Abu Dhabi Speakers - Infosec & Cybersecurity Congress 2025

Keynote Speaker

Vijay Balakrishnan

Sales Engineer
Delinea

Vijay Balakrishnan

Hani Bani Amer is currently the Head of Information Security of AEP. He is a versatile highly accomplished certified business oriented cyber security leader with deep technical background. Hani has about 20 years of progressive experience in Network, security operations and management, Information Security, security program management, people management, Network and Security Solutions Architecture, service/project – delivery, conflict resolution, and client relationship management. Currently his role involves securing payment cards industry, domestic card schema and instant payment systems. Hani sits at the Board of Advisor for the PCI-SSC.

Panel Speakers

Amar Prakash

Audit Manager
Al Tayer Group

Amar Prakash

Amar Prakash is an accomplished IT and Cybersecurity leader with over 15+ years of progressive experience in information security, risk consulting, governance, and audit across diverse industries including financial services, e-commerce, and government. Currently serving as IT Audit Manager in Al Tayer Group as well as Managing Director – IT & Cyber Security Audit, Strategy & Risk Advisory in Canada & US, he brings a client-focused and solution-oriented approach to building resilient IT and security frameworks.

Throughout his career, Amar has led critical initiatives in information security management, IT risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and governance strategy. His expertise spans ISO 27001, PCI DSS, HIPAA, BS25999, and NIST SP 800-30 frameworks, as well as enterprise risk management using COBIT and ITIL. He has successfully delivered end-to-end security solutions, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and third-party vendor risk reviews for leading banks, IT companies, and global enterprises.

Prior to his current role, Amar held senior consulting and leadership positions at Adecco, Wipro, PwC, Capgemini, and Wall Street Exchange (Emirates Post Group), where he established IT risk frameworks, directed technology governance committees, and implemented security solutions including PAM, WAF, and advanced risk treatment strategies.

A certified professional holding CISM, CISA, CCSK, CRISK, and CyberArk CPE credentials, Amar combines technical expertise with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills. His work has been recognized through multiple industry awards, and his publications on wireless sensor networks and mobile security highlight his commitment to advancing cybersecurity knowledge.

Ali Othman

Cybersecurity Country Head

HSBC Bank Middle East Limited

Ali Othman

Bader Al Zyouud

Head of Section Information Security Governance & Risks Management
Abu Dhabi Media (ADM)

Bader Al Zyouud

James Wiles

Head of Cyber Security – Middle East & Africa
Cigna Healthcare

James Wiles

James is a Cyber Security Executive with 20+ years of global experience leading Cyber, Military Intelligence & Technology teams across Healthcare, Insurance, Defence & Intelligence sectors. As the Head of Cyber Security – Middle East & Africa for Cigna Healthcare, James is responsible for Threat Management, Security Architecture, Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance across the region, partnering with the business to deliver innovative and resilient products to our clients and customers. James is passionate about growing a resilient cyber ecosystem in the UAE as a member of the Cybersecurity Council’s Policies Committee Advisory Board and an instructor for DESC’s Certified CISO Executive Program.

Hani Abdel Karim Bani Amer

Head – Information Security
Al Etihad Payments

Hani Abdel Karim Bani Amer

Ram Soni

Vice President , Head of ISG Governance, Risk & Compliance
Mashreq

Ram Soni

Vijay Velayutham

Principal Information Security Officer
Cyber Security Unit
Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, UAE

Vijay Velayutham

Vishnu Padmakumar

Head of Digital Security Section
General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSAAE)

Vishnu Padmakumar

Vishnu is a seasoned information security professional with deep expertise in cybersecurity strategy, program implementation, governance, risk and compliance, and cloud security.

Throughout his career, Vishnu has designed and led security programs for organizations navigating complex regulatory and operational environments. He is adept at building robust governance frameworks and enabling secure cloud adoption strategies to support business innovation and resilience.

Vishnu’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity began early in his career, when he was credited by global organizations such as Oracle, Adobe and Groupon for discovering and responsibly disclosing critical vulnerabilities in their systems. This foundation in hands-on security research has shaped his pragmatic approach to threat management and his ability to translate cyber risks into actionable business insights.

A trusted advisor to executive teams and a collaborative leader, Vishnu is passionate about fostering a security-first culture and sharing knowledge across the industry. As a panelist, he brings practical experience, technical depth, and a strategic-thinking perspective on emerging security challenges and solutions.

He holds globally recognized certifications including CISSP, CCSP, CISM, OSCP, and CEH, reflecting his broad technical and strategic proficiency across the security landscape.