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Event overview

The 5th Edition MENA Cyber Security Conference 2026 – Riyadh Edition, marks the milestone of this premier regional platform, building on the success of its previous four editions. Over the years, it has established itself as a trusted forum for cybersecurity leadership, innovation, and collaboration across the Middle East and North Africa. 

The conference will bring together Saudi Arabia’s leading cybersecurity stakeholders, including government authorities, critical infrastructure operators, enterprise security leaders, and global technology innovators. As the Kingdom accelerates its digital transformation under Vision 2030, cybersecurity remains a strategic priority for safeguarding national growth, economic resilience, and digital trust while addressing evolving cyber threats and regulatory requirements. 

With over 120 senior decision-makers, regulators, CISOs, and cybersecurity professionals expected to attend, the summit will foster high-level discussions and cross-sector collaboration across industries including Government, Oil & Gas, Energy, Defense, BFSI, Healthcare, Telecommunications, Retail, Manufacturing, and Smart Cities. Through expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will gain actionable insights into strengthening cyber resilience, securing critical infrastructure, and preparing for the next generation of security challenges in an increasingly connected world.

DISCUSSION TOPICS

National Cyber Resilience-01

National Cyber Resilience in Action: Vision 2030 and Beyond

Critical Infrastructure Under-02

Critical Infrastructure Under Fire: Securing the Nation’s Lifelines

AI-Powered Threat Detection-03

AI-Powered Threat Detection: Enabling Resilient Digital Enterprises

Zero Trust in High-Stakes Environments-04

Zero Trust in High-Stakes Environments

Securing the Future Economy-05

Securing the Future Economy: Cyber Resilience in E-Commerce, Logistics & Smart Industry

Digital Identity in the Age of Deepfakes-06

Digital Identity in the Age of Deepfakes & AI Manipulation

Cyber Sovereignty & Collaboration-07

Cyber Sovereignty & Collaboration: Advancing Regional Resilience

Cloud & Compliance-08

Cloud & Compliance: Navigating the NCA ECC and PDPL Frameworks

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

Thamer Alrowidhan

Chief Information Security Officer, Confidential Government
Majid Alshowdari

Cybersecurity Director, Confidential Government
AlHasan AlGhamdi

Chief Information Security Officer, Confidential Government
Abdulaziz Alruwieshed

Director of Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Audit, Confidential Government
Nezar Ali AlTurki

CIO, Ministry of National Guard, Saudi Arabia
Badreya Almehairi

AVP Senior Manager - Data Privacy & Information Security, Mashreq Bank
Betania Allo

Head of AI, TMT & Privacy Practice, Legal Tracks
Mohamed Zain El Sadany

Chief Governance Officer, MOWAH Co.
Mohamed Abbas

Advisory Solution Consultant - Risk & Security Solutions, ServiceNow
Mahmoud EzzEldin

Senior Enterprise Security Architect, Akamai Technologies
Dip Jung Thapa

Co-Founder & COO, Threatcop
Prof. Muhammad Khurram Khan

Founder and CEO, Global Foundation for Cyber Studies and Research
Mansoor Ali Yusuf Baig

Head, Scientific Computing / Senior Technical Specialist, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (Gen. Org.)
Javed A. Akbar

Chief GRC, Insurance & Data Officer, TASNEE
Amin Ali Amin

Group CEO, iVolve Technologies
Dr. Mohammed Abdur Rahman

Head of the Department of Cyber Security and Forensic Computing, University of Prince Mugrin, Saudi Arabia
Syed Murtuza

Head of IT & Cybersecurity Audit, Derayah Financial
Maaz Khan

Head of Information Security, MyFatoorah
Atiq Bajwa

Chief Risk Officer, Sulaiman Alrajhi Holding
Abdul Rahim Shaikh

Senior Cybersecurity Advisor, Wataniya Finance
Suhail Akhtar

IT Director, Confidential
Naveed Khawaja

Executive Advisor | Digital Transformation & Business Agility, Confidential
Dr. Usman Abrar

Technology Head, PKF Al-Bassam
Majd Aldeen Masriah

Senior Director of Engineering, Geidea
Nishanth Kumar Pathi

Director - Cyber Security & Governance, Gulf Air Group
Dr. Areej Alammurat

Information Security Architecture Manager, Aljazira Bank
Dr. Safia Yasmeen

Software Engineering Academic, Researcher & Educator, Alfaisal University
Abdul Waheed

