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    © 2023 Food Security Digi-Conference. All Rights Reserved. Muffin group

        Thank you for your interest in joining the MENA Food Security: Agriculture II Digi-Conference, please send us an email to find out more details and to secure you place to attend.

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        Mark Essam Zahran Co-Founder & CEO Yasai

        Mark Essam Zahran studied Master in Arts of Architecture at ETH Zurich in Switzerland & UNAM in Mexico-City. His master thesis aimed to answer the question: „How to integrate Vertical Farming within the Swiss landscape?“. Another research paper he published is called: „Edible City Zurich 2050: A city with a basic self-sufficient nutrient & vitamin rich food supply” He aims to Integrate Vertical Farming into the smart cities of tomorrow and establish this technology in a large scale also in the region MENA, where water scarcity and food security are urgent topics. For this very reason he founded Yasai.

        Yasai
        http://www.yasai.ch/

        Yasai is an ETH Spin-Off from Zurich, Switzerland and offers Vertical Farming as a Service based on circular economy. Yasai was founded in January 2020. We designed the largest Vertical Farm of the world by transforming a former mining landscape of a multinational company. Yasai Blocks, a modular, circular & automated vertical farming system, enables a scalable business model, that is applicable in any context or climate. We help our customer to grow more with less, anywhere, anytime!

        Deepak Pareek CEO & Founder, DigiAgri, Technology Pioneer & Expert – Digital Transformation, World Economic Forum

        Deepak is a serial social entrepreneur who created one of the most respected AgriTech company, DigiAgri.

        DigiAgri uses cutting-edge technologies for improving profitability and productivity of small and marginal farmers on one hand and providing valuable insights to agriculture ecosystem participants on the other. Deepak was honoured as Technology Pioneer 2018 by World Economic Forum and is currently a member of various World Economic Forum communities and is also member of Expert Panel of World Economic Forum on Digital Transformation. He was awarded as top 10 Agropreneur by Future Agro Challenge and was also amongst top 100 Social Entrepreneur listed by National University of Singapore and DBS Foundation.

        Deepak is a regular speaker across the globe and a well-published author. He has also moderated and Chaired many events related to Agriculture, Digital Transformation and Global Business. He is also host of web series “Fire Side Chat with Champions” in which we interview global business leaders. He has been profiled by reputed publications/media including Forbes, Nikkei, Channel News Asia, YourStory, Nasscom Research, Inc42, Business Insider to name a few.

        Digi Agri
        http://www.digi-agri.com

        Digi Agri is a company focused on using cutting-edge Information Technology for the betterment of smallholder farmers using innovative business models. Digi Agri deploys Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain and Cloud Computing to not only improve both profitability and productivity of the smallholder farmers but also make agriculture value chain (both input and output side) more transparent and efficient. Digi Agri has pioneered path-breaking Sustainable Agriculture Platform to enable farmers to be more profitable by growing more crop using minimum water, “Per Drop”, lesser land, “Per Acre”, and reducing cost of cultivation, “Per Dollar”.

        Digi Agri is a Technology enabled initiative for farmers that empower them through Agripreneur (a village level entrepreneur, VLE) or directly through power of mobile and smart devices, delivering them Information, Expertise, and Resources, to increase their Productivity & Profitability hence improving their Standard of Living.

        Digi Agri is a collaborative platform that strives to combine Digital Transformation Technologies (Big Data, Machine Learning, IoT, Blockchain, Computer Vision etc.), Innovative Business Model (Agriculture Platform As A Service), and Focused Human Efforts (Agriculture Insights, Products, and Services Delivery through Agripreneurs) to serve smallholder farmers.

        Digi Agri helps Agriculture Ecosystem players like Government, NGOs, AgTech Companies, Commodity Buyers, Crop Insurance Companies, Banks & Financial Institutions, Extension Service Providers, Co-Operatives & FPOs, Agri-Input Companies to deliver their services/products through data-driven decisions keeping farmers at the center.

        Digi Agri is currently enriched by data based on 43,000 farmers, 44 crops, 48 agro-climatic zones and 218 different parameters

        Royal Brinkman
        https://royalbrinkman.com/royal-brinkman-arabic

        At Royal Brinkman we aim to always focus on the growers future demand and the developments in the horticultural sector. Royal Brinkman offers specialized future-proof products and innovative solutions by working together with the grower, our suppliers and other stakeholders. All with the goal of improving the horticulture sector worldwide.

        A global specialist in horticulture is what we are. As a supplier, with more than 135 years of experience, we provide more than 30.000 products for the professional grower worldwide.

        Let’s improve together is the way we do this. By working together with its valuable network we can provide also knowledge and give advice to growers worldwide.

        This all to create a better and sustainable future.

        Growponics

        Growponics designs, constructs and operates hi-tech, commercial-scale hydroponic greenhouses. Our projects feature automation of the field – Rotating Field System – RFS (currently operating in: UK, USA, China, Middle East and Europe).

        Growponics greenhouses grow the freshest, most nutritious vegetables, in any weather or climate, saving: 90% water, 50% labour and with no pesticides or herbicides residue.

        Our automation saves on CAPEX, OPEX and space.

        New launching this year: A Data Collection Robot – DCR that improves the management proses of the greenhouse and its productivity.

        Under development: On sight bioreactor to enable production of organic fertiliser, in the greenhouse.

        Prof. Dr. Mohamed Farouk Attya Ahmed, Professor Biological Control of Plant pathology, Central Lab. of Organic Agriculture (CLOA), Agricultural Research Center (ARC)

        Prof. Ahmed has spent over 20 years in the field of biological control of plant pathogens and pests. During this period, he has developed several biological preparations for soil borne pathogens attacking root system and foliar diseases to be used in plant protection programs instead of chemicals. He as gained lab and field experience in organic agriculture, Global GAP Standards and Food Safety.
        He is currently the research doctor at the Central Lab. of Organic Agriculture (CLOA)

        Dr. Mohamed Abdel Hamyd Dawoud, Advisor – Water Resources Environment Quality, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

        Dr. Dawoud has more than 25 years of strategic leadership in water resources management, agriculture development, sustainable development, operational and policy-based lending, and project management, spanning 35 countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. As a director of Water Resources Department at EAD, he led the preparation and execution of the department’s key projects and strategies since 2003. He has an established global network and provide consultancy services for international partners on water and agriculture sustainable development, including the World Bank, CERADE, UN Environment, ICARDA, ESCWA, UNESCO, United Nations, AfDB, ICBA, bilateral agencies such as GIZ, JICA, and NASA, and non-governmental organizations. He is internationally known for his work and research on promoting marginal water use, biosaline agriculture, wastewater reuse and innovative technology on desalination, and empowerment of youth in science. He is leading a research program for the last 10 years with Wageningen University, IHE Delft in Netherlands and Massey University in New Zeeland for promoting innovations in agriculture in arid regions. He has published 8 books and 10 book chapters and over 100 papers in peer reviewed journals and international conferences He got the 2009 Abu Dhabi Excellence Award and 2011 HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Award. In 2011 he was awarded by the National Academies-USA as one of best four young Arab water scientists.

        Fadi Naser Al-Natour, Risk Analysis Specialist, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority

        Dr. Fadi is well known Risk analysis specialist with long experience and knowledge in different areas of food safety and veterinary sector.

        He is working with Abu Dhabi agriculture and food safety Authority ADAFSA since 2006 in different positions currently he is a Risk analysis specialist.

        He graduated from Jordan University of science and technology from veterinary medicine faculty and holding a master’s degree in food safety management systems.

        Dr. Fadi specified in risk analysis for more than ten years and provide training for officials In the risk management and crisis management regularly . He designs and develop agri- food safety incidents and crises management system including risk communication with global and international food safety networks, like EU-RASFF and INFOSAN to analyze crises’ consequences, risk assessment and identifying the appropriate risk management measures.

        He hassling experience in designing risk – science based projects like integrated risk-based inspection systems for local markets and imported food, Essential food safety training, HACCP- based system.

        He is deeply involved in developing food safety regulations and guidance as he is the head of the Bylaws task force committee for Import and Export regulations (FIEC) and Membership of for food hygiene regulations (FHC) and

        He has a multidisciplinary food safety Knowledge and experience in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and UAE and ISO certified Auditor.

        Salvatore Stephen Lavallo, Project Manager, Abu Dhabi Investment Office

        Salvatore Lavallo is the AgTech Sector Lead at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), where he spearheads programmes to attract agriculture innovators to invest in Abu Dhabi and grow its burgeoning AgTech ecosystem. In addition, he leads ADIO’s work to grow the ecotourism, mobility and other key sectors, helping innovative companies establish and expand their business in the emirate.

        Salvatore previously held roles at McKinsey & Company and the Tony Blair Institute, working on various projects across sectors and continents. He graduated from New York University & United World College.

        Lior Hessel, Founder and CEO, Growponics

        Lior Hessel – Founder and CEO. Previously he founded Organitech, also a hydroponics business, which merged with a publicly traded shell company in the US. Lior has a B.Sc. Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and a MSc. Degree in Management, from the Yew York Polytechnic Engineering University.

        Fatema AlMulla, Senior Research Analyst, Food Security Office, Ministry of Cabinet Affairs & The Future, Prime Minister’s Office

        Fatema AlMulla joined the Food Security Office in July 2019. She leads the Food Security Office’s efforts in Research & Development towards achieving the National Food Security Strategy as well as the file of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

        Prior to joining the FSO, Fatema worked with Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s Renewable Energy company. She was part of the Marketing and Corporate Communications team that helps deliver Masdar’s special projects locally and internationally including Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the region’s largest annual event on sustainability.

        Fatema has a Masters of Environmental Management, Sustainable Development from the University of Queensland, Australia, and a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing from the American University of Sharjah. She is passionate about community development and raising awareness on challenges our planet faces and the path needed to transition towards a more sustainable future.

        Artechno Growsystems
        https://artechno.nl/en/vertical-farming
        Artechno Growsystems is an innovator in Vertical Farming and Horticulture.

        It is our mission to empower our customers in cultivation from start to finish, so they can provide healthy and spectacular quality greens to consumers; while at the same time being able to integrate the entire cultivation process within their investment and be profitable.

        We do this by combining different engineering, technological and horticultural disciplines, to offer Vertical Farming systems with sensible automation and optimal circumstances for growing crops. Our technology is specifically designed for vertical farmers that want to have a truly profitable vertical farming business.

        Art van Rijn, Chief Executive Officer, Artechno Growsystems

        Art van Rijn is CEO and owner of Artechno Growsystems. Born and raised in “Het Westland” the heart of the horticultural center of the Netherlands, Art has been surrounded by growers his entire life. Founded Artechno Growsystems in 1988 after studying Business Engineering and Technical Engineering.

        With a rich background in horticulture and characterized by a drive to innovate, Art has ventured and revolutionized a multitude of new markets in the sector. Under Art’s leadership Artechno Growsystems grew to be one of the top 5 worldwide suppliers of automated Hydroponic systems. Art has always had a strong belief in the concept of smart and sensible farming and in 2015, together with the Artechno Growsystems team, laid the groundwork for the AVF+ line of vertical farms. This all culminated into the Automated Vertical Farm Junior, Compact and Scale in 2017 of which 6 have now been built.

        Seta Tutundjian, Director of Programs, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture – ICBA

        Seta Tutundjian, is a visionary and strategic social change champion for sustainable and climate compatible development. She has led the formulation and implementation of several complex, multi- sectoral, transformational change programs that promoted a greener and more sustainable economy and culture, as well as more efficient and responsive organizations. This involved building alliances and partnerships; policy and institutional reform, formulating strategies and tactical communications and advocacy initiatives; mobilizing resources; and organizing grass-root community action.

        Ms. Tutundjian has extensively worked in the water, environment, energy and agricultural sectors, and programs she led are used as case studies for best practices. She is a recipient of several awards including the prestigious Superior Honor Award by the Government of the United States of America in 2012. She joined ICBA in 2014 as the Director of Partnerships and Knowledge Management and in 2018 assumed the role of Director of Programs. Prior to that she worked for 15 years for the United States Agency for International Development.

        Majed Halawi, Vice President – Growth, Pure Harvest

        Majed Halawi is the VP of Growth at Pure Harvest Smart Farms. Halawi manages business operations and expansion ensuring the rapid and sustainable growth of Pure Harvest. Halawi oversees the deployment of farms and supporting infrastructure across the region. Halawi began his career in engineering focusing on infrastructure design, construction, and finance with AECOM and Arup. He then turned to management consulting at the Boston Consulting Group.

        Halawi holds an M.Sc. Engineering from Stanford University and B.Eng. from McGill University.

        Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi, Adviser to the Minister, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), UAE

        Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi qualified as a doctor of veterinary medicine at Saint Istvan University in Budapest, Hungary. He started his work as a veterinarian in the zoo and conservation field after graduating. He moved into an administration role as a Director to oversee the Terrestrial Biodiversity and conservation activities at the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. He is now, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the UAE and currently Advisor to the Minister regarding all things Food and Agriculture, at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, UAE. He has a keen interest in engaging the youth to further career choices in STEM subjects, and as one of the first veterinarians from his country, he plays a vital role in supporting veterinary education and awareness, through public speaking, advising the university curriculum.

        His work as a policy maker has brought him to the center of Food Security, now looking to create clear direction for the UAE and the middle east on how technology, sustainable agriculture and traditional practices may create a food production revolution in the region. After Developing the Food Diversification strategy for the UAE with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Dr. Majid has the ability to see both a holistic “all of country” approach to Food Security and development of local food production, as well as dive down into specific technical subjects to navigate challenges and opportunities. He sits on the boards of Accreditation Authorities, UAE Food Safety Committee, and on multiple other Food, Animal and Agriculture Boards.

        Farmers Review Africa
        farmersreviewafrica.com

        Farmers Review Africa, is a bi-monthly Agriculture publication that gets distributed directly to various stakeholders within this industry decision makers in and around Africa as a trusted source for essential information on dairy, livestock, ranching, crops and more that will not only maintain and increase output of quality product, but also cultivate a successful business. With a strong online presence and a readership of over 30 000, Farmers Review Africa team are happy to work with you to keep your brand in front of our audience of end users and specifiers of farming, services, products and solutions and related industries. (sales@farmersreviewafrica.com)

        FooDiva
        foodiva.net

        FooDiva (www.foodiva.net), a Dubai-based restaurant review website, that launched nine years ago, has collected a dozen awards. Feeding a gap in the market for a website dedicated to impartial, intelligent restaurant reviews, FooDiva brings you a critique on where to dine and what to eat. Aside from restaurant reviews from FooDiva herself and her guest reviewers, expect food features, chef interviews, drink stories, culinary travel and competitions. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, FooDiva has been running a pro bono social media campaign in support of the F&B industry – #UAERestaurantsUnite – which in its first month, surpassed five million impressions.

        Rachid Serraj, Delivery Manager – Regional Initiative on Small Scale Family Farming, Food and Agriculture Organization

        Rachid is currently the Delivery Manager of the Regional Initiative on Small-Scale Family Farming at the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa, and Coordinator of the RNE’s initiative on agrifood system innovation. Served previously as Senior Project Officer with the Science Council of the CGIAR; Director of the Diversification and Sustainable Intensification at ICARDA, the leader of rice drought frontiers at IRRI, and as principal scientist at ICRISAT. Technical expertise and management leadership in international agricultural development, with more than 30 years’ experience in agriculture and crop production systems, and in particular problems of adaptation to climate change, resilience of dryland farming systems, resources interactions within farming systems. Lead role at the CGIAR Science Council secretariat in coordinating strategic foresight and research evaluation; competencies in R&D management, with emphasis on the technical, socioeconomic, institutional and regulatory aspects relating to agricultural and rural development.

        iGrow
        igrow.news

        iGrow.News is the longest-running International online news publication specifically focused on the Indoor Farming and Controlled Environment Agriculture industry.

        The Indoor Farming industry has relied on iGrow News for timely, accurate, unbiased news and insights.

        The iGrow News portal covers industry-relevant topics including Indoor Vertical, Hydroponic, Aeroponic, Aquaponic, Greenhouse, Rooftop, Shipping Container Farming, Residential Systems, Education, Finance, Innovation, Sustainability, and Technology.

        We offer free publishing of press releases for all companies in our industry.

        iGrow News reaches over 67,000 International unique visitors, to its website, every thirty days.

        AGRI MECH
        agrimech.net

        As one of the pioneers of “Farm Technology Publications” in the industry, AGRI MECH provides a stellar opportunity to continue to bridge the trade gap between industry key players and the prospective buyers of their products & services.

        By acquiring the English language for publication, AGRI MECH has now crossed the geographical boundaries of more than 36 countries of the world. This made it the only global and one of the most dedicated monthly magazines which cover the most discussed issues and articles on the latest technologies in the farm technology domain. Our more than 350,000 readership covers the Dealers, Distributors, Importers, Exporters, Agriculture Machinery Manufacturers, Government and Private institutes, IT Companies, Event Organizers, Trade Associations and Trade Councilors in more than 36 countries which includes Africa, Asia, Europe, and Middle East regions.

        Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Director General, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture – ICBA

        Dr. Ismahane Elouafi is Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

        She is internationally known as a strong advocate of alternative approaches to ensuring food security and nutrition in marginal environments, including use of neglected and underutilized crops and non-freshwater resources in agriculture.

        Ranked among the 20 most influential women in science in the Islamic world, she has initiated and promoted a number of programs and efforts to empower women in science in the Arab world and beyond.

        Dr. Elouafi has nearly two decades of experience in agricultural research and development in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

        She is a recipient of several prestigious awards and accolades, including the National Reward Medal by His Majesty Mohamed VI, the King of Morocco (2014), and the Excellence in Science Award from the Global Thinkers Forum (2014). 

        She has been leading ICBA since 2012 and has overseen the development of the center’s long-term strategy focusing on marginal environments.

        Dr. Ameena Ali Kulaib Al Tenaiji, Water, Food Nexus Expert

        Ameena has 27 years extensive and diverse experience in water and power industries working in different utilities (FEWA, ADWEA, MASDAR and ENEC) in UAE. During her experience she managed sustainable water management system, integrated databases, Asset management, plant and networks design, water and wastewater regulatory compliance issues, and siting and water strategy planning. Since 2004, she has been a chartered Water and Environmental Manager via Charter Institution of Water & Environmental Management (CIWEM) in UK. Her education background includes a B.Sc. In Geology from Kuwait University, a M.Sc. in hydrogeology from South Carolina University in USA, a diploma in Electrical Supply Management certified from Cambridge University in UK, and a PhD in Civil Engineering from Brunel University London in UK. The title of her thesis is:

        “The Food-Water Dilemma of Agriculture in Arid Regions: Assessing Abu Dhabi Water Options for Domestic Agriculture”.

        Valoya Research Driven

        Valoya is a provider of high end, energy efficient LED grow lights for use in crop science, vertical farming and medicinal plants cultivation. Valoya’s LEDs have been developed using proprietary LED technology and extensive plant photobiology research that includes more than 600 large scale plant trials done in the past decade. The expertise accumulated enables Valoya to provide its clients with reliable, optimal growth protocols for most plants cultivated worldwide.

        Valoya’s customer base includes 8 out of 10 world’s largest agricultural companies and countless indoor farms such as Growing Underground (London), GROWx (Amsterdam) and many others including in Kuwait, Qatar etc..

        Kyle Wagner, Head of Operations, Madar Farms

        Kyle grew up in an agricultural region of Pennsylvania, in the northeastern part of the US, where he earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Having lived and worked in 6 countries since graduating, Kyle has amassed valuable experience in operations management in the demanding field of aerospace manufacturing. Now as the Head of Operations for Madar, he is focused on bringing consistency and quality to all of our farming facilities.

        Lars Aikala, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Valoya

        Mr. Lars Aikala is the Co-Founder and CEO of Valoya, a LED industry pioneer company, having been in the market for over a decade and having served hundreds of companies in over 50 countries around the world with their premium LED solutions. His curiosity for the interactions of plants and light and the endless possibilities of light as a key driver of plant growth is what created the company. Mr. Aikala is invested in driving change that contributes to global food and medicine production security, through his company, Valoya. ‘In these times, more than ever, it is important we innovate and find those efficiencies to ensure high quality produce is available and affordable to our global population’ – Mr. Lars Aikala.

        Dr. Naufal H Rasheed, Advisor of Agriculture Policy and Investment, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Oman

        Accumulated experiences in managing various food and agriculture investment projects across Arab countries, specifically speaking, supervising successive stages of project investment cycle. In this context, Rasheed has been a team leader in preparation of more than (50) feasibility studies covered both agriculture and livestock sub-sectors; chairman / board member of (10) large investment companies; prepared of around (300) review articles and technical studies focused on food production & processing; Technical Manager in preparation of Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy 2040 in Oman, prepared series of food security studies in Oman, Iraq, and Sudan; provided many consultancies at regional and international organizations.

        He served Arab Authority for Agriculture Investment and Development as an Assistant to the President for Technical Affairs, COO of Oman and Emirate Investment Holding Company; and currently he is Advisor of Agriculture Investment and policies, MAF, Oman & Advisor of Agriculture and Fisheries Investment, Agriculture and Fisheries Development Fund, Oman.

        With his academic background at College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad holding Dean Assistant for Scientific Affairs as well as Dean; Supervised many MS & PhD students; member of (3) consulting Bureaus; President of Iraqi Society for Food Science and Technology. This combination between academia and investment leads to achieve many successful stories toward establishment lucrative investment projects in many Arab countries. He obtained BS in Agriculture Sciences, MS in Animals Sciences and PhD in Food Sciences. In addition he studied MBA. In conclusion, food security can be only efficiently accomplished by smart and profitable investments.

        Farah Chakhachiro, Managing Director, Gracia Group

        Farah Chakhachiro is the managing director for Gracia group and leading the educational department in Gracia farm through her initiative “grow peace”. Farah createda program to raise awareness about mental health, morals and values education through nature. This program aim to raise a new agricultural generation and targets all ages starting from schools to universities as we had more than 13000 students around UAE and internships from many universities. Creating smart green houses for kids is the link between old traditional farming, and the new agritechnology farming. Students are now more involved in planting, healthy eating, and techniques to decrease their stress and anxiety.

        Mariam Eid, Head of Agro Industries Department Ministry of Agriculture, Lebanon

        Mariam Eid is a Food Technology Engineer, for the last 15 years she is Head of Agro Industries Department at the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture. The main mission of the Department is the food safety inspection on agro-food processing with a team of more than 50 persons.

        Charged with Agro Industry Mariam Eid is a member of National food Safety Committee and Infosan Emergency Contact Point. She represent her country in International Olive Council (IOC), and she is focal point with International Organization for Vine and Wine (OIV).

        At regional level Mariam Eid, Under SAFE project, is leading an Arab Initiative in Codex Alimentarius aimed to strengthening the participation of Arab Countries in Codex Food Standards Setting.

        Currently, Eng. Eid is one of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Vice Chair.

        H.E. Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, Chief Executive Officer, Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park

        H.E. Hussain serves a dual role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American University of Sharjah Enterprises (AUSE) and as the CEO of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Both these entities were established through royal decree by the Ruler of Sharjah, who also directly appointed H.E. Hussain to these responsibilities in order to create collaborative long-term relationships between industry, Academia and the public sector, fostering an ecosystem of enterprise and innovation.

        Previously, H.E. Hussain served as the Director General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a Member of the UAE Chamber Federation, and GCC Chambers for 8 years. He was responsible for the overall management and operations of the Chamber including the provision of services to its members. In this role, he launched several strategic economic initiatives for Sharjah such as the SME Act, Sharjah Export Centre, Sharjah Commercial Arbitration Centre, and the Sharjah Business Forum.

        H.E. Hussain has held leadership roles at leading regional and international companies such as the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), and several Dubai Holding entities. He currently serves as honorary board member of both, the Tatweer Forum and of Maastricht University in the Netherlands, and as chairman of the Emirates Business Council for Sustainable Development. He also serves as a board member of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa).

        H.E. Hussain possesses an MBA from the American University of Sharjah and a BA in Economics and Communications from Seattle Pacific University in the US.

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        Dr. Dionysia Lyra, Halophyte Agronomist, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture – ICBA

        Dr. Dionysia Angeliki Lyra works as a Halophyte Agronomist at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai United Arab Emirates since 2013. She has been working on evaluating halophytic germplasm in inland and coastal desert areas exploring multiple uses (food, feed, biofuel production, etc.). She is also working on modular farming systems that integrate agriculture with aquaculture utilizing low-quality water resources such as the reject brine from desalination to grow halophytes. After running a successful project funded by USAID in 2016, Dr. Lyra was announced as one of the 29 global innovators for EXPO2020 of the first phase of the EXPO Live program in 2017 and received a grant for the project “Inland and coastal modular farms for climate change adaptation in desert environments”. The project was a finalist under the category Farm Innovation Award–Agriculture and Food Security / Climate Change Innovation Award at the AGRAME exhibition in 2016 & 2017. She is currently working with national and international partners to scale up halophytes in farming areas in UAE and Egypt to create halophytic-based food and feed products. Her vision is to develop, through successful partnerships, integrated farming systems tailormade to the needs of farming communities living in salinized areas, utilizing low-quality water and land resources to grow halophytic crops enhancing food, nutrition, water and income security.

