Event agenda

Tuesday

November 18, 2025

14 sessions

11:00 AM-11:30 AM
30m
Registration

Registration and Networking

11:30 AM-11:35 AM
5m
Session

Introduction

11:35 AM-11:45 AM
10m
Session

Opening remarks by Gulf News

11:45 AM-12:00 PM
15m
Session

Keynote | The UAE’s cybersecurity vision

As artificial intelligence advances, so does the sophistication of scams and cyber threats it enables. Deepfakes and AI-generated deception are emerging as powerful tools for criminals, making education and public awareness critical. Empowering people to recognize and resist digital manipulation must become the first line of defense. This keynote explores how knowledge, vigilance, and responsible innovation can help society stay one step ahead of AI-driven fraud.

12:00 PM-12:10 PM
10m
Session

Keynote by Platinum sponsor

12:15 PM-12:50 PM
35m
Session

Panel discussion | AI Business Value: Communicating Impact and ROI to the Board

As AI becomes central to business strategy, effectively communicating its impact and ROI to leadership is vital. From defining clear objectives to selecting the right metrics and KPIs, aligning AI performance with business goals ensures meaningful evaluation. This session explores how to build compelling business cases, set realistic expectations, and translate complex AI outcomes into measurable value that resonates with the board and drives confident decision-making.

Sreedhar Suragouni, Group Chief Operations & Technology Officer, Sukoon Insurance
James Wiles, Head of Cyber Security - Middle East & Africa, Cigna Group
Philip Westgarth, Group CISO, Network International
Moderated by Peter Ling
12:50 PM-1:00 PM
10m
Session

Sponsor presentation

1:00 PM-1:35 PM
35m
Session

Panel Discussion | New Cyber Era: Challenges and Opportunities

As the cyber landscape evolves under the influence of AI, geopolitical shifts, regulatory demands, and rapid technological expansion, security leaders face both unprecedented risks and transformative opportunities. This session explores how organizations and nations can navigate growing complexity, harness innovation, and strengthen resilience to thrive amid constant change in an increasingly interconnected digital era.

Sagar Sethi, Senior Vice President & Head of Information Security Risk Governance & International Security, First Abu Dhabi Bank
Vijay Velayutham, Principal Information Security Officer, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE
Hussain AlKhalsan, Chief Information Security Officer, Zand
Moderated by Anoop Kumar, Head of Information Security & GRC, Gulf News
1:40 PM-1:50 PM
10m
Session

Sponsor presentation

1:55 PM-2:25 PM
30m
Session

Panel discussion | Resilience and Trust that Ignites Cyber Confidence

As AI reshapes cybersecurity, it brings both advanced defensive capabilities and new vulnerabilities. This session explores how organizations can leverage AI to strengthen resilience while addressing challenges in threat detection, response, and human engagement. Panelists will examine the balance between automation and trust, offering actionable insights on using AI responsibly to enhance security, foster confidence, and ensure long-term protection in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Vikalp Shrivastava, Vice President Information Technology & Security, Kerzner International
Tushar Vartak, EVP & Head, Information, Cyber Security and Fraud Prevention, RAKBANK
Andy (Andrew) Holliday, Group Chief Information Security Officer, Petrofac
Moderated by Aditya Kaushik, CIO, ZMI Holdings
2:25 PM-2:50 PM
25m
Session

Panel discussion | Future of Email Systems and Security

Despite advances in cybersecurity, email remains one of the most vulnerable entry points for attackers. Organizations must deploy robust security tools to safeguard networks and users, but technology alone is not enough. This session explores how email security is evolving to counter new and sophisticated threats, highlighting best practices, adaptive strategies, and emerging solutions that help organizations stay ahead of cyber risks in an ever-changing threat landscape.

Parthasarathy Muthukrishnan, Head of Information Security & Cybersecurity (CISO), Deem Finance
Faisal Khan, Associate Director - Information Security and Compliance, Dubai World Trade Centre
Binoy Balakrishnan, Head of Information Security, AW Rostamani
Abhinav Kumar Shrivastava, AVP - Information Security, NMC Healthcare
2:50 PM-3:00 PM
10m
Session

Thank you

3:00 PM-3:30 PM
30m
Break

Networking before the Awards

3:30 PM-4:30 PM
1h
Session

Awards Ceremony