Senior Cybersecurity Officer, Al Rajhi Bank
Binay Roy

Senior Director, EC-Council

Sponsors & Partners

gOLD sPONSORS

CYBER SECURITY PARTNER

Strategic Partner

Bronze Sponsor

DEVSECOPS Strategic Partner

Exhibitor


Supporting Partners

Gafai logo-16
GCPIT logo-19
GCGBS logo-18


Community Partner

OT Security logo-20 (1)


Knowledge Partner

EC-Council logo-21


aCADEMIC Partner

EC-Council University logo-21-23


Media Partners

Arab logo-24-24
global-risk-community
cyber-defence-magazine
IE logo-11
All conference-13
Icoholder logo-06
ZEX logo-14
Capitalbaylogo-24
International logo-05
startup logo-11
Gazet International logo-07

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.

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Copyright 2026 IGR Events Private Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Thamer Alrowidhan

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

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

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

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

Majid Alshowdari

Cybersecurity and technology executive with over 20 years of progressive leadership across cybersecurity operations, enterprise governance, risk, and compliance, and technology management. Extensive experience building cybersecurity and E-GRC departments from inception and integrating security strategy with business and national objectives. Proven capability in critical infrastructure defense, threat intelligence, and regulatory compliance within complex environments. Strategic advisor to executive leadership, supporting decision-making through risk-based security models. Recognized for leading high-performing teams, embedding resilience, and driving sustainable security transformation.

AlHasan AlGhamdi

AlHasan AlGhamdi is the Chief Information Security Officer at a Government Entity in Saudi Arabia, with a distinguished career across government and financial institutions. He has extensive expertise in cybersecurity governance, risk and compliance, and enterprise security strategy, successfully leading initiatives that advance cyber resilience, strengthen security posture, and ensure alignment with both national regulations and international best practices.

Abdulaziz Alruwieshed

Abdulaziz Alruwieshed is a digital transformation, cybersecurity, and internal audit leader with extensive experience in technology governance, cyber resilience, enterprise risk management, and digital strategy. He has led strategic initiatives that strengthen governance frameworks, enhance cybersecurity resilience, and enable organizations to align technology investments with business objectives while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and an MBA, and has earned internationally recognized credentials, including the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Abdulaziz has also completed executive education programs from Harvard Business School, the University of Cambridge, and Misk Foundation, further strengthening his expertise in leadership, digital transformation, governance, and innovation. 

Recognized for his thought leadership, Abdulaziz has participated as a speaker and panelist at leading regional conferences, sharing insights on cybersecurity strategy, digital transformation, governance, emerging technologies, and technology risk. His expertise spans cybersecurity governance, internal audit, AI governance, technology assurance, and enterprise digital strategy. 

Passionate about developing future-ready organizations, Abdulaziz is committed to advancing secure digital transformation, strengthening organizational resilience, and promoting innovation through effective governance. He continues to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s evolving technology ecosystem by helping organizations embrace digital change while maintaining strong governance, risk management, and cybersecurity practices.

Nezar Ali AlTurki

Nezar Ali Alturki is a distinguished executive leader with over three decades of experience spanning Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Architecture, IT Governance, and Strategic Leadership across the public and private sectors. He has led large-scale transformation initiatives, developed enterprise technology strategies, strengthened cybersecurity capabilities, and established governance frameworks aligned with international best practices and Saudi Vision 2030.

As a strategic thought leader and executive speaker, Nezar focuses on AI-driven transformation, digital leadership, cybersecurity, enterprise governance, and building intelligent, resilient organizations. His approach centers on five key pillars—business strategy, governance, trusted data, human capability, and disciplined execution—to help organizations adopt AI responsibly, drive innovation, and deliver measurable, sustainable business outcomes.

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.

Betania Allo

Betania Allo is an AI governance and cybersecurity specialist based in Riyadh, where she heads the AI, TMT & Privacy practice at Legal Tracks and serves as Senior Consultant on AI and Emerging Crime for the GCC. A Harvard Master's graduate, she is a Doctor candidate in Cybersecurity Analytics Engineering at George Washington University and previously served as Cybersecurity Director at NEOM. She is the creator of the Intelligent Control Stack, a five-layer framework for sovereign AI governance, a Security Middle East Ambassador, and a recurring speaker at Black Hat MEA and LEAP.

