Prof. Omar Al-Jarrah

VP for Planning & Development, CIO

Professor Al-Jarrah received his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in 1991, M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Ohio State University in 1994 and 1996, respectively. He joined JUST in 1996 and served as the Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Information Technology in 2000, Assistant President in 2004, and Vice President in 2010. Prof. Al-Jarrah served as the President of Amman Arab University (2014- 2016) and as the President of JUST (2016 - 2017). In 2018, he joined Arab Open University - Headquarters as the Vice President for planning and development. He has published 73 peer-reviewed journal and conference articles. Prof. Al-Jarrah has managed several national and international grants. He has served as a consultant to ministers of Education and Higher Education in Jordan, and to the UNESCO Amman office. He has received several awards in recognition of his achievements.

Prof. Dhiya Al-Jumeily

Chair of AI

Prof. Dhiya Al-Jumeily OBE, (DA) is a professor of artificial intelligence (AI) at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. DA has 30+ experience in AI and published 500+ publications. He is the founder of eSystem Engineering Society (eSES) which mission comprises the development/advancement of technology for benefiting humans. DA’s research was funded by key international funding bodies (projects worth up to £7.5m+). On the 31st of December 2020, DA was promoted and appointed by THE LATE QUEEN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II, to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, “OBE- Officers of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order for the “Services to Scientific Research”. In 2022, DA has been conferred among the top 30 most influential Arabs in technology/AI. In 2023, DA was classified as one of the top 200 outstanding people who influenced LJMU over 200 years alongside HIS MAGESTY KING CHARLES III and John Lennon.

Prof. Fawaz Al-Anzi

Plannng, Institutional
Excellence & innovation

Professor Al-Anzi is a full professor in College of Engineering and Petroleum at Abdulla AlSalem University. He received his Ph.D. & M.Sc. in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York, USA in 1995. He earned his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering with honors from Kuwait University in 1987. Professor Al-Anzi received the first-place national awards in Research Production of Kuwait in 2004 and of Kuwait University in 2005.

Dr. Khaled Alzamil

Chairman of CITRA

The Chairman of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (Citra)

Prof. Liming Chen

Chair Professor

Prof. Liming Chen is Chair Professor at Dalian University of Technology, leading the Intelligent Cyber-Physical Systems Lab. Formerly Research Director at Ulster University, his work spans data analytics, pervasive computing, AI, and smart healthcare. An IET Fellow, he has coordinated major EU projects and chaired flagship IEEE conferences.

Dr. Khawla Alhasan

General Programmes Director

Dr. khawla Alhasan is General Programs Director in Faculty of Computer Studies Deanship, at the Arab Open University. She led many AI regional projects serving the higher education sector as well as the community service. Her research interests are Artificial Intelligence, Smart Cities, and Adaptive ELearning. She was awarded IEEE Outstanding Service, in 2018 and 2024 IEEE Smart World Congress. Since 2018, she's been a reviewer in Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing.

Mr. Abdullah Al-Ayyar

Deputy Managing Director - Sustainability

A Mechanical Engineer graduate from the United States with over 22 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, specializing in capital project management and strategic planning. Actively contributed to the preliminary design phases of major national and vital projects, including Al-Zour Refinery, the Clean Fuels Project, and the LNG Import Project. Recognized for strong capabilities in leading large-scale projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and aligning strategic objectives with execution requirements to deliver sustainable outcomes that support national energy security.

