IDC CISO Roundtable 2025
AI Resilience in Action: Cyber Leadership for the Next Era
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation journey under Vision 2030, CISOs are at the forefront of navigating the nation’s evolving cybersecurity priorities. IDC’s Security Survey reveals that user identity management, security awareness, data privacy and compliance, and third-party risk assessment are the top areas of focus for organizations in the Kingdom. These findings underscore the urgent need for strong, adaptive leadership to safeguard digital ecosystems while enabling innovation.
The IDC CISO Roundtable 2025 will bring together senior cybersecurity leaders from government, energy, finance, and enterprise sectors to address these priorities. Through expert-led sessions, collaborative workshops, and CISO panel discussions, the event will tackle the most pressing cybersecurity challenges facing organizations today.
Why Attend
- Premier CISO Workshop – Back to the Future: Time Travelling CISO: Step into the shoes of a time-traveling CISO to experience how cybersecurity priorities have evolved from 2010 to 2025—balancing risk, regulation, and innovation.
- Build Cyber Resilience: Learn to create adaptable cybersecurity frameworks for evolving threats.
- Leverage AI & Automation: Use intelligent technologies to strengthen and scale secure growth.
- Navigate Compliance: Stay ahead of changing regulations with practical, expert insights.
- Empower Future Leaders: Foster and guide the next generation of cybersecurity talent.
- Connect & Collaborate: Network with peers and shape the future of cyber resilience in Saudi Arabia.
Speakers
Shilpi Handa
Associate Research Director (META)
IDC
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Shilpi Handa
IDC
Associate Research Director (META)
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
OPSWAT
Senior Vice President, International
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
BeyondTrust
Solutions Engineer
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
Group-IB
Regional Sales Director
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
Dell Technologies
Senior Solutions Principle
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
Protiviti Middle East Member Firm
Managing Director
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.
Eng. Mohamed Ujaimi
CISO
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)
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Eng. Mohamed Ujaimi
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)
CISO
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.
Abdul Qadir Yousuf
VP Operational Risk and Security
Tiqmo
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Abdul Qadir Yousuf
Tiqmo
VP Operational Risk and Security
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.
Muhammad Anum Saleem
Legal Director
AlDhabaan & Partners in association with Eversheds Sutherland (International)
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Muhammad Anum Saleem
AlDhabaan & Partners in association with Eversheds Sutherland (International)
Legal Director
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.
Abdullah Alharthi
CISO
University of Bisha
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Abdullah Alharthi
University of Bisha
CISO
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.
Our Partners
Opswat
For the past 20 years, OPSWAT has been a global leader in cybersecurity, specializing in IT, operational technology, and critical infrastructure protection. Through continuous innovation, OPSWAT has developed a comprehensive end-to-end solutions platform that provides public and private sector organizations with the critical tools needed to safeguard complex networks, ensure compliance, and secure files. OPSWAT’s solutions are designed to safeguard critical infrastructure, protect valuable digital assets, and preserve the continuity of operations across diverse industries.
BeyondTrust
BeyondTrust is the global cybersecurity leader protecting Paths to Privilege™. Our identity-centric approach goes beyond securing privileges and access, empowering organizations with the most effective solution to manage the entire identity attack surface and neutralize threats, whether from external attacks or insiders.
BeyondTrust is leading the charge in transforming identity security to prevent breaches and limit the blast radius of attacks, while creating a superior customer experience and operational efficiencies. We are trusted by 20,000 customers, including 75 of the Fortune 100, and our global ecosystem of partners.
Group IB
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Singapore, Group-IB is a leading creator of cybersecurity technologies to investigate, prevent, and fight digital crime. Combating cybercrime is in the company’s DNA, shaping its technological capabilities to defend businesses, citizens, and support law enforcement operations.
Dell Technologies | Nutanix
Our story began with a belief and a passion: that everybody should have easy access to the best technology anywhere in the world. That was in 1984 in Michael Dell’s University of Texas dorm room. Today, Dell Technologies is instrumental in changing the digital landscape the world over. We are among the world’s leading technology companies helping to transform people’s lives with extraordinary capabilities. From hybrid cloud solutions to high-performance computing to ambitious social impact and sustainability initiatives, what we do impacts everyone, everywhere. Powered by a diverse workforce, we create solutions that harness and amplify technology in the most meaningful ways. From healthcare to education to a digital economy, we believe in the power of technology to help solve complex societal challenges. At Dell Technologies, we are innovation pioneers driving the digital revolution forward. Together, and as individuals, our passion and unique perspectives propel every idea, concept and solution we create.
Sophos
Sophos is a cybersecurity leader defending 600,000 organizations globally with an AI-driven platform and expert-led services. Sophos meets organizations wherever they are in their security maturity and grows with them to defeat cyberattacks. Its solutions combine machine learning, automation, and real-time threat intelligence with frontline human expertise from Sophos X-Ops to deliver advanced, 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and response. Sophos offers industry-leading managed detection and response (MDR) alongside a comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity technologies — including endpoint, network, email, and cloud security, extended detection and response (XDR), identity threat detection and response (ITDR), and next-gen SIEM.
Emircom
Established in 2005, Emircom Saudi Arabia continues the company’s legacy of excellence, driving digital transformation across industries with a client-first approach and deep regional expertise.
At Emircom, our mission is to enable businesses through meaningful, outcome-driven solutions that simplify complexity, enhance performance, and ensure long-term value. We are passionate about making technology work for our clients—bringing together multiple technologies into seamless, intelligent, and secure ecosystems that help organizations achieve their strategic goals.
We believe success comes through partnership and collaboration. That’s why we work closely with specialized partners to ensure our clients gain the maximum value from their technology investments. Emircom proudly partners with the world’s most trusted Technology and Cybersecurity brands, offering unmatched expertise in strategizing, transforming, and managing IT services.
With over 750+ certified consultants, Emircom delivers end-to-end capabilities across:
- Cybersecurity & SOC Services
- Enterprise Networking
- Greenfield Data Centers
- Cloud Transformation & Migrations
- Managed Services
Our strategic alliances include global leaders such as Cisco, Splunk, Dell EMC, VMware, NetApp, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, Canonical, Huawei, F5, McAfee, Forcepoint, Nutanix, IBM, Riverbed, Infoblox, Sectona, Seceon, and Shellt, among others.
At Emircom, we are more than a technology provider — we are a trusted business enabler, helping clients innovate with confidence and focus on what matters most — their core business.
Manage Engine
ManageEngine is a division of Zoho Corporation and a leading provider of IT management solutions for organizations across the world. With a powerful, flexible, and AI-powered digital enterprise management platform, we help businesses get their work done from anywhere and everywhere—better, safer, and faster. To learn more, visit www.manageengine.com
Protiviti
Protiviti is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach, and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Protiviti and its independent and locally owned member firms provide clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, digital, legal, HR, risk, and internal audit through a network of more than 90 offices in over 25 countries. Protiviti has served more than 80% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly 80% of Fortune 500 companies. The firm also works with government agencies and smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public.
Knowledge Hub
Partner Spotlight
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a pioneer globally in terms of cybersecurity, with privacy frameworks and regulations aligned to the country’s national cybersecurity strategy and Vision 2030 blueprint.
Niraj Mathur
Protiviti Middle East Member Firm
Managing Director
Learn More
Partner Spotlight
A momentary truth we must acknowledge: AI currently tips in favor of adversaries. Not because of the technology itself, but because of the unfair advantages they hold. While defenders must secure an entire attack surface, attackers only need to find one weak link.