        Dr. Khalil Ammar, Program Leader, Sustainable Natural Resources Management, Principal Scientist – Hydrology/Hydrogeology, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture – ICBA

        Dr. Khalil Ammar has a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Utah State University, USA, and MSc in Water Resources Management from IHE-Delft, Institute of Water Education, the Netherlands, and BSc in Civil Engineering from An-Najah National University, Palestine. Dr. Ammar has 24 years of experience in water resources management. He is working as Program Lead, Sustainable Natural Resources Management, and a Principal Scientist in hydrology at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai. Since he joined ICBA in the year 2009, he has led several researches for development works such as: 1) “Collaboration Program Euphrates and Tigris”, a five-years Sida funded programme to support collaboration between the riparian countries of the Euphrates and Tigris basin. The programme helped in providing a scientific platform to exchange knowledge and understanding about important water issues and the way forward to improve water management and agricultural water productivity in the basin; 2) Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage project, Advisory Services for Implementation of component C – “Enhancing Monitoring and Data Automation” in Kazakhstan which includes supervising installing automated systems to control rising groundwater levels to protect the root zone in farmed areas and allocation of water from main canal systems to the farms; 3) United Arab Emirates Agricultural Strategy which included matching the best crops to be grown in different land and water zones according to groundwater quantity and quality and soil suitability; 4) United Arab Emirates Water Conservation Strategy”; 5) Developing Federal Environmental Standards to Manage Discharges to the Marine from Desalination Plants” for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates; and 6) Oman Salinity Strategy. His contribution to different national strategies and plans helped the decision-makers take the right decisions that brought change in water and agricultural sectors. Before joining ICBA, he worked for the Palestinian Water Authority as Head of Planning Department where he contributed to several national and sectoral plans that helped the establishment of a reliable water sector in Palestine.

        Mohamed Aissaoui, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, My Farm Dubai

        Mohamed Aissaoui is the CEO & Founder of My Farm. The 5th generations of farmer of his family, with an educational background in the engineering sector, Mohamed founded My Farm using the low-Tech and the new-Tech to optimize the organic food production safely. He is working on circular systems witch is a key to reach the food security goals we have in the UAE. My farm  give time to grow to the plants, fruits and the vegetables in a forest soil without disturbing the eco system, quality is one of the  priorities. 

        For that, he did a selection of heirlooms seeds growing in the desert with less energy, more than 100 varieties are almost adapted to this climat naturally and Mohamed is every time trying to push the limits of those seeds. 

        Mohamed is also a member of the UAE beekeepers and use different plants and flowers to feed and save the bees naturally in Dubai. Feeding the bees and the knowledges, because at the same time, volunteers are learning  about  farming.  

        Education is one key, Mohamed teach the best practices, he got the name of ‘’ The Plants Doctor’’ in Al Serkal Avenu, people sent him plants to rescue during workshops . After Al Serkal, Mohamed started as a consultant ’’The Farms Tour’’ trough the UAE to support and help farms switching to the organic system.

        At this time, Mohamed is preparing the Farm in Dubai to open soon with all the activities.

        Dr. Mohamed Ali, Food Security Expert

        Dr. Mohamed Ali is currently an Associate Partner at DinarStandard, he is expert in Agri-Food Sector, with a strong background in the MENA Region for more than 20 Years. He worked in manyfields of the F&B sector (Food Security, Agriculture, Trading, HORECA, and Retail).

        Skilled in Market Research, Brand building & Marketing Strategy, Budget Forecasting, and Pricing Analysis. Strong Commercial & Financial professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused in International Investment and Trade from French University- Bordeaux & Lille.

        After his PhD, Dr Mohamed journey started in France in consulting at Polaris Conseil, he guided European firms to invest in the MENA region. Then in Egypt, in the private sector where he was appointed as Project Director for a French-Egyptian JV in Agri-Food sector.

        He also participated in setting up a JV company for inspection and control of food items in Egypt, General Control. Then he moved to UAE and worked in many F&B Groups such as Americana, Al Hashimiya Group, Emirates Business Group, and Emirates international Group. In his last position he was in charge of the Food Security Strategy for the UAE and he is member of many think tank for the future of food in MENA region.

        Yazen Al Kodmani, Operations Manager, Emirates Bio Farm

        Yazen Al Kodmani was brought up in the UAE in a household of agricultural experts. With an educational background in finance, his career has primarily been in the food and agricultural industry. He started his career in 2011 by joining Al Darmaky, an agriculture company specialized in greenhouse construction and irrigation networks. Since 2016, he has been part of the founding team at Emirates Bio Farm where they have been working to contribute to the UAE’s food security agenda by driving local and organic fruit, vegetable and egg production.  He is currently the operations manager at Emirates Bio Farm where they have spent the last four years building arable soil in the UAE desert which successfully produces over 60 varieties of products in Al Shuwaib, Al Ain.

        One of Yazen’s most notable achievements is in agri-tourism where he has established a fully integrated visitor center at Emirates Bio Farm. The visitor center educates the public about the importance of environmental protection through organic farming and illustrates how to create sustainable food systems in the UAE, making it a top destination for UAE residents and tourists alike. He has also recently established 3Y Agtech, an agritech consulting firm to address the regional food security challenges which brings together the expertise of experienced consultants, developers and farmers.

        Intelligent Growth Solutions

        IGS is an agritech innovator with a vision to deliver commercial viability to the nascent vertical farming model by improving productivity (yield, quality, consistency) whilst dramatically driving down the cost of power and labour through Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA). IGS supplies highly sophisticated plug-and-play vertical farming technology to indoor farms to enable the efficient production of food in any location around the world. The technology is designed specifically to address core challenges facing the vertical farming sector and address food security demands arising from a growing global population.

        David Farquhar, Chief Executive Officer, Intelligent Growth Solutions

        David serves as the CEO at IGS, a Scottish-based agritech business.
        He is a seasoned technology entrepreneur, with a track record of driving shareholder value, based upon building an empowering, collaborative Culture as a Platform for growth. Most recently he was CEO of global SaaS vendor Workplace, leading the team through a hugely successful turnaround, transformation, growth and exit delivering a double-digit money multiple return in less than 3 years. In the past 27 years he has completed almost 30 transactions as a founder/CEO, angel investor and board director, including risk capital investments (PE, VC and angel), acquisitions and trade sales in Europe, North America and Asia.

        Thank you for registering for the event. A member of our team will get in touch with you to help you with the payment process and to finalize your booking. Please send us an email to info@gmevents.ae should you have any questions.

        Dr. Hani Almashhadi holds a Ph.D in Business Administration from the University of Dallas, a EMBA from IMD Lausanne and is graduated (B.Sci) in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts. He also attended various executive programs from Harvard, MIT and Stanford.
        Dr. Almashhadi held various senior positions such as Head of private wealth at Deutsche Bank Saudi Arabia and Head of margin trading at Bank Saudi Fransi.
        He founded SPI Investments in 2001. The company focused on investing in Start-Ups and developed its franchise reaching $250 Mio in assets under management.
        In 2017, Dr Hani decided to change path and joined the ministry of housing as Head of Strategy and Finance for Developmental Housing and now as Finance Advisor at the Housing Program.
        Dr Almashhadi has accumulated a remarkable expertise in business growth, financial management, and leadership administration in a wide range of diversified contexts and industries that he is always happy to share with his colleagues as well as a wide audience.

        Contact Center Company (CCC)

        Digital Customer Experience Sponsor

        https://www.ccc.net.sa/en

        Contact Center Company (CCC) is a leading customer experience management company, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We are currently present in two strategic locations across KSA, with a stronghold of 4000+ employees of both genders and are backed by a strong financial stability and a high Saudization rate.

        Our differentiated innovation, agility, expertise and flawless execution enable us to deliver excellence in customer experiences and obtain high-performance results for our clients with every project we undertake.

        Our spectrum of seamless solutions spans outsourced customer care, technology services, digital business, consulting, back office, and other specialized services to enrich customer experience. We offer a variety of Solutions and Services that fit the business needs of different vertical markets with a strong services road-map that can go beyond customer expectations. We apply best-in-class practices to offer omni-channel operations to ensure that our outcomes for our clients are of the highest quality, scalability and productivity.

        Mansour comes with over 24 years of professional experience across various functions in Business Development, Sales & customer experience management. Mansour has been was associated with Saudi Telecom since 2001 till 2011 till he joined CCC. In the past Mansour has worked with various organizations including Royal Saudi Air Force, etc..

        Mansour has a Post-graduation Computer Information System from Florida institute of technology, Florida, USA

        Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) – 2011 till Date

        Has been associated with CCC since the beginning of CCC. As a Chief Commercial Officer, Mansour heads the sales, marketing and relationship management functions in CCC. Mansour has been a key contributor for the significant growth of CCC in the past 7 years.

        Mansour has been hands on managing the relationship with one of the largest customer of CCC – i.e. STC. As a corporate sponsor Mansour will ensure to puts the right team in place and is committed to deliver excellent working relationship with all our clients.

        Dr. Hatem Bugshan, Head of Middle East, Big Innovation Centre

        As Head of Big Innovation Centre in Middle East, Dr. Hatem Bugshan aims to redefine the current innovation landscape to be more open and collaborative. Through a local presence of Big Innovation Centre, he will lead the its contribution to transforming the Middle East economy into a smart knowledge-based economy which can unleash the economic growth and unlock the hidden potential of digital, AI and Future-Tech opportunities.

        Hatem holds a unique combination of business skills, expertise, and passion for innovation-led societies:

        Corporate leadership: As a member of Bugshan Group, Hatem’s experience in business leadership builds upon one of the largest conglomerates in the Middle East and North Africa region. ThImportant Rolee Bugshan Group have in-depth knowledge of the business in each sector and servicing the market for more than 50+ years to the ever-increasing needs of its client and stakeholders. The business group operates various companies in a diversified set of sectors, including real estate, automotive, perfumes and cosmetics, education, and security and defence.

        Thought leadership in innovation: Hatem has received his PhD from University of London. His specialism is Intellectual Property Rights and Open Innovation. He has published in high quality peer reviewed journals such as Journal of Strategic Marketing, Journal of Enterprise Information Management, and Qualitative Market Research. He has also presented his papers in international conferences.

        Entrepreneurship: Also, Hatem is the founder and president of Education e-Solutions which is established with a mission to become pedagogical and business enablers for both academic and corporate institutions by providing end to end services with a rationale, offer best practices and implement solutions with a key focus on change management. Education e-Solutions is an innovative company that brings to Saudi Arabia the latest learning and teaching technologies right from immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality, Adaptive Learning or Machine Learning to Smart Campus technologies.

        Mohammed Alsehli, Chief Executive Officer, Wetaq

        Mohammed Alsehli is a fintech entrepreneur, a service management expert and a CISI qualified in Islamic finance with a background in Software Engineering and Banking. Featured among the 500 who are making the Islamic economy (Islamica500 Publication) and among the 100 influential people helping to shape the Emirate (ArabianBusiness). Mohammed is the Co-founder and CEO of Wethaq Capital Markets, a fintech venture focusing on building regulated infrastructure for the Sukuk Capital Markets.

        Ghaith Rajeh, Business Director, Revonic

        Ghaith is an avid user experience enthusiast with a passion for connecting brands and humans to spark the emotion behind that everlasting relationship. At Revonic, Ghaith’s main role is to advise client partners on how to utilise not only existing assets but also work closely to develop digital strategies to transform their organisation and drive business performance. Understanding audiences and creating that single customer view is only the first step in a long journey to utilise the power of data in order to create personalised experiences.

        Dr. Nabil Elwani, GM, Strategy & Operational Excellence, Diplomatic Quarter General Authority

        Dr. Nabil Elwani is the General Manager of Strategy and Operational Excellence in the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority. He has 15+ years of rich experience in proffering strategic consultancy and empowering companies to achieve high-impact business outcomes through analytics. Mastered project management, strategic transformation, behavioural analysis, knowledge management, information seeking behaviour and statistical analysis.

        Dr. Nabil holds a Ph.D. in Information Science with a minor in finance from the University of North Texas, and he earned his master of accounting (MAcc) from The Ohio State University. He is a certified KPI Practitioner, and a fellow of the American Academy of Financial Management (Chartered Market Analyst, Certified Private Equity Specialist, Chartered Portfolio Manager).

        ZOHO

        Associate Sponsor

        https://www.zoho.com/

        Zoho is the operating system for business – a single cloud platform with all the necessary applications to run a business entirely from the cloud. Zoho offers applications for marketing, sales, customer support, finance, human resources, employee productivity and collaboration. More than 45 million users around the world rely on Zoho to run their businesses – including Zoho itself. Over the past decade, the Zoho suite has emerged to be a leader in the cloud and on your devices. Zoho applications are accessible on your mobile, so your team has the flexibility to work on the go and remain productive. When you choose Zoho for your organization or as an individual, you get our commitment to keep improving your experience and our devotion to customer satisfaction.

