Who’s shaping the future of AI?

Our Speakers

Interested at speaking at the Summit?

The World Summit AI stage is the most competitive in the world.

With a three year waiting list, we receive thousands of speaking submissions every year.

Why? Because we stage the conversations that matter with world leaders who are championing AI in every way.

Our past speakers include Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Alibaba, Tencent, Google, Intel, NASA, Uber, IBM, and so many more.

Meet the 2024 AI Brains

Samantha Samaras
Global Vice President Science & Technology, Beauty and Personal Care R&D
Unilever
Samantha Samaras
Global Vice President Science & Technology, Beauty and Personal Care R&D
Unilever
Gary Marcus
Scientist, Professor of Psychology and Neural Science
New York University (US)
Gary Marcus
Scientist, Professor of Psychology and Neural Science
New York University (US)
Major General Khalid AlRazooqi
General Director of Artificial Intelligence
Dubai Police
Major General Khalid AlRazooqi
General Director of Artificial Intelligence
Dubai Police

Major General Khalid Nasser Alrazooqi has held the position of Director of the General Department of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai Police General Headquarters since March 2014. He has overseen the implementation of several key strategic projects in the UAE, including the introduction of smart police stations, electronic passports, and smart electronic gates. Notably, under his leadership, Dubai Police received recognition for their successful implementation of the Dubai Paperless Strategy in 2021 and won the award for the best government service through smartphones both locally and globally for 6 consecutive years. He has also received numerous accolades throughout his career,
including the 2021 Best Executive Director award for government departments.

JoAnn Stonier
Mastercard Fellow of Data and AI
Mastercard
JoAnn Stonier
Mastercard Fellow of Data and AI
Mastercard

JoAnn C. Stonier serves as the Fellow of Data & Artificial Intelligence for Mastercard as a leading expert in both disciplines and assists the organization’s innovation, policy, and risk efforts. JoAnn has been instrumental in designing and operationalizing Mastercard’s global data business, first as the firm’s first privacy officer, then as the first chief data officer and now as the first fellow. JoAnn is a global data expert and strategist with extensive experience overseeing the curation, quality, ethical use, governance, strategy, and management of Mastercard’s global data assets. She is an expert in artificial intelligence with a keen interest in ethics, data equity, minimization of bias and ensuring fair analytic outcomes, especially as generative artificial intelligence, and other technologies increase.

JoAnn is a highly sought-after thought leader and speaker in emergent data, AI, and privacy issues. She has advised industry executives, governments, intergovernmental organizations, and NGOs (nongovernmental organizations). Currently, she serves as the Chair of the USCIB’s Digital Policy Committee and is Co- Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Data Policy and Equity. She also teaches at Carnegie Mellon University and is an adjunct professor at Pratt Institute. She has been appointed as an Advisor to several organizations including: Omnicom Group/Credera’s AI Council, Cantellus Group and Elementum and she serves on the board of directors for Hope for the Warriors and the Academy of Mount St. Ursula.

JoAnn received her Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University and her Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis College. She holds memberships in the Bar of the State of New York and the Bar of the State of New Jersey. She is based in Purchase, N.Y.

Vijay Karunamurthy
Field Chief Technology Officer
Scale AI
Vijay Karunamurthy
Field Chief Technology Officer
Scale AI
Janet Adams
Chief Operating Officer
SingularityNET
Janet Adams
Chief Operating Officer
SingularityNET
Sue Black, OBE
Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist, and Director of EDI, Computer Science Dept.
Durham University
Sue Black, OBE
Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist, and Director of EDI, Computer Science Dept.
Durham University
Celeste Kidd
Assistant Professor of Psychology
University of California, Berkeley
Celeste Kidd
Assistant Professor of Psychology
University of California, Berkeley
Ozanan Meireles
Vice Chairman of Innovation, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Director
Surgical Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Laboratory (SAIIL)
Ozanan Meireles
Vice Chairman of Innovation, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Director
Surgical Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Laboratory (SAIIL)
Shukri Eid
General Manager
IBM Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan
Shukri Eid
General Manager
IBM Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan

Shukri Eid is a 25-year veteran in the technology and consulting industry with a proven track record of transforming businesses across the Middle East and Africa region. As General Manager of IBM Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan, Shukri is responsible for IBM’s overall business operations, driving business growth and client satisfaction. 

Prior to returning to IBM, Shukri served as Regional Managing Director for the Gulf region at Cisco where he drove the company’s digital agenda, competitive positioning, and business strategy.

During his tenure, Shukri held the position of Senior Director within the Country Digitization Acceleration (CDA) team working with government and industry stakeholders to accelerate the national digitization strategies. He also led a diverse team of senior consulting professionals as Director of Cisco Consulting Services in Emerging Markets, and as Director of Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG).

Earlier in his career, Shukri held senior roles at IBM Global Business Services and PwC where he led the implementation of high-profile strategies and IT transformational engagements.

Shukri is valued for building results-oriented and enthusiastic teams and has established himself as a thought leader and agent of change in fast-evolving, dynamic markets. He is known for his deliberate, strategic approach to complex challenges, his authenticity, and his people management skills.

Shukri has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Strathclyde in UK, and a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Jordan University of Science & Technology.

