Speakers
Dot Cyber Summit | 18-19 Sep 2024 | Amman - Jordan
H.E. Marwan Juma
Former Minister of Information and Communications Technology

Marwan Juma is one of Jordan's leading technology figures and the former Minister of Information and Communications Technology. He is also the founder of dot.jo, one of Jordan's leading web and mobile development houses, and Kinz for Information Technology, the country's leading corporate data provider. In addition, Marwan is one of the founders and current Chairman of Oasis 500, the region's leading technology seed fund and accelerator. He previously held the CEO of Batelco Jordan, the country's second fixed-line operator and leading data communication provider, as well as the CEO of Xpress, one of Jordan's mobile operators.

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti
Head of Cyber Security - UAE Government

Dr. Al Kuwaiti was appointed by the Cabinet as the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government since 2020. As the Head of Cyber Security, his mandate includes responsibilities as the Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council as well as Managing Director of the National Data Centre under the Supreme Council for National Security. As the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government by investiture, Dr. Al Kuwaiti has legal authority over all aspects pertaining to securing the cyberspace for the entire Nation.

In his current role, Dr. Al Kuwaiti is tasked with the responsibility of charting the cyber security strategy for the Nation that not only equips the UAE to enter the digital era with capabilities to deal with the new threat landscape exacerbated by the pandemic, but also ensures UAE's leadership in cyber security globally; towards establishing the UAE as the world's leading trusted digital hub and supporting the Nation's digital transformation agenda and the digital future of all residents who made UAE their home.

H.E. Eng. Badar Alsalehi
Director General - Oman National CERT & Head of ITU Arab Regional Cyber Security Center - Oman National CERT

Eng. Al Salehi is the Director General of Oman National CERT which is the e- Oman national initiative addressing the cyber security issues in the sultanate of Oman. Additionally, he carries out other leading roles and responsibilities where he is the head of the Regional Cyber Security Center of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) which is the specialized ICT agency of the United Nations (UN), He is also the chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Computer Emergency Response Team (OIC-CERT) and he sets as a member in several national and regional committees including committees within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

He has been working for several governmental agencies and had the opportunity to lead several national projects and initiatives that achieved international recognitions and prizes.

The Academic study and experience of Mr Al Salehi, has been at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom where he lived in the UK for a number of years.

Additionally, he holds several professional and specialized qualifications and certifications and he has been speaking and representing Oman in several regional and international meetings, conferences and events

Eng. Bassam Al-Maharme
President - National Cyber Security Center JO

Cybersecurity executive with nearly 33+ years of experience in IT Security, Information Operations, and Information Warfare.

Master's Degree in Computer and Information Systems Security\Information Assurance from Naval Postgraduate School, California, USA.

  • President at National Cyber Security Center (NCSC).
  • Cybersecurity Consultant at the Government of Qatar.
  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Jordan Armed Forces.
  • Director at National Cybersecurity Program (NCP).
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem
Artificial Intelligence AI , Cybersecurity (IT & OT) Director - Abu Dhabi Government

Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem is a prominent expert in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with over 18 years of experience in the field. His extensive background encompasses significant roles where he has consistently demonstrated leadership and innovative thinking.

Dr. Al Alkeem has made substantial scholarly contributions to the field, authoring numerous articles in esteemed research centers and academic journals, and serving on various advisory boards. His dedication to the dissemination of knowledge and advancement of industry standards is well recognized.

A respected voice in the artificial intelligence community, Dr. Al Alkeem is a frequent keynote speaker and panelist at top-tier international conferences and summits. Here, he shares his forward-thinking perspectives and expert insights, influencing contemporary discussions in technology.

He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering with a double major in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity from Khalifa University. His academic prowess is further enhanced by an impressive suite of global security certifications, reflecting his commitment to continuing education and mastery of the field.

Dr. Al Alkeem's active participation in numerous prestigious Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity associations underscores his commitment to the global AI community and his dedication to fostering international collaboration and innovation.

Christian Reilly
Field Chief Technology Officer, EMEA - Cloudflare

Christian Reilly joined Cloudflare in May of 2024 as Field Chief Technology Office, EMEA and is responsible for leading the Field CTO organization through the region. Prior to Cloudflare, Christian was CTO EMEA at HashiCorp, and before that, Christian held various senior leadership positions at Citrix before assuming the role of Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, company-wide. Previous to joining Citrix, Christian held several key IT leadership positions over a 20-year career at US-based Engineering and Construction firm Bechtel.

Christian lives in Manchester with his family and is a fan of Manchester City. He is passionate about technology and innovation, enjoys all sports, and spending time traveling with his family.

Ahmad Al Saleh
OT Cybersecurity Lead - Saudi Aramco

Ahmed is a distinguished OT cybersecurity lead handling cybersecurity risk for Saudi Aramco Gas operations. He is equipped with a decade and a half of expertise in safeguarding critical infrastructures, developing and managing information security management systems (ISMS), and a proven track in enhancing cybersecurity GRC & operation controls. He is also the Digital Transformation lead in his organization working with all SMEs to improve digital maturity across different domains.

Ahmed Holds a bachelor's degree in MIS from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and a master's degree in cybersecurity from Georgia Institute of Technology. He also has multiple recognized cybersecurity certifications.