        OYO

        Hotel Booking Partner

        https://www.oyorooms.com/ae/

        OYO is the fastest growing hotel chain in the world and the largest in the Middle East!
        It was established in 2012 in India and started to expand over 6 years in other countries such as China, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, United Arab Emirates and now has a wide reach in Saudi Arabia.
        OYO is keen to keep pace with its expansion in the Arab community furthermore with a mission to help people on finding the perfect space in every place. In just five short years, OYO has gone places from 1 room to million rooms across 80 countries, in 800+ cities with a variety of 35,000 hotels/homes.
        OYO is now covering 13 cities in Saudi Arabia, with more than 120 hotels. Seeking to cover all cities by 2020

        Barq App

        Strategic Partner

        https://barqapp.com

        By simply connecting senders with travelers, Barq provides high-speed, convenient and secure shipping services with a few easy clicks on your phone! We provide travelers with an opportunity to convert their extra luggage space into cash, and senders to save on shipping.
        We believe in building a trusted community, by giving both the sender and traveler the freedom to establish direct communication between one another in order to ensure the utmost care needed for the package during delivery.
        Download Barq app now and be part of the new shipping revolution.

        HAHN Digital supports

        Strategic Partner

        http://www.hahn.digital/en/

        HAHN Digital supports customers in their digital transformation by leveraging the benefits of the automation segment and embracing digitalization and data analytics. The company develops new products and services focusing on customer success with innovative digital technologies. HAHN Digital acts as an agile, flexible and fast-moving service provider and focuses on user centricity, a solution focused approach, flexibility and scalability for its customers. HAHN Digital was founded in 2019 by HAHN Group and brings the agile, goal-oriented working methods of a startup and the long-standing experience of the HAHN Group together.
        The HAHN Group consists of a network of specialized companies for industrial automation and robot solutions. With its own global production sites the group currently employs approx. 1,400 staff at 24 locations. Well-known customers from the automotive, consumer goods, electronics, medical technology, and healthcare industries benefit from the HAHN Group’s 30 years of expertise and automation know-how.

        Rethink Robotics

        Strategic Partner

        https://www.rethinkrobotics.com/

        Rethink Robotics GmbH is a pioneer in the field of collaborative robot solutions and serves as a strong and reliable partner for manufacturers of every size and industry. Companies can automate their value chain with the innovative combination of cobot Sawyer as the hardware and Intera as the software. Rethink Robotics is part of the HAHN Group since 2018 and continues to drive the development of collaborative robots with the combination of pioneer spirit and German engineering.

        Arista

        Strategic Partner

        http://www.arista.com/en/

        Arista Networks was founded to pioneer and deliver software-driven cloud networking solutions for large data center storage and computing environments. Arista’s awardwinning platforms, ranging in Ethernet speeds from 10 to 400 gigabits per second, redefine scalability, agility and resilience. Arista has shipped more than 20 million cloud networking ports worldwide with CloudVision® and Arista EOS, an advanced network operating system. Committed to open standards, Arista is a founding member of the 25/50GbE consortium. Arista Networks products are available worldwide directly and through partners

        REVONIC

        Gold Sponsor

        https://www.revonic.com/

        Revonic is a leading digital experience design agency that partners with their clients to build digital capabilities that drive business performance by delivering exceptional data & insights analysis, strategy, UX, design and technology services. With offices in UAE, KSA and India, we are proud to work with most forward-thinking regional brands such as Emirates Airlines, Expo 2020, Mercedes Benz, Emirates NBD, Emaar, The Red Sea Project, Riyad Bank, Sabic and many more.

        Cristiano Guerrieri, Director Presales, UBiqube

        Cristiano is a Director Presales Engineer with over 13 years of experience in working with large company within different roles that provides him a vast areas of expertise in multiple domains.
        Starting in Italy as Network administrator, he moved to the SOC, NOC department as team leader and subsequently to the Security department as lead auditor.
        His quest to gain international experience led him to seek and find a professional challenge in Ireland, in the internet services industry.
        Arrived in Ireland in 2008, he took the position as Senior Network Engineer and then leading a team in the innovation labs. He reached the Presale Engineer/Network Architect position that allowed him to deal with international corporations and major Telcom operators across the globe proposing, designing and implementing tailor made network’s solution. He travelled extensively between Europe, Arabic Peninsula and Japan.
        He joined later a US company as presales engineer helping establishing the European operations and being one of the key elements for their success.
        Since 2017 he joined Ubiqube reaching the position of Director Presales.
        One of his biggest achievements was the design and the implementation of migration plan for the electricity smart grid network, for the largest electricity provider in Portugal.
        He has attended the Cisco Network Academy Italy and San Francisco obtaining several Cisco
        certifications. He is also an ISO27001 certified auditor.

        Khaled Bin Mahfouz, Business Development Manager, BIAC

        Khalid Y. Almahfouz – Worked for ten years in Saudi Aramco navigating around several business disciplines including unconventional energy resources in addition to accounting policies and systems. Lead the funding and marketing department for Dhahran Techno Valley Investment Company before joining BIAC as a Business Incubator manager (Badir Program) in the Eastern Province and recently got appointed as the director of Business Development. Strategic and financial advisor to several small and medium enterprises in the region. Expert in strategic planning and business models.

        Meriem Menani – Senior Public Policy Analyst, The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU)

        Meriem is a Senior Analyst for The EIU’s Public Policy practice. She specialises in technology policy, the digital economy, and developing strategies for national digital transformation and growth across the EMEA region. Meriem regularly writes about geopolitical and macroeconomic affairs for The Economist Group and participates as a speaker at international policy conferences. Prior to The EIU, Meriem worked for the World Bank Group, where she focused on devising economic reform strategies for a country in Africa. Meriem holds an MSc in Public Management and Governance from the London School of Economics and a BSc in International Management with French from the University of Bath.

        Steve Bell, Vice President Solutions Consulting EMEA, Verint

        Steve Bell is VP of Solutions Consulting EMEA for Verint Systems. Steve has overall responsibility for Verint’s Solutions Consulting Team across EMEA, supporting sales of our Workforce Management, Customer Analytics and Engagement Management solutions. Steve has 20+ years of experience within the Contact Centre / Customer Engagement industry. He has been with Verint for 10 years, and prior to that held Solutions Management roles with other Contact Centre solutions providers such as Aspect and Enghouse Interactive.

        Hani AlSaigh, Head of Technology Procurement, STC

        Hani AlSaigh is Head of Technology Procurement at Saudi Telecom Company, the biggest Telecom operator in the Middle East with 20+ years’ experience. He is a Board Director at leading edge companies including STC Solutions, Middle East and SophiaTX in Europe. He is helping drive Saudi Vision 2030 focused on increasing local GDP.
        Hani has been a guest speaker and panellist on thought leadership at TM Forum, Procurement Leaders, CIPS and European Institute of Procurement Management and introduced Digital Culture, Supplier Enabled Innovation, RPA and a host of initiatives to the region. He loves coaching leaders and helped change the culture at STC moving them from 4th to 1st quartile.
        Hani is a former Lucent Technology Company engineer and has been a senior executive for over a decade, winning multiple awards from across the world for transformation. Through his work, he has managed spend of over $20 billion and saved organisations billions of dollars. Transformation is where he thrives, taking STC Procurement from 4nd to 2nd quartile in 3 years.
        He’s a graduate of King Saud University with a degree in Telecom Engineering and a real passion to change the world through people.

        Sunil Raveendran, Chief Technical Architect and Global Blockchain Centre of Competence (Lead), Allianz Technology India

        Mr Sunil is with Allianz Technology India since 2006. Since then he offered technical leadership on large scale enterprise implementations across the globe. He is also responsible for evangelising cloud and devops across the organization and runs the Global learning centre on DevOps.
        In his most recent assignment he is driving an initiative with government in launching a cluster based industry development strategy around Blockchain. He is also leading the Allianz Global Blochcian Centre of Competence activities from India. His regional expertise includes Japan, Europe, US and India. Prior to joining Allianz Technology, he worked with Wipro Technologies and Cognizant Technology Solutions.
        Mr. Raveendran holds his masters in Computer Applications from University of Kerala, India. He is an Open Group TOGAF certified architect.

        Cristiano Guerrieri Director Presales, UBiqube

        Cristiano is a Director Presales Engineer with over 13 years of experience in working with large company within different roles that provides him a vast areas of expertise in multiple domains.
        Starting in Italy as Network administrator, he moved to the SOC, NOC department as team leader and subsequently to the Security department as lead auditor.
        His quest to gain international experience led him to seek and find a professional challenge in Ireland, in the internet services industry.
        Arrived in Ireland in 2008, he took the position as Senior Network Engineer and then leading a team in the innovation labs. He reached the Presale Engineer/Network Architect position that allowed him to deal with international corporations and major Telcom operators across the globe proposing, designing and implementing tailor made network’s solution. He travelled extensively between Europe, Arabic Peninsula and Japan.
        He joined later a US company as presales engineer helping establishing the European operations and being one of the key elements for their success.
        Since 2017 he joined Ubiqube reaching the position of Director Presales.
        One of his biggest achievements was the design and the implementation of migration plan for the electricity smart grid network, for the largest electricity provider in Portugal.
        He has attended the Cisco Network Academy Italy and San Francisco obtaining several Cisco
        certifications. He is also an ISO27001 certified auditor.

        Hani AlSaigh, Head of Technology Procurement, STC

        Hani AlSaigh is Head of Technology Procurement at Saudi Telecom Company, the biggest Telecom operator in the Middle East with 20+ years’ experience. He is a Board Director at leading edge companies including STC Solutions, Middle East and SophiaTX in Europe. He is helping drive Saudi Vision 2030 focused on increasing local GDP.

        Hani has been a guest speaker and panellist on thought leadership at TM Forum, Procurement Leaders, CIPS and European Institute of Procurement Management and introduced Digital Culture, Supplier Enabled Innovation, RPA and a host of initiatives to the region. He loves coaching leaders and helped change the culture at STC moving them from 4th to 1st quartile.

        Hani is a former Lucent Technology Company engineer and has been a senior executive for over a decade, winning multiple awards from across the world for transformation. Through his work, he has managed spend of over $20 billion and saved organisations billions of dollars. Transformation is where he thrives, taking STC Procurement from 4nd to 2nd quartile in 3 years.

        He’s a graduate of King Saud University with a degree in Telecom Engineering and a real passion to change the world through people.

        Scott Leeb, Corporate Lead, Knowledge; Director of Knowledge Management, Iknow

        Scott Leeb has over the past 25 years created, managed and grown the global business intelligence/knowledge management programs at four Fortune 500 companies (Prudential Retirement, The McGraw-Hill Companies, KPMG and Ingram Micro), a leading law firm (Fragomen) and an international philanthropy (The Rockefeller Foundation). In 2011 he served as President of SCIP. He is currently on the faculty of the University of Johannesburg (South Africa), the Universiti Utari Malaysia and the University of Maryland (USA).

        Scott has spoken in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North and South America on a wide range of topics including competitive intelligence, business intelligence, market intelligence, strategy and knowledge management. He began his career as a senior intelligence analyst for the US Army, specializing in East Asian political-military affairs. Scott holds MAs from The Australian National University and Columbia University, a BA from Yale University and a language certificate from Beijing University.

        Reem Alharbi, Head of LinkedIn KSA
        https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemmohammad/

        Reem heads LinkedIn’s operations in KSA. Since joining the company in 2016, Reem’s main responsibility has been to connect and work with the highest levels of government and private executives to make meaningful impact and drive revenue and business growth. Her role now sees her working closely with the various public and private sector stakeholders to tackle pressing issues such as employment and national strategies.

        Reem started her career in Dubai with Eye of Dubai then moved to Saudi to lead the marketing and communications with Eye of Riyadh company.

        Reem speaks three languages and has over ten years of experience in various multinational corporations such as Ernst & Young, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, and Dur Hospitality where she led the rebranding plan. Hailing from Saudi Arabia, she has a wealth of international experience in organizing and marketing global events across the US, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, an example being leading the participation of the Middle East & North Africa in the Global Entrepreneur Awards at Monte Carlo.

        Reem started her career in the fields of marketing and communications, where she honed her skills in strategy planning and business development. She was awarded the MENA Female Role Model award for her stellar contributions to the business and her role in developing young talent.

        Reem earned her Bachelor degree in Business dministration and Marketing from the University of Dubai. She is an avid chess player and is a member of the animal rights community.

        Dr. Maliha Hashmi, Executive Director & Deputy Sector Head for Health & Wellbeing Sector, NEOM

        Dr. Maliha Hashmi is the Executive Director and the Deputy Sector Head for the Health & Wellbeing Sector at NEOM, where she also served as the Executive Director for all Strategic Partnerships. Dr. Hashmi also serves as a Leading Expert & Council Member for the Prestigious Global Future Council on Health & Healthcare at the World Economic Forum.