Mohamed Zain El Sadany

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

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

Previously, Mohamed worked in senior auditing and governance roles at Naseej International Trading Co., Abdulla Fouad Holding Company, El Rajhi Industrial Group, and KPMG Egypt, where he established internal audit functions, enhanced internal controls, uncovered fraud cases, and led due-diligence reviews that strengthened financial integrity and organizational resilience.

Mohamed Abbas

Mohamed Abbas is an Advisory Presales Solution Consultant  GRC Solutions at ServiceNow, with 9+ years of experience across cybersecurity, risk, and compliance, including time with KPMG. He has developed cybersecurity strategies and helped clients achieve regulatory compliance across Financial Sector Institutions, major government entities, and other sectors. His work spans some of the largest cybersecurity program and cloud transformation initiatives in the region, including one of the largest public sector cloud migrations. Known for translating business goals into practical, enforceable technical solutions, he holds CISSP, CRISC, and ISO 27001 Lead Implementer certifications.

Mahmoud EzzEldin

Mahmoud EzzEldin Senior Enterprise Security Architect, Akamai Technologies  With a career spanning over a decade, Mahmoud is a Trusted Advisor in Cybersecurity Resiliency. He has a proven track record of securing high-stakes infrastructure across the Telecommunications and Banking sectors. At Akamai, he helps organizations navigate the transition to Zero Trust, specializing in leveraging micro segmentation to defend against the world’s most sophisticated ransomware syndicates.

Dip Jung Thapa

Dip Jung Thapa is the Co-founder and COO of Threatcop, as well as a senior cybersecurity operations and business leader with extensive experience in scaling global security organizations and strengthening operational governance. He is known for translating strategic vision into measurable execution, driving enterprise delivery excellence, and enhancing customer outcomes. With a strong focus on organizational maturity and operational performance, Dip Jung plays a pivotal role in enabling growth and resilience across fast-evolving cybersecurity environments.

Prof. Muhammad Khurram Khan

Prof. Muhammad Khurram Khan is a globally recognized cybersecurity leader, Professor of Cybersecurity at the Center of Excellence in Information Assurance, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, and Founder & CEO of the Global Foundation for Cyber Studies and Research (USA). With over two decades of leadership in cybersecurity research, policy, and innovation, he has contributed to G20 cyber policy initiatives and serves in key advisory roles with international organizations, academia, and industry. His expertise spans AI for cybersecurity, IoT security, digital authentication, cyber policy, and technological innovation. 

Prof. Khan has authored over 500 research publications, holds 12 US patents, and has secured more than USD 5 million in competitive research funding. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Springer’s Telecommunication Systems and Area Editor for IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, while serving on the editorial boards of several leading IEEE and Elsevier journals. A Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Computer Society (BCS), he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Cybersecurity (2025) for his outstanding contributions to the global cybersecurity community.

Mansoor Ali Yusuf Baig

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

Javed A. Akbar

Javed A. Akbar is a multi-award-winning global leader in Governance, Risk, Strategy, Audit, and Finance, renowned for turning complex challenges into strategic advantages by integrating sophisticated business, financial, and technological landscapes. With extensive experience in the Middle East and on the global stage, Javed’s career as a senior executive and board member showcases a rare blend of financial acumen, strategic governance, risk management, technology and audit expertise. 

Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Javed is a captivating speaker and trusted advisor, regularly invited to share his insights at prestigious international conferences, summits, and exclusive executive forums. His thought leadership in risk management, corporate strategy, ESG governance, and emerging technologies resonates with global audiences. 

Javed holds a master’s degree in Finance from the University of London (UK) and is a Certified Board Director (NACD.DC – USA), Chartered Professional Accountant (Canada & UK) as well as a Certified Internal Auditor (USA). As a sought-after thought leader and trusted advisor, Javed continues to shape the future of Governance, Risk, and Finance on the global stage.

