Eren is a seasoned analyst with 20+ years of experience in the ICT sector. He directs all IDC ICT research and consulting engagements in Türkiye, and all sustainability research and consulting projects across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META).

Based in Istanbul, Eren has been involved in projects ranging from market forecasts to strategic consulting engagements on market entry, competitive analysis, go-to-market strategies, technology marketing, and end-user studies. Eren’s vast experience in the IT services, cloud, software, and telecommunications domains helps IDC clients understand the impact of technology-enabled, sustainable transformation processes in the context of sustainable digital business strategies, operations, products, and services. In addition to his research and consulting activities, Eren is a speaker at industry events.

Prior to joining IDC in 2017, Eren spent more than a decade in IT industry roles spanning portfolio management, channel and business development, pricing, and software development at companies including Turk Telekom and TAI.

Eren earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering and an MBA focused on technology road mapping for strategy and innovation, both from Middle East Technical University. He received a master of science in information systems, with a thesis on modeling mobile telecommunications services, from Middle East Technical University. During his academic endeavors, he studied for one semester at the University of Copenhagen, and for one semester at Harvard University. He is pursuing a marketing PhD focused on sustainability.

Basil Ayass is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with nearly 20 years of experience driving profitable growth for technology giants like Google, Dell, and VMware. Currently serving as the Regional Lead for Public Sector at Google Cloud , Basil has a proven track record of scaling teams and overachieving targets. A regionally recognized public speaker and award-winning marketer, he has hosted conferences in over 15 countries, sharing insights on AI, cloud innovation, and digital transformation. Basil holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and an Engineering degree from the American University of Beirut.

Saad Ouchkir is an engineering leader with a globally informed perspective, shaped by his upbringing in Morocco, his extensive experience in Europe, and over a decade at Google. Currently based in Dubai, he leverages his expertise in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation to solve complex challenges and navigate the future of technology. A father of two and a passionate football fan, Saad is committed to fostering collaboration, mentorship, and building a future where technology empowers individuals and businesses worldwide.

A seasoned technology executive with 22+ years of experience across telecommunications and IT. He currently serves as General Manager of Applications at stc Kuwait, where he leads applications and technology transformation, driving modernization and digital enablement. He brings deep expertise in technology strategy, digital transformation, enterprise architecture, AI, cloud, automation, data, and technology operations, with a strong focus on business value, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Ali Alsaegh is a strategic technology and cybersecurity executive with more than two decades of experience helping financial institutions navigate complex digital transformation initiatives while strengthening cyber resilience. He is recognized for formulating cybersecurity strategies that align security investments with business priorities, enabling organizations to innovate with confidence, manage risk effectively, and achieve sustainable growth.

Over the course of his career, Ali has led the development and execution of enterprise security programs across Bahrain and Kuwait, driving the adoption of modern security architectures, governance frameworks, and emerging technologies. His expertise spans cybersecurity strategy, risk management, regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and operational resilience, with a particular focus on helping organizations securely embrace artificial intelligence and automation.

A strong advocate for responsible innovation, Ali works closely with business and technology leaders to integrate AI risk management principles into enterprise transformation programs, ensuring that AI adoption delivers measurable business value while maintaining security, compliance, and trust.

Beyond cybersecurity, Ali is passionate about leveraging intelligent automation and scalable digital operating models to improve efficiency, accelerate decision-making, and enhance organizational agility in an increasingly digital world.

Moataz brings over 17 years of experience in enterprise software sales across the Gulf region, with a strong focus on ERP, CRM, and cloud solutions. His career includes roles at SAP, Oracle, and engagements with Microsoft Gold Partners and major Kuwaiti telecom operators. Moataz has a proven track record in driving digital transformation initiatives and successfully closing high-value strategic deals across both public and private sectors.

In his current role, Moataz is responsible for leading key enterprise customer engagements across the Gulf to accelerate regional growth and deliver exceptional value to clients. Outside of work , he’s a passionate Harley Davidson rider and enjoys traveling to new places around the world.

Ayman is the Systems Engineering Manager for Nutanix North Gulf Region. Ayman comes with more than 20-year experience in building, modernizing and transforming Enterprise IT, with special passion and focus on hybrid/multi-cloud architectures, application modernization and digital transformation initiatives. Before Nutanix, Ayman has worked for major IT vendors and Systemes integrator across Middle East Africa.