        Dr. Maliha Hashmi has held Executive roles in various sectors and globally renowned organizations and is a well-known name in the region for health & wellbeing.

        Dr. Maliha Hashmi received her Doctorate and Master’s Degrees from Harvard and MIT. Dr. Maliha Hashmi is listed as one of the top 20 women in the Nation in the United States of America for her achievements making it into the Who’s Who in America List.

        Je Myung Ryu, Senior Digital Development Specialist, The World Bank

        Mr. Je Myung Ryu is now working at the World Bank as a Senior Digital Development Specialist at the Digital Development Global Practice. Before joining the World Bank since August 2018, he served as Director General of Radio Policy Bureau at the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), where he oversaw 5G spectrum auction (June 2018), digital switchover, and general spectrum management. He also served as Director of Telecommunications Service Policy Division and Software policy division.

        During his more than 20 years of career in the government, Mr. Ryu acquired wide-ranging expertise in the field of ICT policy by working at the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC), the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), President’s Office and at the MSIT. Mr. Ryu also played an active role in international affairs. He used to work as Counsellor at the Permanent Delegation of Korea to the OECD in Paris and had served as a bureau member of the OECD Working Party on Indicators for the Information Society and the Working Party on Communications Infrastructure and Services Policy.

        He earned a Master’s degree in information systems management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a B.A. in Politics from Seoul National University.

        Zaki Khoury, Senior Digital Development Specialist , The World Bank

        Dr. Zaki Khoury is a Senior Digital Development Specialist at the World Bank. With his extensive expertise in Emerging Markets and in harnessing technologies for development, he is currently helping governments in advancing their data-driven digital economy, providing thought leadership on enabling policies for digital infrastructure of the future (e.g., AI, Data Driven Development, 5G); and supporting selected operations in the MENA and Africa regions by operationalizing the MENA TECH and the Digital Economy for Africa initiatives. Previously a Senior Technology and Strategy Advisor, he contributed to the Digital Development Partnership (DDP) setup at the World Bank, worked on Digital Economy Country Diagnostics / Assessment, and provided technical and analytical support to shape new Investment projects in digital development. He remains an active contributor to the flagship work on AI for Development.

        Prior to joining the World Bank, he has over 20 years of successful track record with experience in public and private sector, Strategic Partnerships in the ICT Industry, consultancy and operations management in International Development. He previously led Microsoft cooperation with International Organizations / World Bank in Worldwide Public Sector, managed the business operations in Gulf, and supported Public Sector digital transformation across emerging and new markets.

        A trendsetter with a growth mind-set, Dr. Khoury authored and spoke extensively on issues of Digital transformation, Disruptive Technologies, Digital Development. As a recognition of excellence, he is the holder of the IIE Opening Minds Corporate Leadership Award, Microsoft Goldstar Award, and Young Canadian Researcher Award. He has recently chaired the working group on Governing Artificial Intelligence in less-developed countries at 2019 World Government Summit and advises regularly for emerging technologies start-ups.

        Dr. Khoury holds a PhD in Planning (Montreal), MSc. in Economics (London), and BSc. in Engineering (Alexandria). He has also continued his executive education in Business (Harvard) and Management (McGill).

        Issam Abousleiman, Country Director of the GCC Countries, Middle East and North Africa, The World Bank

        Issa Abousleiman has been the Country Director of the GCC since August 1st, 2018.

        Mr. Abousleiman, a Lebanese national, joined the Bank in 1989. His most recent assignment was Country Manager of Colombia in the Latin America and Caribbean Region. Having started his career at the World Bank in the Loans Department, he has since held various positions across the institution, including Head of Financial Advisory and Banking at the World Bank Treasury and Principal Investment Officer in the Banking & Debt Management Department. His regional expertise includes Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East regions.

        Mr. Abousleiman is a graduate of the Harvard University Executive Management program, and holds an MBA in finance and investment from George Washington University, as well as an MBA in management from the American University of Beirut. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

        EY

        Official Consulting Partner

        https://www.ey.com

        EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
        EY has been recognized as a global leader in disruptive technology including intelligent automation and robotic process automation, and is a strategic partner to companies across the ecosystem. EY is one of the world’s largest users of RPA, and in addition to helping organisations to implement Intelligent Automation to drive business benefit, EY provides managed services and bot control rooms to support our clients.
        The MENA practice of EY has been operating in the region since 1923. For over 90 years, we have grown to over 7,500 people united across 21 offices and 16 countries, sharing the same values and an unwavering commitment to quality. As an organization, we continue to develop outstanding leaders who deliver exceptional services to our clients and who contribute to our communities. We are proud of our accomplishments over the years, reaffirming our position as the largest and most established professional services organization in the region.

        Google Head of Public Policy, Middle East and North Africa Selim J. Eddé |
        Eddé develops and leads public policy campaigns across the full range of policy areas that impact Google and the web. Key issues include technology innovation, economic development and intellectual property.
        A passionate public policy leader, Eddé is a thought leader on building innovation programs with governments and has a particular expertise in labor markets, entrepreneurship and job creation initiatives. Mr. Eddé advised governments in MENA and Africa, providing strategic programs and was previously the Vice President of Government Affairs at SAP, setting strategy, devising and implementing plans Government Relations at SAP in MENA. Formerly, Selim was the Country Development Officer at Cisco, and Senior Regional Lead at Hewlett-Packard and IBM.
        A frequent speaker at regional and international events, with appearances in the specialised media, Eddé graduated from Imperial College-London with a masters degree in management sciences. He is married with two kids and lives in Dubai.

        Dr. Ibraheem Sheerah worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer, Project manager, Program Manager, PMO Manager, P3O Director, Business Support Director, Corporate Control Director, Sales & Delivery Consultant and included in several leadership positions. He has established many organizations.

        Dr. Sheerah has more than 20 years of experience in defense, security, healthcare, agriculture, Transportation, privatization,  Technology, PPP projects, and retailing industries

        Dr. Sheerah is a seasoned and successful leader with a track record of producing, presenting and managing the implementation of innovative business solutions.

        Fahad Alhagbani is a 22yr veteran of the fitness industry. He has co-founded two of the largest fitness businesses in the Middle East, including Fitness Time, the 15th largest global fitness club chain. After taking his previous company public in September 2018 he moved on to launch Armah Sports Company, where he serves as co-founder and CEO, and the new concept of “smart clubs”, which will transform the market and become a hub for technology and innovation in the global fitness industry. Fahad is also a member of REX (Roundtables for Executives), a worldwide group of club owners who meet regularly to exchange insights, critique business performance, and discuss future industry disruptions. 

        TracticaTractica

        Media Partner

        tractica.com

        Tractica, an Informa business, is a market intelligence firm that focuses on emerging technologies. Tractica’s global market research and consulting services combine qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to provide a comprehensive view of the emerging market opportunities surrounding Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, User Interface Technologies, Advanced Computing, Connected & Autonomous Vehicles, and Wearables & Digital Health

        World CSRworld

        Media Partner

        worldcsrday.com

        The World CSR Day (www.worldcsrday.com) is guided by Leaders…. Leaders who believe in the value of Sustainable CSR; that which is built in the fabric of business – making it a reality. Leaders produce Leaders will be a common thread uniting nations and people who take CSR more responsibly. They also believe that CSR is a tool to the Development of the Future. Leaders, Professionals, CSR Practitioners, CEOs, Sustainability Experts and Media honchos in different parts of the world will help in spreading the message of World CSR Day. Let’s Unite the World with the Spirit & Energy for conscious CSR.

        Cyber Defense Magazine

        Media Partner

        cyberdefensemagazine.com

        Cyber Defense Magazine is by ethical, honest, passionate information security professionals for IT Security professionals. Our mission is to share cutting edge knowledge, real world stories and awards on the best ideas, products and services in the information technology industry

        Plantautomation Technology

        Media Partner

        plantautomation-technology.com

        In the realm of Plantautomation, where innovation is rapid, Plantautomation technology stands adept at conceptualizing unique ideas relevant to the B2B space.

        Plantautomation-Technology is essentially a B2B online business and technology media platform that has under its wraps the largest global database of Plantautomation buyers and suppliers.

        Plantautomation-technology.com covers in-depth trends that shape industry dynamics and metamorphose global economics.

        With services like search engine optimization, social media marketing, product video showcase, e-mail marketing, e-newsletter sponsorship, banner advertising, event marketing and micro-website within our platform, Plantautomation- Technology has created a recognition that spans over a global audience, thereby revolutionizing how businesses transact.

        Eye of Riyadh

        Media Partner

        eyeofriyadh.com

        Eye of Riyadh is one of the leading companies in MENA with an experience of more than 15 years that is operated by an expert from the region.

        Eye of Riyadh provides professional and effective direct and digital marketing strategies for events and campaigns by managing and support major events and campaigns through organizing, creating professional communication strategies, identifying the right target audience and securing sponsors.

        Eye of Riyadh’s extensive and competence database reaches national and international role figures in decision making.

        ICOHOLDER

        Media Partner

        icoholder.com

        ICOHOLDER company is a smart tracker, global analytics platform with the largest crypto database, giving institutional and retail investors access to real-time, high-quality, reliable market and pricing data. As a market data provider we offer a comprehensive, holistic overview of the market and crypto trends. We produce: cryptocurrency trade data, order book data, blockchain and historical data, social data, reports, audits, crypto reviews and a suite of cryptocurrency indices. Our mission is to make the crypto industry more transparent.

        CryptoNewsZ

        Media Partner

        cryptonewsz.com

        CryptoNewsZ is a News Publication Media that provides updates on cryptocurrency, ICOs, DApps, and blockchain. As more and more people turn to cryptocurrencies every passing day, we cater high-quality, unbiased and well-analyzed content to them. We cover the latest news, price analysis and interviews for the crypto community.

        Cognilytica

        Media Partner

        cognilytica.com

        Our media partner Cognilytica is an analyst firm that provides real-world, industry and adoption focused market research, intelligence, advisory on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related areas. Cognilyitica also produces the popular AI Today podcast that discusses relevant topics related to AI and ML and interviews thought leaders in the field.

        ICOHOLDER

        Media Partner

        icoholder.com

        ICOHOLDER company is a smart tracker, global analytics platform with the largest crypto database, giving institutional and retail investors access to real-time, high-quality, reliable market and pricing data on 2,600+ coins, 22k ICOs, 6235 events, etc. As a market data provider we offer a comprehensive, holistic overview of the market and crypto trends. We produce: cryptocurrency trade data, order book data, blockchain and historical data, social data, reports, audits, crypto reviews and a suite of cryptocurrency indices. Our mission is to make the crypto industry more transparent.

        Teletimes International

        Media Partner

        http://www.teletimesinternational.com/

        Teletimes International, a premier business publication focused towards the Telecom, Satellite and ICT sectors of the Middle East, Asia and Africa, proactively leverages knowledge and insights from executives and decision makers. In its 14th year of publication, Teletimes is media partner to almost all major events and conferences in these regions.

        Envisioning a scholarly publication, Teletimes actively participates in high profile industry events, seminars, conferences and exhibitions to provide the latest research, analyses and developments to its readers. Teletimes has achieved a qualitative edge by capitalizing on the age-old need for information.

        Hackology

        Media Partner

        https://hackology.co/

        Hackology.co is the portfolio site for Hackology Internet Security Portal , A hobby project turned into array of services ranging from latest Tech News to in-depth Blockchain reviews, Tech Analysis, Cyber Consultancy, PoCs and everything digital. Hackology Blog blog.drhack.net provides latest internet and Cyber security news while covering / providing a technical write-up so every topic is properly covered, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain guides and reviews with detailed analysis so you make the right move. Ask Techie! helps you in solving your Tech issues, no matter how complicated they may seem. Encrypted Paste provides a unique paste service where all pasted data is even encrypted from the server thus keeping your data
        private

        Bitnews Today

        Media Partner

        https://bitnewstoday.com/bitnewstoday

        Bitnewstoday.com is an international media company providing daily news from the world of cryptocurrency. We publish the articles for readers interested in bitcoin, blockchain, mining, cryptocurrency investing and deliver market analytics for professionals. We cover the most important events and problems, the recent legislative changes and cryptocurrency regulation.