Amin Ali Amin

Eng. Amin Amin is the Group CEO. He is a strategic investor and founder of iVolve Technologies Consulting, QCloud, Cloud7, and HyperNext software for sovereign clouds.  Amin is an inspirational speaker, professional business thought leader, AI & Sovereign Cloud consultant, strategist, and cloud and digital transformation consultant. As a founder and investor for more than 15+ years, Amin is an expert in detailed business case development, financial analysis, ROI / TCO financial modeling, and executive storytelling experience. Amazingly talented in Value Advisory, Management Consulting.  Amin is a talented leader who has helped many organizations grow and adopt the highest international quality standards and certifications (ISO 27K, PCI DSS, HIPAA, etc.). Specialized in organizational strategy, business processes, building world-class teams, and measuring OKR, PnL, ROI and YoY growth.  Amin is a leader builder, developing executive narrative slideware with inputs from internal stakeholders. Amin is recognized for his ability to think outside the box, with over 25+ years of experience in the MEA, US, European, and Asian markets.

Dr. Mohammed Abdur Rahman

Dr. Mohammed Abdur Rahman is a Full Professor and current Head of the Department of Cyber Security and Forensic Computing at the University of Prince Mugrin, Saudi Arabia, CISO of SDM, and Founder & Director of AdvancedMediaLab. Ranked among the World’s Top 2% Scientists, he has secured over USD 20 million in research funding and received the UPM Best Researcher Award for five consecutive years. 

He has authored more than 156 scientific publications, including 64 journal articles, 92 conference papers, and 39 Q1 journal publications. His publication portfolio spans Artificial Intelligence, Agentic AI, AI Governance, Cybersecurity, Blockchain-enabled Trust Architectures, Digital Security, IoT/6G Security, Smart Cities, Digital Healthcare, and Cyber-Physical Systems. 

His work focuses on building secure, trustworthy, and scalable AI-driven digital ecosystems, with particular emphasis on AI governance, digital trust, blockchain- enabled systems, cyber resilience, and large-scale intelligent infrastructure.

Syed Murtuza

Syed Murtuza is a cybersecurity, IT audit, and technology risk leader with more than 15 years of experience across consulting, industrial, mining, regulatory, and financial environments. His career has covered enterprise technology, cybersecurity, OT/ICS, cloud, ERP, digital transformation, and data governance, providing him with a broad perspective across both corporate and operational environments. He has worked with boards, audit committees, and executive teams to translate complex cyber and technology issues into practical priorities that support informed decision-making and secure transformation. 

At various stages of his career, Syed has built, led, and strengthened cybersecurity and IT audit functions, overseeing programs across cybersecurity strategy, security operations, technology assurance, and internal control improvement. He is a three-time cybersecurity award recipient and holds CISA, CISM, SANS GICSP in Industrial Cyber Security, and ISO 42001 AI Lead Auditor credentials.

Maaz Khan

Maaz Khan is the Head of Information Security at MyFatoorah, one of the leading digital payment service providers in the GCC, where he leads cybersecurity strategy, governance, regulatory compliance, cyber resilience, and information security initiatives for the Saudi & Global business. 

He is also the Founder & CEO of FinCISO AI, powered by the Maral Engine—an AI-driven cybersecurity intelligence platform built to help organizations strengthen cyber resilience, automate governance and compliance, and make intelligent, risk-based security decisions. The Maral Engine combines cybersecurity intelligence, AI, governance, risk management, compliance, and security operations, aligned with Saudi regulatory frameworks, including SAMA CSF, NCA ECC, and PDPL, as well as international standards such as ISO 27001, NIST CSF, PCI DSS, NIST, CIS Controls, and GDPR. 

With over 13 years of experience across banking, fintech, and regulated industries, Maaz specializes in cybersecurity leadership, AI, cloud security, cyber resilience, and regulatory transformation. He is a frequent international conference speaker, mentor, and thought leader, helping organizations leverage AI to build secure, compliant, and future-ready cybersecurity programs.

Atiq Bajwa

Atiq is Chief Risk Officer at Sulaiman Alrajhi Holding. He oversees Enterprise Risk Management, Business Continuity Management, Internal Controls and Crisis Management across multiple subsidiaries. Atiq is the founding Leader of the BCI Saudi Arabia Chapter. In addition, he serves as a BCI global and regional Awards Judge. 

