5th
In-person Event
Government Vertical Day
- Venue : W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island | Great Room 3
- 03:00 PM – 07:00 PM
Starting in:
In an era where public sector innovation drives national transformation, the Government Vertical Day in Abu Dhabi brings together the region’s foremost digital and administrative leaders. This exclusive session will focus on accelerating digital governance, data-driven decision-making, cybersecurity, and public service modernization — tailored specifically for government stakeholders.
Who will attend?
Government CIOs & CTOs
Department Heads of Smart Government & Digital Transformation
National Security & Data Policy Experts
Municipal Technology Leaders
Federal and Emirate-level IT influencer
Why should you attend
- Gain first-hand insights into government digital mandates
- Network with 50+ influential leaders driving UAE’s government tech roadmap
- Explore use-cases in Zero Bureaucracy, AI adoption, and Citizen Experience platforms
- Connect with premium technology providers aligned with e-Gov strategies
Speakers 2025
Ahmad Mohammad Al Mulla
Chief Technology Officer, Emirates Water & Electricity Company
Ahmad Mohammad Al Mulla
Chief Technology Officer, Emirates Water & Electricity CompanyI have over 30 years of experience at DUBAL and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), During this period, I have been at the helm of various strategic initiatives envisaged to position DUBAL/EGA as a leader in technology and information-based infrastructure; and supply chain management. In the course of my career, I have been a frequent keynote speaker at many IT and supply chain conclaves and symposiums; and have led many initiatives that have resulted in DUBAL/EGA receiving several prestigious awards. I have been a pivotal member of the Executive Management Team at DUBAL and EGA since 2005, at which level I have contributed strategic expertise in global information systems, information system architecture, supply chain strategy and automation procedures. Drawing on my insight into technology management and ability to create highly effective IT frameworks, I have effectively leveraged IT as a key catalyst for DUBAL/EGA's exponential growth . This has been achieved through optimizing operational proficiency via innovative use of technology. For instance, by innovating the supply chain process, DUBAL has saved millions of USD in outlay while simultaneously creating a framework for procurement on its major expansion projects. I have also has led the vision for a transformation program through the implementation of SAP in Dubal. The latter system not only revolutionized the way Dubal business departments function by using world class best practices, but also positioned them for future growth. I am the founding chairman of CIOMajlis (a forum where CIOs in the UAE meet to discuss and share issues of common concerns) and have been the chairman from 2015 until 2020. Currently, I am a member of the BOD of CIOMajlis. Currently, I work as the Digital Transformation Advisor for a large government entity in Abu Dhabi I hold an MBA from the University of New England and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Arizona. He has also completed the PED programme the IMD in Switzerland. Specialties: Leadership, anaylsis, technology, project management
Ahmed AlZarouni
Technology Advisor, Author of Technical Thinking
Dr. Claude Fachkha
Cybersecurity Expert, University of Dubai
Dr. Claude Fachkha
Cybersecurity Expert, University of DubaiDr. Claude Fachkha is a cybersecurity and AI expert, researcher, educator, and consultant based in Dubai. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Concordia University Canada, where his research focused on cybersecurity intelligence and darknet-based DDoS threat analysis. Currently an associate professor at the University of Dubai, he has written over 60 publications on topics such as smart-grid security, IoT, and cyber-physical systems. Dr. Fachkha has received prestigious awards, including the FRQNT scholarship and Best Paper Award from IEEE, and has served as a technical editor for IEEE Communications Magazine. Claude has raised AED 5
George Yacoub
Chief Digital & Information Officer , Healthcare IT Executive
Hitesh Lodhi
IT Security Manager, Abu Dhabi Global Market
Hitesh Lodhi
IT Security Manager, Abu Dhabi Global MarketWith over two decades of experience in IT leadership, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure, I bring a wealth of technical expertise and strategic vision that aligns seamlessly with the organization's goals. Currently serving as an IT & Security Manager at ADGM, I lead a diverse portfolio of more than 100 servers, manage SaaS platforms, and oversee 24/7 SOC/NOC operations. I hold a Ph.D. in Cybersecurity, an MBA in IT, and multiple certifications, including CISSP, CISA, and CCIE-Security.
