Dubai Speakers - Infosec & Cybersecurity Congress 2025

Keynote Speaker

Topic: Think like Attackers – The Shift beyond EDR

Gopan Sivasankaran

General Manager, META
Secureworks, a Sophos company

Gopan Sivasankaran

Mr. Gopan has over eighteen years of information security experience on various roles ranging from security analyst, implementer, consultant, architect and various leadership positions.

Being the first employee of Secureworks Middle East, Gopan is onto his 9th Year in Secureworks leading the business in the META region.He holds Bachelor of Technology in IT and also he is an ISO 27001 Lead Auditor and CISM.

He has worked for several multinationals in his career with the likes of CSC, HCL, Wipro etc. On his information security journey, he has supported clients across verticals – Financial, Military, Govt, Manufacturing, Energy etc in different geographies such as India, Middle East, Europe and US.

He has spoken in several forums on information security and other relevant subjects. He has done information security awareness sessions at the corporate level and at universities.

As a pastime hobby, he writes self-help blogs, gives motivational talks and is passionate about being a life coach.

Fireside Chat Speakers

Harriet de Morton

SASE Sales Manager for Middle East & Africa
HPE Aruba Networking

Harriet de Morton

Harriet de Morton is the SASE Sales Manager for Middle East & Africa at HPE Aruba Networking. With over a decade of experience in the GCC region, Harriet has been working and collaborating closely with IT Leaders and channel partners to help organisations achieve digital transformation through the adoption of emerging technology.

Shijeesh Sahadevan

WAN & Security transformation Expert
HPE Aruba Networking

Shijeesh Sahadevan

Shijeesh possesses more than 15 years of IT professional experience in the areas of Solution Architecture, Pre-Sales Engineering, Technical Account Management, Technical Support and delivering Workshops/ Trainings. He has worked with reputed global IT & security organizations & has positively contributed to driving business outcomes with customers across various verticals.

Panel Speakers

Abraham Rabind Parbhunath

Sr. Specialist, Nuclear Security
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation

Abraham Rabind Parbhunath

Aditya Kaushik

ICT Director
ZMI Holdings

Aditya Kaushik

Ahmed AlZarouni

First VP IT
Government Entity

Ahmed AlZarouni

Ahmed’s dedication to continuous learning and development is evident from the numerous training courses he has taken, including certifications such as MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist), MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). Additionally, he has completed specialized training in Microsoft Active Directory, Visual Basic .Net, Azure AI Fundamentals, and various CompTIA certifications like Network+, A+, Linux+, Security+, and Server+. Ahmed also holds credentials as a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and has undertaken advanced security training, including CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), TOGAF, and CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).

His advisory roles at GISEC, Skyline University College, Alrushed American School, and the MENA AI Award showcase his commitment to mentoring the next generation of IT professionals and driving forward industry standards. As a board member of CIOMajlis, Ahmed has contributed to shaping IT governance and policies that enhance organizational resilience and innovation.

In addition to his professional achievements, Ahmed is the founder of the Happiness Club, a unique initiative with over 60,000 members aimed at enhancing organizational culture and employee satisfaction. He has served as the president of the Happiness Club for over 10 years and established the Happiness Award, recognizing more than 200 individuals for their contributions to promoting happiness and well-being within their organizations.

Ahmed is also a prolific author, with notable works including “Technical Thinking” and “The Bubbles Theory.” His books provide insights into strategic thinking and life management, reflecting his holistic approach to personal and professional development. Ahmed’s expertise and thought leadership are further demonstrated through his active participation in over 150 live interviews on TV, radio, and online platforms, where he shares his insights on IT strategy, cybersecurity, and technological advancements.

Fluent in Arabic and proficient in English, Ahmed’s communication skills have enabled him to effectively engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders. His contributions to the field of IT and his commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and happiness have established him as a respected leader and influencer in the industry.

Annu Chouraria

IT Governance & Risk Specialist
UAE Government Entity

Annu Chouraria

Faisal Khan

Acting Associate Director – Information Security & Compliance
Dubai World Trade Centre

Faisal Khan

Dhiraj Sasidharan

Senior Information Security Leader
Leading Financial Institution, UAE

Dhiraj Sasidharan

Dhiraj is an accomplished senior information security leader, currently heading the information security assurance function at a financial institution in the UAE. With a focus on managing the organization’s attack surface, he ensures that all digital products, IT services, and the associated supply chain are rigorously assessed from a cybersecurity standpoint. His efforts are pivotal in protecting the bank’s digital assets and ensuring a secure, seamless experience for both customers and business partners.