Corbett Hoxland
Chief Technologist
HP
Corbett Hoxland
Chief Technologist
HP
Renée Cummings
Professor of Practice in Data Science
University of Virginia
Renée Cummings
Professor of Practice in Data Science
University of Virginia
Cihangir Kocak
Business Strategist & AI Advisor
HP
Cihangir Kocak
Business Strategist & AI Advisor
HP

We are thrilled to introduce Cihangir Kocak, an expert in business strategy and AI advisory. He is known for creating opportunities and building strong ecosystems that empower businesses to thrive. Cihangir has successfully guided numerous organizations through the challenges of digital transformation and strategic business development. He is appreciated for his ability to simplify complex concepts and inspire actionable insights. Cihangir is passionate about enabling business growth in the AI industry for HP, its customers, and partners, ranging from emerging startups to established enterprises.

Dr. Roman V. Yampolskiy
Author; Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
University of Louisville
Dr. Roman V. Yampolskiy
Author; Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
University of Louisville

Roman, an author and a professor at the University of Louisville, is globally recognized for his pioneering research in AI risk prevention and containing superintelligence. His work has shaped international conversations on how to govern and develop AI safely. After captivating audiences with a book signing at WSAI Americas, Roman is bringing his cutting-edge insights to Qatar, where he will challenge conventional thinking about the future of AI.

Kaveh Vessali
Partner, Digital Services, PwC
Middle East
Kaveh Vessali
Partner, Digital Services, PwC
Middle East
Dr. Ott Velsberg
Government Chief Data Officer, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Republic of Estonia
Dr. Ott Velsberg
Government Chief Data Officer, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Republic of Estonia

Dr. Ott Velsberg is a renowned Estonian IT specialist and government official, known for his expertise in data governance and data science. As the current Chief Data Officer (CDO) of Estonia, he is responsible for driving the country’s data policy and initiatives related to the use of data in the public sector. Velsberg has a wealth of experience in coordinating data governance and data science, with a focus on domains such as artificial intelligence, open data, citizen-centric data governance, data management, and digital transformation. Under his leadership, Estonia has become a global leader in data governance, open data, and artificial intelligence. With his passion for technology and data, he is making significant contributions to Estonia’s digital transformation and shaping the country’s future in data governance. 

Mohannad Abuissa
CTO
Cisco MEA
Mohannad Abuissa
CTO
Cisco MEA
Mostafa Zafer
Vice President, Data, AI and Automation
IBM Middle East and Africa
Mostafa Zafer
Vice President, Data, AI and Automation
IBM Middle East and Africa

Mostafa Zafer is the Vice President, IBM Data, AI and Automation, Middle East and Africa. In his role, Mostafa is responsible for strategy, sales, revenue and client advocacy for IBM’s hybrid cloud, data, and AI solutions – a high growth business that is one of the cornerstones of IBM’s growth strategy. Mostafa has over 20 years of experience in sales and strategy leadership in IBM where he held several leadership positions in multiple countries. Prior to his current role, he was the Data & AI Leader for MEA, responsible for owning, defining and executing the Data and AI strategy in the region. Some of his other key roles include leading IBM’s software business for Middle East and Pakistan, leading software sales in Saudi, and acting as global software sales strategy leader in New York. Mostafa also worked on the growth strategy for the Middle East and later on for Africa, as the growth strategy leader for the region.Mostafa is a firm believer in the importance of intersecting strategy, sales leadership and developing solid client partnerships and to deliver solutions that make a difference for IBM’s clients and ecosystem in the region.

Professor Dame Wendy Hall
Regius Professor of Computer Science, Associate Vice President (International Engagement) & Director of Web Science Institute
University of Southampton
Professor Dame Wendy Hall
Regius Professor of Computer Science, Associate Vice President (International Engagement) & Director of Web Science Institute
University of Southampton

Dame Wendy Hall, DBE, FRS, FREng is Regius Professor of Computer Science, Associate Vice President (International Engagement) and is Director of the Web Science Institute at the University of Southampton. She became a Dame Commander of the British Empire in the 2009 UK New Year’s Honours list and is a Fellow of the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the ACM. Dame Wendy was co-Chair of the UK government’s AI Review, which was published in October 2017 and a member of the AI Council. She is currently the co-Chair of the ACM Publications Board and Editor-in-Chief of Royal Society Open Science. She is an advisor to the UK government and many other governments and companies around the world and in 2023 was appointed to the United Nations high-level advisory body on artificial intelligence. Her latest book, Four Internets, co-written with Kieron O’Hara, was published by OUP in 2021.

www.damewendydbe.com

Iban Garcia del Blanco
International Affairs Director
LASKER
Former Member of European Parliament (co-rapporteur EU-AI Law)
Iban Garcia del Blanco
International Affairs Director
LASKER
Former Member of European Parliament (co-rapporteur EU-AI Law)
Nikita Gordeev
Chief Data Technology Officer
Snoonu
Nikita Gordeev
Chief Data Technology Officer
Snoonu
Ramachandra Yermal
Head of Data & Analytics
The Department of Government Empowerment
Ramachandra Yermal
Head of Data & Analytics
The Department of Government Empowerment
Andreea Danila
Founder & General Partner
Global Millennial Capital
Andreea Danila
Founder & General Partner
Global Millennial Capital

Andreea Danila is the General Partner and Board Member at Global Millennial Capital Ltd.
(GMC), an award-winning venture capital investor, led by an investment team with backgrounds
from leading technology companies and global investment banks investing in early and growth
technology companies globally.
GMC is an early growth investor which pioneers a data-driven, research-focused investment
style seeking long-term growth opportunities by partnering with technology companies that
have the potential to transform the future digital ecosystems with key exposure to investment
trends such as artificial intelligence, decentralized finance, cloud computing and blockchain
technologies.
With twelve years of experience, Andreea amassed expertise in assignments including capital
formation, mergers and acquisitions, investments, and portfolio management while working for

regional private equity funds and international consulting firms. She advised on twenty mid-
market sector agnostic transactions with a deal value exceeding $2 billion and led capital

formation assignments with coverage of the financial sponsor group in the Gulf region.
Andreea attended the Harvard Business School Program for Leadership Development and
holds an MBA from Hult International Business School.

Prof. John Truby
Founder
MENA Executive Training
Prof. John Truby
Founder
MENA Executive Training

Prof. Jon Truby, PhD is an AI Law & Governance Professor, named by Stanford University as one of the World’s Top 2% Researchers. He is a highly cited thought leader and recognised policy influencer in AI Governance.  Dr. Truby is Founder of MENAExecutiveTraining.com, Qatar’s leading AI professional training and qualification academy offering accredited certifications.   He is an Associate Research Professor in AI Law at National University of Singapore and an Academic Visitor at the Institute for Ethics in AI at Oxford University. His research on emerging technology was presented at the United Nations, and he serves a number of AI policy and advisory committees including the UNESCO Group of Friends on the Ethics of AI.  During 2010-2023 he was a Law Professor at Qatar University, directing the University Research Centre Director which delivered major results in AI and emerging technologies research and policy.

Indica Amarasinghe
Chapter Director - Doha
Startup Grind Qatar
Indica Amarasinghe
Chapter Director - Doha
Startup Grind Qatar

Indica has over 25 years of professional experience, transitioning from the pharmaceutical to the technology industry. He has worked in both private and public sectors of the technology industry for the last 20 years. A business and marketing professional, he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Chartered Institute of Management, UK, holding an MBA and certification as a lean startup coach.

He was part of the team that launched Sri Lanka’s first eCommerce company and worked with Microsoft Sri Lanka before moving to Qatar in 2008. There, he led the marketing for a system integrator and launched Qatar’s first Apple reseller store. His last role was with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, where he contributed to national programs focused on technology, SME Digital Transformation, and entrepreneurship, including leading a government tech incubator. He currently works for the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, which organized the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Indica has been active in Qatar’s startup ecosystem for a decade, as a mentor, Coach and Trainer. He continues to contribute to the ecosystem as the Chapter Director of Startup Grind Qatar and VNTR Capital, and advises a Healthtech startup with a global presence.

Fatmah Baothman
Member of the Global Future Council
Future of Artificial Intelligence by WEF
Fatmah Baothman
Member of the Global Future Council
Future of Artificial Intelligence by WEF
Akif Kamal
Partner, Technology Consulting and Digital, Services
PwC Middle East
Akif Kamal
Partner, Technology Consulting and Digital, Services
PwC Middle East
Caner Canak
Group Director of AI & Data Science
Ooredoo Group
Caner Canak
Group Director of AI & Data Science
Ooredoo Group

Caner Canak is the Group Director of AI & Data Science at Ooredoo Group, where he leads the development and implementation of cutting-edge Data Science, Data Analytics, and AI solutions. He holds a Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems from CUNY Brooklyn College and brings over 15 years of expertise in data analytics and AI trends.

Throughout his career, Caner has demonstrated a profound ability to transform complex data into actionable insights, driving business growth and innovation. His areas of specialization include AI techs (image and video processing, chatbots, RPA, and mobile analytics) and big data solutions. Additionally, he has a strong background in Business Intelligence Systems (BIS) and Data Warehousing (DWH)

Caner’s extensive experience as a Data Scientist encompasses data mining, path analysis, and forecasting, with notable achievements in credit scoring, application scoring, and behavior score modeling. His proficiency in project management has ensured the successful execution of numerous digital services and network analytics projects. Moreover, his expertise in data monetization has been instrumental in unlocking new revenue streams.

 

 

Lars Gehrmann
Group Chief Digital & AI Officer
Qatar Insurance Group & MENA Insurtech Association
Lars Gehrmann
Group Chief Digital & AI Officer
Qatar Insurance Group & MENA Insurtech Association
Prof. Dr. Christoph Luetge
Director of the TUM Institute for Ethics in AI
Technische Universität München
Prof. Dr. Christoph Luetge
Director of the TUM Institute for Ethics in AI
Technische Universität München
Dr. Kevin J. Jones
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Indiana University Columbus
Dr. Kevin J. Jones
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Indiana University Columbus
Dr. Raul Rodriguez
Vice President
Woxsen University
Dr. Raul Rodriguez
Vice President
Woxsen University

Dr. Raul Villamarin Rodriguez, Vice President of Woxsen University, is a Cognitive Technologist and Adjunct Professor at Universidad del Externado, Colombia. He serves as a member of the International Advisory Board at IBS Ranepa, Russian Federation, and holds positions on the Advisory Boards of PUCPR, Johannesburg Business School, SA, Milpark Business School, South Africa, PetThinQ Inc, and SpaceBasic, Inc. Additionally, Dr. Rodriguez is a Visiting Professor at Uni. del Rosario and an Expert at UNESCO.