Ahmed is a firm believer in the power and importance of knowledge sharing and volunteerism as he is a member of Information Security Association - Hemaya. He is also a passionate speaker with participation in multiple international summits and conferences.

Abdulrahman Al Musfir
Regional Cybersecurity Officer - Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia

Abdulrahman is currently Regional Cybersecurity Officer, MEA at Schneider Electric, where he is responsible for leading, animating and implementing the Cybersecurity strategy and risk management. With over 13 years of professional experience, including intensive technology risk experience at big-4 consulting firms, and 8 major cybersecurity certifications, he makes it his daily mission to improve Schneider Electric's cybersecurity maturity and posture, contributing to create a safe and secure cyberspace for everyone.

Eng. Omar Ayesh
Chief Executive Officer - Hakeem

Chief Executive Officer at Electronic Health Solutions company, that was established to support and elevate the quality of healthcare services provided, by playing a major role in the digital transformation program in the Jordanian healthcare sector. Eng. Omar has over 25+ years of achievements in setting and driving strategies, quality improvement and operations in digital health transformation in various governmental entities such as the Royal Hashemite Court and the Royal Medical Services.

Eng. Ayesh holds a MSc degree in Health Informatics from the University of Leeds - UK and a BSc degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toledo - USA.

Amjad Al-Sadeq
Regional Managing Director - Processing & Country Head, Jordan - Network International

Amjad Al-Sadeq joined Network International in March 2016, assuming responsibility for all facets of the company's operations in the Levant. In addition, he oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to drive Network's growth in the region.

With over 30 years of extensive experience in the payments industry, Amjad possesses in-depth knowledge of acquiring, bank processing services, operations, electronic bill payments, e-commerce, mobile payments, EMV, Fintech and security. Notably, he played a key role in establishing the main ATM switch in Jordan (JONET).

Previously, he served as the Regional Director of Emerging Markets Payments (EMP) Jordan, which was acquired by Network International in 2016. Prior to EMP, he held the position of Executive Manager for Visa Jordan Card Services, which was fully acquired by EMP in 2011.

His educational background includes a Master's degree in Business Administration, and two Bachelor's degrees in Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering. In addition to his current role, Amjad serves as a board member at Int@j, Alawneh Exchange, and UPI.

Basem Hamad
Chief Technology Officer - Sager Drone

Basem Hamad is a distinguished Application Security Expert with extensive experience in building scalable cloud-based solutions. As the Chief Technology Officer at Sager Drone, he has led the development of advanced solutions for drone operation management, drone defense strategies, and secure data governance. Basem excels in creating security frameworks for sectors like Cyber Security and Drones meanwhile driving innovative solutions. His expertise in Programming, Application Security, Penetration-Testing, and Drone Security positions him at the forefront of technological advancements in Cyber Security.

Dr. Deema Bibi
CEO - Injaz

Bibi holds a Bachelor's degree in Digital Electronics, Masters in Business Administration, and Masters in Research Methodology in Management Science. She is a Doctoral candidate of Business Management specializing in Entrepreneurship.

Bibi has 30 years of diverse experience, including working in the private sector, the United Nations, and the social sector, and has served on boards of public and national institutions including Greater Amman Municipality, the Development and Employment Fund, King Abdullah II Fund for Development, and National Council for Family Affairs. She currently serves on a number of local and international boards including the Higher Education Council, Baptism Development Zone, Generations for Peace, Tamweelcom Micro-finance, First Education Holding, Global Thinkers Forum, among others. Additionally, she is an active member in national committees and global councils in the fields of Education, Entrepreneurship, Financial Inclusion, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Development.

Eng. Montasir Bdair
Founder & CEO - IT Security

For over 22 years, Mr. Bdair has been Information security, education, and information technology professional serving business and government clients in USA, Europe, Middle East and Africa. For over 22 years, Mr. Bdair has been Information security, education, and information technology professional serving business and government clients in USA, Europe, Middle East and Africa. He is the founder of IT Security Consulting and Training company (ITS C&T) and the CEO of Security Matterz-Saudi Arabia.

Kamal Haddad
CEO - Inspire for Solutions Development

As the Founder and CEO of Inspire for Solutions Development, Kamal Haddad has successfully delivered exceptional services to clients in The Middle East driving a significant business growth and maintained a strong reputation for leadership and innovation. His background in software development, project management, and total quality management has enabled him to consistently deliver high-quality projects in different areas and Kamal has made significant contributions to the industry.

Eng. Nidal Bitar
CEO - ICT Association of Jordan - int@j

Senior executive with over 25 years of expertise in information technology, human capital development, workplace performance, strategy implementation, project management, and entrepreneurship.

Prior to his current position as the CEO of int@j, Nidal held several leading positions in various private sector organizations including the Strategic Center for Organizational Performance Improvement - SCOPI, Optimiza Academy - a subsidiary of Optimiza Group - that provides IT, Consulting Outsourcing and Training with offices in Jordan and the region, and BT Applied Technology

Rami Al Karmi
Executive Chairman - Ab(new)normal Inc

Rami Al Karmi is a distinguished futurist, investor, executive coach, advisor, and innovation strategist. He is the Executive Chairman of Ab(new)normal Inc - a Venture Capital and corporate Innovation Studio founded by Rami to focus on AI, Blockchain, DeFi, and Web3-based Digital Twin Exponential Business Model Ventures in FinTech, Islamic Finance, EdTech, and the Future of Work. Rami is also the author of the forthcoming book "AB(NEW)NORMAL - How to Evolve Your Mindset and Business Out of Hunger Games!" [ISBN 978-1-7361597-0-5] and the Host and curator of the FinConJo Conference Co-organized by SOFEX Jordan and Wafra Business.