Prof. Bart Rienties

Learning Analytics, President of
SoLAR

Prof. Bart Rienties is Professor of Learning Analytics and Director of the Institute of Educational Technology at the Open University UK. He leads a group of academics who provide university-wide learning analytics and learning design solutions and conduct evidence-based research of how students and professionals learn. As educational psychologist, he conducts multi-disciplinary research on work-based and collaborative learning environments and focuses on the role of social interaction in learning, which is published in leading academic journals and books. His primary research interests are focussed on Learning Analytics, Learning Design, and the role of motivation in learning. Furthermore, Bart is interested in broader internationalisation aspects of higher education. He has successfully led a range of institutional/national/European projects, and has received a range of awards for his educational innovation projects. He is President of the Society of Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR), the largest researcher community on learning analytics. He has published over 300 academic outputs, and is the 1st most published and cited author on learning design and learning analytics in the period 2014-2023 (Drugova et al. 2023), the 2nd most published author on learning analytics in period 2004-2024 (Kılıç & İzmirli, 2024), and the 3rd most published author on EdTech in the period 2002-2022 (Aaradhi & Chakraborty, 2023).

Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem

The Paradox of AI
in Financial Regulation

Dr. Khaled Al-Zamel is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA). He oversees a range of responsibilities related to the telecommunications and information technology sector in Kuwait, focusing on regulatory frameworks that ensure a fair and competitive environment within the State of Kuwait. Dr. Al-Zamel brings over 30 years of academic and professional experience in the fields of computer science, artificial intelligence, technological infrastructure, and digital transformation.

Dr. Anwar Alharbi

MEDIA & EDUCATION SECTORS, KUWAIT

Dr. Anwar Alharbi is a distinguished Kuwaiti TV personality and information technology expert recognized for his contributions to education, media, and technological innovation. With over 30 years of experience, he has seamlessly combined his roles as an educator, media figure, and innovator. A familiar face in Kuwaiti media, he has hosted numerous technology-focused TV and radio programs, making complex topics accessible to the public. His expertise encompasses artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Dr. Alharbi's impact extends to training, consulting, and public speaking, solidifying his position as a leading voice in Kuwait's tech landscape.

Mr. Andrea Cosentino

Adjunct Professor & CEO

Andrea Maria Cosentino, MSc, is an Adjunct Professor of Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship at Hult International Business School and ESCP Business School. Andrea is the founder and CEO of Impact Fundry, a venture capital studio and strategic consulting boutique that accelerates start-ups, SMEs and corporate enterprise to enable growth and sustainable value creation.

Ms. Melanie Moeller

Chief AI Officer

Melanie Moeller is Chief AI Officer at GenFutures Lab (genfutures.co.uk), where she helps organisations deploy AI agents, build Centres of Excellence and redesign workflows for measurable impact. A former leader at Sky, the BBC and HP, and a university lecturer, she is known for human-centred AI that improves accessibility, customer experience and operations. At Sky she founded the Technology Innovation function, delivered on-screen sign-language avatars, contributed to models behind Sky Glass and led AI-driven broadband diagnostics that reduced churn. Recent work includes enabling BPP University to cut operational time by 75 per cent and designing a futures and AI strategy for one of the world’s largest cloud enterprise software providers. She is a seasoned instructor, including of her own AI courses, and a speaker at events such as London Tech Week’s AI Summit and the Generative AI Summit.

Dr. Jassim Haji

Presidant of the Artificial Intelligence Group

Dr. Jassim Haji is the President of the Artificial Intelligence Group and currently serves as the Executive Advisor at the HH Sheikh Nasser Artificial Intelligence Research & Development Centre. With a distinguished career in technology leadership, Dr. Haji has participated as a keynote speaker and chairman in over 385 conferences across the Middle East and Europe, addressing critical advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation.

Mr. Naeem Mirza

CEO - Cyber, Cloud & Robotics

Mr. Naeem Mirza is a seasoned technology leader with over 25 years of global experience across McKesson Health, AT&T, and NCR Corp (MEA). He holds an Engineering degree from the University of Mississippi and an MBA in Management of Technology from Kennesaw State University. Throughout his career, he has delivered keynote addresses at major international forums including the GCC Cybersecurity Conference, Digital Transformation Kuwait, the German Business Council, and Google Cloud Platform Panel, as well as frequent lectures at Kuwait University, GUST, and the American University of Kuwait. His talks span AI, cybersecurity, robotics, cloud computing, biomedical innovation, and ethical considerations in emerging technologies. Passionate about social impact, Naeem actively promotes neurodiversity and advocates for expanding employment opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum through the integration of AI and robotics.