Muhammad Affan
Director of IT, Sharjah Maritime Academy
Muhammad Affan
Director of IT, Sharjah Maritime AcademyMuhammad Affan is an award-winning technology leader and Director of IT at Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA), UAE. With 20+ years in digital transformation, maritime education, and enterprise IT, he drives smart campus strategies and large-scale projects, including Ellucian SaaS SIS, Oracle Fusion Cloud HR, and SMA’s in-house Strategy & Risk Management System. Under his leadership, SMA became the UAE’s first maritime academy to issue blockchain-based micro-credentials. Featured in ITP Top CIO Leaders 2025 and recipient of the World CIO 200 Legend Award, Affan champions Maritime 4.0, AI, Big Data, cybersecurity, and sustainable innovation for education and the maritime sector.
Dr. Fayid Kadambodan
Assistant Director - Enterprise Solutions - Digital, Dubai integrated economic zones authority – DIEZ
Dr. Fayid Kadambodan
Assistant Director - Enterprise Solutions - Digital, Dubai integrated economic zones authority – DIEZDr. Fayid Kadambodan is a digital transformation leader and the Assistant Director of Enterprise Solutions at the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). He specializes in driving large-scale technology programs that enhance AI-powered governance and enterprise productivity across the Middle East. Passionate about the intersection of technology, public governance, and innovation, Dr. Fayid Kadambodan actively shares insights through speaking engagements and industry forums. He envisions resilient, tech-enabled communities where access, opportunity, and smart systems empower people and organizations to thrive.
Noman Ejaz
Deputy Director AI and Digital Transformation, Tatweer Middle East and Africa LLC
Noman Ejaz
Deputy Director AI and Digital Transformation, Tatweer Middle East and Africa LLCNoman Ejaz is a technology leader and certified TOGAF, PMP, and Scrum professional with extensive experience in digital transformation, product management, and enterprise architecture. As Deputy Director of Digital Transformation & Productization at Tatweer Middle East and Africa, he has spearheaded numerous Smart City, AI, IoT, and Intelligent Transport projects across the UAE, Middle East, and Africa. Recognized with multiple industry awards, including the AI Catalyst Award and the Catalyst Award in CIO Services, Noman is passionate about building innovative, scalable solutions that bridge strategy, technology, and business impact.
Kelly Machado
Digital Transformation Advisor, Government Sector
Kelly Machado
Digital Transformation Advisor, Government SectorWith over 25 years of experience in technology, I specialize in digital strategy, governance, enterprise architecture, and transformation. I have successfully led digital initiatives that prioritize technology investments and enhance digital capabilities for government and banking sectors in the UAE and globally. My expertise includes managing BRM, IT PMOs, application development, service delivery, and strategic technology roadmaps. I have overseen large-scale, complex projects across multiple domains and platforms, coordinating onsite and remote teams worldwide. Skilled in leveraging emerging technologies, I drive impactful digital transformation strategies that align with organizational goals and deliver measurable business value.
SPEAKERS 2024
Mohamed Slama
Project Director Global Guest Technology & Innovation, Accor
Mohamed Slama
Project Director Global Guest Technology & Innovation, Accor
Overseeing Guest Technology projects, including exploring opportunities for innovation. Responsible for the development, implementation, and management of vendor relationships to ensure operational success and enhance guest satisfaction. Backed by 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Amila Udana Karunaratne
Director of IT Operations- Hospitality, The First Group
Amila Udana Karunaratne
Director of IT Operations- Hospitality, The First Group
For over two decades, I have been at the forefront of the hospitality industry's technological evolution since 2004. Originating as a digital transformation pioneer in Sri Lanka's hospitality industry, my journey spans across retail, education, and government, showcasing a consistent commitment to innovation and excellence.
With a proven track record in IT project management, solutions delivery, and IT service management, I have orchestrated successful outcomes for complex projects and IT service lifecycles. My expertise extends to hotel pre-openings, ERP systems, CCTV security, cloud technologies, and IT infrastructure, coupled with a nuanced understanding of IT compliance and user/application support.