        Our goals:

        • * to provide a full range of information on how cryptocurrency functions
        • * to keep you updated with the latest news
        • * to make forecasts and find the trends
        • * to deliver training materials

        All the necessary information is presented on our website:

        • * news
        • * analytics
        • * interviews and reviews
        • * opinions and forecasts
        • * cryptocurrency exchange rates
        • * feed of events
        • * additional services
        • * tips for beginners

        Telecom Review

        Media Partner

        http://www.telecomreview.com/telecomreview

        Telecom Review is the leading B2B publication in the telecommunications sector in the Middle East. Telecom Review which is a Trace Media International publication has enjoyed unprecedented success in the telecommunications industry in the GCC region. Telecom Review enjoys a close working relationship with all the leading operators in the Middle East, Asia Pacific and African markets and has earned a stellar reputation for providing first-class content. Telecom Review also has print publications in North America and a French/Africa edition – whilst it also has a dedicated website for all the telecommunications news in the Asia Pacific region. In addition to our print publications Telecom Review also boasts one of the largest databases in telecoms industry with its weekly e-newsletters blasted to over 60,000 leading executives from the industry.

        TestCrew

        Official Testing Partner

        https://thetestcrew.com/thetestcrew

        TestCrew is a leading software testing services Saudi company that offers a comprehensive set of independent software testing services to our global clientele in an exceptionally efficacious manner. We strive to offer the best and most cost-efficient services to our clients in a time-bound manner.

        While our team indulges in finding even the minutest anomalies and errors in the software functionality, user-interface, performance and other aspects, we ensure that they follow an end-user-oriented approach. Our team applies the perspective of the end users to the software usage, and ensure that the software and apps perform in an ideal manner.

        We follow the QA best practices; ensure visibility, hands-on approach and lucid documentation. Furthermore, our expertise oriented professionals work collaboratively with clients to deliver the desired results much faster and in a highly cost-efficient way.

        Wakeb

        Strategic Partner

        http://www.wakeb.tech/wakeb.tech/

        We are highly specialized in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cognitive computing and more .. Wakeb Co. established to be cutting edge IT company located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Data science technologies, services, consultations and more are offered at Wakeb, highly experienced team equipped with power resources to make your success story real.

        ICO Crunch

        Media Partner

        http://icocrunch.io/http://icocrunch.io/

        Several years ago development of the Blockchain technology led to an explosive growth of investments into cryptocurrency and the idea of decentralization itself. Thousands of entrepreneurs and teams from different industries around the world developed their own projects based on their vision of how to use Blockchain to make the world better, and the number of projects keeps growing every day. Some of them may become a new Ethereum, some are apparently weak, and some may even turn out to be fraudulent. Which project to choose for investing to be confident the money will return with a profit? Our goal is to answer this question.

        ICOCrunch is an independent research team of experienced analytics and IT specialists. We are permanently searching for worthy projects we would invest our own money to, and we do invest because we are enthusiastic about cryptocurrency the same as you. We post a new project analysis daily to keep you up-to-date. Each decision to select a particular project to post is collegial, so you are protected from a biased opinion

        Blokt

        Media Partner

        https://blokt.com/https://blokt.com/

        blokt was founded in 2017 by Greg Adams, a crypto enthusiast, with a background in security, web journalism, media and marketing. After building an extensive list of contacts in the blockchain space, Greg put together a team that would later become essential to blokt’s success.Whether you are interested in blockchain, security, or any of the various cryptocurrencies, we have content that will keep you informed, safe, and guide you through the complex processes involved in using cryptocurrencies.

        Our news section features breaking stories from the crypto world, and thanks to our proprietary TrendSpotter software, our editorial team has access to potential scoops and story opportunities before they hit the news.

        Cyber Defense Magazine

        Media Partner

        http://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com/

        Cyber Defense Magazine is by ethical, honest, passionate information security professionals for IT Security professionals. Our mission is to share cutting edge knowledge, real world stories and awards on the best ideas, products and services in the information technology industry.

        Crowd Reviews

        Media Partner

        https://www.crowdreviews.com

        CrowdReviews is a transparent online platform for determining which products and services are the best based on the opinion of the crowd. The crowd consists of Internet users which have experienced products and services first-hand and have an interest in letting other potential buyers their thoughts on their experience. CrowdReviews.com is driven by an algorithm allowing for both customers and providers of products and services to understand how the rankings are determined. The service can be used by potential buyers to learn more about their vendors prior to making a purchasing decision.

        biometric Update

        Media Partner

        https://www.biometricupdate.com/

        BiometricUpdate.com is the leading news property that publishes shareable breaking news, analysis, and research about the global biometrics market. We provide the most original reporting and market research in the sector, vis-a-vis the Web and an exclusive daily newsletter, that focuses on global developments in biometrics technology, including: fingerprint identification, voice, iris, and facial recognition, civil and criminal ID and video surveillance. Our news coverage places special emphasis on national security, privacy and regulatory issues, along with examining the latest applications and advances in biometrics. Our global audience of 600k+ readers includes original equipment manufacturers, service providers, governments, law enforcement agencies, corporate buyers and industry professionals.

        DETASAD

        Networking Sponsor

        https://www.detasad.com.sa/

        DETASAD (Detecon Al Saudia Co. Ltd.) is an end-to-end ICT solution provider and a leading contributor to ICT sector of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a track record of 37-years.

        DETASAD offers tailor made solutions in Corporate Networks & Connectivity Solutions, ICT Deployment and Infrastructure Solutions, Managed Services, Data Center and Cloud Solutions

        to public and private sector clients enabling their Digital Transformation and unlocking value. The DETASAD offering covers all aspects from scoping, planning and design, end-to-end supply implementation and integration up to 24/7 operational support and maintenance of the offered products at highest quality standards.

        Proven Consult

        Strategic Partner

        https://provenconsult.com/wakeb.tech/

        Proven Consult was established as a solution to the missing digital competencies companies were experiencing. Since its’ conception in 2013, the company has expanded internationally, from Saudi Arabia to the UAE and India.

        The expertise of Proven Consult supports companies in adapting to the fast-paced market by offering innovative solutions to big data, business process transformation, robotic process automation, and IT. Proven Consult focuses on enhancing companies’ digital capabilities, assisting them in becoming digitally ahead of their competition.

        Qvest Media

        Strategic Partner

        https://www.qvestmedia.com/wakeb.tech/

        Qvest Media is a world-leading systems architect, consultant, ICT integrator, and developer of software products in the innovation-driven media industry. The company’s range of services is aligned to the challenges of an increasingly digital media value chain such as multi-platform content delivery, artificial intelligence, big data analysis, multi-cloud management, IP infrastructures, and cyber security. Qvest Media’s clients include numerous renowned media networks, telecommunication providers, broadcasters, as well as companies and organizations from the industrial and public sector. In addition to the headquarters in Cologne and Dubai, Qvest Media operates eleven further locations in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

        Ubiqube

        Silver Sponsor

        https://ubiqube.com/wakeb.tech/

        UBiqube delivers integrated automation through Orchestration Continuum. Our MSActivator ™ DevOps framework emulates an orchestration continuum over any entity, any vendor and any physical or virtual domain for an end-to-end automation workflow design and process management.

        The MSActivator makes automation of the networking and security continuum -physical and virtual- easy. A multi-tenant, full life cycle orchestration framework designed for the new networking paradigms.

        MSA is used by telcos and large enterprises for end-to-end service orchestration over hybrid, virtualized (SDN/NFV) and legacy networking and security communication infrastructures interconnecting the clouds.

        As the virtualization paradigm hits the networking industry, UBiqube aims at leading the associated next generation ‘Management and Reporting Software’ space and ease the multi-vendor, multi-technology orchestration for telcos and enterprise IT managers, while disrupting the ‘high price tag’ legacy OSS vendors practiced so far.

        Our goal is to ease the secure consumption of multi-vendor networking and security technologies – for every application needing it, and without any vendor lock-in.

        GlobalSign

        Strategic Sponsor

        https://www.globalsign.com

        GlobalSign is the leading provider of trusted identity and security solutions enabling businesses, large enterprises, cloud service providers and IoT innovators around the world to secure online communications, manage millions of verified digital identities and automate authentication and encryption. Its high-scale Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and identity solutions support the billions of services, devices, people and things comprising the Internet of Everything (IoE).

        MBUZZ

        Gold Sponsor

        https://www.mbuzz.com.sa

        MBUZZ is a leading ICT Company – established in 2007. Our head office is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and we have a geographical presence throughout the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. MBUZZ provides solutions in the areas of Data Center, Telecom, SDN & NFV, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things. We utilize our unique business engineering capabilities to develop new business models aimed at solving challenges, generating new opportunities and improving existing business processes and portfolios to meet the market trends.
        MBUZZ culture circles around respect, accountability, ethics, and moralities. Our Employee’s value others time, views, skills, and contributions and treat everyone with the utmost respect and dignity.
        Management has fostered a family environment where customers, employees, and shareholders work as one team.
        Progressive and innovative thinking coupled with meaningful engagement with customers is the only way forward to deliver success.

        MBUZZ

        Official CX Partner

        http://www.silah.bh/

        Headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Silah Gulf is a leading, multi award-winning Customer Experience solutions provider. Launched in 2009, as a joint venture in the Middle East by Bahrain’s Government and UK-based Merchants (Dimension Data), Silah has operations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
        With a unique mix of tools, expertise and a proven track record of over 35 years in the industry, we deliver end-to-end customer experience solutions for our clients. We are experts in driving innovation and take a consultative, yet pragmatic approach with real-world operational experience. Offering a full spectrum of services, we advise companies on how to transform their customer experience infrastructure, provide specialist training and certification, deploy high-tech solutions, as well as handle the running of the entire customer service operations.
        Being in the service industry, we are passionate about our people and take pride in what we do. Our ability to attract the best talent, coupled with our rich history of success and innovation across different industries, is what sets us apart from our competitors.

        Ramez currently heads the IT Department of the The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and owns more than 15 years in information technology and of exceptional track record in handling high-end projects as well as leading teams to operate and support infrastructures and systems solutions. He has experience in IT management & strategic planning with high project management skills in different IT business fields.

        Reem heads LinkedIn’s operations in KSA. Since joining the company in 2016, Reem’s main responsibility has been to connect and work with the highest levels of government and private executives to make meaningful impact and drive revenue and business growth. Her role now sees her working closely with the various public and private sector stakeholders to tackle pressing issues such as employment and national strategies.
        Reem speaks three languages and has over ten years of experience in various multinational corporations such as Ernst & Young, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, and Dur Hospitality where she led the rebranding plan. Hailing from Saudi Arabia, she has a wealth of international experience in organizing and marketing global events across the US, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, an example being leading the participation of the Middle East & North Africa in the Global Entrepreneur Awards at Monte Carlo.
        Reem started her career in the fields of marketing and communications, where she honed her skills in strategy planning and business development. She was awarded the MENA Female Role Model award for her stellar contributions to the business and her role in developing young talent.
        Reem earned her Bachelor degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Dubai. She is an avid chess player and is a member of the animal rights community.

        THURAYA

        Gold Sponsor

        https://www.thuraya.com

        Thuraya, is the mobile satellite services subsidiary of Yahsat, a leading global satellite operator based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), fully owned by Mubadala Investment Company. Established in 1997, Thuraya offers innovative communications solutions to a variety of sectors including energy, government, broadcast media, maritime, military, aerospace and humanitarian NGO.
        Thuraya’s superior network enables clear communications and uninterrupted coverage across two-thirds of the globe by MSS, global VSAT coverage and around the world through its unique GSM roaming capabilities. The company’s diverse range of technologically advanced and dependable mobile satellite handsets and broadband devices provide ease of use, value, quality and efficiency. Through relevant partnerships, Thuraya stays ahead by delivering solutions and supporting applications that meet the rapidly transforming nature of market demands. Thuraya remains committed to keeping everyone within reach in any circumstance by making accessible the essential tools required for vital connectivity.

        SMASHI TV

        Television Partner

        https://smashi.tv

        SMASHI TV is a business news network streaming live from the heart of the Arab world, covering the most innovative products, services and technologies changing our lives. SMASHI is a mindset, it’s for the driven, the dreamers and the doers.

        سماشي أول قناة إعلامية اجتماعية تخاطب العالم العربي عن كل ما يتعلق بالتجارة والأعمال و ثقافة و تقنية

        Aumenta Solutions

        Augmented Reality Partner

        http://www.aumentasolutions.com

        Aumenta Solutions provides Augmented/Virtual Reality applications for Industry 4.0.
        Working with the latest AR/VR devices, tablets and Smartglasses we provide solutions to unresolved issues with conventional technologies, increasing productivity and efficiency in key business processes.
        Aumenta Solutions has a team of professional and highly qualified technology partners who offer the best Augmented Reality solution for your business.

        VERINT

        Gold Sponsor

        Verint is “The Customer Engagement Company.” We help organisations simplify and modernise the way they engage customers through their contact center, branch, back office and marketing departments. Our market-leading broad portfolio of cloud and hybrid solutions is designed with the latest artificial intelligence and advanced analytics technologies to deliver greater automation and shared intelligence that drives real business impact. Verint is your partner to make customer engagement a strategic advantage and a strong competitive differentiator for your organisation. With over two decades of experience helping more than 10,000 organizations worldwide create lasting value, we’re a global leader in customer engagement.