Dr. Baha Khasawneh
Former Director General of NITC/Jordan Government & Associate Professor - PSUT

Entrepreneurial and driven executive with experience over 25 years in the private and public sectors and higher education specialized in information technology and cyber security. Facilitator and builder of world-class technology management and service.

  • Former Director General, The National Information Technology Center/Jordan Government.
  • He served as a Member of the Jordan National Cyber Security Higher Committee, also an IT consultant for UN ESCWA on e-accessibility and Digital Inclusion.
  • Member of the Arab Internet Governance Forum (Arab IGF) and the Arab Multistakeholder Advisory Group (AMAG)

He also represented Jordan in a number of international conferences in Information Technology and communication, Cyber Security, and Internet Governance.

Ahmed Tharwat
Regional Manager (Africa and Levant) - Group IB

Ahmed Tharwat is the Regional Manager for Group-IB across Africa and the Levant. With 20 years of experience in information security, Ahmed has established himself as a leading expert in the field. His career is marked by his significant contributions as a main stakeholder in numerous national and strategic projects, covering various sectors and countries.

Ahmed's expertise spans a broad range of security domains, including cybersecurity strategy, threat intelligence, risk management, and incident response. He has played a crucial role in designing and implementing security frameworks that protect critical infrastructures and sensitive data across diverse industries.

Eng. Belal Al-Hafnawi
A Commissioner - TRC

His Excellency Eng. Belal Al-Hafnawi is a Digital Transformation Champion driving innovation through strategic technology leadership. Results-oriented Technology Executive with a passion for using data to unlock business value, Technology Visionary and Change Agent leading digital transformation initiatives. Problem Solver Data-Driven Leader, Building the Future and Driving Growth Through Innovation

H.E Eng. Belal Al-Hafnawi is currently a Commissioner and Full-Time Board Member at the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC-Jordan), where he oversees the regulation and supervision of the telecommunications, information technology, and postal services in Jordan.

With over 22 years of experience in the ICT sector, he has a proven track record of managing complex projects, leading performance enhancements, and solving network problems for leading telecom operators (STC, Mobily, Zain) and worldwide vendors (Motorola, Huawei, Nokia, Samsung)

As a RegTech and Digital Transformation leader, he is passionate about fostering the growth and innovation of the ICT ecosystem and enhancing the social and economic development of the country.

Ruba Darwish
Country Manager - BMB Jordan

Ruba stands as a prominent figure in the regional business landscape, holding a profound faith in technology. Her remarkable blend of strong business acumen a thorough grasp of technology and a track record of operational excellence continually enhances her capacity to foster customer-centric enterprises and delivering innovative business strategies. As a staunch advocate for women & Startups in the tech industry, she passionately upholds the motto, "Technology is Hope."

Laith Al-Quraan
Director - Alpha-hub

Laith Q. is an experienced professional with a background in communication engineering and over 10 years of expertise in business development and sales. Specializing in cybersecurity, Laith holds numerous certifications in the field, underscoring his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. With a strong foundation in technical knowledge and a proven track record in driving business growth, Laith excels in developing strategic partnerships and expanding market reach. His engineering background and cybersecurity expertise give him a unique perspective in understanding complex technical products and translating them into successful business solutions.

Andrew Hanna
CEO - ZainTECH

Andrew Hanna was appointed as founding CEO of ZainTECH in March 2021, assuming responsibility for the strategic and operational direction of the company.

ZainTECH is Zain Group's regional digital and ICT powerhouse consolidating Zain Group's Enterprise, ICT, and Digital assets to offer a compelling and unique value proposition of comprehensive digital solutions and transformation services tailored to enterprises and governments in the MENA region, under one roof.

Andrew brings extensive experience of over 25 years operating successfully in the ICT and telecommunications sectors. He has led multi-billion-dollar plus P&L leadership experience with direct strategic and operational responsibility for digital transformation, strategy and planning, product management, channels and alliances creation, customer care, sales management, and marketing.

Dr. Soloman Al Madi
Principal Scientist - Aramco

Dr. Soloman Almadi is currently a professional engineering Principle Scientist in the OT Cybersecurity, Process Control Systems, Digital Transformation Programs, and Open Process Automations at Saudi Aramco. Dr. Almadi holds a PhD in simulation and computing. He is an inventor who is credited for over 25 inventions and technology game changer for which he received different international awards and recognitions. In addition, he has published over 50 papers and was awarded the International Society of Automation Fellow Award for year 2024 for his significant contributions in Automation and Cybersecurity profession

Dr. Emil Abu Jaber
Director of the Center of Professional Development and Community Outreach - HTU

Dr. Emil Abujaber is the Director of the Center of Professional Development and Community Outreach at Alhussein Tech University, specializing in upskilling and reskilling programs for graduates.

He strategically manages the center's initiatives to enhance employability skills.

Dr. Emil Abujaber collaborates with various stakeholders to improve program effectiveness.