Rahul Otawat
VP, Strategy, Analytics & Data Science - Wealth, Digital and Business Banking
Mashreq Bank
Rahul Otawat
VP, Strategy, Analytics & Data Science - Wealth, Digital and Business Banking
Mashreq Bank
Imran Choudhary
Data Protection Officer
Al Jazeera Media Network
Imran Choudhary
Data Protection Officer
Al Jazeera Media Network

Imran Chowdhury is a seasoned data trust expert, boasting over 25 years of versatile experience in Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Data Governance within the technology realm. With a knack for connecting disparate elements, Imran’s professional journey spans diverse domains including business architecture, portfolio management, service management, project management, as well as governance, risk, and compliance.

His approach is marked by an entrepreneurial spirit, honed through his firsthand experience in spearheading digital-first initiatives. This unique vantage point equips him with invaluable insights into establishing optimal governance frameworks tailored to an organization’s journey from inception to maturity.

Passionate about fostering user trust in the digital landscape, Imran advocates for robust organizational practices that prioritize user-centric trust-building. Currently serving as the Global Data Protection Officer at Al Jazeera Media Network, he spearheaded the launch of their Privacy function, underscoring his commitment to ensuring data integrity and user privacy.

Alongside his professional endeavors, Imran is committed to furthering his expertise and knowledge. He is presently enrolled in the International Juris Doctor program at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, a testament to his dedication to staying abreast of evolving legal and regulatory landscapes in the digital sphere.

 

Ahmed Serag
Founder and Director, AI Innovation Centre
Weill Cornell Medicine
Ahmed Serag
Founder and Director, AI Innovation Centre
Weill Cornell Medicine

Dr. Ahmed Serag is a professor and the founding director of the AI Innovation Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, where he brings over 17 years of expertise in AI, particularly in the realms of medicine and healthcare. With a distinguished career spanning academia and industry, Dr. Serag has held leadership positions at global healthcare organizations such as Novartis and Philips, where he spearheaded groundbreaking AI solutions for drug discovery and medical diagnostics. His influence extends beyond his professional achievements; he has an extensive publication record and actively advises on AI strategies. As a recognized top 1% LinkedIn AI voice, Dr. Serag’s substantial impact and thought leadership in the field of AI are reshaping healthcare practices in Qatar and influencing the global AI community.

Nacho Floristan
Generative AI Solutions Architecture, EMEA/APAC
Google Cloud
Nacho Floristan
Generative AI Solutions Architecture, EMEA/APAC
Google Cloud
Milan Bates
Associate Specialist Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Bristol Royal Infirmary
Milan Bates
Associate Specialist Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Bristol Royal Infirmary

Dr Milan Bates is an experienced and dedicated cardiothoracic surgeon with a lifelong commitment to healthcare innovation. He graduated from Medical School in Zagreb in 1984 and pursued residencies at the renowned Rebro Teaching Hospital. He then immigrated to England and earned his GMC license, specializing in cardiac surgery (FRCS).  Dr Bates was part of a pioneering team that combined angioplasty and minimally invasive bypass surgery.  Dr Bates’s desire to push boundaries led him to develop MiHeart, one of the first health apps, showcased at a TED Talk.  Dr Bates’s leadership was instrumental in winning a prestigious innovation award in collaboration with the Judge Business School (Cambridge). He has been elected to spearhead UK delegations for medical robotics standards (ISO, BSI), showcasing his expertise in complex negotiations and ethics while collaborating with top entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide.  Dr Bates’s collaboration with the European Foundation for Clinical Nanomedicine led to significant advancements, including the Soft Smart Venous Assist Device, RAMAN detection of platelet activity, Novel Tracheal Dressing, and a 3D Puzzle for bone repair.  Leveraging his expertise in AI, Dr Bates co-created NAZARE, a revolutionary technology empowering personalized weight management.

Faisal Hamady
Managing Director and Partner
BCG
Faisal Hamady
Managing Director and Partner
BCG
Seema Prem
CEO + Co-Founder
FIA Global
Seema Prem
CEO + Co-Founder
FIA Global
Moussa Beidas
Partner, Ideation Lead
PwC Middle East
Moussa Beidas
Partner, Ideation Lead
PwC Middle East
Ashwin Naib
Associate Partner
QuantumBlack AI McKinsey
Ashwin Naib
Associate Partner
QuantumBlack AI McKinsey
Tiago Henriques
EMEA Head of AI/ML, Customer Engineering
Google Cloud
Tiago Henriques
EMEA Head of AI/ML, Customer Engineering
Google Cloud
Simon Sharp
Partner
Global Ventures
Simon Sharp
Partner
Global Ventures
Dr. Chawki Tawbi
Senior Partner Sales Engineer
Google Cloud
Dr. Chawki Tawbi
Senior Partner Sales Engineer
Google Cloud
Walid Qoronfleh
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Q3 Consulting Group (Q3CG)
Walid Qoronfleh
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Q3 Consulting Group (Q3CG)

