Registration, Tea/Coffee & Networking

Welcome Address

Shilpi Handa

Associate Research Director (META), IDC

Empowering CISOs: Trends in Cybersecurity

This session will cover the latest cybersecurity trends, , including network, cloud, and AI-security investments. It will highlight the growing emphasis on compliance, talent localization, and automation, with providers showcasing AI-powered SOCs and specialized solutions for regulated sectors. The consensus is clear: CISOs are now strategic architects, shaping secure, resilient, and compliant digital futures for the Kingdom.

Shilpi Handa

Associate Research Director (META), IDC

Protecting Critical Infrastructure from the Rise of AI-Borne Threats

AI is revolutionizing industries, but it’s also empowering threat actors with sophisticated tools to exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. This session explores the dangers of AI-borne threats and how they’re capable of evading traditional defenses. Join OPSWAT experts as they delve into real-world scenarios highlighting the dangers of AI-driven attacks and the unique challenges they pose to IT and OT environments. Discover emerging strategies, technologies, and best practices for fortifying your defenses, ensuring your organization remains resilient against these unprecedented threats in the age of AI. Don’t just adapt—stay one step ahead.

James Neilson

Senior Vice President, International, OPSWAT

Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)

Agentic AI in Identity Security

Khaled Abu Samra

Solutions Engineer, BeyondTrust

Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)

AI Resilience in Action: From AI-Driven Threats to AI-Driven Defense

Mohammad Flaifel

Regional Sales Director, Group-IB

Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)

Security and Resilience Frameworks

Address the specific challenges of protecting critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, healthcare, and transportation, from sophisticated cyber threats and attacks.

Mohamed Abo-ElEzz

Senior Solutions Principle, Dell Technologies

Q&A (Ask Questions & Stand a Chance to Win a Raffle)

Tea/Coffee & Networking

Reimagining Security for the Modern Enterprise

Security strategy has evolved dramatically — shaped by the pre-pandemic era, the pandemic, and now the acceleration of AI and quantum. Today, organizations must move beyond static controls to adopt a more adaptive and business-aligned approach. This session will focus on three core pillars of a modern security strategy — agility, resilience, and optimization — and how each helps security leaders anticipate change, respond faster, and realize measurable value. The discussion will conclude with key takeaways on the benefits and outcomes of this evolved model.

Niraj Mathur

Managing Director, Protiviti Middle East Member Firm

CISO Panel Discussion: Navigating Regulatory Compliance with Confidence

This discussion will focus on how CISOs can effectively manage the complexities of regulatory compliance in a rapidly changing environment. Panelists will share insights on interpreting new regulations, implementing compliance controls, and fostering a culture of accountability. The session will also address the role of automation and continuous monitoring in maintaining compliance, and how to prepare for audits and regulatory reviews with confidence.

Shilpi Handa

Associate Research Director (META), IDC

Abdul Qadir Yousuf

VP Operational Risk and Security, Tiqmo

Eng. Mohamed Ujaimi

CISO, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)

Abdullah Alharthi

CISO, University of Bisha

Muhammad Anum Saleem

Legal Director, AlDhabaan & Partners in association with Eversheds Sutherland (International)

Workshop: Back to the Future – Time Travelling CISO

Step into the shoes of a time-traveling CISO as we simulate the challenge of managing cybersecurity budgets in 2010 vs. 2025. This interactive session explores how evolving threat landscapes, regulatory pressures, and business priorities have reshaped security decision-making. Participants will experience the stark contrast between the reactive, perimeter-focused spending of 2010 and today’s complex mix of cloud security, AI-driven threats, zero trust, and compliance mandates.

Through real-world scenarios, the session highlights how modern CISOs must juggle risk, regulation, and resilience—balancing innovation with fiscal discipline in an era where every dollar must defend digital trust.

Shilpi Handa

Associate Research Director (META), IDC

Mega Raffle Announcement

Dinner & Networking