An academic with interests in organizational psychology and leadership, he also teaches a leadership course at Al Hussein Technical University (HTU)

Hatem Kawasmy
Managing Partner - KPMG

Hatem leads KPMG Jordan practices, he is also leading the business in Iraqi market, with a team of over 200 professionals covering projects across industries throughout Jordan, and Iraq. He has over 30 years of extensive senior management experience and a solid background as a market strategic planner.

Hatem has expertise in providing consultancies to commercial companies, not-for-profit organizations and governmental institutions on capacity building, institutional development, business improvement, and strengthening the financial management, internal controls, and taxation.

Ton Diemont
Partner and Head of Cybersecurity & Privacy - KPMG

Ton Diemont is a cybersecurity expert with over 25 years of international experience. As Partner and Head of Cybersecurity & Privacy at KPMG Saudi Arabia and Levant Cluster, Ton leads a team of cybersecurity professionals across Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. He specializes in Cyber Maturity Assessments, Strategies and Roadmaps, Governance Risk & Compliance, Security Testing, Defense & Response, Privacy and Data Security, OT Cybersecurity, Cyber Resilience, and Risk Management.

Eng. Raph Brown
Chief Cyber Security Architect - BAE

Raph has 27 years of experience in design, delivery and operation of ICT, cyber security and cyber operations. As a senior digital communications engineer and leading cyber security professional, he has extensive experience and proficiency working across Government, high threat community and international partners. He can adapt to new situations and is capable of being both a senior leader and Subject Matter Expert (SME) whilst delivering, defining and operating a range of solutions at National level downwards.

Raph has multi-industry and international experience, working with customers in national security, defence and civil government, and has worked extensively across UK, Europe, Middle East, and USA. During his military career he worked with UK and US government agencies in the delivery of cyber operations and information warfare.

Raph is a Chartered Engineer (IET) and holds a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Prof. Ibrahim Rawabdeh
Executive Director - King Abdullah II Center for Excellence
  • Executive Director- King Abdullah II Center for Excellence, Amman, Jordan since 2017
  • Prof. of Industrial Engineering- University of Jordan (Since 1997)
  • Ph.D. & M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering (Cleveland State University/USA), M.Sc. & B.Sc. In Mechanical Engineering, (UoJ)
  • Prof. Ibrahim has more than 50 published papers in the field of industrial engineering in general, and quality management and excellence in particular.
  • Excellence as a Consultant, Trainer and Team leader in the assessment process of several Excellence Award in Jordan, UAE and SA such as DGEP, SKGEP, ADEP, AJEP, KAQA, MECCA and KAIIA.
Mohammad M. Al-Ansari
CIO, Information Technology Center - Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development - Kuwait

30 years of experience in managing information systems projects, especially cybersecurity and communications, as well as ERP systems, in addition to planning, design and implementing digital transformation strategies and operations.

Bachelor of Science

Major: Computer Science and Statistics

Minor: Accounting and Auditing

Certifications
  • FPS Perimeter Security Systems, USA.
  • Smith Security System, Wiesbaden, Germany.
  • Command Center Unix, University of Security, USA.
  • Information and Communication Networks, Siemens, Germany.
  • Network Technology, HP Training Institute, UK
  • Firewall Technology, Fortinet, USA
Prof. Ismael Al-Hinti
President - HTU

President of Al-Hussein Technical University, an initiative of the Crown Prince Foundation, which is a university that embraces employability as the objective of education, and is leading transformation in higher and technical education in Jordan through innovation, project-based learning, and partnership with the industry.

Baha Shubairi
Head of IT Supervision, Banking Supervision Department - Palestine Monetary Authority- PMA

Responsible for IT supervision on banking and non-banking institutions regulated by Palestine Monetary Authority (banks, payment services companies, specialized lending institutions, exchange companies) in the Banking Supervision Department.

Shubairi's experience is in banking systems and banking operations through previous work in one of the Palestinian banks as a systems administrator for (7) years. in addition to that, Shubairi is experienced in IT oversight and supervision during his period of work at the PMA for (13) years in the Banking Supervision Department, which contributed to enriching and strengthening his supervisory capabilities, and the ability to manage and implement on-site and off-site supervision.

Jamil Abu Aqel
Senior Manager of Customer Engineering - Google Cloud Security - META

Jamil Abu Aqel is a highly accomplished information security professional with over 23 years of experience working for multinational organizations across the Middle East and Africa region. Jamil has a proven track record of success in leading technical teams delivering large turn-key security solutions where he served as a trusted advisor to major enterprises and critical national infrastructure clients.

Jamil's expertise spans cybersecurity tools, services, operations, and management. He has consistently exceeded his required targets and fostered strong relationships with clients and partners throughout his career, which includes key roles at Symantec, IBM and Google Cloud Security.