Dr. Walid Qoronfleh is currently the Executive Director of the US-based organization Q3 Research Institute (QRI) and he is also the co-Founder and the Managing Director of the boutique consulting firm Q3CG, Michigan, USA. Dr. Qoronfleh is engaged in AI precision medicine and person-centered care research areas that are of immediate global and provincial healthcare relevance including the MENA region. He has held in the USA several senior management and executive positions with increasing responsibilities at several pharma/biotech companies including GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, ThermoFisher, NextGen Sciences Plc, SDIX Inc, the NIH-NCI, and The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Walid has published over 100 peer reviewed papers and 4 books. He is also an Editor or ad hoc reviewer for various scientific journals. Walid is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences. He holds graduate degrees from The University of Louisville–School of Medicine, Penn State University and The University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Samir Safar-Aly
Senior Counsel, Financial Regulation, Compliance & Investigations (MENA-wide) MENA Fintech & AI Lead
Baker Mckenzie
Samir Safar-Aly
Senior Counsel, Financial Regulation, Compliance & Investigations (MENA-wide) MENA Fintech & AI Lead
Baker Mckenzie

Samir is an English qualified Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and a registered Legal Adviser with the Dubai Government Legal Affairs Department. He is a counsel in the Firm’s Financial Regulatory and Investigations, Compliance & Ethics (IC&E) practices based in Dubai as well as FinTech and AI lead in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with ten years’ experience in the region, covering financial regulation, financial crime, sanctions and cybersecurity. With qualifications in both law and coding, as the MENA FinTech and AI Lead, Samir has advised on a number of global and regional virtual assets, payment services, robo-advisory, crowdfunding, tokenization, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), AI application within financial services and AI ethics, DAOs, NFTs, Web3 governance issues, cybersecurity, and data protection issues, and has drafted regulation in this area for a number of regulators across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He has studied law at UC Berkeley and Harvard, coding at MIT and King’s College London, and AI Ethics and Law and Panthéon-Assas University Paris’ Singapore campus. He also as training from the City of London Police Economic & Cybercrime Academy, and the U.S. Department of Justice.  

Salim Al-Shuaili
Director, Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Technology
Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Oman
Salim Al-Shuaili
Director, Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Technology
Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Oman
Dr. Puthen Veettil Jithesh
Associate Dean for Education, College of Health & Life Sciences
Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation
Dr. Puthen Veettil Jithesh
Associate Dean for Education, College of Health & Life Sciences
Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation
Rajesh Sivaprakasam
Consultant in Transplant, Access and General Surgery, Lead for Robotic renal failure Surgery, Research, Innovation and Education, Chair
Bartshealth Robotic
Rajesh Sivaprakasam
Consultant in Transplant, Access and General Surgery, Lead for Robotic renal failure Surgery, Research, Innovation and Education, Chair
Bartshealth Robotic
Adhari Alzaabi
Assistant Professor
Sultan Qaboos University
Adhari Alzaabi
Assistant Professor
Sultan Qaboos University
Hariprasad Chede
Head - Information Security Risk, Risk Management
National Bank of Fujairah
Hariprasad Chede
Head - Information Security Risk, Risk Management
National Bank of Fujairah
Dr. Zahra Al Rawahi
Director of Innovation Development
Artificial Intelligence Academy
Dr. Zahra Al Rawahi
Director of Innovation Development
Artificial Intelligence Academy
Amr El Rahwan
Cybercrime Forensic Expert
United Nations Regional Centre for Combatting Cybercrime
Amr El Rahwan
Cybercrime Forensic Expert
United Nations Regional Centre for Combatting Cybercrime

Police Colonel Engineer / Amr El Rahwan is experienced in supporting international law enforcement and border security organizations in solving national security issues. He is considered one of the rare profiles capable of establishing links between the operational, technological, and legal aspects. He provided consultancy to the CEPOL, OSCE, and United Nations and has unique experience in using Artificial Intelligence, interoperability, and OSINT “Open Source Intelligence” in Cybercrime and Countering Terrorism.

He holds a master’s in Cybersecurity and two research papers about using Artificial Intelligence for Interoperability and OSINT for combating terrorism and serious crime published by FRONTEX (European Border and Coast Guard Agency) and CEPOL (The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training).

Amr was based in the Netherlands for 8 years and was a former Police Officer Engineer in Egypt.

Amr now is a Cybercrime Expert in the UNODC Regional Center for Combating Cybercrime in Doha.

Dr. Sabri Boughorbel
Expert in Machine Learning / Deep Learning / NLP
Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI)
Dr. Sabri Boughorbel
Expert in Machine Learning / Deep Learning / NLP
Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI)
Junaid Qadir
Professor of Computer Engineering
Qatar University
Junaid Qadir
Professor of Computer Engineering
Qatar University
Amr Metwally
Director of Clinical Simulation and Innovation
Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center
Amr Metwally
Director of Clinical Simulation and Innovation
Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center

Police Colonel Engineer / Amr El Rahwan is experienced in supporting international law enforcement and border security organizations in solving national security issues. He is considered one of the rare profiles capable of establishing links between the operational, technological, and legal aspects. He provided consultancy to the CEPOL, OSCE, and United Nations and has unique experience in using Artificial Intelligence, interoperability, and OSINT “Open Source Intelligence” in Cybercrime and Countering Terrorism.

He holds a master’s in Cybersecurity and two research papers about using Artificial Intelligence for Interoperability and OSINT for combating terrorism and serious crime published by FRONTEX (European Border and Coast Guard Agency) and CEPOL (The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training).

Amr was based in the Netherlands for 8 years and was a former Police Officer Engineer in Egypt.

Amr now is a Cybercrime Expert in the UNODC Regional Center for Combating Cybercrime in Doha.”