Dr. Ali Alfayly

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Dr. Ali Alfayly is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the College of Basic Education, Kuwait. He is an expert in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, with research spanning explainable AI, multi-agent UAV systems, and educational technology. Beyond academia, he serves as Treasurer and Membership Development Officer for the IEEE Kuwait Section and is an active member of the IEEE Region 8 Young Professionals Committee. Dr. Alfayly has published widely on AI applications, e-learning, and digital governance, and frequently delivers workshops and talks on AI ethics, policy, and practical adoption in education, healthcare, and industry.

Eng. Husain Al-Nakkas

IT Director & Cybersecurity Consultant

Husain A. Al-Nakkas is the IT Director at the National Assembly of Kuwait and Founder of GCC Secure Core Consultations (GCCSCC). With over 20 years of experience, he drives digital transformation and cybersecurity initiatives that align with Kuwait Vision 2035.

Dr. Arezou Harraf

Founder & CEO of Learn & Evolve LLC

Dr. Arezou Harraf is a scholar-practitioner and strategist bridging academia and industry to advance ethical, human-centered AI. With dual PhDs in Human Resource Development and Technology Management, she leads innovation and leadership excellence across education and business, empowering organizations to thrive in the digital era.

Dr. Ammar Alhusaini

Senior Director Strategic Partnerships

Dr. Ammar H. Al‑Husaini, PhD in Computer Engineering from USC, is an Assistant Professor at Kuwait University’s Computer Engineering Department and former Deputy Director-General of CAIT (2019–2024). His research focuses on heterogeneous and grid computing, including scheduling and mapping techniques. He plays a key role in Kuwait’s digital transformation.

Dr. Ahmed Gawish

General Programmes Director

Dr. Ahmed Gawish is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Computer Studies, Arab Open University, and currently serves as the General Programmes Director at the Deanship headquarters in Kuwait. He holds a PhD in computer science from Tohoku University, Japan, following BSc and MSc degrees from Ain Shams University. Dr. Gawish leads academic affairs across eight AOU branches, focusing on delivering a high-quality learning experience. He published over 60 refereed papers in international conferences, journals, transactions, and book chapters, supervising tens of MSc and PhD students. Previously, he was a Programme Director at the British University in Egypt and Director of Quality Assurance at Ain Shams University. He also consulted for the Egyptian Prime Minister's Council and the Ministry of Higher Education on national projects, gaining extensive academic, technical, and administrative experience.

DR. Azzam Al-roomi

Assistant professor of Finance

Dr. Azzam Alroomi is an experienced Assistant Professor with a solid background in higher education. He specializes in strategic forecasting, financial risk management, trading systems, and financial forecasting. With a strong academic foundation, he earned his PhD in Finance from Bangor University, and has since built a distinguished profile in academia, combining research expertise with practical insights into financial systems and trading.

Mr. Brian Vibenholt

Head of Carbon Credit Dept
& GCC Operations

None executive Board member. Decades of teaching and coaching managers in leadership and Business execution, financial decision making in holistic perspective. Brian Vibenholt is a seasoned compliance and sustainability consultant with over four decades of global experience spanning the GCC, Asia, India, USA, and Europe. Proficient in ESG reporting frameworks, with expertise in ensuring compliance with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Dr. Lilas Al-Asfahani

Head of Delivery - Kuwait

Dr. Lilas Al-Asfahani is Google Cloud’s Delivery Executive for Kuwait, focusing on public sector digital transformation and cloud adoption. She partners with government entities to deliver large-scale programs that establish robust frameworks and develop long-term digital capabilities.