Jamil holds several industry certifications, including CISSP, ISO27001 Lead Auditor, CEH,.. and have received numerous awards in recognition for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the field

Mohammad Abeidat
Director of the Digital Transformation Unit - Prime Ministry of Jordan

Mohammad Abeidat is a visionary technology leader and digital transformation expert with over two decades of experience driving innovation across global organizations. As the Director of the Digital Transformation Unit at the Prime Ministry, Mohammad brings a wealth of knowledge in aligning technology strategies with business objectives to achieve transformative results. His expertise spans various industries, including government services, logistics, property tech, fintech, media, and venture building. Recognized as one of the UAE's Top 100 Digital Transformation Leaders, Mohammad has a proven track record of implementing cutting-edge technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and data analytics to enhance organizational performance and create strategic advantages. He is currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Liverpool, and is a graduate of the University of Cambridge Senior Executive Programme for CTOs. With his strategic vision and hands-on experience, Mohammad offers valuable insights on leveraging technology to innovate and stay competitive in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Dr. Qutaiba Albluwi
Assistant Professor - PSUT

Dr. Qutaiba Albluwi received PhD in Computer Science in 2017 from the University of Rhode Island (USA) and a graduate degree in Digital Forensics from the Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Center (DFCSC-RI) in 2015. He also received an M.Sc in Computer Science from Queens University (Canada) in 2008, and B.Sc in Computer Engineering from University of Sharjah (UAE) in 2004. Dr. Albluwi main teaching and research focus is in the area of cybersecurity. Current and past interests include digital forensics, incident response, cryptographic protocols, cybersecurity ethics and digital solutions to combating human trafficking. He served as a contract faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University from 2018-2022, and recently joined PSUT to serve as an assistant professor in the department of computer engineering.

Mohannad Al-Rawashdeh
Deputy Director - Prime Ministery's Delivery Unit (PMDU)

Mohannad I. Al-Rawashdeh is a dedicated public servant with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing and Strategic Planning. As the Deputy Director of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit (PMDU), he works to turn government goals into impactful outcomes for the people of Jordan.

With over 16 years of experience in the public sector and business development, Mohannad has held key roles, including Secretary of the Prime Minister for Delivery and ME&L and Chief of Staff for the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. His expertise in Deliverology, Strategic Planning, and Performance Management is backed by a Diploma in Performance Management from HEC Paris.

Haider Pasha
Chief Security Officer - Palo Alto

Since 2018, Mr. Haider Pasha has been the Chief Security Officer (CSO) for EMEA & LATAM at Palo Alto Networks. Prior to this role, Mr. Pasha spent 5 years at Symantec working as CTO and Systems Engineering Director for Emerging Markets. He has been partnering with CxOs across the industry, executing together on a multi-year architecture strategy across the geography including Cloud Transformations, Autonomous SOC, and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). He is a trusted advisor to Palo Alto's strategic customers and partners, helping them become more competitive and innovative while enhancing their Cyber Resilience Strategy. A key area of specialty for Mr. Pasha is around architecting AI-Enabled Security Operations Centers (SOC), designing Threat Intelligence Platforms, and helping customers adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and local government regulations. Prior to joining Symantec, Mr. Pasha spent 15 years at Cisco covering various senior positions in Silicon Valley and as CTO for Cisco Africa.

Jack Chubb
Head of Industrial Cybersecurity for the Middle East - Siemens Energy

Jack Chubb, Head of Industrial Cybersecurity for the Middle East at Siemens Energy, has over a decade of experience in national cybersecurity strategy development and implementation. His focus is on bolstering critical energy infrastructure resilience through innovative operational technology-native solutions. With expertise in OT cybersecurity governance, risk management, and organizational transformation, Jack has previously led national security initiatives and delivered cybersecurity projects across Qatar, Afghanistan, Morocco, Lebanon, the UK, and Eastern Europe. He has Masters degrees from the University of Edinburgh and the School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS), University of London.

Samer Omar
Middle East Cyber & Digital Trust Leader - PWC

Samer has over 30 years of experience in the ICT industry with a specialization on information and cyber security. Samer has a hybrid of experience delivering value to clients while working for Big 4, Local & Global Telecoms, Start-ups and Technology vendors.

Samer has cross sector experience within Energy, Government & Public Sector and Infrastructure (GPS&I), Technology Media Telecom (TMT) and Smart Cities including cyber implications in Operation Technology (OT), Emerging Technology (ET) and IoT. Samer has led several sectorial cyber engagements and one of the largest resiliency projects ever in KSA.

Eng. Wedad K. Qutishat
Director - Project Management & Implementation Office (PMIO) - Prime Ministry of Jordan

Eng. Wedad K. Qutishat, Director of the Project Management & Implementation Office (PMIO) under the Prime Ministry of Jordan, is a distinguished leader in public sector modernization. Her leadership emphasizes service development, efficiency, digital transformation, and cultivating reform-minded government leaders. With over 20 years of experience in organizational development, capacity building, and project management, she has driven significant improvements across the public sector. Eng. Qutishat's expertise includes Total Quality Management (TQM) principles and excellence models, serving as a certified EFQM Assessor and Trainer and a Certified Effective Governance Lead Auditor (BSI13500). She is also a key founder of the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence and a prominent figure in national and regional excellence programs.

Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako
Director General - Cyber Security Authority - Ghana

Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, is the first Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), an agency responsible for Ghana's cybersecurity regulations and development. Prior to his appointment, on October 1, 2021, he served as the National Cybersecurity Advisor and Head of the then National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) from July 2017 to September 2021, leading the institutionalisation of Ghana's cybersecurity development which progressed from 32.6% in 2017 to 86.69% in 2020, according to the ITU's Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), with Ghana ranked 3rd in Africa and 43rd globally.

Eng. Mohamed Ali Ben Mabrouk
Head of Alert & Warning Division - Tunis CERT

Cybersecurity Contracted expert at the Higher School of Telecommunications.