Joseph Musolino
Director of Public Sector Customer Advisory, Middle East, Turkey & Africa
SAS
Joseph Musolino
Director of Public Sector Customer Advisory, Middle East, Turkey & Africa
SAS

Joseph’s role in SAS is focused on Customer Advisory focusing on C-Level engagement, Digital and Analytics transformation. This role leverages his experience in Government, Regulatory & Financial services

  • 22 years’ experience in Consulting, IT, Government, Regulatory and Financial services. 
  • Director of Public Sector Customer Advisory, META
  • Strategic Consulting & Digital Transformation Lead
  • Former lead for Complex Delivery and Revenue Management Center of Excellence in IBM
  • Fraud & Security Intelligence Thought Leader 
  • Former Director at the Australian Taxation Office
  • Former Consulting Company Owner/Director

 

Prof. Dr. Ali Al Sanousi, MD, MBA, PhD
Executive Director Clinical Information Systems & Assistant Professor
Hamad Medical Corporation & Weill Cornell Medicine
Prof. Dr. Ali Al Sanousi, MD, MBA, PhD
Executive Director Clinical Information Systems & Assistant Professor
Hamad Medical Corporation & Weill Cornell Medicine
Kevin Ferguson
Senior Systems Technical Advisor, Center of Excellence & Development (CoE)
UAE Armed Forces
Kevin Ferguson
Senior Systems Technical Advisor, Center of Excellence & Development (CoE)
UAE Armed Forces
Valerie Hawley
Executive Director
Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence
Valerie Hawley
Executive Director
Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence

Valerie Hawley is the Executive Director of the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence, where she leads efforts to enhance AI capabilities across the Middle East. With over 15 years of experience in disruptive innovation, she has a robust background in advising companies on AI strategies and developing competencies in emerging technologies. Valerie holds an MSc in Optical Engineering and two MBAs, including one focused on innovation and technology from HEC Paris. She has held leadership roles at Daman, where she transformed the organization’s innovation culture, and at KPMG, managing cross-disciplinary teams in complex environments. As a general partner at True Global Ventures, Valerie invests in web 3 startups utilizing blockchain and AI. She is a board member of the French UAE Chamber of Commerce and FrenchTechTM, and actively mentors young women leaders. Valerie brings deep expertise, strategic insight, and a commitment to fostering innovation, making her a valuable asset to any board.

Prof. May El Barachi
Director of Computer Science and IT
University of  Wollongong in Dubai
Prof. May El Barachi
Director of Computer Science and IT
University of  Wollongong in Dubai

Prof. May El Barachi is the Head of School of Computer Science at University of Wollongong in Dubai. An Egyptian Canadian Computer Scientist, and Smart Technology Expert with degrees in Telecom. Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science, Prof. El Barachi possesses width and breadth of knowledge in the areas of Computer Science, IT, and Engineering. Prof. El Barachi is also a public speaker who participates in large-scale public events and speaks about technology-related topics, such as: Digital transformation, smart cities, emerging technologies & their related opportunities, demystifying complex technologies, and professional training in alignment with the industry needs.

Using her knowledge and experience, she conducts large scale multi-disciplinary projects in the areas of BioTech, Smart Transportation, Smart cities, Inclusion & Innovation. With collaborators spanning the globe, and a large group of researchers under her supervision, she tackles challenging real-life problems using a combination of legacy and emerging technologies. She is involved in industry collaborations with the telecom and health industries and was able to raise more than 4 Million Dirhams in the last 5 years to support her research work.

In addition to being a professor and active researcher, Prof. El Barachi holds leadership roles in teaching/learning and research. In her current role, she defines the research strategy for the faculty and ensures that the right eco-system is established for conducting high-impact research. She is also a champion and certified trainer in emerging technologies and have spearheaded a successful executive learning program in collaboration with IBM, currently offering 10 professional training modules ranging from AI, data science, and big data, to cloud, IOT, security and Blockchain, and design thinking. The idea of the program is to equip students and working professionals with important skills that are needed in the industry and complement conventional academic programs with professional hands on training.

Dr. Hamid Menouar
Principal R&D and Innovation Lead
Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC)
Dr. Hamid Menouar
Principal R&D and Innovation Lead
Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC)

Dr. Hamid is the Principal R&D and Innovation Lead at Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC), where he has been leading the technology and product development of several smart solutions in the areas of smart living, leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, Drones, Connected and Autonomous Mobility, etc. Several of his innovative solutions have played a pivotal role in the success of the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022.

Before moving to Qatar, he worked at Hitachi in Sophia Antipolis, France, where he was leading the development of connected vehicles solutions. He obtained his Ph.D. degree from the esteemed French school Telecom Paris Tech in 2008, and his research endeavors have yielded a remarkable collection of scientific research publications, both in esteemed international conferences and journals, along with multiple patents.

Ram Kumar
Chief Data & Analytics Officer of Cigna International Health and Head of Cigna Global Centre of Excellence
Cigna Healthcare
Ram Kumar
Chief Data & Analytics Officer of Cigna International Health and Head of Cigna Global Centre of Excellence
Cigna Healthcare

Ram Kumar is the Chief Data and Analytics Officer of Cigna’s International Markets where he is responsible for driving data and analytics strategy and its execution for 30+ countries covering The Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. He also the Head of Cigna Health Solutions India, COE for Cigna. 