Praful Thummar is the Vice President of Cybersecurity, AI, and Technology at Jazeera Airways. An influential IT management executive with 27 years of experience, he leverages deep technical expertise and business acumen to drive organizational growth and profitability. Praful joined Jazeera Airways in 2005 as a startup team member, pioneering regional firsts in airline core systems and digital passenger experiences. Prior to Jazeera, he led major core IT systems transformations at Air India. Holding an MBA alongside CISA, CISSP, and PMP certifications, Praful bridges the gap between complex security architectures and overarching financial strategy. His leadership in developing resilient, scalable solutions has been recognized with multiple industry accolades.

Dr. Haidar Almohri is the Head of Data Science and Acting Chief Data and Innovation Officer at Gulf Bank, Kuwait. He leads key initiatives in data science, business analytics, and innovation. Dr. Almohri holds a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Wayne State University and brings extensive experience in building and managing data teams, applying advanced AI and machine learning techniques, and driving digital transformation strategies.

His research interests focus on generative AI, big data analytics, deep learning, and business optimization. With a robust background in both academia and industry leadership, he has also served as a consultant across multiple sectors. Dr. Almohri regularly speaks at conferences and seminars and has conducted numerous workshops and training courses in data science and Artificial Intelligence in Kuwait and GCC.

A seasoned technology executive with 28+ years of experience across telecommunications, banking, and technology. He has held senior leadership roles including Head of IT at NBK, Quality Director at Zain, and CEO of ITS Group, and currently serves as CTO at stc. He brings deep expertise in technology strategy, digital transformation, innovation, and business growth.

Barrak Al Matar is the General Manager – Information Technology of Burgan Bank and has more than 21 years of experience in the IT domain. He is currently responsible for leading the bank’s efforts to strengthen its digital transformation, as well as for modernizing IT operations, implementing security controls, and aligning IT objectives with the bank’s strategies and goals, with a particular focus on ensuring a seamless banking experience for customers. In his previous role at Equate Petrochemical Company, he executed numerous projects around business intelligence, datacenter migration, and cloud strategy execution, and he was notably responsible for leading the IT facet of the acquisition of ME Global Company across multiple nations. He has also previously worked at KIB Bank, where he propelled the bank into the digital era, pioneering a comprehensive IT overhaul underscored by strategic revamps, talent development, and organizational restructures. Barrak is an SAP-certified consultant, holds various professional certifications, including Six Sigma (Green Belt), and has served as a board member for the SAP User Group MENA.

Salah Al-Farhoud is the  Director of Applications and Information Support Department  at Kuwait’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA), with over 20 years of experience in information technology. He has led key digital transformation initiatives at CMA, including digital government integration, case management platforms, service automation, and AI-enabled digital services. He holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Computing.

Captain Ayman Alshammari, Chief Operating Officer of Jazeera Airways, has more than 33 years of aviation leadership experience spanning airline operations, safety, training and regulatory oversight.

Prior to his appointment as COO, Captain Ayman served as Vice President – Flight Operations with the airline and played a pivotal role in strengthening operational performance, enhancing crew training, and advancing the airline’s safety culture.

Before joining Jazeera in 2018, he held senior leadership positions at Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Kuwait Airways.

Captain Ayman holds an IATA Airlines Operations Diploma and executive certifications from Cranfield University, and is recognized for his expertise in flight operations, regulatory compliance, safety management and operational excellence.

With over two decades of banking, real estate, and private equity experience, Abdulla has developed an aptitude, zeal, and skills culminating in a methodical, structured, and effective management style. He is an agile, generalizing specialist, cross-functional, progressive, innovative, and creative thinker capable of applying strategic planning methods to formulate competitive strategies, implement strategic objectives through effective project management, and manage the change brought about by these initiatives.

In 2001, Abdulla started his career at the National Bank of Kuwait gaining exposure to consumer banking, asset management, investment banking, treasury, and corporate banking. In 2004, he joined Ahlia Investment Company handling international investments and progressed to the post of Chairman and CEO until 2018. By 2009, Abdulla was recognized by the Leaders Institute as a leading figure in the local business community. He was also a board director at Credit Bank in Lebanon taking active part in crafting and monitoring the bank’s strategy.

Abdulla holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance from Boston University where he also obtained a graduate diploma in Entrepreneurial Management. He’s also a certified Harvard Strategy Specialist, Certified Change Practitioner (CCP), Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified PMO practitioner, a Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master (DASSM), a certified PMO professional (PMO-CP), certified in TOGAF Business Architecture, and also a certified OKR Coach.