He has been working at TunCERT since 2010 and he was involved to set up and assist CERTs at the national and African level.

Sounia Alzeghoul
TV Host - Jordanian Media
  • More than 12 years of News Anchor and programs experience
  • Worked at (Al Aan TV - Sky News Arabia - AL SHARQIYA - ORIENT NEWS )
  • The author of The Book on counterterrorism: "Which is underline" 2018 _ "The Pincer" 2021
  • Master Degree "Press and Media" Cairo University (The Fight Against Cyberterrorism on Social Media)
  • Ambassador for Humanity
  • The Humanitarian Affairs Ambassador in the Middle East at International Wars and Disasters Victims Protection Associations (IRVD) in partnership with King Salman Relief Center
  • Got the golden residency in the UAE
  • Member of of Dubai Press Club
  • Certified media trainer
Adel Darwish
Representative and the Regional Director - Arab States - International Telecommunucation Union (ITU)

Mr. Darwish, Director, Regional Office of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for the Arab States, covering 22 Arab countries, has more than 20 years of experience in the field of ICT and telecommunications, spanning previous job positions at an incumbent operator, start-up operator, and regulator. In his different roles, Mr Darwish has been involved with international relations, not only in the ITU, but also in organizations including ICANN, GSMA, the GCC Council, the League of Arab States, Arab Regulatory Network (AREGNET), and SAMENA Council.

Based in Bahrain, Mr. Darwish has held leadership positions in major conferences at the ITU and outside. He is known for his leadership of the GCC Council Roaming Working Group from 2009 to 2020, during which time the group achieved a major reduction in roaming rates in the region.

Eng. Ibrahim Alshafei
Executive Manager - CBJ

Engineer Ibrahim has over 18 years of experience in cybersecurity, IT, and digital transformation management. He is currently the Executive Manager of the Cybersecurity Incident Response Unit for the financial and banking sector at the Central Bank of Jordan. He served previously as Assistant Manager of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Department and Head of the Information Technology and E-Government Department. He has been instrumental in executing several strategic projects across the financial sector, significantly enhancing the security environment for electronic payments in Jordan.

He also led various cyber initiatives, including the launch of frameworks and processes that have greatly improved the cyber resilience of financial institutions.

Engineer Ibrahim holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering with several international certifications in cybersecurity and network engineering. He was awarded the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence in the 2014-2015 cycle for outstanding administrative performance.

Qasem Ababneh
Head of the Nuclear Security Department - Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR)

Qasem Ababneh is a highly experienced professional with over 12 years of expertise in Information Technology, Communications, and cybersecurity, particularly in the context of research reactors. He leads the oversight of physical security, cybersecurity, and human reliability program at the Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR), ensuring the robust protection of its assets against a wide range of threats. His role is pivotal in upholding the comprehensive safety and security of JRTR, where he applies advanced technologies and rigorous security controls to secure the reactor's sensitive nuclear infrastructure.

Tarek A. Atwan
Consulting Director, Data & AI - Synist Global Author, Mentor, and Lecturer - Synist

Tarek A. Atwan is an internationally acclaimed leader in Data & AI, with a career spanning over 19 years of driving innovation and digital transformation for global giants across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. As a global consultant, Tarek's expertise lies in creating groundbreaking solutions that harness the power of AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud Engineering to solve the most complex business challenges. His leadership has reshaped industries, delivering impactful results in finance, technology, and public sectors, and earning him recognition as a thought leader at the forefront of AI-driven decision-making.

Tarek's influence extends beyond consulting; as a bestselling author and top-tier instructor, he has educated and empowered thousands of data professionals globally through his work with renowned universities such as the University of Southern California and Arizona State University. His books, including Time Series Analysis with Python Cookbook, have set new standards in data analytics education, while his role as a corporate trainer and Pluralsight Elite Instructor continues to shape the future of AI and machine learning.

Recognized with numerous awards, including the Packt Publishing Best Seller Award and the Pluralsight Elite Instructor Award, Tarek's contributions to AI and Data Science have made him a visionary force in the industry. His unparalleled ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies with business strategy positions him as a sought-after expert, shaping the future of AI innovation.

Dr. Moayad Kloub
Chief Executive Officer - Jordan Insurance Federation (JIF)

Dr. Moayad Kloub is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Jordan Insurance Federation (JIF), with over 21 years of experience in the insurance sector. He has held this position since July 1, 2022, where he continues to help (JIF) realize its vision in serving the Insurance Sector as a Data Hub for information and providing digital services for all involved stakeholders to increase efficiencies and effectiveness on all business levels.

In addition to Dr. Kloub's ongoing work at JIF, he has played a vital role in representing the insurance sector and has served on various committees of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Public Security Department, and General Arab Insurance Federation (GAIF).

Dr. Kloub holds a Ph.D. in Business Economics from the University of Jordan and is currently a board member of the University of Jordan's School of Business. He also has numerous published papers in global scientific journals that focused on insurance, human resources, and total quality management.