Ram has over 34+ years’ experience in industry and has held many executive roles namely, as CEO, CTO, CIO, Senior Consultant and as Chief Architect for global organizations and has managed teams in over 40 countries. 

Ram commenced has over 30 years of solid background in Information Technology coupled with over 28 years’ experience in data strategy and execution. Ram started his career In AI in 1986 and have been actively involved with the field since then both in R&D and in applied AI. He has worked closely with some of the fathers/pioneers in this field.  His first big data based advanced analytics/ML project was in 1992 for a large government organization in Australia.  Ram served as a member of the Data Research Advisory Board of MIT Sloan School from 2016-2019. He spent over 16 years building open data standards under OASIS, a Global Standards Body and his standards have been implemented globally and notably by Google Maps. 

Ram has published over 150 articles and is a regularly invited keynote speaker in conferences globally and has spoken extensively in about 400 industry events globally. Ram is recipient of several IT and Data related awards globally. His work has been published as chapters in books as global best practices. Ram serves as the advisor and executive committee member of MIT CDOIQ Symposium, the world’s biggest data event, as Member of the Global Editorial Board of the CDO Magazine and as the CDO Ambassador for Singapore, an initiative of CDO Magazine, MIT CDOIQ and Institute of CDOs.

Ram holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering with Artificial Intelligence as the major in both.

Ish Babbar
CTO & Co-Founder
InsuranceDekho
Ish Babbar
CTO & Co-Founder
InsuranceDekho

Ish is the Co-founder and CTO of InsuranceDekho, the leading Insurtech in India. Launched in 2017, InsuranceDekho has rapidly expanded, growing 2x every year. The Gurgaon based company has partnered with 49 insurers to offer 650+plans across 1700+ cities covering 98% pincodes, and is truly transforming the insurance landscape in India.

InsuranceDekho has raised a total of over $200 million with backing from marquee investors like Goldman Sachs, TVS Capital, and LeapFrog Investments. With Ish’s leadership skills and expertise in tech and product development, InsuranceDekho has today become a leading player and an integral voice of the Indian Insurtech industry.

With over 20 years of experience spanning Telecom, Travel, Social Gaming, Messenger apps, and Insurance, Ish has led engineering teams globally in both B2B and B2C domains. Under his leadership, InsuranceDekho has pioneered innovative solutions in the Insurtech space, including the launch of a groundbreaking GenAI tool. Before scaling InsuranceDekho, he played a key role at Yatra and was instrumental in launching products like Teenpatti and Rummy at ibibo Group. 

Passionate about startups, Ish is an active angel investor and mentor. Outside of work, he is an avid runner and a dedicated reader.

Dr. Hanan Alhaddi
Guest Lecturer on Strategy/Director of Integrative Cases on AI, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford: Board Director and Chair, Automotive AI Committee
Connected Vehicle Trade Association
Dr. Hanan Alhaddi
Guest Lecturer on Strategy/Director of Integrative Cases on AI, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford: Board Director and Chair, Automotive AI Committee
Connected Vehicle Trade Association

Dr. Hanan Alhaddi is an industry expert and academic practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience in strategy, enterprise transformation, and AI. She is a guest lecturer on strategy and the director of integrative cases on AI at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. She holds advanced degrees in strategy and innovation from Oxford University, Harvard University, and Lawrence Technological University.  

Alhaddi is an AI Strategist and has published in the fields of strategy and business management and regularly speaks at industry and academic conferences, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field. She is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Strategy and management and serves on the board of Connected Vehicle Trade Association (CVTA). Dr. Alhaddi is the author of Monarch, a forthcoming book on strategy across the industry life cycle to be released end of 2024. She is the CEO of Alhaddi Consulting Group, a consulting firm specializing in strategy, transformation, and AI.

Radhakrishnan Mahalingam
President & Honorary AdvisoryCommittee
Qatar for Government Blockchain Association / BLI
Radhakrishnan Mahalingam
President & Honorary AdvisoryCommittee
Qatar for Government Blockchain Association / BLI

Radhakrishnan is a certified BMM Advisor from GBA and a Honorary Advisory committee member of BLI, Florida. With a COP28 certification from University of Edinburgh, RK enables and drives the stage for Emerging Healthtech transformations and provides ‘C’ suites with strategic direction for AI, Blockchain maturity modelling in Healthtech sector . Medtech practice and is considered as a MENA guardian / influencer of the organization’s vision and mission. He started his career in Information Technology field providing management consulting, Strategy advisory services through various complex Healthcare engagements. RK graduated with a Master’s degree in Computer Applications from Bharathidasan University and specialized in Blockchain foundations (BFC) and Maturity modeling (BMM) through Government Blockchain Association, Fairfax – Virginia. He was recently awarded with AI & Blockchain leader of year 2024, Digital CEO of the year (2024), Legal Luminary award (2024), Global CIO award (2023 & 2024) to name a few. RK is a consummate technology professional by leading and participating in Hackathons, Judges multiple Healthtech events and Healthtech startup competitions, mentor Youths interested in AI, Blockchain, Health technology and Legal services. He has dedicated himself to “Healthcare Research” in the recent years to bring in AI , Blockchain as the enabler for various Marine & Maritime transformation programs to enable Precision Medicine services for every consumer to get access to sustainable Healthcare, better services and for a bright and healthy future.