He was recently honored as “Top Business Continuity Professional” in the GCC by the International Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI), recognizing his significant contributions to the profession. Atiq is a sought-after keynote speaker at major regional conferences and he brings extensive global experience leading large-scale Risk, Continuity and Sustainability initiatives. 

Abdul Rahim Shaikh

An Award-Winning CISO and Cyber Resilience, Digital Trust & AI Governance Leader with over 20 years of leadership experience across Financial Services, Banking, FinTech, Consulting, and Enterprise Technology. He specializes in cybersecurity governance, risk and compliance, digital transformation, and regulatory frameworks including SAMA CSF, NCA ECC/CCC, PDPL, NDMO, and ISO 27001.

His expertise spans cyber resilience, AI governance, digital trust, operational resilience, secure cloud transformation, and executive cyber strategy. He has led enterprise-wide cybersecurity and digital transformation initiatives, helping regulated organizations strengthen resilience, manage emerging technology risks, and align cybersecurity with business strategy. He is also an active Speaker, Panelist, and Cybersecurity & Digital Trust Advocate.

Suhail Akhtar

Suhail Akhtar has more than 27 years of experience in IT leadership across Saudi Arabia and the UAE. His expertise includes digital transformation, IT strategy, cybersecurity, IT governance, enterprise systems and technology risk. He is currently pursuing a PhD in AI Governance.

Naveed Khawaja

Naveed Khawaja is a distinguished Executive Advisor and Digital Strategist with over 25 years of global experience driving enterprise-scale digital transformation, cyber resilience, and operational excellence across Fortune 500 companies. Currently based in Riyadh, he holds a senior strategic advisory role at a leading KSA defence and advanced industries organization, where he architects high-impact digital and business agility initiatives from strategy to execution with excellence, directly aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. 

Bringing a refined British consulting pedigree—honed through decades of leadership with industry giants such as British Petroleum, General Electric, GSK, and AstraZeneca—Naveed specializes in bridging the gap between ambitious national strategies and practical, secure execution. His expertise encompasses DevSecOps, cloud migration, and AI-driven data governance, enabling organizations to navigate complex regulatory frameworks (including NCA ECC and PDPL) while accelerating time-to-market and localizing critical technological capabilities. 

A trusted advisor to C-suite leaders and government entities, Naveed previously defined the strategic roadmap for Saudi Aramco’s digital transformation, establishing a DevSecOps-driven culture that significantly improved project outcomes and security. His unique ability to integrate robust cybersecurity postures with agile business models positions him at the forefront of the Kingdom’s shift toward a resilient, diversified digital economy. 

Beyond his corporate leadership, Naveed is a serial entrepreneur who has co-founded innovative ventures in AI-driven healthcare (Amal) and digital finance (HilalInvest). He serves on the Digital Advisory Board for the multi-billion dollar Halma Group and is a sought-after international keynote speaker at premier technology summits. An alumnus of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, Naveed combines academic rigor with technological foresight to champion purpose-driven innovation, talent localization, and sovereign digital capabilities on the global stage. He holds six patents and has authored 26 publications and two books.

Dr. Usman Abrar

Dr. Usman Abrar is a technology leader focused on building secure, resilient, and future-ready organizations. I lead cybersecurity, infrastructure, and digital transformation across one of the leading professional services firm, in a highly regulated audit environment where client confidentiality is non-negotiable. I hold a Professional Doctorate in Cybersecurity Governance and Digital Transformation Leadership from, with work spanning ISO 27001, NCA ECC, SAMA CSF, and PDPL. My work has been recognized through multiple regional and international leadership awards across cybersecurity, digital transformation, and emerging technology. I speak regularly at industry summits on making security an enabler of growth rather than a constraint.

Majd Aldeen Masriah

Majd Aldeen Masriah is the Senior Director of Engineering at Geidea with over 15 years of experience in Software Engineering Management, Enterprise Architecture, Cloud Solutions, AI, digital transformation, and Venture Building. His experience spans the FinTech, PropTech, retail, media, and government sectors. 

Throughout his career, he has contributed to major platforms and services including Geidea Payments, Tawakkalna, Saudi Business Center, Sanadak, Saber, Propics, Watad, Iktissab, and Taqyees. In addition, he has helped his organizations build strategies to move from AI- obsessed to AI-driven.Ahmed Osama is an Cyber Security expert managing SOC, GRC, Access Management, Security Projects. with more than 17 years experience in Cyber Security field, mostly in financial sector.