Mohamed Abdulrahim
CEO and Partner - Octopian Security
  • Global MBA, MSc Smart Cities, MSc Blockchain Technologies
  • Co-Chair of FAIR Institute Middle East and Africa Chapter.
  • Vice President Operation DAMA Jordan Chapter
  • Senior Executive with more than 28 years of experience who envision and executes robust strategies - focused on Digital Transformation, Enterprise Risk Management and National Security.
  • A true advisor known for delivering critical national and international leadership practices for world leading law enforcement and defense agencies.
  • Recognized for successfully implementing several mission-critical systems, including Law Enforcement Task Force Management System, National Unified Geospatial Databases and National
Ljupcho Joshevski
Director for Cybersecurity Architectures - Cisco Systems

Ljupcho Joshevski is a Director for Cybersecurity Architectures at Cisco Systems with a career spanning over two decades in the IT industry. His current role sees him at the helm of a specialized team of Cybersecurity Technical Solutions Architects across EMEA, where he leverages Cisco's pioneering security solutions to tackle the most daunting challenges faced by customers in today's volatile cybersecurity environment.

Prior to his current position, Joshevski was positioned in Vienna, Austria, where he led cybersecurity teams focused on Central Europe, Germany, and RCIS. His tenure in Canada marked a pivotal phase in his career, where he not only led a team of Systems Engineers dedicated to the country's Energy sector but also spearheaded the IoT/IoE technical leadership initiatives across Canada.

Joshevski's journey with Cisco Systems began in 2006 as a regional Systems Engineer, where his responsibilities spanned across Service Providers, Enterprise, and Public-Sector customers in South-Eastern Europe, laying the foundation for his ascent to cybersecurity leadership. Before joining Cisco, he enriched his experience with a four-year stint at Cosmofon, part of CosmOTE's Mobile Service Provider network in Macedonia.

Joshevski's academic credentials include a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the University of Central Oklahoma, underscoring his blend of technical expertise and strategic acumen. As a visionary in cybersecurity, Ljupcho Joshevski continues to drive innovation and security excellence, ensuring his teams are at the forefront of protecting digital infrastructures in an ever-evolving cyber landscape.

Ahmed Abdulkareem
Head of Information Security - Central Bank of Iraq

He works in information and cyber security and has experience directing and implementing security policies in e-payment systems. He worked on implementing RTGS, ACH, and card payment systems (National Switch) in the Central Bank of Iraq and specialized in information technology solutions and banking systems at the Central Bank of Iraq.

During his 20 years at the Central Bank of Iraq, he has assumed several key roles, demonstrating his leadership and management skills.

Majed Al Bqour
Cyber Security Consultant, Senior System Engineer - Fortinet

Cybersecurity Architect & Expert with Over 20 Years of Experience.

With more than two decades of hands-on experience in the field of cybersecurity, Majed is a leading expert in cybersecurity architecture, cyber defense center development, and penetration testing. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in building and managing multiple cyber defense centers, as well as leading large-scale cybersecurity projects for organizations across various sectors.

A holder of a Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Majed is certified in some of the most respected and demanding programs in the industry, including ISO 27032 Senior Lead Manager, Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI). These qualifications highlight his expertise not only in proactive defense strategies but also in advanced penetration testing and forensic investigations.

In addition to his technical skills, Majed is passionate about fostering a security-first mindset within different companies and building teams that can effectively respond to evolving cyber threats. He is dedicated to sharing knowledge and advancing the field of cybersecurity, regularly speaking at major industry events to raise awareness about emerging trends and solutions.

As a speaker at the Dot Cyber Summit, Majed brings invaluable insights from his extensive career, including practical strategies for enhancing cybersecurity infrastructures and adapting to the ever-changing threat landscape.

Mohammad Kaouk
SE Director Middle East and South EMEA - ExtraHop

Mohammad Kaouk is the EMEA Director for ExtraHop Networks, a leader in innovative cybersecurity technology, specializing in AI and network detection and response. With over 20 years of experience in cloud operations, networking, and internet security, Mohammad is a seasoned System Engineer and Solutions Architect with a proven track record of planning and executing large-scale systems and infrastructures.

He has successfully led the global execution of Symantec Web Security Services, showcasing his ability to deliver impactful solutions on a worldwide scale. With a strategic mindset shaped by his business education at Harvard Business School, Mohammad expertly navigates the complexities of cybersecurity, consistently driving innovation and success in fast-paced environments.

Waleed Bishouty
Partner / Head of IT and Cyber Security Law - Forvis Mazars Legal Jordan

Waleed Bishouty is a technology and cybersecurity lawyer, with expertise in navigating complex IT landscapes. Waleed diligently oversees a spectrum of IT-related concerns, from outsourcing and cloud computing to blockchain integration and data protection. Waleed's paramount concern lies in ensuring legal compliance and implementing robust risk mitigation strategies for his clients, safeguarding their interests in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Waleed's commitment to shaping cybersecurity policies is evident in his recent appointment as an Advisory Committee Member of the Jordan National Cybersecurity Council.

Prior to joining Forvis Mazars, Waleed played a pivotal role in corporate and commercial matters, litigation, and arbitration, primarily focusing on the construction sector. His responsibilities included handling a USD 100 Million international construction arbitration dispute, large litigation construction disputes, banking claims, and trademark infringement litigations. His corporate and commercial experience includes leading roles in corporate mergers and acquisitions and covering a diverse range of corporate legal services.

Waleed holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT), a B.C.L./J.D. in Law from McGill University, and is currently finishing an LLM program in Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Law at Queen Mary University of London.