        TAIBAH VALLEY

        Knowledge Partner

        https://www.taibahvalley.com.sa/en/home/

        TAIBAH VALLEY aims to leave positive change for the Future by providing the best solutions, programs, and initiatives . Our values are uniqueness in innovation, creativity, and distinction

        Rob is excited by Industry 4.0 and the disruptive impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and 3D Printing on the future of work and society.

        He launched School of Disruption to help organizations overcome disruption and lead transformation in their industry, and offers keynotes, workshops & 10-week innovation sprints to reprogram the corporate immune system.

        Rob is an ExO Trainer & Ambassador with a decade experience building and leading customer-centric digital strategies for some of the biggest brands in Europe and the Middle East, lastly as a department head at Al Tayer Retail – the largest luxury retailer in the GCC.

        Gary Thompson is the co-founder and senior partner of Rokaboat Continuum, a management consultancy based in the UAE covering the GCC region, focused on transforming business through automation and digitization delivering efficiency and positive engagement across the customer journey – external or internal – from need to fulfilment. While we represent the full width of functional expertise a business contains, Gary leads our advisory services to executives and managers responsible for Business Support, Shared Services and Outsourcing.

        In a career spanning over three decades, he has been both client and consultant across a range of global and regional organizations in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa. He has worked with various family-owned businesses, banks and Semi-Government organizations; uplifting the performance of business support, operations and enablement through using transformation and digitization to break down the barriers of silo-mentality and employee resistance. He is currently working on a number of strategic assignments driving innovation, engagement, ownership and customer-centricity through advanced automation and cultural change in the region.

        Gary gained his Fellowship in the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in the UK and is a regular Speaker, SME panelist and Workshop Lead at Business Support Automation and Performance Excellence Conferences in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

        Abdulrahman A. Alolayan’s investment and business experience is a combination of theory and practice. He holds a Ph.D degree in Business Administration. His research interests include Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management. Currently, Dr. Alolayan is the founding CEO of Taibah Valley, emerging tech and innovation hub in Madinah.

        Talal Tabbaa is the Co-Founder and COO at Jibrel Network, a blockchain platform for the tokenization of financial assets. Jibrel Network successfully conducted a 30 Million token sale out of Zug, Switzerland in 2017. Talal led Jibrel’s efforts with Al Hilal Bank, where they executed the world’s first Sukuk transaction using blockchain and smart contracts. Prior to co-founding Jibrel, he was a Senior Management Consultant at Pricewaterhouse Coopers UAE and managed a private investment fund in Saudi Arabia. By education, Talal is Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.

        Talal Tabbaa is the Co-Founder and COO at Jibrel Network, a blockchain platform for the tokenization of financial assets. Jibrel Network successfully conducted a 30 Million token sale out of Zug, Switzerland in 2017. Talal led Jibrel’s efforts with Al Hilal Bank, where they executed the world’s first Sukuk transaction using blockchain and smart contracts. Prior to co-founding Jibrel, he was a Senior Management Consultant at Pricewaterhouse Coopers UAE and managed a private investment fund in Saudi Arabia. By education, Talal is Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.

        Arwa Althagafi recevied BSc in Computer Science, MSc in Information Systems Managment and PhD in Information Systems from the University of Sheffield. As a technology- oriented scientest, she worked on number of projects that aimed at consulting, analysing, desinging, developing and evaluting IS applications in the area of IoT solutions.Currently, she is a IoT lab director at Taibah Valley, where analysing the best practise of IoT lab strategy, developing an innovative product, arranging resources,up-skilling and cross-skilling the IoT professionals skills development.

        Abdulrahman A. Alolayan’s investment and business experience is a combination of theory and practice. He holds a Ph.D degree in Business Administration. His research interests include Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management. Currently, Dr. Alolayan is the founding CEO of Taibah Valley, emerging tech and innovation hub in Madinah.

        Finesse

        Networking Partner

        Finesse is one of the most trusted software system integrator, enabling digital transformation for global financial institutions & enterprises by focusing on the design, deployment and maintenance of business-critical applications. Finesse delivers customized solutions & services tailored to the unique demands of each of their clients in the BFSI, Healthcare, Retail, Infrastructure, Energy, Education, Pharmaceuticals, Aviation, and Government domains. Finesse offer solutions & services for Business Intelligence & Analytics, ECM, GRC, CPM, RPA, Blockchain, Core Banking, Treasury & Capital Markets, Mobile Banking, Real Time Fraud Management and Intelligent Automation among others. Finesse assists more than 250+ enterprise clients across the world in their digital transformation journey. Around 120+ financial institutions, including 80% of the banks in UAE are referenceable clients for Finesse.

        Currently acting as Executive DG – Customer Experience & Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Labor and Social Development. Formerly General Manager of Digital Transformation in STC Channels one of STC group subsidiaries. He leads a talented team of marketers to build one of the best e-commerce platforms. Previously Abdulaziz was the General Manager of Category Marketing in Sale Advanced Company.
        In 2012, He was Chosen to build the Media Center in Ministry of Labor, a challenging task to form a team responsible of Media Relation, Public Relation, Media Reports & Editorials, Events, Production, Media Monitoring, and New media Department.
        Prior to joining Ministry of Labor in Jan, 2013 Mr. Abdulaziz was the Director of marketing communications & PR in STC – Al Jawal (Mobile Sector) one of the largest integrated telecom companies in the Middle East. He was leading the marketing communication team responsible of all Mobile advertising. His role puts him in the front line dealing with all above the line & below the line material as he is also in charge of all PR activities including events, sports and youth activations. Marketing communications strategy is one of his duties in addition to all Mobile advertising including marketing plan, strategy, and execution. Before joining STC in 2005, Mr. Abdulaziz has 8 years of marketing and telecom experience where he used to manage the projects department in AwalNet one of the biggest internet and “managed services” provider in KSA.
        Mr. Abdulaziz holds an Associate degree in Electronic Engineer from Spokane Community College (2001- Spokane, USA) in addition to a degree in Industrial electronics technology (1996 – Riyadh, KSA).

        Prof. Ahmed Banafa has extensive experience in research, operations and management, with focus on IoT, Blockchain, Cybersecurity and AI. He is a reviewer and a technical contributor for the publication of several technical books. He served as an instructor at well-known universities and colleges, including the Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley; California State University-East Bay; San Jose State University; and University of Massachusetts. He is the recipient of several awards, including Distinguished Tenured Staff Award, Instructor of the year for 4 years in a row, and Certificate of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco. He was named as No.1 tech voice to follow, technology fortune teller and influencer by LinkedIn in 2018 by LinkedIn, his researches featured in many reputable sites and magazines including Forbes, IEEE and MIT Technology Review, and Interviewed by ABC, CBS, NBC,BBC, and Fox TV and Radio stations. He is a member of MIT Technology Review Global Panel. He studied Electrical Engineering at Lehigh University, Cybersecurity at Harvard University and Digital Transformation at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is the author of the book “Secure and Smart Internet of Things (IoT) using Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI)”.

        Hans Henrik Christensen – Entrepreneur, Board member, Investor and Director of Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre , the largest technology entrepreneur center of its kind in the Middle East housing 790 Tech start-ups and incubators, labs and accelerators.
        Nominated Mentor of the year 2017 (Arabian Business).
        Hans, holds a BA in Economics and Finance from Bentley University, and an MBA from Hult International Business School.

        Cyrus Hodes is Vice-President and Director of the AI Initiative, which he co-founded in 2015 within The Future Society at the Harvard Kenney School. The Future Society brings together a wide range of global stakeholders to study, discuss and help shape the governance of AI. Hodes and the AI Initiative are engaged in various international policy platforms (OEDC, EU, HKS Forums, Japanese MIC, French Parliament, etc.) as well as AI ethics and safety initiatives. He also manages several projects using innovative tools, such as the Global Civic Debate and its multilingual collective intelligence platform on the governance of AI, and works at using AI and Machine Learning to tackle policy issues. In addition, Hodes is a member of the Policy, Well-Being and General Principles committees of the IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems. He holds a MA from Paris II University in Defense, Geostrategy and Industrial Dynamics and a MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School. Moreover, he is passionate about drastically disruptive technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, nanotech, biotech, genetics, IT and cognitive sciences as well as their cross-pollination and impacts on society.

        Fiorenzo Manganiello is a professor of Blockchain Technologies at Geneva Business School and First Vice President of Banque Profil de Gestion, a Swiss private bank.
        With an entrepreneurial mindset, he was awarded as Blockchain Expert Switzerland for 2018 by Acquisition International. He is fluent in five languages and has a distinguished academic background, having studied at IMD, London School of Economics and Luiss Business School. He is an invited speaker at CNBC, CNN, and international finance journals. He is also a writer for Forbes.

        In his current role as founder and managing partner of Ebtikaar, a transliteration of the Arabic word for ‘Innovation’, a boutique innovation consultancy, Petar specializes in applying the Scientific Method to tackle business challenges in government- and corporate-sector innovation and entrepreneurship.
        At the government level, Petar is working across a number of key initiatives in the flagship Accelerator program for the SHERAA Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, an initiative under the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority SHUROOQ, along well as a recent collaboration with the Emirates Youth Council Entrepreneurship Task Force to develop the 2017 Strategic Framework for Emirati Entrepreneurship, developing the strategies to engage, encourage and empower young Emirati Entrepreneurs to consider a career in entrepreneurship. His speciality in using experiential learning to accelerate deep learning outcomes of adaptive skill sets has culminated in his work as a facilitator in the acclaimed Dubai EXPO 2020 Apprentice Program.

        With an experience of over 15 years in IT and a strong background in Computing, Al-Aama continues her pursuit in the participation of the technological advancement of her country, Saudi Arabia. As previous Vice Mayor for IT in Jeddah, she was the first women to hold a leadership role in IT in a Saudi governmental agency. She lead the team that digitally transformed Jeddah Municipality from a paper-based work environment to a world-class digitized environment, resulting in the Municipality winning over 20 prestigious awards and accreditations in IT, including Best Arab e-Government.
        Through her technology expert house Smart Solutions, Al-Aama served as a Technology Consultant to the Saudi Minister of Economy & Planning and to the Minister of Hajj & Omrah.
        Al-Aama holds an MSc. & DSc. in Computer Science from George Washington University and has published several scientific papers. She also attended extended learning in new technologies (e.g. Blockchain), Leadership & Strategy at Harvard & Oxford Universities. She also received several awards, including a Microsoft research award, the national Saudi ITC achievement award, the Informatics Expert award from the Arab Towns Organization, the Arab Women Leadership Award, and the Microsoft Arabia Most Distinguished Faculty Member Award.
        Al-Aama also served as Vice Dean for the College of Computing & IT at King Abdulaziz Uni., head of the women’s CS and IS Departments, and an IT consultant for the conglomerate Savola. Al-Aama also holds a position as Professor of Computer Science at KAU and is a member of the External Advisory Boards for the Colleges of Computing in Um Al-Qura, King Saud and Prince Mugren Universities.
        Al-Aama served on several national committees, including the Executive Committee for Saudi eGovernment, the National Smart City Committee, the National Digitization Committee, the National Science and Technology Planning Committee, and the Steering Committee for Women Labor Issues & Economic Development.

        Dr. Ayad Aldaijy is a senior IT and executive leader, and a subject matter expert in cyber-security. He has a wealth of 27+ years of experience in leadership and advisory roles in reputable local and global organizations.
        Dr. Aldaijy received the PhD degree in information technology from George Mason University, Virginia, USA, in 2003. He received his B.S and M.S. degrees in information systems from George Washington University, Washington D.C., in 1988 and 1990 consecutively. Dr. Aldaijy won “the Catalyst 2018 – Best Government CIO”, in the GCC region, and had been speaking on major regional and international conferences on technology and cyber-security developments.

        • Director of Technical Branches Department from 2016 to 2018 in Ministry of education.
        • Director of the Department of Computer and Electronic Transactions Saudi Cultural Attaché in Ireland during the period from 2012 to 2016 .
        • Assistant Director General of Information Technology and project manager of electronic correspondence (Rassell) at the Ministry of Higher Education during the period from 2006 to 2012 .
        • Founding member and consultant in the National Center for e-learning and distance learning at the Ministry of Higher Education since its inception until 2007.
        • Director of the project (distance learning) in girls colleges during the period from 2003 to 2006 .
        • Director of the General Department of Computer and Information Agency Girls Colleges during the period from 1998 to 2006.

        Currently oversee and guide Abdul Latif Jameel’s Group overarching digital strategy to ensure seamless integration of digital efforts. Responsible for crafting and managing various digital experience platforms including Artificial Intelligence, e-Commerce, Cloud Integrations, Web, Mobile, and process optimization throughout the organization. Career of 20 years of experience in several leadership roles including Digital Transformation, IT Director, Customer Service Leadership, and PMO. With diverse experience in executive leadership, technology background and customer service.

