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.

Rami Al Haddad is the Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Menzies Aviation, where he leads the global technology strategy, digital transformation agenda, and cyber resilience roadmap across one of the world’s largest aviation services organizations. With a career spanning leadership role in technology, operations, and innovation, Rami has been instrumental in modernizing mission critical systems, strengthening operational reliability, and enabling data driven decision making across the enterprise.

Known for his ability to bridge strategy with execution, Rami oversees the IT function across multiple regions, driving initiatives that enhance efficiency, elevate customer experience, and support ambitious business growth. His leadership has been pivotal in delivering large scale digital programs, advancing cloud adoption, and establishing robust governance frameworks that align technology investments with business priorities.

Rami is passionate about building high performing teams, fostering cross functional collaboration, and championing a culture of continuous improvement. He frequently speaks on topics including digital transformation, cybersecurity, operational resilience, and the evolving role of technology in aviation and logistics.
He is based in Kuwait and works closely with executive leadership across the organization to shape the future of digital capabilities in a rapidly changing industry.

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.

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.

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.

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.