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Event overview

The MENA CISO Summit 2026 is an exclusive one-day leadership platform designed for CISOs, cybersecurity executives, and strategic decision-makers navigating an evolving landscape of complex digital risks. As AI-driven attacks, critical infrastructure threats, and regional compliance demands accelerate, the summit equips senior leaders with the insights needed to strengthen enterprise resilience and advance security maturity across their organizations. 

Featuring high-level keynote sessions, executive panels, and closed-door leadership dialogues, the summit explores essential topics including threat intelligence, risk governance, cloud and identity security, incident response, and the strategic integration of AI for cyber defense. Each session offers actionable guidance to help cybersecurity leaders enhance visibility, improve agility, and prepare for the next generation of cyber challenges. 

Uniting senior professionals from Government, BFSI, Oil & Energy, Aviation, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Telecom, and other mission-critical sectors, the MENA CISO Summit serves as a hub for high-value networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Attendees will walk away empowered with strategic clarity, stronger alliances, and a roadmap for protecting their organizations in an era defined by intelligent, adaptive, and persistent cyber threats.

DISCUSSION TOPICS

CISO Priorities Navigating AI-01
CISO Priorities 2026: Navigating AI Threats, Complex Risks & Compliance Pressures
AI, Threat Intelligence & Automation-02
AI, Threat Intelligence & Automation: The New Backbone of Cyber Defense
Cyber Governance & Leadership-03
Cyber Governance & Leadership: Strengthening Enterprise Resilience for 2030
Zero Trust in Practice-04-04
Securing AI Workloads: Protecting Data, Models & Decision Systems
Public-Private Collaboration-06-06
Identity Security Redefined: Protecting Access in a Deepfake-Driven World
Zero Trust in Motion Adaptive-06
Zero Trust in Motion: Adaptive Security for Modern Digital Ecosystems
AI-Augmented SOC Leveraging-07
AI-Augmented SOC: Leveraging Automation for Faster Response & Reduced Noise
CISO–CXO Alignment Bridging-08
CISO–CXO Alignment: Bridging Cyber Strategy, Business Risk & Organizational Resilience

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

Anas Eltahir

CISO, Dubai Government
Faisal Khan

Associate Director Information Security and Compliance, Dubai World Trade Centre
Ahmed Al-Bahdoor

Head of Cyber Security, Oman Airports
Claude Fachkha

Professor, University of Dubai
Rahul Banga

Regional Information Security Officer (RISO), GIG Gulf
Kawther Haciane

Partner - Lead Digital Risk MENA, EY
Vishnu Padmakumar

Head of Digital Security Section, Federal Entity
James Wiles

Head of Cyber Security – Middle East & Africa, Cigna Healthcare
Hossam Mohamed Nabil AlShenraky

Professor, Dubai Police Academy
Siddhesh Nagaonkar

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO), McCoin Virtual Assets LLC
Muhammad Affan Habib

Director of Information Technology Department, Sharjah Maritime Academy
Qusai AlRabei

Senior OT Cybersecurity Leader-Global, Schneider Electric
Wilby Mercy Mathew

Senior IT Leader – Cybersecurity, Cloud & Digital Transformation, SABER Investment Company L.L.C, Abu Dhabi

Sponsors & Partners

Gold Sponsors

CYBER SECURITY PARTNER

Bronze Sponsor

Exhibitor


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

Arab logo-24-24
international-business-magazine
global-risk-community
security-middle-east
startup logo-11
cyber-defence-magazine
Zex logo-13
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.

Anas Eltahir

Anas Eltahir is a distinguished IT and cybersecurity executive with over two decades of leadership across Dubai government and enterprise sectors in the UAE and GCC. As Chief Information Security Officer at the Dubai Government, he has spearheaded major initiatives in cybersecurity governance, Zero Trust adoption, and ISMS implementation, aligning with national strategies such as Dubai’s Digital Maturity Model and ISR V3.1. 

A certified CISSP, C|CISO, and ISO Lead Auditor, Anas is renowned for his deep expertise in IT service management, compliance, and risk frameworks. His consultancy work has shaped IT governance and security strategies for organizations across the GCC, including NEOM, Abu Dhabi Police, and VIVA Telecom. 

He has received multiple recognitions, including the World CIO 200 Award and the 2025 CISO Award, and is an advisory board member at Certification Partner Global. Anas is a sought-after speaker and thought leader on digital transformation, public sector innovation, and cyber resilience.

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.

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.

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.

Rahul Banga

Rahul Banga is an award-winning cybersecurity leader operating at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital resilience. With nearly two decades of experience leading security and resilience programs across banking, insurance, healthcare, and multinational enterprises, he has built a reputation for transforming cybersecurity from a technical function into a driver of trust, resilience, and business value. As Regional Information Security Officer (RISO) at GIG Gulf, a Fairfax company, Rahul champions AI security, cyber resilience, cloud security, data governance, regulatory compliance, and third-party risk management across the Gulf region. His work and industry contributions continue to shape conversations around digital trust, responsible AI adoption, and the future of secure digital ecosystems.