Currently serving as the Director of IT - Hospitality for The First Group's hospitality portfolio, I lead strategic initiatives that define the future outcomes of the IT department. From crafting new IT strategies to streamlining operations and introducing innovative solutions that elevate our hotel operations and guest experience to managing high-performing teams, I ensure project delivery remains timely and budget-conscious. Collaborating with the corporate IT security team, I conduct risk assessments and oversee project management for pre-openings and ongoing hotel operations across a diverse portfolio of hotels and upcoming projects, including the iconic Ciel Tower, the tallest hotel in the world.
Shanaka Perera
Senior Business IT Manager, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
Shanaka Perera
Senior Business IT Manager, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I am a dynamic IT leader focused on driving digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency and elevate the guest experience. Over the past two decades, I have contributed to numerous hotel development projects, bringing a wealth of knowledge in IT systems and infrastructure. I am particularly passionate about IT security, holding CISSP and CISA credentials that highlight my dedication to maintaining top-tier security and compliance standards in the hospitality sector. Throughout my career, I have successfully led complex IT projects, consistently delivering innovative solutions and building strong infrastructure to meet evolving business needs.
Ahmed Shawky
Regional Director of Information Technology | MEA, MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS – MEA
Ahmed Shawky
Regional Director of Information Technology | MEA, MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS – MEA
With over 20 years of distinguished IT leadership, Ahmed Shawky brings a wealth of experience to the forefront, consistently steering technological advancements within the hospitality sector.
As the Regional Director of IT Strategy Middle East and Africa and Services at Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Shawky champions pivotal technology strategies in alignment with overarching company objectives. At the helm, he orchestrates strategic initiatives to assess, implement, and oversee current and emerging technologies within the dynamic hospitality landscape.
As a collaborative leader, Shawky adeptly coordinates cross-functional teams to optimize operational efficiency and achieve business goals. His expertise spans diverse IT domains, including infrastructure management, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and innovation. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, Shawky drives initiatives to mitigate environmental impact and promote eco-conscious practices within the IT realm.
Leveraging a profound understanding of cloud computing solutions, Shawky optimizes resource allocation and scalability while mitigating infrastructure costs. With a steadfast focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, he thrives on enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation. Shawky eagerly anticipates participating in upcoming technology events, poised to share insights and engage in dialogue to further propel the industry’s advancement.
Ahmed Hafez
Corporate Director IT, Jannah Hotels & Resorts
Ahmed Hafez
Corporate Director IT, Jannah Hotels & Resorts
With a bachelor’s in MIS and Masters in Information Technology Management, Ahmad has multiple industry experience as IT Manager for an extensive portfolio across several prominent companies in the UAE including Commodore Group & Emirates Link Maltauro.
He started as IT Manager for Jannah Hotels & Resort since 2018 and promoted as IT Director as of 25 April 2021.
Muhamed Noufel
Cluster IT Manager, Royal Continental Hotels & Suites
Muhamed Noufel
Cluster IT Manager, Royal Continental Hotels & Suites
A value driven and highly competent professional with 15+ years of experience in IT Sector; 10 years of experience in Hospitality Industry; expertise in the entire spectrum of IT infrastructure Management, Network Administration & Operations Management; ability to relate to people at all levels of business and management; Possess valuable insights, keen analysis, and a team approach to implement best practices to achieve business excellence. Currently, functioning as the digital transformation project leader and automation consultant for Royal Continental Hotels & Suites. Also, taking ownership of designing and execution of infrastructure strategies of new properties fertilizing under the same group. I have enough experience to working as the part of Project Management Offices and successfully handover many projects in the region. Being member of many organization and social groups in the technical industry, participated most of the events and award ceremonies which is conducted in the region.
With long years of experience in the industry, especially in hospitality; acquired immense knowledge and applied those ideas in many projects successfully. Some iconic project selected for many Technologically innovated projects by agencies even won many awards in personnel categories as well. Now, focusing on new technologies and innovations in booming markets like Automation, Hybrid data center and cloud computing. Recently done couple of digital transformation projects based on those innovative technologies.