        Dr.Moudhi Aljamea currently is the General Manger of the ICT School at STC Academy ( Saudi Telcom Company) as the first Saudi women who occupies an executive position in the company. Dr. Aljamea has a PhD in Computer Security Algorithms Design from King’s College London, and a vast experience in cyber and information security. Prior joining STC, she was the president of entrepreneurship unit and business incubator and an assistant Professor in cyber security at Imam Abdurrahman Bin Faisal University, and considered as one of the Saudis experts in the computer security field.

        An accomplished technology executive with a proven track record for building and leading world-class software projects reaching outstanding results.

        •       Earned reputation in Saudi market for quality products and service delivery with excellence in business execution and cost optimization by prudent management of people, technology and processes.
        •       Proven ability to reduce budgets in excess of SAR250 million to SAR7 million (-82%); align technology strategy with corporate strategy; set business and group goals; and lead large teams to achieve project goals and exceed client expectations.
        •       Built IT startup in 1996 gaining soft and hard skills, then pursued education to the Masters of Information Systems while leading multiple public and private organizations with remarkable success.
        •       Started working on extra-curriculum interests and ideas (in “LEED” green concepts & Graphene) in 2015 while working with multiple organizations as an IT Consultant.

        Esam Alwagait is an associate professor at the College of Computer and Information Sciences (CCIS) in King Saud University (KSU) and he has a collective experience of around 20 years in IT. Before joining NDU, Alwagait was the Deputy Minister for Technical affairs at the ministry of foreign affairs. He worked in the ministry of higher education as the supervisor for technology. He was also the Dean of E-Transactions and Communications and Also the Dean of E-Learning and Distance Education Deanship at KSU. Alongside those positions, Dr. Alwagait is the chairman for Saudi Computer Society. Dr. Alwagait’s research interests are focused on Social Media and Data mining. He has several publications about Twitter-related issues in the middle east region and Saudi Arabia in General.

        Dr. Fatmah Baothman is an Assistance Professor of Artificial Intelligent (AI) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. Dr. Fatmah’s AI dissertation is AI application in “phonology-based automatic speech recognition for Arabic.” Which was awarded in 2003 with distinction from University of Huddersfield; School of Engineering and Computing; West Yorkshire, England. She signed Intellectual Property (IP) rights for her advance AI research. Early in her academic tenure, Dr. Fatmah was pivotal in establishing women’s Department which is the foundation of the Computer Science College at KAU; and became its first TA faculty member. In collaboration with King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology, Dr. Fatmah contributed to the National IT Strategic Plan. She reengineered the IT Center and proposed programs which resulted in establishing the e-University at KAU. Another of her achievements, Dr. Fatmah managed the AI e-Learning “Global Class Room” project in collaboration with national and international institutions led by Zurich University. She sat up its infrastructure, managed its technology platforms in the Kingdom and was a key AI lecturer. Her accomplishment led to her appointment as Saudi Director of E-learning Researcher Program in Dubai where she designed the Intelligent GCC E-learning Platform. She became an advisor for King Abdullah Economic city- educational sector, also the representative to IEEE Congress R8. She became the chairwoman of the prestigious IEEE Women in Engineering Western Region, established the KAU IEEE chapter for women and the President of Women Engineers Committee at Women Engineers Committee at “Saudi Council of Engineering” western region. She held the position of General Manager IT Security with a joint venture American company. Dr.Fatmah gained nine trophies, a gold medal and several letters of recognition for her input on different occasions.

        Founded TechInvest in 2015 to provide an opportunity for Middle East investors to obtain exposure to private investment opportunities in the technology sector. Techinvest advised and structured several deals in early, growth and late stage VC totaling over $600m in money raised. Over 21 years’ experience in global business development, with expertise and specialization in the IT and VC field. Initiated and executed targeted strategies to facilitate joint ventures, partnerships, startups, account generation and public listings of holdings in several capital financial markets including NASDAQ, KSE and DIFC. As CEO of Sakhr Software, he received 3 US patents from US PTO office for Sakhr’s proprietary technologies. Played key role in founding 1st Saudi Arabia ISP AWalNet which was acquired by STC in 2006. Developed the first Multilingual Speech to Speech app ‘S2S’, Language Buddy launched on the App Store in 2009 and was one of the first adopters of “The Cloud”. Initiated and supervised the transformation of the 30 year old family IT business company and publicly listing the company on KSE in 2006 under the new name Al Alamiah Technology Group ATG.
        Fahad is on the Advisory Board of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in the UAE, which is the premier foreign direct investment-focused event and an initiative of the UAE Ministry of Economy. Fahad is also a consultant at the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, KDIPA. Previously a Board Member and subsequently Chairman, of Al Mal Investment Company, which is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange, and served on several boards including ATG, Saftec, AwalNet. Fahad serves as a director on the Board of CODED, the First Coding Academy in the GCC, which educates and trains participants in software development and programming using world-class curriculum and instruction by industry experts. The Kuwait-based company is aimed at young men and women across MENA, with engagement on Barmej.com (CODED’s online school) exceeding 150,000 coders (and future entrepreneurs).

        William (Bill) Kalin is an expert in homeland security with over 20 years of successfully providing international homeland security subject matter expertise. Mr. Kalin has focused on developing policies, strategies and identifying and implementing new and emerging technologies for international border security systems, C4ISR networks, aerial and mobile surveillance systems. For the past 2.5 years, Mr. Kalin has provided the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Interior and the NEOM project assessments and analysis on leading edge border security technologies, strategies and policies. Mr. Kalin’s management and consulting services have been employed for over 20 years by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the DHS Chemical and Biological Detection unit. In addition, Mr. Kalin has lectured on behalf of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) in their International Visitor Leadership Program on Crisis and Disaster Management to global leaders. Mr. Kalin also serves on the DOS Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) in the Middle East.

        Craig Smith is Chief Executive Officer of Dhahran Technology Development Company, operating the world’s largest advanced Research Center devoted entirely to the Energy industry, overseeing all aspects of the Dhahran Techno Valley Science Park. Previously, Craig led the Emerging Technologies group at US Department of Energy’s Sandia National Labs, specializing in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research, Cyber Security and Information Technologies.
        Craig advises universities and businesses across Asia and the Middle East on launching start-ups and spinoffs and is a frequent mentor and judge for global business competitions. Craig is advisor to the USPTO, World Intellectual Property Organization, Brazilian Institute of Industrial Property and the IP Office of Singapore on energy issues and Intellectual Property Rights in World Energy Markets.
        Craig serves on several Boards including the College of Engineering Sciences at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, the California Invention Center and Licensing Executives Society, Silicon Valley, where he was Chairman of the Board in 2015-16. He is Chairman of Innovation and Commercialization for the Middle East Process Engineering Conference (2017-2019) and member of the Executive Committee for the International Petroleum Technology Conference (2020). Craig was Licensing Executives Society International’s Distinguished Fellow from 2015-2017.
        Craig holds an MBA in International Finance from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, studied Cleantech Economics at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and US Energy Policy at the Brookings Institution, Washington D.C.

        iSQI

        Certification Partner

        The International Software Quality Institute (iSQI) Group, with offices in Potsdam (Germany), Gorinchem (The Netherlands), London (UK) and Boston (USA), is a leading provider of certification examinations all over the world.

        For more than 10 years, iSQI plays a significant role in certifying the know-how of IT professionals in over 100 countries on 6 continents in 10 languages. With over 30,000 certifications per year, iSQI paves the way for successful career development.

        Constantly changing job requirements generate a demand for lifelong learning. To stay competitive in today´s job market, professionals need to possess comprehensive and comparable skills and knowledge. The iSQI ‘Certified’ Program includes certification examinations that set the global standards in Software Testing, Requirements Engineering, Agile, Business Analysis as well as Usability and User Experience UX, AI, IOT etc.

        iSQI examinations are supported by a global network of accredited training providers. iSQI’s ISO 9001 compliance is the independently confirmed guarantee for its business partners that all contracts are fulfilled in a secure and high-quality manner. Its ISO 17024 compliant certification processes meet all strict requirements in the day-to-day business practice.

        Osman Sultan CEO of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, (du) in the UAE As the founding CEO of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) since 2005 in the UAE, and the founding CEO of Egyptian Company for Mobile Services (Mobinil) in Egypt from 1998 to 2005, Osman Sultan set during the course of his career several strategies translating the profound transformations that the telecom and information sectors have been creating in our lives. As an influential figure and a mentor in the telecommunications sector, he is proud to have groomed close to 20 talented individuals who became CEOs of various operations across all continents. Osman Sultan is a visionary leader and a notable public speaker in the field. His distinguished achievements ranked him as one of the most powerful executives in the telecoms industry in the world twice on “GTBPower100 List” in both 2010 and 2011. Osman Sultan brings 35 years of leadership, rich with achievements in the telecom business. His vast knowledge and expertise in the field as early as the pre-internet period, placed him as one of the pioneers in France, Europe, the USA, Japan and the entire MENA region.

        Chaineum

        Media Partner

        chaineum.com

        Independent boutique investment bank, founded in 2015, Chaineum is exceptionally experienced and exclusively focused on the transformational sectors of disruptive technologies. Tokenization is a revolutionary new vehicle for entrepreneurs seeking funding. We believe in decentralization and see tokenized market as a trillion-dollar opportunity. Advisory & services: ICO, STO, DSO*, fundraising, capital raising, corporate finance, M&A

        International Finance

        Media Partner

        International Finance is a premium financial and business analysis magazine, published by UK’s International Finance Publications Ltd.

        With a discerning focus on emerging markets, International Finance provides news, analysis and commentary from a range of industry experts, contributors and writers. The editorial team’s endeavour is to address economic and business developments, and provide engaging, informative and factual content everyday. The magazine and website has a growing readership in Middle East, specifically in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait, as well as select African nations. International Finance has started making inroads into Asia as well, with a rising readership in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Srilanka, Thailand, China and Taiwan. International Finance is subscription-based and reaches a wide variety of C-level executives and leading decision-makers in key markets. As a leading media services provider, clients enjoy maximum visibility through vibrant outreach exercises that include print and online advertisements, print and online advertorials, newsletter promotions, exclusive media visibility partnerships in key markets, and acknowledgement of corporate excellence.

        UnlockUnlock

        Media Partner

        Unlock is a platform that provides information, intelligence, insights and news pertaining to the Blockchain sector. We are one of the cornerstones in the evolution of the Blockchain ecosystem in the MENA region and globally. We encourage Blockchain’s disruptive innovation through our support of startups, investors, developers, and clients. Our main services entail media, events organization, advisory, PR, roadshows and community building.

        Danilo McGarry is one of the most reputable voices in the RPA domain; as CitiGroup’s ex Head of Ai for Capital Markets, he is now one of UnitedHealth Group’s Head of Automation (the worlds 13th largest companies and largest healthcare provider). He has successfully ran RPA/Ai programs in multiple industries and countries (Financial Services, O&G, Private and Public sectors, as well as Healthcare). For Citigroup (as Head of Ai for Capital Markets) and as Senior Management in Automation for UnitedHealth Group, Danilo has driven 2 of the world’s largest, most lucrative and successful automation programs in the corporate world – involving teams from more than 20 countries, budgets into the triple digits (millions) and savings into the triple digit (FTE).

        Originator of the Industry 4.0 and Digital themes today. Best known as the originator of the “4th Industrial Revolution” (Industry 4.0) and the mastermind of the European Digital Revolution (German Digital Agenda), which ignited the global themes of today. As the inaugurator of Germany’s digital agenda in 09, he ignited a global wave of national and corporate digital strategy adoptions.
        Named by Financial Times as one of the leading authority on strategy and competitiveness. One of the most influential business thinkers, who has set the agenda for nations and the fortune 100 companies.
        He is notorious for his personal involvement to define the core differentiating, competitive aspects and to identify how to innovate and where to transform.

        Previously one of the Heads of Artificial intelligence & Machine Learning at CitiGroup (3rd largest US bank, 17th largest Financial institution globally). Currently senior management of Automation (RPA/Ai) in UnitedHealth Group (largest healthcare company in the world. Ranked #5 on the Fortune 500). Member of the European Union Commission Ai Alliance.
        Total US$ saved to date: through Automation (RPA, Ai) & Re-Engineering Programs participated or managed: US$ 248 million (.est)

        Expertise in IT Digital Transformation, Information Assurance, Risk Management, and Cybersecurity.Specialties: Cyber Security, Requirements Engineering, Information Technology, Risk Management,Planning, and Leadership.
        Sultan leads and oversees all activities aimed at developing Cybersecurity measures in CMA, providing business stakeholders with information assurance services, including defining business and security requirements.

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