Nishanth Kumar Pathi

Nishanth is a Cyber Security professional with 15+ years of experience Advisory, Consulting, Designing, Implementation and primary focus areas include Cyber Security Engineering & Ops, Cloud Native Security Ops, Data Privacy Engineering, DevSecOps, Site Reliability Engineering, and Chaos Engineering. 

Nishanth has worked in sectors such as Information Technology, Banking, Finance, Telecommunications, Transportation, and Industrial Manufacturing. His international experience, which spans Algeria, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Egypt, India, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Tunisia, has enriched his understanding of the unique needs and challenges in these regions. 

His competency and commitment are reflected in the professional certifications he holds, including CIPM, CIPT, CISA, CISM, AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Azure Solutions Architect, Oracle Architect, and the Gremlin Chaos Engineering Professional. 

In addition to his extensive experience and certifications, Nishanth is also a co-author of the “OWASP Security Configuration Guide”. He is actively involved in the null Cyber Security Community and regularly conducts Cyber Security events. This involvement further demonstrates his commitment to the field and his ongoing efforts to share knowledge and promote best practices in Cyber Security.

Dr. Areej Alammurat

Dr. Areej Alammurat is a cybersecurity professional with over eight years of experience in information security, cybersecurity governance, digital trust, enterprise security architecture, data privacy, regulatory compliance, OT security, and AI-driven cybersecurity. She specializes in developing security strategies and governance frameworks that strengthen organizational resilience and enable secure digital transformation. 

She holds a PhD in Cyber Security from University College Cork, Ireland, with research focused on Information Systems Security and Security Education, Training, and Awareness. Dr. Alammurat has collaborated with global organizations, contributed to the development of Siri at Apple, and served as a Senior Consultant in Cybersecurity and Digital Trust at a Big Four firm. She currently leads information security architecture initiatives in the financial sector, focusing on secure architecture, governance, and emerging cybersecurity technologies.

Dr. Safia Yasmeen

Dr. Safia Yasmeen is a Software Engineering academic, researcher, and educator with over 25 years of experience in software engineering, artificial intelligence, higher education, and emerging technologies. She is currently associated with Alfaisal University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Her research interests include privacy-preserving artificial intelligence, biometric security, digital identity protection, deep learning, and responsible AI. Her doctoral research explored deep-learning-based approaches for protecting biometric data through digital masking. Her broader interests lie at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, privacy, and secure digital transformation. 

She has received recognition for her academic contributions, including the Best Faculty Award 2024 at Alfaisal University, and actively contributes to academic and professional initiatives in AI, software engineering, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

Abdul Waheed

Abdul Waheed is a Senior Cybersecurity Executive, currently serving with Al Rajhi Bank’ Core Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation team. He’ve several years of experience in Secure Digital Transformation, GRC, security architecture, Ai Governance and cloud security. He has Fulbright Scholar awards from US State Department, recipient of the NSA-CAE Cyber Defense Award, and holds an MS Cybersecurity from New York Uuniversity with a focus on national security and emerging technologies. Abdul was honored Listee in a Marquis Who’s Who in America 2024 and holds Saudi Premium Residency also. A recognized voice in AI security and governance, Digital Transformation, he has spoken as Keynote Speaker at CyberNow, Global AI Show Dubai, and GDX Summit Riyadh.

Binay Roy

Binay Roy is a seasoned technology and cybersecurity business leader with over two decades of experience across the IT and cybersecurity industry. As Regional Director at EC-Council, he leads the organization’s strategic growth and engagement across the region, working closely with governments, enterprises, academic institutions, and industry partners. His work focuses on strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, developing future-ready cyber talent, and helping organizations address emerging challenges across cybersecurity, AI, cyber resilience, and workforce development. Over the course of his career, Binay has held leadership roles with organizations including HCL, NIIT, and CMS, combining technology expertise with business strategy, partnership development, and market expansion. A regular speaker and moderator at cybersecurity and technology forums across the Middle East, Binay is passionate about bridging the gap between technology, people, and business strategy to build a more secure and digitally resilient future.