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.

Vishnu Padmakumar

Vishnu is a seasoned information security professional with deep expertise in cybersecurity strategy, governance, risk and compliance, and cloud and AI security. Throughout his career, Vishnu has designed and led security programs for organizations navigating complex regulatory and operational environments. He is adept at building robust governance frameworks and enabling secure cloud and AI adoption that supports business innovation and resilience, including the emerging discipline of agentic AI. 

Vishnu’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity began early in his career, when he was credited by various global organizations for discovering and responsibly disclosing critical vulnerabilities in their systems. That foundation in security research shaped his pragmatic approach to threat management and his ability to translate cyber risk into actionable business insight. A trusted advisor to executive teams and a collaborative leader, Vishnu is passionate about fostering a security-first culture and sharing knowledge across the industry. As a panelist, he brings practical experience, technical depth, and a strategic perspective on emerging security challenges and solutions.

James Wiles

James is a Cyber Security Executive with 20+ years of global experience leading Cyber, Intelligence & Information Technology teams across Healthcare, Defence, Federal Government.  As the Head of Cyber Security – Middle East & Africa for Cigna Healthcare, James is trusted advisor to four Board Committees on cyber risk, resilience, and regulatory alignment across a Fortune 15 enterprise operating in 22 countries regionally. 

Hossam Mohamed Nabil AlShenraky

Professor Dr. Hossam Mohamed Nabil Abdel-Raouf Morsi El-Shenraki is a Professor of Police Sciences and Head of the Police Management Department at the Dubai Police Academy, with extensive expertise in cybercrime, information security, criminal investigations, and digital policing. He has served in senior roles within Egypt’s Ministry of Interior and as an international observer with the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Sudan, contributing to police capacity building and criminal investigation training.

He has authored numerous research papers and books on cybersecurity, cybercrime, AI in policing, digital investigations, and online child protection, and has contributed to the development of cybercrime and personal data protection legislation. He is also a recognized speaker, trainer, researcher, and scientific consultant in cybersecurity and criminal investigation, with experience advising and training government and security institutions across the region.

Siddhesh Nagaonkar

Siddhesh Nagaonkar is a seasoned cybersecurity and information security leader with over 14 years of experience across banking, financial services, virtual assets, technology, telecommunications, BPO and government sectors. He currently serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO) at McCoin Virtual Assets LLC, where he leads cybersecurity strategy, governance, risk management, regulatory compliance and data protection initiatives.

A former Scientific Officer at the Cyber Crime Department, Forensic Science Laboratory, Mumbai, Siddhesh has extensive expertise in cyber forensics, information security, digital transformation and regulatory compliance. He is passionate about strengthening cyber resilience, fostering digital trust and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. He is also an active speaker, judge and contributor to global cybersecurity and technology leadership forums.

Muhammad Affan Habib

Muhammad Affan is an award-winning technology executive, AI strategist, and cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation across higher education. As Director of Information Technology at Sharjah Maritime Academy (UAE), he leads enterprise technology, cybersecurity, AI innovation, cloud transformation, and digital governance initiatives. 

A Forbes Technology Council member and internationally recognized speaker, Affan is passionate about helping organizations securely adopt emerging technologies while building resilient, future-ready digital ecosystems. His expertise spans enterprise AI, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, data governance, and technology leadership. 

Recognized with multiple regional and international technology leadership awards, Affan regularly speaks at global conferences, sharing practical insights on AI, cyber resilience, digital transformation, and responsible innovation.

Qusai AlRabei

Qusai Al-Rabei is an award-winning OT/ICS cybersecurity leader with over 16 years of global hands-on experience in securing critical infrastructure across energy, utilities, and manufacturing. He has led key leadership roles at Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Rockwell Automation, where he shaped mission-critical cybersecurity programs and industrial security practices.

Qusai’s expertise includes AI-driven OT security use cases, crisis simulation frameworks, risk modelling, and OEM cybersecurity programs. He is a core member of the World Economic Forum’s Cyber Resilience Community and a trusted advisor to regulators and global industry leaders. He currently leads the Digital Transformation & Emerging Technology community within the Global Innovation Institute, promoting thought leadership and cross-industry collaboration.

Wilby Mercy Mathew

Dr. Wilby Mercy Mathew is a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years of experience across enterprise IT, cybersecurity governance, cloud modernization, and digital transformation in the UAE and GCC. She specializes in building secure, scalable, and future-ready digital ecosystems, with expertise spanning cybersecurity governance, cloud and identity security, enterprise IT strategy, digital transformation, and business continuity.

With a Doctorate (DBA) focused on Agentic AI in Quantum Computing Environments, Dr. Wilby brings a forward-looking perspective to emerging technologies and technology leadership. Her key focus areas include AI Ethics and Agentic AI, Cybersecurity Resilience and Zero Trust, Cloud Governance, Digital Modernization, Quantum Computing, and Future Decision Systems.