“AI: Driving the Digital Economy of Tomorrow” reflects the transformative role of artificial intelligence as a global enabler of innovation, productivity, and sustainable economic growth. The theme highlights how AI transcends geographical boundaries and industry sectors, accelerating digital transformation across technology, finance, healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics, and public services. By fostering cross-industry collaboration and future-ready capabilities, this initiative positions AI as a key driver of competitiveness, resilience, and inclusive development in the global digital economy.
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INTELLIGENT INNOVATION Leveraging AI for data-driven insights, automation, and new business models. |
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DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AT SCALE Integrating AI across enterprises, public services, cybersecurity, and digital platforms to drive productivity and competitiveness. |
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BUILDING A FUTURE READY DIGITAL ECONOMY Focusing on workforce skills, regulatory foresight, infrastructure, and global collaboration to accelerate innovation and attract partnership. |
This theme reflects MEET ICT & BITEX’s dedication to empowering organizations and individuals to thrive in an AI‑driven future.
MEET ICT is the annual Information and Communications Technology event that produces conference sessions and workshops that takes place in Bahrain.
One of the longest-running conferences in the Kingdom of Bahrain, MEET ICT Conference marks 10 years of providing extensive and informative session from distinguished speakers sharing insights on the latest and hottest topics in technology.
MEET ICT handles various activities in a platform that will amplify the experience of participants and empower them to exchange their knowledge and expertise to further contribute to the digital economy.
Join us in the 2025 Edition and be part of the history!
Comprehensive
Conference Sessions
Distinguished
Speakers
Highlevel Delegates
Attended
Specialzed
Workshops
The conference brings together experts, academics as well as industrial practitioners to share their most recent research, practical solutions, and experiences to discuss the issues, trends, opportunities and challenges in the field of Information and Communications Technology. See what’s coming next at the MEET ICT and BITEX event.
Group CEO
GFB Group
Al Hujairy is Chairman and Group CEO of Gulf Future Business (GFB). GFB Group of Companies includes: ThinkSmart For Training, TechoSmart for ICT Services, and WorkSmart for Events Management. ALHujairy holds an executive MBA (Distinguished Honours) from DePaul University, Chicago, USA and has extensive experience in a range of fields including Telecommunications, Banking, Government, Information Technology and Business Analysis. He began his career with Riyad Bank, Saudi Arabia and subsequently worked with Batelco and Asia Computers before joining the Health Information Directorate where he attained the post of IT Director. Prior to founding Gulf Future Business, Mr. Al Hujairy held the role as Acting CEO, Advisor to the Minister of Health on Health Economics and the CEO of Salmaniya Medical Complex.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
CTM 360
A visionary behind developing the Digital Risk Protection stack that embodies the concept of the company. His focus remains on building a highly scalable platform with the vision “Build Locally, Scale Globally”, and he believes in empowering the Arab World to be recognized as a leader in technology research and development.
Mirza is a Computer Science graduate from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM - Dhahran, Saudi Arabia). His educational background underscores his deep commitment to research and innovation. With over 30+ years of experience serving the Information Technology and Cybersecurity requirements of the GCC Financial Sector and government bodies, he is playing an instrumental role in safeguarding the region's digital landscape.
Mirza is actively contributing to the region through speaking engagements and providing invaluable insights into threats specific to GCC organizations. His passion for advancing cybersecurity in today’s digital age has left an indelible mark, reflecting his dedication to enhancing cybersecurity and resilience globally.
CEO
WITSA
A globally recognized tech industry leader, entrepreneur and mentor with over 3 decades of international experience in the innovation and technology industry, Dan E Khoo is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA). WITSA is a 46-year-old global alliance of tech industry associations from 80 countries and economies. It plays a strategic role in catalyzing tech innovations to better how communities develop, work & play.
Born & bred in Penang, Dan has a lifelong passion for technology, strategy and entrepreneurship. His global outlook is shaped by leadership experience in California, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi and Virginia, USA, with key roles in private enterprise, non-profit and the public sector. Entrepreneurship exits with a trade sale of a tech startup he founded to a Nasdaq-listed enterprise at the height of the dot-com boom and an IPO in Bursa Malaysia came after he led the creation of technology sections in two English-language newspapers.
Khoo’s involvement in non-profit organizations led to stints as Chairman of the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), Director of The Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO), President of the Southeast-Asia Information Technology Organization (SITO) and Chairman of WITSA. He has also served as Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s Head of Strategy and as CEO of MDEC Americas Inc in Palo Alto, California. He has mentored hundreds of tech startup entrepreneurs from 6 continents as a Google Launchpad mentor in Silicon Valley and has won multiple awards including the WITSA Lifetime Achievement Award and PIKOM Man of the Year .
CEO
Etisalcom
Rashed Alsnan is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the ICT sector across the GCC. He currently serves as CEO & Board Member at eTijwaal and has held leadership roles at Etisalcom Bahrain and iCT Flex W.L.L. Over his career, he has launched and managed multiple startups, focusing on innovative products and services aligned with blue ocean strategies. His specialties include executive management, board governance, and telecom advisory. Rashed is also active in industry organizations, serving as Chairman of Bahrain Technology Companies Society and Board Member of Arab ICT Union.
General Manager of Future Skills
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology
Abdullah Aldhalaan is a dynamic and results-driven professional at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's technological transformation. With a proven track record in the Military, Information & Communication Technology, and Energy sectors, Abdullah has spea
A dynamic and results-driven professional at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's technological transformation. With a proven track record in the Military, Information & Communication Technology, and Energy sectors, Abdullah has spearheaded initiatives and mega national programs, directly contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030. As a General Manager at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, he is currently leading the charge in developing digital capabilities and shaping the future of the nation's workforce.
Abdullah's expertise extends to nurturing HUMAN CAPITAL. He has been instrumental in developing talent management strategies aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
Chief Scientific Officer
Plan-S and INFINIA
A globally recognized expert in space sciences, astronomy, and advanced technology. He holds a bachelor's degree in Astronomy and Space Sciences from Ankara University, a master’s from the University of Groningen, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Astrophysics from Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands. During his doctoral studies, he worked with the Herschel Space Observatory, the largest space telescope of its time, and contributed to the discovery of water and oxygen molecules in star-forming regions. His research on the origin of molecular oxygen on Earth was featured in a NASA press release. From 2013 to 2023, Dr. Yıldız worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), specializing in deep space communication and astrophysics.
Chief Executive Officer
Bayan Data & AI Company
Abdullah serves as a Solutions Director with over 11 years of experience across executive and developmental roles. He began his career in technology and innovation, progressing into leadership and project delivery positions within technical and software development domains. His expertise spans advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, along with consulting services and strategic development initiatives.
Senior Information Technology Advisor
A veteran IT advisor with over 30 years of experience in Bahrain’s public and private sectors. He served as IT Manager at Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), where he led major digital transformation projects including SAP integrations and mobile approvals. He is a member of the SAP Users Group (MENA) and has received the CIO of the Year Award for his contributions to enterprise IT innovation.
Chief Executive Officer
VirtuThinko
With a robust academic background in computer science and business administration, Mr. Aladraj has cultivated a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the fields of information technology, strategic consulting, and enterprise solutions. He has held leadership roles in both public and private sectors, where he has led initiatives in digital strategy, AI integration, and cybersecurity frameworks. His areas of excellence include digital innovation, organizational transformation, and the development of scalable technology ecosystems. Mr. Aladraj is a frequent speaker at international conferences and a passionate advocate for leveraging technology to drive sustainable growth and societal advancement.
Biotech and Healthcare Leader
Biogen Sau Arabia
Dr. Walaa Albenayan is the GCC Medical Director at Biogen Saudi Arabia. She has held several key roles at Biogen, including Associate Medical Director for Multiple Sclerosis and Senior Medical Director. Previously, she served as Head of Medical Compliance at Janssen Pharmaceuticals in the GCC and as a Senior Medical Science Liaison in Immunology. She holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (2017) and a Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2013) from the same institution. She has also been a postdoctoral fellow and research scientist at King Abdullah International Medical Research Center and an adjunct assistant professor at Alfaisal University.
Founder
WISEMIX
Yeseul Song is the founder of WISEMIX (ex-IKEA Global, ex-Samsung Electronics MENA), she had been professional marketing and brand data analyst with over 10 years of experience in customer insight, data analytics, digital strategy and data literacy in 4 different industries (Retail, Consumer Electronics, Advertising, Finance) across over 50 countries
WISEMIX is a digital strategy consulting company based in Bahrain
Founder & Chief CX Strategist
KlarCX (KSA-UAE)
Country Director
The Business Year
Clara Corominas is the Country Director of The Business Year in Bahrain, where she oversees strategic expansion and delivers high-level editorial coverage of the Kingdom’s economic landscape. With over eight years of experience in journalism, communications, consulting, and business development, Clara has worked across dynamic markets including Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
Co-founder & CMO
Procode
Shahd Alzaki is a visionary entrepreneur and organizational development specialist with a strong foundation in digital transformation and strategic people management. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Procode.gg, and the Founder and CEO of CreativeMatter.me, where she drives innovation across tech and creative sectors. In her role at Zain Bahrain, she contributes to organizational development and transformation initiatives.
Academically, Shahd holds a master’s degree in digital Transformation from IE Business School and is currently pursuing a CIPD Level 7 in People Management at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF).
General Manager
Intel Saudi Arabia
Ahmad Alabduljabbar is the General Manager for Saudi Arabia at Intel Corporation, with over 25 years of leadership experience across information technology, banking, and digital transformation.
Throughout his career, Ahmad has led strategic initiatives in high-performance computing (HPC), Big Data, and enterprise innovation, working with government entities, academia, and the private sector to accelerate digital evolution.
Before joining Intel, he held leadership roles with Olayan Group, Citibank, HSBC, and Credit Agricole, where he advanced customer-centric and technology-driven business strategies.
Principal Consultant Data & Analytics
Devo Team – Saudi
Waleed AlAbbas is a distinguished Data Strategist and Governance leader with more than 27 years of experience in IT, data management, and analytics across the Middle East. Currently serving as Principal Consultant at Devoteam Middle East, he partners with leading government entities to design and implement national data strategies, establish Data Management Offices, and ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia’s National Data Management Office (NDMO) and National Data Index (NDI) frameworks.
Head of the Information Technology Department (Data Science & Artificial intelligence)
Majmaah University -Saudi Arabia
Dr. Fayez Alharbi , Head of the Information Technology Department at Majmaah University’s College of Computer and Information Sciences. He earned his PhD in Computer Science with a focus on machine learning. His academic and professional interests include data management, AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
Leader - Data & AI
Gulf Business Machine
Tamer is a Data & AI expert with more than 25 years of experience across multiple industries including Banking, Government, Retail, and Telecommunications. He regularly engages with customers and speaks at technology events on how to embark on the AI journey, unlock the value of data, and drive meaningful business outcomes through AI.
Currently, Tamer leads the Data & AI Practice at GBM, supporting clients throughout their AI transformation. His focus is on defining strong data strategies, identifying and prioritizing AI use cases, and establishing effective Data and AI Governance frameworks to enable secure, scalable, and responsible AI adoption.
Manager of Technology
TRA Bahrain
As a Manager of Technology at TRA Bahrain, I handle the entire telecommunications technology portfolio and extend the reach of emerging and innovative technologies to non-wireless industries and verticals. I have over 18 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, with a strong background in regulation, spectrum management, quality of service, consumer affairs, and technical support.
I am passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in the industry, and have led several initiatives to achieve this goal. For example, I designed, created and launched the TRA Regulatory Sandbox to promote and encourage the testing and trialing of emerging technologies across the telecommunications sector. I also headed the update of the Schedule of Fees and the drafting of the new Satellite Spectrum Strategy. Additionally, I was an advisory board member to Women in Tech Bahrain, a platform to empower and inspire women in the field of technology.
Deputy Chairman
WITSA
Robert Janssen is an entrepreneur and angel investor with over 30 years of experience developing international businesses in the technology, education, healthcare, sustainability, smart cities, and energy sectors.He leads the international startup accelerator and innovation hub OBr.global, in addition to working with angel investment groups in Silicon Valley and Brazil, such as Sand Hill Angels (USA), Barcelona Ventures Silicon Valley (Europe) and Anjos do Brasil. His trajectory places Robert at a level of excellence and global exclusivity, offering an immersive experience in Silicon Valley that goes beyond innovation tourism: it is a cultural and strategic immersion, with a real impact on each participant's goals.
Security Sales Consultant
Gulf Business Machine
Tabish Mirza is a skilled Data Analyst with a strong foundation in data visualization, business intelligence, and analytics-driven decision-making. Proficient in tools such as Power BI, SQL, and Python, Tabish transforms complex datasets into actionable insights that drive organizational growth and efficiency.
Currently pursuing an MBA in Business Administration, Tabish combines technical expertise with strategic thinking to deliver impactful solutions across diverse business domains. His certifications in Data Science, Big Data Foundations, and Advanced Analytics reflect a commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
Passionate about leveraging data to solve real-world challenges, Tabish focuses on creating scalable frameworks and interactive dashboards that empower businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions.
CEO
Origin
Marwan Arban is a Lebanese Australian entrepreneur, strategic advisor, and the Founder & CEO of ORIGIN, a regional consultancy operating across Riyadh, Dubai, Manama and Beirut with a mission to empower transformation through brand, technology, and growth solutions. With over 57 team members and partnerships with leading organizations like Accenture, Marwan has led ORIGIN to deliver award winning work for global institutions such as BCG, PwC, CBUAE, PIF, NEOM, Saudia, and ministries across the region
Chief Business Officer
Netways
As Chief Business Officer at Netways, Mohammad Beydoun excels at architecting high-impact digital transformation and commercial strategies. With a 25-year career, he serves as a unique liaison between C-level executives and technical teams, translating complex business needs into innovative solutions for the public and private sectors. He has a proven history of delivering successful turnkey projects that enhance client operational efficiency, all built on a deep technical foundation and a Master's in Computer Sciences.
CEO
Quality Excellence for Educational Consultancy
Basma AlBalushi is an accomplished education quality expert and consultant with extensive experience in academic review, institutional evaluation, and teacher training. As the CEO of Quality Excellence for Educational Consultancy, she leads initiatives that empower schools and educational institutions to achieve global standards of excellence through strategic planning, quality assurance frameworks, and professional development programs.
Previously, Basma served as a Senior Review Specialist at the Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA) in Bahrain, where she specialized in evaluating school performance, developing review reports, and providing actionable feedback to enhance educational outcomes. Her background also includes leadership roles in school administration, finance, and health and safety management.
Chairman
EITESAL
Hossam Megahed is a pioneering technology entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of IPMagix, a leading provider of mobility, IPTV, and unified communications solutions with a strong focus on the hospitality sector. He currently serves as the Chairman of EITESAL NGO, a key organization supporting Egypt’s ICT industry. With over 25 years of experience across IT, telecommunications, mobile commerce, and e-business, Hossam has held leadership roles in major organizations including Alcatel, GE Information Services, and the American Chamber of Commerce. He is also a co-founder of the Internet Society of Egypt and has served on the boards of ITIDA and the Chamber of CIT. Hossam holds a B.Sc. in Telecommunications Engineering from Cairo University.
Deputy CE - Operations and Governance
Information & eGovernment Authority
Dr. Khalid Al Mutawah has a technology, business visionary and strong records of success in creating robust IT architectures and infrastructures. Proven ability to bring the benefits of IT to solve business issues while managing costs and risks. Led development and deployment of custom apps for organizations. 25 years of experience including ICT operations, Senior Data Analyst, Research & Academic services and Director of information technology. He worked as Assistance Professor and Director of Information Technology at University of Bahrain and Senior Director in Quality Assurance Authority. He is currently the Deputy CE of Operations and Governance in Information and eGovernment Authority where he contributed to many enterprise projects at national levels in the field of information technology and communications, and established an ICT Governance framework for the Government of Bahrain.
App Innovation Lead Middle East HQ
Microsoft
Sales Leader at Microsoft, responsible for leading the corporate Data & AI sales business for the Middle East with over 17 year’s experience in digital transformation
Solutions Director
MOZN- Saudi Arabia
Abdullah Mohammed Alkhatib is the Solutions Director at MOZN, a Saudi AI and fintech company. He has a background in software engineering and has led product development for fraud detection and compliance platforms. He is a speaker on AI in finance and a mentor for tech startups.
Senior Group ICT Manager
GARMCO
Khalid Jalal is a seasoned technology leader with over a decade of experience driving ICT strategy, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence adoption across the Middle East. As Senior Group ICT Manager at GARMCO and AI Country Head for Bahrain at the International Group of Artificial Intelligence (IGOAI), Khalid plays a pivotal role in shaping technology ecosystems and fostering innovation.
He serves as an Advisory Board Member at the Technology & Business Society, where he advocates for advancing tech capabilities within the region. A passionate public speaker, Toastmaster, and certified trainer, Khalid is committed to empowering professionals through knowledge sharing and leadership development.
His expertise spans enterprise ICT management, AI strategy, and digital culture building, with a focus on aligning technology with organizational goals to deliver sustainable growth. Khalid’s mission is to enable businesses to embrace emerging technologies and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Agentic AI Leader
Agentic AI
Sandeep Mehta is an accomplished technology executive with deep expertise in AI-driven product development, machine learning, and natural language processing. As CTO at Enginius.ai and InspiRD, Inc., he leads cutting-edge initiatives in Technical Language Processing (TLP)—a computational linguistics model optimized for technical microdomains—achieving world-class benchmarks in semantic inference.
With a career spanning aerospace, construction, high-tech, and medical devices, Sandeep brings a unique perspective to solving complex technical challenges. He has successfully delivered enterprise R&D management tools, secured innovative research contracts from the DoD, and implemented agile development practices to accelerate product delivery.
Sandeep’s leadership combines strategic vision with hands-on technical expertise, driving innovation in semantic search, ontology-based classification, and scalable AI solutions. His mission is to empower organizations with advanced technologies that transform data into actionable intelligence and create sustainable competitive advantage.
Head of Innovation
AWS Bahrain
Dr. Nidal AlBasha is the Head of Innovation at Amazon Web Services (AWS) for the MENA & Turkey region, overseeing Cloud Innovation Centers in Bahrain. He holds a Doctorate degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a Master's degree in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, along with an MBA and professional certification as a Certified Chief Innovation Officer. Previously, he served as Chief Digital Officer at Microsoft Saudi Arabia and managed Saudi Arabia's e-Government initiatives. His career encompasses leadership.
Director of Teaching Excellence and Leadership Unit
University of Bahrain
Ph.D. in Interactive Systems (Information Systems Division), University of Manchester, Manchester, U.K. Amal received her MSc. Degree (2004) in Computer Science from University of Wolver Hampton, UK. She completed her PhD in Collaborative learning at University of Manchester, UK in 2013. Her research interests include Human Computer Interaction (HCI), e-learning, Interactive Systems and virtual collaboration. She was with the first batch who graduated from the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PCAP) from St. York University, UK since 2007 and now she is a mentor in the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Program. She has a strong engagement with industry through developmental research and grant projects such as project of Bahrain Satisfaction Index for e-government Services.
Director of ICT Department
Kingdom University
Mrs. Zainab Ebrahim Mahri is the Executive Director of Finance and Administration at Kingdom University, bringing over 18 years of expertise in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and technology governance. She leads initiatives that integrate financial management with innovation, enhance digital infrastructure, and promote resilience through emerging technologies
Manager
Royal University for Women
Dr. Nehal is a distinguished Business Professor and Dean of Student Affairs at the Royal University for Women, dedicated to student empowerment and women's initiatives. With expertise in strategic management and entrepreneurship, she mentors students to foster personal and professional growth in an inclusive setting. As a respected consultant and trainer, she inspires students to achieve their potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
CEO
Green Motion Oman
A prominent Omani entrepreneur, strategic advisor, and CEO of Green Motion Oman. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in business development, market expansion, and company building, he has founded and grown multiple ventures under Discovery Group, establishing himself as one of the region’s trusted voices in entrepreneurship.
Fahad is a certified Thomas International – Personal Profile Analysis (PPA) practitioner, enabling him to support leaders and organizations in understanding personality dynamics, improving performance, and making high-impact strategic decisions.
As the author of three business books, he has contributed significantly to the entrepreneurial landscape in the GCC. He has delivered more than 3,000 training hours across 75+ international programs, and has been featured in multiple media interviews and platforms across the MENA region, sharing insights on leadership, SME growth, and strategic planning.
Today, Fahad is recognized for his practical, experience-driven approach and his commitment to empowering youth, startups, and SMEs to build sustainable, future-ready businesses.
Senior MICT & Power BI Trainer
ThinkSmart for Development and Training
Chief, Systems Development
Customs Affairs
Maryam Seyadi, Chief of Systems Development at Bahrain Customs, is an experienced IT leader with over 20 years of experience in the public sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Aix-Marseille University. Maryam has led major digital transformation efforts, improving service quality and operational efficiency through AI, data analytics, and cloud technologies. She plays a pivotal role in aligning national technology initiatives with long-term government objectives.
Executive Director for IT Development
Tamkeen
Mr. Abdulla Aljowder
Executive Director for IT Development at Tamkeen, with over 18 years of experience in ICT and government digital transformation. He has led national-level projects in eServices, enterprise architecture, and digital platforms, and holds an MPA from Aix-Marseille University and a B.Sc. in Software Engineering from the University of Otago
Senior Software Architect –AI & Data
Gulf Business Machine
Managing Director, Middle East
Beam AI
Business Development Executive - GCC Region
CTM360
Director - Digital Innovation & Process Management
Gulf Air
Mohammed Saud AlKindi is the Director of Digital Innovation & Process Management at Gulf Air Group. With nearly two decades of aviation experience and over 15 years in technology, he leads the Group’s major AI and automation initiatives, advancing the use of agentic AI, digital avatars, and automation programs across Gulf Air Group to enhance operational efficiency and the passenger experience. He focuses on delivering practical, future-ready digital capabilities for the Group.
Training Manager
ThinkSmart for Development and Training
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