Mahmood Ahmed
Head – IT Operations, Media One Hotel
Mahmood Ahmed
Head – IT Operations, Media One Hotel
I currently serve as the Head of IT Operations at Media One Hotel, where my responsibilities encompass a diverse range of essential tasks. At the core of my role is the continuous advancement of our technological infrastructure. This involves identifying and implementing innovative solutions tailored to enhance the hotel's operations, from streamlining processes to optimizing cost-efficiency. A significant aspect of my role involves staying abreast of emerging technologies and trends, ensuring that Media One Hotel remains at the forefront of innovation within the hospitality industry. This proactive approach not only fosters operational excellence but also enhances the overall guest experience. Moreover, I play a pivotal role in managing vendor relationships, particularly those specializing in IT security. By collaborating with experts in the field, I ensure that our systems are fortified against potential cyber threats, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the trust of our guests.
In addition to overseeing the integration of new technologies, I am intricately involved in the day-to-day IT operations of the hotel. This includes managing the functionality of our various applications, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing support to staff members across different departments. Furthermore, I take pride in ensuring my team does the seamless execution of events hosted at Media One Hotel. Whether it's a corporate conference or a social gathering, They work diligently behind the scenes to ensure that all technical aspects run smoothly, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. By carefully analyzing financial data and forecasting future needs, I ensure that our IT expenditures align with the hotel's strategic objectives while maximizing return on investment. Through meticulous budget management, I strive to strike a balance between innovation and cost-effectiveness, identifying opportunities to optimize spending without compromising on the quality of our technology infrastructure or services. This involves negotiating favorable contracts with vendors, implementing cost-saving measures where possible, and continuously seeking opportunities for efficiency improvements. By maintaining a firm grasp on our IT budget, I help drive
Agenda
Registration | Photo Booth Networking
Welcome Note from GEC Media Group
Anushree Dixit - Chief Strategy Officer, Global Enterprise Connect
Anushree Dixit
Beyond Borders, Within Values: Building the Intelligent Digital Sovereignty
Dr. Nader Ghazal - African-Asian Council for AI and Cybersecurity, Chairman
Dr. Nader Ghazal
Government Change-Maker of the Year
Honoring a visionary government leader who has driven innovation, advanced digital transformation, and made a lasting impact on public service excellence.
Securing the Generative AI
Ahmed Al Zarouni - Technology Advisor, Author of Technical Thinking
Ahmed AlZarouni
Fireside Chat
Citizen-Centric Digital Experiences A conversation with senior leaders on designing seamless, inclusive, and secure services that put the citizen first.
Moderator:
Jeevan Thankappan - Managing Editor, Global Enterprise Connect
Speakers:
Dr. Claude Fachkha - Cyber Security Expert, University of Dubai
Ahmad Mohammad Al Mulla - Chief Technology Officer, Emirates Water & Electricity Company
Jeevan Thankappan
Dr. Claude Fachkha
Ahmad Mohammad Al Mulla
Coffee and Networking | Partner Booth Visit
An opportunity for delegates to connect over coffee, exchange ideas, and explore partner booths showcasing innovative solutions and technologies shaping the future of government.
Expert Panel
AI, Data & Cybersecurity in Government Operations
Top CIOs and industry experts discuss the role of emerging technologies in safeguarding national infrastructure, enabling data-driven policy, and strengthening cyber resilience
Moderator:
George Yacoub - Chief Digital & Information Officer, Healthcare IT Executive
Panelist:
Hitesh Lodhi - IT Security Manager, Technology Services Division/ Abu Dhabi Global Markets
Muhammad Affan - Director of IT, Sharjah Maritime Academy
Fayid Kadambodan - IT Director, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ)
Noman Ejaz - Deputy Director AI and Digital Transformation, Tatweer Middle East and Africa LLC
George Yacoub
Hitesh Lodhi
Muhammad Affan
Dr. Fayid Kadambodan
Noman Ejaz
AI Strategy & Governance to Acelerate your Digital Transformation Journey
Kelly Machado - Digital Transformation Advisor, Government Entity
Kelly Machado
Top Government Awards
Recognizing outstanding government leaders who have spearheaded impactful digital initiatives, driving innovation, efficiency, and citizen-centric services across their organizations.
Networking and Dinner
Connect with Solution Providers An opportunity to meet leading technology partners, explore innovative solutions, and build collaborations that will power the next chapter of digital government.
Partners 2025
GOLD PARTNERS
Partners 2024
ORGANIZED BY
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