With the increasing application of artificial intelligence (Al) and machine learning (ML) technologies, Dhiraj is working on the integration of Al-powered threat detection systems, leveraging machine learning algorithms and models to forecast potential security risks, optimize attack surface management, and strengthen defensive strategies. By embedding Al and ML into the security infrastructure, Dhiraj ensures that cybersecurity practices are not only adaptive but also scalable, providing real-time risk analysis and enhancing the organization’s ability to maintain regulatory compliance. This proactive approach will ensure that organization’s stays ahead of the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

Jayesh Nandanan

Information Security & Governance, Risk, Compliance Officer
Mediclinic Middle East

Jayesh Nandanan

Muhammad Musa Mazhar

Group Internal Audit Senior Manager – IT & Data Analytics
Liva Group

Muhammad Musa Mazhar

I’m Muhammad Musa Mazhar, an accomplished IT & Cybersecurity Audit Leader with over 15 years of experience delivering results across telecom, fintech, and insurance sectors. I’ve led multi-country audit functions, uncovered multi-million-dollar risk exposures, and embedded AI, automation, and data analytics to transform audit into a real-time, insight-driven function. My focus is always on delivering strategic value, strengthening governance, and enabling confident decision-making at the C-suite level.

Oma Martins – Okonkwo

Associate Director and Head, IT – GRC
IHS Towers

Oma Martins – Okonkwo

Oma is a Technology Governance and Risk Leader with fifteen (15) years of experience across various projects and diverse sectors. She is currently the Group Head of IT GRC at an NYSE-listed entity – where her passion for cybersecurity, technology governance and risk management, combined with her understanding of business context, makes her a valuable asset across local, regional, and global contexts.

Oma has built a strong reputation for her expertise in advising on the deployment of emerging technology solutions and delivering transformational technology assurance projects. Her work has consistently minimized risks and enhanced IT, cybersecurity and data protection compliance for businesses globally. Oma has played a pivotal role in guiding the implementation of IT and cybersecurity policies and regulations in multiple regions, creating cohesive IT operational frameworks that benefit businesses across Latin America, the Middle East, UK, and US as well.

Oma also dedicates her time and expertise to guide and inspire young professionals as they navigate their careers in the cybersecurity industry through mentorship and volunteering – which she has done through various organizations including Informations Systems Audit and Controls Association (ISACA), Women in Tech and Blazers and Babies.

Padam Sundar Kafle

Head of Innovation
Aster Digital Health

Padam Sundar Kafle

Taskeen Khan

CIO
Leading FinTech Entity, UAE

Taskeen Khan

A seasoned Senior Executive with over twenty-five years of experience in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), service operations, and secure IT solutions to achieve corporate objectives. Expertise includes Service Management, Data Privacy, Information Security Management Systems, Network Architecture, Program Management, and Business Continuity. Holds certifications like CISA, CIPP/E, EGP, along with CISSP, CIRSC, CGEIT, AIMS (ISO42001), and Risk (ISO31000).

Notable engagements include Playtech, Open lot, JP Morgan Chase & Co, MTA New York City Transit, Becton Dickinson, IBM Global Services, and others. Advised senior management committees and served on boards at Billion Hands Technology and Playssium Technologies. As the Founder of TechDriver and AwareFox, played key roles in successful acquisitions. Continues education beyond an MBA (Finance) and is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration specializing in risk management and ESG. Has held executive roles such as CTO, CIO, CISO, DPO, COO, and CRO.

Specialties encompass Governance, Strategy, Risk Optimization, Operations, Security, Data Privacy/Protection, Compliance, and Audit. Industry expertise spans Banking & Finance, FinTech, Cross Border Payments, Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Retail, and Software Product and Services, particularly within regulated sectors. Strong foundation in Enterprise Architecture and Resilience, Cyber Defense-Intelligence, Cloud, Information Systems, Disaster Recovery, GRC, and Business Continuity. Demonstrates exceptional leadership and operational skills with a proven track record in managing multiple programs effectively.

Tushar Vartak

EVP & Head – Information, Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention
RAK Bank

Tushar Vartak

Tushar Vartak is a distinguished cybersecurity and risk management leader with over two decades of experience guiding global banks in cybersecurity, digital fraud prevention, and operational resilience. His expertise spans artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital assets, and quantum computing, driving innovation in securing financial systems.

He has been recognized with numerous global accolades, including prestigious awards from The Asian Banker and ISACA’s CISO of the Year, among others. A thought leader in cybersecurity, he has contributed to Forbes, writing on post-quantum cryptography and the impact of quantum computing on future security frameworks. He has also been a contributor to the OWASP Penetration Testing Guide and other leading security publications, shaping best practices in cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

With a proven track record in shaping cybersecurity strategies, regulatory compliance, and emerging threat mitigation, Tushar continues to influence the industry, ensuring organizations remain resilient in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Zahid Altaf

Senior Manager – Data Protection & Security Awareness
MAJID AL FUTTAIM HOLDING LLC

Zahid Altaf

Zahid Altaf serves as senior manager for data protection and security awareness within the information security function at Majid Al Futtaim Holding. In this role, he leads cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) practice areas for building and championing a culture of principled performance to help Majid Al Futtaim reliably achieve its objectives, while addressing uncertainty and acting with integrity. Zahid is directly accountable for the company’s Data Protection Program, covering areas such as third-party data protection, digital risk protection, and security culture awareness and training. He has more than 15 years of experience in cybersecurity, governance, risk management, controls assurance, security compliance, information assurance, data protection, data governance, and technology infrastructure planning. Prior to joining Majid Al Futtaim, Zahid was associated with the region’s largest bank for more than seven years.