Alaa Wreikat
Head of Cybersecurity Operations FinCERT - Central Bank of Jordan

Alaa Wreikat is the Head of Cybersecurity Operations at the FinCERT unit of the Central Bank of Jordan. With extensive expertise in the banking and financial sector, Alaa plays a critical role in coordinating incident response, managing cyber risks, and collaboration across the domestic financial institutions. Alaa is also deeply involved in regional cybersecurity efforts, ensuring that the Central Bank of Jordan remains a leader in safeguarding the financial sector against evolving cyber threats.

Jonny Hall
Director for Cyber and Information Policy - UK Government

Jonny Hall is Director for Cyber and Information Policy.

Before this he was Director of the Stabilisation Unit.

Previously, Jonny spent 4 years in No.10 Downing Street, where he was Foreign Affairs Private Secretary to the Prime Minister from late 2016 to 2019.

Jonny joined the Civil Service in 2007, and has spent the majority of his career in the Department for International Development, holding a variety of posts in London and overseas. He was posted to Iraq in 2009, working in both Basra and Baghdad, and to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2011 in the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team. Jonny was appointed Deputy Director of the Ebola Crisis Unit to respond to the outbreak in West Africa in 2014, working both in London and in the civil-mililary task force in Sierra Leone.

Jonny has an English Literature degree from Newcastle University. Prior to joining the Civil Service he was an Army Reservist, deploying as an Infantryman to Iraq on Operation TELIC 5 in 2004 to 2005.

HE Dr. Ahmad Al Gharaibeh
General Manager - Vocational Training Corporation

Dr. Ahmad Al Gharaibeh is a distinguished leader in employment relations, the TVET sector,and workforce development, with a focus on equipping students with the skills andcompetencies needed to meet labor market demands locally, regionally, and internationally.

One of Dr. Al Gharaibeh's key achievements is his appointment by HRH Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan to lead the reform of the entire TVET sector, where he oversaw 35 vocationaltraining institutes.

Jumana Abu Zaied
Cybersecurity Trainer - NCSC JO

Jumana Abu Zaied holds a Master degree in Computer Information System. Her diverse career blends academia, training, and cybersecurity awareness.

Jumana's career journey includes a lecturer at several universities, most recently at Umm Al-Qura University, KSA, and Currently, serves as a trainer at the National Cyber Security Center in Jordan, where she has delivered over 100 sessions on cybersecurity awareness to a wide range of audiences, including employees in both public and private sectors, students, women, and local citizens.

Her work is focused on enhancing cybersecurity understanding and promoting best practices to safeguard digital environments.

In addition to her training roles, Jumana had the opportunity to supervise several national cybersecurity training and awareness projects, awareness platform, and Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Eng. Alaa Kasasbeh
Cybersecurity Trainer - NCSC JO

Cybersecurity Trainer at the National Capacity Building Directorate, National Cybersecurity Center of Jordan.

As a cybersecurity trainer, Alaa Kasasbeh leads national efforts to enhance digital awareness and protect society from cyber threats. Through his oversight of national projects aimed at building diverse capacities, such as those of school and university students and government employees, Alaa works to create a safe digital environment across Jordan. Alaa graduated from the Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology with a degree in Computer Engineering, combining technical expertise with a forward-looking vision to strengthen cyber resilience.

Heba Abu Zaid
Head of Institutional Development and Project Management Unit - NCSC JO

Engineer Heba Ali Abu Zaid is an expert in the field of institutional development and strategic planning, with over 10 years of experience in this area. Over the years, she has developed and implemented innovative strategies that contribute to improving institutional performance and enhancing excellence. She has worked in various fields, including monitoring and evaluating outstanding performance and risk management, which has enabled her to provide effective solutions that ensure the achievement of institutional goals. She has obtained numerous global certifications and accreditations that support her practical experience, making her qualified to provide effective strategic consulting

Abu Zaid believes in the importance of innovation and creativity, and has successfully participated in evaluating excellence awards projects at both the national and Arab levels, where she played an active role in promoting excellence standards. As a certified trainer, she offers specialized workshops and training courses in the fields of institutional development and institutional excellence, where she works to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.

Eng. Obada Ayasra
Senior Threat Analyst - NCSC JO

Obada Ayasra is a seasoned cyber security professional, bringing over 10 years of extensive experience in various areas of cyber security including incident response, security operations, and cyber threat intelligence. Holding a master's degree in Security Engineering, Obada is dedicated to implementing an intelligence-led cyber security program at the NCSC. His work is instrumental in identifying and mitigating cyber threats, ensuring proactive defense measures for critical infrastructures and organizations in Jordan. Beyond his professional endeavors, Obada is passionate about advancing cybersecurity practices and mentoring aspiring professionals in the field. He actively contributes to the cybersecurity community through knowledge dissemination and continuous learning initiatives.

Dr. Waed Al Maitah
Sr Marketing & Media Specialist - NCSC JO

Dr. Waed holds a BA degree in English Language & Literature, an MA in Diplomatic Studies, and a PhD in Political Science. With approximately 9 years of experience in marketing, content creation, and media, Dr. Waed has cultivated a strong passion and dedication for the marketing and media realms.

As a Senior Marketing & Media Specialist, and the official Spokesperson of the National CyberSecurity Center of Jordan, Dr. Waed, consistently emphasises the critical importance of cyber security awareness in society and the crucial role of the public and private institutions in protecting the cyber space of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan