Digital transformation is gradually transforming governments and businesses and making them more competitive. It also offers several opportunities for economic growth and prosperity, enabling countries to include more diversified educational opportunities, universal access to the internet, and a comprehensive and conducive environment to develop.
This year’s Edition of the MEET ICT Conference and BITEX Exhibition highlights the concept of sustainable development and how the Information and Communication Technology industry contributes to achieving economic growth, job creation, and human development, leading to a better life for citizens.
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 2023 Edition and be part of the history!
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Comprehensive Sessions & 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.
Microsoft Bahrain Public Sector & Commercial Lead
Microsoft Bahrain
Over 15 years of experience in helping customers and partners transform their businesses and building a culture of diversity and inclusion.
Director of Product Management
Site24x7
Srinivasa Raghavan is the director of product management at Site24x7, an AI-powered fullstack monitoring platform from Zoho Corporation. He has donned multiple hats in his 20+ years with the organization. He currently leads the entire product suite and plays a strategic role in product architecture, management, and engineering. He is passionate about programming and troubleshooting, and toys around with AI & automation in IT operations. He is also a vocal artist and a sports enthusiast. He can be reached on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Talk points:
Co – Founder & CTO
ID Sports Venture
Studied Business Informatics at the HTW Berlin – University of Applied Sciences as well as Computer Science at the Technical University of Berlin. During his studies in 2014, he cofounded several companies in the Sports Tech sector. Since then, he is part of the management of those companies
President of the International Group of Artificial Intelligence
International Group of Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Jassim Haji has management and executive experience in Aviation, Hospitality, Technology and Telecommunications for over 30 years. He is an international expert, strategist and researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, plus President of the Artificial Intelligence Group. He participated as a key speaker and chairman in over 200 technology conferences in the Middle East and Europe to cover the latest technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Cyber Security, and Digital Transformation. He also published articles in relation to the above topics.
Dr. Haji received his Doctorate in Business Administration (PhD) from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle, UK in 2010. He has completed his master’s degree in management of Information Technology from the University of Sunderland, UK, and graduated in telecommunications from the famed Cable and Wireless College, Cornwall, UK.
He started his career with Sprint Telecommunications in London before joining Gulf Air in 1985 as a network engineer and moved to Sabre – an American airline Travel IT solutions company. He then moved to EDS as an Executive Director, another American IT solutions company with a global presence, then in 2008 to Gulf Air as the Director of Information Technology Division. He has served on the board of directors of a leading hospitality and tourism technology provider in the Middle East and on SITA Council representing the Middle East and North Africa.
Dean – College of Engineering Professor – Computer Science & Engineering
American University of Sharjah, UAE
Dr. Fadi Aloul is the Dean of the College of Engineering and a Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), UAE. He holds a PhD and MS degrees in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, respectively, and a BS degree in Electrical Engineering summa cum laude from Lawrence Technological University, Michigan, USA. His research and industrial interests are in Cyber Security, Mobile Applications, Teaching Innovation, and Design Optimization. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Dr. Aloul received a number of prestigious awards including the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC) Airbus Engineering Diversity Award, the H.H. Sheikh Khalifa, UAE’s President, Award for Higher Education, the Sheikh Rashid's Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Young Arab Researchers, and the AUS Excellence in Teaching Award. He has 140+ publications (available at http://www.aloul.net) and 1 US patent. He is a regular invited speaker and panelist across several international conferences related to Cyber Security, AI, Technology, Innovation and Education.
MEAPAC Manager
Phygital and Energy Minsait
Mr. Andres Molnar is responsible for Minsait’s Phygital and Energy business portfolios in the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific. With over 30 years of technology consulting and solutions implementation experience across four continents, he has supported the digitalization journey of multiple organizations in sectors including Power Utilities, Wholesale Energy Markets, Healthcare, Ports, and Education. A Project Manager by trade, Andres has frequently been responsible for managing clients’ digital transformation initiatives from inception through fruition.
Chief Executive Officer
Beyon Connect
Christian is the Chief Executive Officer for Beyon Connect, a digital lighthouse and solution provider headquartered out of Bahrain, offering beyond state-of-the-art innovative digital platforms for governments, businesses, and citizens throughout the GCC and MENA region.
He is a Senior Executive, a member of multiple Boards and holds vast experience in working with governments, private sector, consulting, and research & development in the Nordics, the European Commission, and the Middle East.
He excels at building International Relations, performing world-class business development and he has been a moderator and speaker in global events, eGovernment Forums, and eProcurement & ICT conferences.
Associate Vice President – Saudi Arabia & Bahrain
IDC Saudi Arabia
As an Associate Vice President for IDC, Mr. Hamza Naqshbandi is responsible for the leadership and overall strategy of IDC in Saudi Arabia & Bahrain. He oversees IDC's portfolio of research, consulting, and conference activities in Saudi Arabia. Previously, as IDC’s principal analyst for Saudi Arabia, he spearheaded the entire spectrum of IDC’s syndicated research, custom consulting, and advisory services in hardware, enterprise software, IT and cloud services, and telecommunications services in the kingdom. Prior to that, he was responsible for the leadership and general management of IDC’s IT services & cloud research, advisory, and consulting practice in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey region, where he led a team of regional research analysts and managed the delivery of custom and syndicated research activities.
Hamza is widely quoted in the local and global media as a thought leader for emerging technologies, digital transformation, and nationwide ICT strategies. He is a regular keynote presenter at ICT forums, events, and roadshows across the region and has led numerous executive workshops and roundtable discussions on the impact of Digital Transformation on the National Transformation Program and Vision 2030.
Mr. Naqshbandi has more than 19 years of experience across sectors including information technology, oil & gas, investment research, and financial services.
Associate Professor, ICT Consultant
Kingdom of Bahrain
Ali AlSoufi is an Associate professor of Information Systems. x-faculty member at the University of Bahrain. Has PhD in computer science in 1994 from Nottingham University, UK. Worked for Bahrain Telecom Co for 8 years as a Senior Manager in the Application Programme, where he overlooked a number of mega IS Application projects. Worked at Arab Open University as a Director of IT program and Assistant Director for Business Development during 2007-2010. He is a PT consultant in Bahrain Information and e-Government Authority (IGA) in Enterprise Architecture and Strategic Planning. He is an active member of the Bahrain National ICT Governance Committee. Specialized in Strategic IT Planning and Governance, IT project management, Enterprise Architecture, and Information Systems in Organization.
Chief Operating Officer
Silah Gulf
Mr. Feras J. Ahmed is the Chief Executive Officer of the Customer Experience Company, Silah Gulf, a business process outsourcing - contact center services company as a joint venture owned by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and an international partner. Moreover, he had previously served as a CE Consultant for Bahrain’s Information & eGovernment Authority, as he contributed to building, maintaining, and strengthening the iGA’s strategic business relationships locally and abroad. Apart from that, Mr. Feras has held key management and technical positions at mainline Bahraini organizations including the Arab Insurance Group (ARIG), Bahrain Telecommunications Company (BATELCO), National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), and the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB). Aside from this, he has over 25 years of experience in the Information Technology, Banking, Telecoms, Insurance & Government sectors. Additionally, Mr. Feras also has over 10 years of corporate governance experience acquired through active participation in Audit, Risk, Remuneration, Nomination, and Executive Committees.
Mr. Feras holds an M.Sc. in Computer Science and a B.Sc. (honors) degree in Business Information Systems both from the University of East Anglia, UK, and had been awarded the Medal of Competence - First Class conferred by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa for contributions to the National Initiatives of great significance and impact on the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Chief Executive
Invita
Rahul is the Chief Executive of Invita, a leading provider of BPO and digital solutions in the region. Rahul is a seasoned industry leader, with over 25 years of global business experience with in-depth knowledge of the BPO industry, digital solutions trends, and growth paradigms. He is result-oriented, Six-Sigma certified, and a leader with a consistent track record in starting as well as growing the profitability and value of companies with the ability to provide leadership in formulating policy and strategic initiatives.
Before joining Invita, Rahul worked with leading blue-chip companies such as GE Capital Services – now Genpact, Intelenet Global – now Teleperformance and EXL Services. Additionally, he serves on the board of Invita Kuwait K.S.C.C. (C), 973Labs W.L.L., and is the founding Chairman of Invita Claims Management B.S.C. (C).
Chief Executive
VirtuThinko
Experienced Senior Information Technology Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the Banking and insurance industry. Strong information technology professional skilled in digital transformation, Networking, IT Service Management, IT Strategy, Data Center, and Management.
Head of IT
Bahrain Institute for Political Development
Head of IT at BIPD, with over seventeen years’ experience in IT, covering Saudi Arabia, the USA, and South Africa. He has successfully completed projects for cloud services, telecom, banking, and the government sector. Fawaz started the blockchain journey in 2016 after reading Blockchain Revolutions by Alex Tapscott. Astonished by what blockchain has to offer, Fawaz joined Bahrain BTECH Group with the main purpose to conduct awareness sessions and training in blockchain development. Fawaz is currently a trainer in blockchain and Open Banking API at Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance. Since then, Fawaz trained over 300 candidates in blockchain technology.
Head of Business Services and Development
Benefit Company
Mr. Ahmed leading the business development department in Benefit with 13 years’ experience in payments. He is heading the card payments and BenefitPay services in Benefit.
Vice President, Blockchain Services
Chainyard
Gigo Joseph is the Vice President of Blockchain services at Chainyard. He is a known strategic business leader, engineering & business process consultant, and is recognized for building complex software solutions from ideation to end-of-life using global delivery models. He has over 25 years of international IT experience across the US, India & ME.
Mr. Joseph has worked in multiple roles starting from software engineer to CEO of SmartCity (Kochi). He has also worked for Infosys, 3Com, and IBM. He holds many patents in IT.
Mr. Joseph holds an undergraduate degree from the prestigious NIT Calicut India, MS from DePaul University Chicago, and MBA from Northern Illinois State University.
CEO and Co-Founder
CTM 360
An entrepreneur by heart, diving deep into the global digital transformation wave. Started over three decades ago by introducing affordable IBM compatibles in Saudi Arabia followed by local area networks as a novelty. In the late nineties got into Information security to build local technology that would scale globally. Was fortunate to work with numerous global front runners of security technologies while working on my ideas. His venture of CTM360 which started in 2014 became his first technology that scaled successfully. By the end of 2017, they extracted the R&D team of CTM360 and established an independent R&D company- EDX Labs. This R&D has been the engine behind my other three technologies that have now been established as independent companies powered by EDX Labs. Still a long journey ahead and thoroughly enjoying every moment of it. Looking forward to assisting other passionate teams on the path to scale globally. He does not believe in business-driven for profit, thereby the business driver is value for all stakeholders, customers, staff, company, and partners; if you do it right, money will automatically follow.
Associate Director, Cybersecurity
KPMG Fakhro
Mr. Ilyaaz has over 20 years of Information Technology experience which included more than 17 years specializing in Information Security Management. Recently Ilyaaz has focused his efforts on highlighting the importance of cybersecurity within the Financial Services and Retails Sectors. Prior joining to KPMG, he worked with EY in South Africa as an Associate Director in Advisory Services focusing on Cyber Threat Management. He was also earlier employed at the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) as both a manager conducting IT security audits within the public sector & as an IS manager within the ICT division at the AGSA for 4 years.
Chief Cyber Security and Data Privacy Officer
Huawei
Currently working as Chief Cyber Security officer, responsible for overall cyber security and data protection strategies and execution plans within the Gulf North rep office (Qatar/Kuwait/Bahrain). Previously, served at Huawei as Director of Consulting, director of regulatory affairs, and head of the core network solution department.
With more than 18 years of experience in the Telecom and IT industries, he possesses broad experience across most technologies including 5G, IoT, cloud and Big Data, having worked in a variety of senior capacities across Technical, Business Management, and consulting disciplines. In the course of his career, he has worked with ICT infrastructure vendors and SW providers across the MENA region.
Senior Product Manager
Batelco
More than 17 years in the industrial and telecom sector, currently working in Batelco, Enterprise department, looking after IOT products and future smart solutions.
Experienced in core telecom products and connectivity, wireless technology, and Mobile networks.
Head of Cognitive Cities and Industries
Nokia Enterprise – China, India, and MEA
Dr. Muneer Zuhdi is currently Head of Cognitive Cities & Industries where he guides cities and enterprises in their digitalization vision and transformation journey. Prior to that, he was a Partner at Nokia Bell-Labs where he advised executives on digital transformation paths, diversification strategies, value creation, and new business models.
Dr. Zuhdi has over 20 years of global experience working for vendors, operators, and consultancies. He led functions such as Technology Strategy, Network & Digital Transformation, Smart City Solutions, and global R&D. He has a Ph.D., MSEE, MBA, and 25 American patents.
Chief Executive Officer
Tenmou
Nawaf Mohamed Alkoheji is currently the Chief Executive Officer at Tenmou. He is committed, driven, and dedicated to developing a start-up culture in Bahrain and working together with key stakeholders to benefit entrepreneurs and encourage companies to grow and scale up.
Nawaf started his entrepreneurial journey by launching Foods Limited now called the Culinary Company, a specialized catering company in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Nawaf also has several years of startup and SME experience, while working in Tamkeen. Nawaf graduated with a BA in International Relations from Webster University London and an MBA from the University of Incarnate Word in Texas.
Head Change Management for eServices
Information & eGovernment Authority
Noof Ali Fakhroo is proficient with (18) years of diverse experience in the private and public sectors who held different positions across various industries: Real Estate, Aviation, and finally Information Technology. She possesses a renowned academic record as a graduate of B.Sc. in Management Information Systems from the University of Bahrain and a holder of Master of Business Administration from DePaul University. She is also a certified trainer from Kingston Business Academy. Noof is currently the Head of Change Management for eServices in the Information and eGovernment Authority under the eTransofrmation Sector responsible for measuring eServices performance assuring its effectiveness via executing Change Management Plans.
Business Development Head
Financial Services, ICT Tamkeen
A seasoned business professional and entrepreneur based out of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Held various ICT and management positions over the last 21 years in the private and public sectors. With a particular interest in the efficient and effective use of Technology for Enterprises. I passionately advocate for the use of technology, namely, to achieve process automation and digitization within enterprises.
I currently hold the position of Business Development Head- for the Financial Services, ICT, Telecoms, and Gaming Sectors at Tamkeen. At Tamkeen, we are committed to delivering impactful programs and services that catalyze your growth and success; led by innovative support programs and an active engagement with the business development unit.
I also co-founded “Dynavate Technologies” an ICT venture specializing in demand-driven ICT solutions for small and medium enterprises; I served as the Managing Partner and Director of Business Development.
Moreover, I co-founded several successful non-tech-based businesses that are operational to date; Tails Natural Pet Food, a licensed producer of natural pet food in the Kingdom of Bahrain & Tails Veterinary Centre, a modern veterinary center for companion pets; and exotics. In both these businesses, I held the role of Managing Partner and General Manager.
Specialties: ICT | Technology | Telecoms | Mentorship | Leadership | Innovation | Veterinary Clinics & Veterinary Medicine.
