He has worked with companies from various industries such as Real Estate, Retail, conglomerates, high technology companies like Accenture, IBM and Microsoft over the years. His expertise in Technology and risk management combined with infrastructure, Cloud and project management has helped him to achieve significant milestones of delivering compliance programs such as PCIDSS, ISO27001, GDPR to name a few. He is constant learner and regularly contributes to the industry . He likes to travel around the world.

Usman Mustafa

Usman Mustafa is an Award-winning technology executive with over 15 years of global experience driving advancements in cybersecurity and digital transformation. Author of “AI Powered Development: A Security Blueprint”. Recognized among the Top 10 Global Thought Leaders in Cybersecurity and IT Leadership.

Shahid Shaikhali

Shahid Shaikhali is a cybersecurity leader specialising in enterprise cyber defence, SOC transformation, DFIR, and AI-driven security operations. With over 14 years of experience across fintech, financial markets, Government and critical-infrastructure environments, he has built and matured Security Operations Centers from the ground up, delivering measurable improvements in detection, response, and resilience. Shahid currently leads cyber defence for Equiti Group, a rapidly scaling global fintech, where he is driving enterprise-wide security architecture, advanced SOC modernization, AI-enabled threat detection, and regulatory-aligned incident response capabilities across multiple business units, including trading, crypto, and payments. 

His expertise spans digital forensics, incident response, threat modelling, adversary-centric detection engineering, cloud security architecture, and continuous assurance frameworks aligned with global standards. He has also designed and delivered cybersecurity uplift programmes for organisations across the Middle East, Australia, and India.

Ibrahim Abuawwad

I have acquired more than 16 years progressive experience spanning all facets of Information Technology Operations, infrastructure & security, and project management across various sectors and regions, Oil & Gas, Banking & Financial Services, and Telecommunications. I have solid technical and management expertise in Digital Transformation, IT Security and Governance and organization’s IT Operations management utilized to impact business performance, boosting efficiency through automation/digitization, expanding offerings through new services implementation, and facilitating management of a diverse portfolio of projects through strategic allocation of resources   I hold MBA Degree in Strategic Planning from Strathclyde Business School, also I hold several professional certification and trainings in Project Management, Network Security & Infrastructure.

Claude Fachkha

Claude Fachkha is a cybersecurity expert, researcher, educator, and consultant based in Dubai, UAE. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Communications Engineering from Notre Dame University. He also earned a Master’s degree in Information Systems Security Engineering and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Concordia University, Canada. He specializes in building cybersecurity projects and programs for governments and corporations. Dr. Fachkha has received prestigious awards, including the FRQNT scholarship and multiple Best Paper Awards from IEEE. He has also served as a Technical Editor for IEEE Communications Magazine. Claude has raised AED 5 million in funding to build capabilities in AI and cybersecurity. He combines academic insight with real-world cybersecurity consulting experience and has worked with organizations such as the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA), the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), Dubai Police, and the UAE Cybersecurity Council. He is a faculty member at the University of Dubai and a co-founder of Steppa Cyber (www.steppa.ca). He serves as chairperson of the Cybersecurity Government Summit in the UAE and frequently speaks at major cybersecurity events across the country. He is widely recognized for his thought leadership in AI, cloud security, and public-sector digital transformation. His research interests include cybersecurity, machine learning, data mining, secure transportation, and smart infrastructure. His work is widely cited and has made a notable impact in both academia and industry.

Mansoor Ahmad Khan

Mansoor Ahmad Khan is a Cybersecurity thought leader with 19+ years of experience securing critical infrastructure and hybrid enterprises across telecommunications, finance, energy, and industrial sectors.

Amit Bhatia

Amit Bhatia has more than 20 years’ experience as an information security governance professional and has strong expertise in cyber security strategy, risk management, information security, governance framework, technical security architecture, information security awareness program, data security and privacy domain. He has demonstrated expertise in establishing and implementing large information security programs for the leading financial companies in the UAE and leading the execution of key governance initiatives, e.g., ISO 27001, Swift CSP, NESA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, and Cloud Data Security Framework, to safeguard the critical business information of the organization. He has successfully formulated information security strategies and worked in collaboration with C-Level executives, chief compliance, and risk and privacy officers for their seamless and successful execution. 

Anoop Kumar

Anoop Kumar Paudval is a Seasoned IT leader with over 25 years of comprehensive experience across the full spectrum of Information Technology. Specialized in IT Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), ITIL and COBIT-based audits, Change Management, and Business Continuity Planning. Proven expertise in delivering enterprise-level projects and programs, driving secure digital transformation initiatives, and aligning IT operations with business strategy. Adept in security operations (SecOps), application security, and cloud security with a strong foundation in industry best practices and frameworks. Won several industry awards and ensured the organisation runs operations with reduced cost, reduced risk, improved performance and compliance. Holds UAE Golden Visa.

Nikita Astionov

Nikita Astionov is a cybersecurity consultant, industry speaker, and Founder & CEO of Cyronel. He helps organizations reduce human and AI-related risks through practical human risk management strategies, awareness initiatives, and security improvement programs. His work focuses on strengthening organizational resilience by addressing the human element of cybersecurity.

Rahul Mahesh Sharma

Rahul Sharma is an Identity Security Solutions Consultant for the GCC at Gulf IT Network Distribution, focused on modern Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Zero Trust security. Working with global identity leader Ping Identity, he supports enterprises and government organizations across the region in securing digital identities, strengthening authentication, and enabling trusted access in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Subham Ray

Subham Ray is a Senior Cyber Security Consultant at Gulf IT Network Distribution with extensive experience in cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Throughout his career, he has worked with national, multinational, and government organizations, providing strategic consulting and security expertise to help strengthen their digital resilience. 

Passionate about technology and continuous learning, Subham actively contributes to the professional community by sharing his knowledge through articles, blogs, YouTube content, seminars, and webinars. He is a sought-after speaker who has delivered presentations and training sessions on a wide range of topics, including Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence, at both national and international conferences and industry events. 

His commitment to knowledge sharing, combined with his practical industry experience, enables him to bridge the gap between complex technological concepts and real-world business challenges.