Explore Our Agenda

Excitement is building as we work behind the scenes to create a dynamic and engaging agenda for our upcoming event. While the final schedule is still in the works, we want to assure you that we’re dedicated to delivering a program filled with insightful sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. Stay tuned for updates as we finalize the agenda.

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Booth Open & Registration | Photo Booth | Networking

Welcome desk opens for attendee registration Networking opportunities with industry peers and solution providers Dedicated photo booth for CIOs and partners to capture memorable moments

10:15 AM - 10:20 AM

Opening Keynote

Ronak Samantaray | CEO | GEC Media Group

Ronak Samantaray

10:20 AM - 10:35 AM

Vendor Keynote

10:35 AM - 11:05 AM

Expert Panel 1 : The evolving threat landscape

Discussion Points:

  • Emerging cybersecurity threats in 2025
  • The role of AI & automation in cyber defense
  • Future trends & regulatory shifts
Moderator:
Kawther Haciane | Partner/Principal | Risk Consulting - Digital Risk | EY
Panelist:
Nisha Rani | CISO | MMI ELR
Sarfaraz Muneer | Vice President Cyber Security Assurance | Mubadala
Hussain AlKhalsan | CISO | Zand
Vijay Velayutham | Principal Information Security Officer | Ministry of Energy
Dr. Jassim Al Awadhi | Senior Director | Digital Transformation | Telecom Industry

Kawther Haciane

Nisha Rani

Sarfaraz Muneer

Hussain Al Khalsan

Vijay Velayutham

Dr. Jassim Al Awadhi

11:05 AM - 11:20 AM

Vendor Keynote

11:20 AM - 11:50 AM

Expert Panel 2: AI & threat intelligence – A game changer?

Discussion Points:

  • How AI enhances real-time threat detection
  • Balancing automation & human expertise
  • Challenges in AI-driven cybersecurity strategies
Moderator:
Faisal Khan | Associate Director Information Security & Compliance | Dubai World Trade Centre
Panelist:
Ahmad Fida | Chief Security Officer | LinkShadow
Zahid Altaf | Senior Manager Data Protection and Security | Retail Industry
Padam Kafle | Head of Innovation | Aster DM Healthcare
Kausar Mukeri | Vice President , Chief Information Security Officer ( CISO ) | GEMS Education
Saquib Farooq Malik | Head of Security | Al Tamimi & Company

Faisal Khan

Ahmad Fida

Zahid Altaf

Padam Kafle

Kausar Mukeri

Saquib Farooq Malik

11:50 AM - 12:05 PM

Keynote Speaker

Ahmed Al Zarouni | IT Strategy and Cybersecurity Expert | Government Organization

Ahmed AlZarouni

12:05PM - 12:20 PM

Vendor Keynote

12:20 PM - 12:50 PM

Expert Panel 3: The future of SOCs – AI vs. human analysts

Discussion Points:

  • Small group discussions on AI-driven SOCs
  • The role of human intelligence in cybersecurity operations
  • Best tools & frameworks for a modern SOC
Moderator:
Panelist:
Muhammad Irfan | Head of IT and Security | Utility Sector
Manish Agarwal | CIO | MH ENTERPRISES
Denis Yakimov | Head of Information Security and Privacy | Equiti Group
Chenthil Kumar | Head of Information & Security | RedSea International
Goutam Pudota | Director - IT Security (CISO) | IFFCO

Muhammad Irfan

Manish Agarwal

Denis Yakimov

Chenthil Kumar 

Goutam Pudota

12:50 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch and Networking

Connect with peers over a refreshing lunch and insightful conversations

1:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Vendor Keynote

1:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Expert Panel 4: CISO leadership panel: The boardroom conversation – communicating risk to executives

Discussion points:

  • Translating cybersecurity risks into business impact
  • Justifying cybersecurity investments
  • Metrics & KPIs that matter to the board
Moderator:
Jeevan Badigari | Head of Cybersecurity | ARADA Group
Panelist:
Hariprasad Chede | CISO | National Bank of Fujairah
Zaher Ali | Head of Information Security | Nextcare Claims Management LLC
Ilias Spyridon Efthymiopoulos | Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | Instashop
Vasily Dyagilev | Regional Director Middle East and RCIS | Checkpoint Software Technologies

Jeevan Badigari

Hariprasad Chede

Zaher El Ali

Ilias Spyridon Efthymiopoulos

Vasily Dyagilev

1:45 PM - 2:00 PM

Vendor Keynote

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Networking & Coffee Break

Connect with peers, exchange insights, and explore collaborations over coffee in a relaxed setting.

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Expert Panel 5: The Future of GRC – balancing risk, compliance & business agility

Discussion Points:

  • Best practices for governance & regulatory compliance
  • AI & automation in risk management
  • Business agility vs. regulatory constraints
Moderator:
Anoop Kumar | Head of Information Security Governance Risk and Compliance | Gulfnews
Panelist:
Dr. Ibrahim Al Alkeem AlZaani | National Risk and Policy Director| Government Entity
Osama Salah | Senior IT Security Architect | Abu Dhabi Government
Fahd Nizam | IT PMO & Tech GRC Leader | Banking and Education Industry
Ibrahim Adedeji Adefila | IT Security and Governance Manager | Al Rostamani Group

Anoop Paudval

Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem

Osama Salah

Fahd Nizam

Ibrahim Adedeji Adefila

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Vendor Keynote

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

Expert Panel 6: Crisis response & BCM – are you ready for the next disruption?

Discussion Points:

  • Scenario-based discussion on crisis management
  • Incident response playbook best practices
  • Key takeaways for strengthening BCM strategies
Moderator:
Dr. Mona Zoughaib | Co-founder and Managing Partner | We Grow Minds
Panelist:
Suzan Alghanem | Section Head - Organizational Resilience and Business Continuity | Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Carlo Loveri | Head of Risk and BCM | Abu Dhabi Airports
Dr. Carlotta Rodriquez | Managing Director| Adenium Risk and Coaching
Dhiraj Lal | Executive Director | Continuity and Resilience

Dr. Mona Carlos Akram Zgheib

Suzan Al Ghanem

Carlo Loveri

Carlo Loveri

Dr Carlotta Rodriquez

Dhiraj Lal

3:45 PM - 4:00 PM

GCM & BCM Excellence Awards Ceremony

Celebrate outstanding achievements in Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Business Continuity Management as we honor industry leaders for their excellence and innovation.

4:00 PM-onwards

Closing Remarks & CISOAwards

A wrap-up of key insights from the event, followed by the prestigious CISO Awards, honoring outstanding cybersecurity leaders for their excellence and contributions.