Dr. Salim Al-Shuaili

Member, Digital Economy
& AI Committee

Director, AI and Advanced Technology Projects Unit with More than 23 years of experience in the domain of ICT and PhD in ICT (Technology Adoption (AI & DX)). Global AI Ambassador, Global Council of Responsible AI. Professional Member, International Federation Council of Global & Green ICT (IFCGICT). Certified Chief AI Officer, World AI Council. Member of the GCC AI projects and AI global awards judging members. Won the Digital Transformation Inspiring Award in the global CIO Summit, Thailand, 2022. Work in national AI projects to localize the technology.

Dr. Basil Al-Othman

Cybersecurity Expert

Dr Basil Alothman is an Associate Professor at Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST). He holds a PhD in Computer Science from De Montfort University, UK, an MSc in Computer Science from the University of Hertfordshire, and a BSc in Computing & Information Systems from the University of Dubai, UAE. He actively contributes to the community as a Board Member of the Kuwait Information Technology Society (KITS).

Dr. Dabiah Al-Boaneen

Asst. Prof., Cloud Computing & AI

Founder and Chair of the Board of Artificial Intelligence Governance Association

Dr. Mohamed Hammouri

Director of Business Development

Dr. Mohamed Hammouri is a self-described pracademic, speaker and strategic change-maker with over 15 years of international experience in higher education, entrepreneurship, and organizational transformation. As Director of Business Development at the Arab Open University Headquarters in Kuwait, he has led major initiatives including the university’s digital transformation and the development of a comprehensive pan-Arab rebranding and growth strategy. He holds a PhD and a Master’s degree in Business Management and is passionate about bridging the gap between academia and practice to drive sustainable innovation and institutional excellence.

Dr. Hanan Alsharah

Academic instructor specialized in entreprenureship & AI- university of Essex Founder & CEO of Innotech

Dr. Hanan Alsharah is an academic, entrepreneur, and strategic consultant recognized for her pioneering work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. As a doctoral researcher at Essex Business School, University of Essex, she focuses on leveraging AI to drive sustainable business innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and design inclusive, future-ready ecosystems—particularly across the MENA and GCC regions. Founder and CEO of INNOTECH Business Technological Consultation, Dr. Alsharah advises organizations, startups, and policymakers on harnessing technology for growth, competitiveness, and societal impact. Her work spans AI strategy, innovation management, policy frameworks, and capacity building, enabling businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

Mr. Charles Nahas

Regional General Manager,
Commercial Solutions

Charles Nahas is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of leadership in the technology sector. He began his career at Bell Northern Research, focusing on hardware design and software development. In 1993, he joined General Datacomm, founding its Multimedia Division and launching innovative broadband products. As CEO of Omnix Media Networks, he expanded the company’s presence in the Gulf hospitality market. Charles transitioned to Microsoft in 2006, holding numerous leadership roles including General Manager for the Middle East Cluster and Regional General Manager for the Commercial Solutions for the Gulf including Saudi Arabia and UAE. His focus spans Microsoft Office, Copilot, Azure, AI, and security. He holds a MSc in Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Engineering from the American University of Beirut. His expertise lies in driving growth across multinational organizations, midsize companies, and startups.

Ms. Jamilah Al-Otaibi

CEO & Founder

Ms. Jamilah Ghazi Al-Otaibi is the CEO & Founder of Invictus for Training, Consultations & Technology Solutions, where she leads the design and delivery of innovative capacity-building programs that equip individuals and organizations with the skills and strategic mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With nearly 18 years of experience across government, nonprofit, corporate, and academic sectors, she is also the Chairwoman and Founder of the Leadership Mentorship Program (LMP), a national initiative dedicated to empowering future leaders and fostering cross-sector collaboration. She holds an MBA in International Business from Maastricht University, with research focused on leadership styles and volunteer retention.

Ms. Abeer Kamal

Technology Consulting-
Client Solutions Manager

Ms. Abeer Kamal is a Client Solutions Manager in Technology Consulting at Oracle.

Dr. Meshal Sabah Al-Dhafiri

Attorney

Ph.D. in Private Law, University of Bordeaux, France Master’s in Law, Economics, and Management, Côte d’Azur University, France