Ali Zafar
Advisor - Confidential
Ali Zafar
Advisor - Confidential
Sofia Couto da Rocha
Clinician, Head of Innovation & Head Virtual Client
Lusíadas Saúde
Sofia Couto da Rocha
Clinician, Head of Innovation & Head Virtual Client
Lusíadas Saúde

Sofia Couto da Rocha is a MD with long-standing experience in the field. She dedicates herself to innovation, digital transformation and smart aging using technology as a streamline for precision medicine. She completed her MBA at The Lisbon MBA, a minor in Political Science from NOVA and a BA in Design in London. Masters in longevity related subjects in four universities. After earned a scholarship for the IWI at MIT engineering Boston and one for Clinical Research from Harvard Medical School, she focused her research in innovation and technology for healthcare. Awarded in Biotechnology, Leadership and Digital, among others the Global Impact Challenge of Singularity University, which made her last startup kick off in Silicon Valley at the NASA Campus, the SAGES Clinical Services 2021 Shining Bright, leading the best 2023 innovation project for healthcare by the European private hospitals association – Lusi.

She was the president of the IT commission of the initiative Health Parliament Portugal for 3 years, being currently Medical officer at Patient Innovation and Untech, and a member of the council for information Technologies of the National Medical Council.

As a fighter for equal opportunities, she was invited to be part of the women Leaders global forum, since 2018. Nowadays, teaches about innovation and new technologies applied to healthcare.

Nowadays, Sophia leads innovation and the virtual Client at Lusíadas Saúde, one of the largest private health groups in Portugal, part of Vivalto Santé.

Biju Balakrishnan
Chief Technology Officer
FIA Global
Biju Balakrishnan
Chief Technology Officer
FIA Global
Lesley Nagle
IBM iX Go-to-Market Leader, Gulf & Levant; Customer Transformation
IBM Consulting
Lesley Nagle
IBM iX Go-to-Market Leader, Gulf & Levant; Customer Transformation
IBM Consulting
Jonathan McCrea
Founder
Whipsmart Media
Jonathan McCrea
Founder
Whipsmart Media
Sharmila David
CEO
Ai-2nd Opinion
Sharmila David
CEO
Ai-2nd Opinion
Ricardo Barcena
CEO, Co-Founder
Spotnik
Ricardo Barcena
CEO, Co-Founder
Spotnik
Rose Rwegasira
Head of Business Development
Neurotech Africa
Rose Rwegasira
Head of Business Development
Neurotech Africa
Raphael Sanchez
Head of GenAI-ML EMEA South Practice Team, Customer Engineering
Google Cloud
Raphael Sanchez
Head of GenAI-ML EMEA South Practice Team, Customer Engineering
Google Cloud
Omar Shaat
GenAI Product Development Lead
Deloitte Middle East
Omar Shaat
GenAI Product Development Lead
Deloitte Middle East

Meet some of our previous WSAI global series world-class AI Brains

Rajamani Sambasivam
Chief Data Scientist
Petronas Group
Rajamani Sambasivam
Chief Data Scientist
Petronas Group
Sreesha Belakvaadi
Head of Engineering - Data Analytics & AI
British Telecom
Sreesha Belakvaadi
Head of Engineering - Data Analytics & AI
British Telecom
Dr Kai-Fu Lee
Founder, Chairman and CEO Sinovation Ventures; President Sinovation Ventures Artificial Intelligence Institute; Founding President Google China
Author of 'AI 2041' and Bestselling 'AI Superpowers'
Dr Kai-Fu Lee
Founder, Chairman and CEO Sinovation Ventures; President Sinovation Ventures Artificial Intelligence Institute; Founding President Google China
Author of 'AI 2041' and Bestselling 'AI Superpowers'
Simon See
Senior Director, Chief Solution Architect and Global Head NVIDIA AI Technology Centre
NVIDIA Corporation

Simon See
Senior Director, Chief Solution Architect and Global Head NVIDIA AI Technology Centre
NVIDIA Corporation

David Andre
Chief Science Officer
X, The Moonshot Factory
David Andre
Chief Science Officer
X, The Moonshot Factory
Dr. Werner Vogels
CTO
Amazon.com
Dr. Werner Vogels
CTO
Amazon.com
Divya Chander
Neuroscientist, Futurist, Physician, Consciousness Researcher
Divya Chander
Neuroscientist, Futurist, Physician, Consciousness Researcher
Amandeep Singh Gill
UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology
United Nations

Amandeep Singh Gill
UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology
United Nations

Jamie Metzl
Leading Tech Expert and Healthcare Futurist
Author of 'Hacking Darwin'

Jamie Metzl
Leading Tech Expert and Healthcare Futurist
Author of 'Hacking Darwin'

Marc Mathieu
SVP, AI Transformation & Vice-Chair, Salesforce Global Advisory Board
Salesforce

Marc Mathieu
SVP, AI Transformation & Vice-Chair, Salesforce Global Advisory Board
Salesforce

Steve Chien
JPL Fellow, Senior Research Scientist, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems
NASA
Steve Chien
JPL Fellow, Senior Research Scientist, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems
NASA
Larry Heck
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Georgia Tech
Larry Heck
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Georgia Tech
Parag Parekh
Chief Digital Officer
INGKA GROUP | IKEA
Parag Parekh
Chief Digital Officer
INGKA GROUP | IKEA