Speakers
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META)
IDC
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Shilpi Handa
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 8:00 pm | Location:
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.
Wednesday, November 12 2025 7:30 pm | Location:
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.
Wednesday, November 12 2025 5:50 pm | Location:
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.
Wednesday, November 12 2025 5:45 pm | Location:
Welcome Address
James Neilson
Senior Vice President, International
OPSWAT
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James Neilson
James Neilson serves as senior vice president for international at OPSWAT, where he leads global go-to-market and field operations for one of the fastest-growing companies in critical infrastructure protection. He is a global technology leader with over two decades of experience driving growth and innovation across the cybersecurity and enterprise software landscape. With a career spanning leadership roles at some of the industry’s most recognized firms, James has built and led high-performing teams across Europe, the Middle East, and APAC, consistently delivering results in complex, high-stakes environments. Prior to joining OPSWAT, he held executive roles at leading cybersecurity and SaaS companies, where he specialized in scaling international business units, developing partner ecosystems, and helping public and private sector organizations strengthen their cyber-resilience. His deep understanding of both mature and emerging markets makes him a trusted advisor to CISOs, regulators, and technology partners navigating the evolving threat landscape.
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 6:00 pm | Location:
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.
Khaled Abu Samra
Solutions Engineer
BeyondTrust
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Khaled Abu Samra
Khaled Abu Samra serves as a solutions engineer at BeyondTrust, where he is dedicated to helping organizations secure identities and manage permissions with confidence.
With a strong focus on customer success, he works closely with clients to design and implement solutions that safeguard critical assets and enhance access control. He takes pride in delivering tailored, effective security strategies that address each customer’s unique needs and ensure long-term protection.
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 6:15 pm | Location:
Agentic AI in Identity Security
Mohammad Flaifel
Regional Sales Director
Group-IB
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Mohammad Flaifel
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 6:30 pm | Location:
AI Resilience in Action: From AI-Driven Threats to AI-Driven Defense
Mohamed Abo-ElEzz
Senior Solutions Principle
Dell Technologies
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Mohamed Abo-ElEzz
Mohamed Abo-ElEzz is a senior solutions principal at Dell Technologies, with two decades of experience enabling organizations to build resilient and adaptive IT ecosystems.
With a proven track record of implementing business and operational resilience, IT transformation, and emerging technologies, including the evolving landscape of AI, Mohamed partners with executive teams across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to design and deliver adaptive, future-ready IT frameworks that strengthen enterprise continuity and agility.
Mohamed supports customers in bringing clarity to complex challenges and a focus on real-world impact. He remains passionate about enabling organizations to evolve securely and intelligently as technology continues to reshape how we think about resilience and innovation.
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 6:45 pm | Location:
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.
Niraj Mathur
Managing Director
Protiviti Middle East Member Firm
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Niraj Mathur
Niraj Mathur, an accomplished professional with over 18 years of experience in data security and privacy consulting, leads cybersecurity services at Protiviti Middle East in his role as managing director. He has effectively managed several large and intricate regional projects with his expertise in security strategy, security operations, and security architecture. Niraj has a proven track record of assisting prominent clients with compliance, risk management, security operations, and overall security road maps, both locally and globally.
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 7:20 pm | Location:
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.
Abdul Qadir Yousuf
VP Operational Risk and Security
Tiqmo
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Abdul Qadir Yousuf
Abdul Qadir Sultan, FCA, is the VP, Head of Operational Risk at Tiqmo, a leading Saudi fintech driving innovation in digital payments. With over 20 years of experience across banking and fintech in the Middle East and South Asia, he specializes in enterprise risk management, governance, and compliance.
At Tiqmo, Abdul Qadir leads initiatives that strengthen operational resilience and ensure alignment with SAMA regulations and Vision 2030’s Financial Sector Development Program. His leadership has been pivotal in embedding a strong risk culture and safeguarding financial integrity.
Previously, he held senior roles at Tweeq, SadaPay, Bank Alfalah and Easypaisa, where he developed and executed frameworks for fraud prevention, business continuity, and global compliance.
A Chartered Accountant (FCA) and thought leader in fintech risk transformation, Abdul Qadir is recognized for turning complex regulatory requirements into practical strategies that enable innovation with integrity.
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 7:30 pm | Location:
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.
Eng. Mohamed Ujaimi
CISO
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)
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Eng. Mohamed Ujaimi
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 7:30 pm | Location:
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.
Abdullah Alharthi
CISO
University of Bisha
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Abdullah Alharthi
Abdullah Alahrthi is a dedicated cybersecurity professional with a Master’s and PhD degrees in Cybersecurity and over four years of hands-on experience in the field. With a strong background in information security governance, risk management, and network defense, Alharthi is passionate about building secure digital environments and promoting cybersecurity awareness.
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 7:30 pm | Location:
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.
Muhammad Anum Saleem
Legal Director
AlDhabaan & Partners in association with Eversheds Sutherland (International)
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Muhammad Anum Saleem
Muhammad Anum Saleem serves as legal director at AlDhabaan & Partners in association with Eversheds Sutherland (International). Based in Saudi Arabia, he is a leading technology, media, and telecommunications counsel with over a decade of experience. His practice focuses on the critical legal challenges surrounding the Middle East’s digital infrastructure boom, directly advising global IT companies and hyperscalers on their regional operations. Anum specializes in the following areas:
- AI and Cloud: Regulatory and commercial issues related to AI deployment and complex cloud computing contracts.
- Regulation and Risk: Expert counsel on data sovereignty, privacy, and cybersecurity compliance in the GCC.
- Infrastructure Investment: Structuring and advising on major datacenter expansion and technology investment projects in Saudi Arabia.
Anum is a recognized thought leader, quoted in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, who combines extensive practical experience with an academic background to provide essential insights into the dynamic Middle East digital landscape.
Event Sessions
Wednesday, November 12 2025 7:30 pm | Location:
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.