Mr. Sudheer Kurup is the Head of AI & BFSI Digital Transformation at Finesse Global (UAE), a senior technology executive with 25+ years leading transformation in regulated industries across the Middle East. He helps CXOs tackle a defining question for the AI era: how do we govern machines when machines start making decisions? by embedding security, privacy, auditability, and regulatory alignment into GenAI / Agentic AI and enterprise AI adoption at scale. Across senior leadership roles in leading banks and technology organizations, Sudheer has led multi-million-dollar banking and cloud programs spanning AI-based platforms and Enterprise Content Management, core banking modernization, enterprise data migration and post-merger integration, digital channels, DevSecOps, observability, and platform governance, translating strategy into measurable customer outcomes such as stronger resilience, faster time-to-market, and safer 24×7 digital services. He holds an MBA (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies) and a Bachelor of Engineering (Pune University), and completed executive programs in AI and data leadership at ISB and IIM Kozhikode. At the conference in Dubai (February 12–13, 2026), he moderates the Ethical AI panel, bringing a practitioner’s lens on building trusted, scalable, accountable AI systems.

Dr. Oussama Hamid is an Assistant Professor in Computer Information Science at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with over a decade of experience teaching Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Computing at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Between 2012 and 2018, he held positions as an Assistant Professor, initially in Kuwait and subsequently in Erbil, where he developed and delivered curricula in Computer Science and Mathematics, integrating modern AI tools and frameworks into coursework. In addition to his teaching expertise, he played a key role in leading research groups and scientific committees, mentoring faculty and postgraduate students in cutting-edge AI research. His research focuses on human-centered AI and Cognitive Computing, including Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Human-AI Interaction, Model-centric AI, Data-centric AI, Generative AI, and Large Language Models (LLMs). Previously, he contributed to several high-impact European research projects, including work on reinforcement learning, cognitive computing, and biomedical AI applications. As a responsible researcher and co-investigator in projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (2003-2012), and the Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (2018-2019), he played a central role in developing machine learning algorithms, designing computational models inspired by neural mechanisms, and advancing AI-driven medical research. These projects spanned diverse domains, from analyzing drug-drug interactions and EEG/EMG coherence to implementing intelligent motion analysis systems for clinical applications. He published in reputable Q1 and Q2 Scopus-indexed journals and serve as a reviewer for leading publishers, including Springer, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, IEEE, Wiley, and MDPI. From January 2023 to August 2024, he served as the System Course Team Leader (SCTL) for Web Technologies at the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE, overseeing system-wide course coordination across all campuses. In this role, he led a team of approximately 40 faculty members, managing course delivery, content development, assessment design, and evaluation for an average of 1,200 students per semester. He worked with team members to ensure the course met institutional and accreditation standards.

Mr. Gowri Shankar Sivabala is an entrepreneur, AI consultant, engineer, academician, researcher and a sustainability advocate driving change across education, engineering, and innovation. With experience spanning 30+ roles in AI, engineering, education, journalism, art and social impact, he has mentored over 2,000 professionals and a multiple startups across 20+ countries. He is the founder of SpaceNXT Labs, Co-Founder of RecycleNXT, and founder of D.AI.C, one of Dubai’s leading AI communities. A member of the UN Innovations Network and AI in Education group at the University of Oxford, he speaks globally on responsible AI at events including AI Everything, Function1, GITEX, etc. He is also the Deputy Chair of the University of Bristol Alumni Association; he is a Guinness World Record holder and a finalist for the Study UK Alumni Award 2025 and GESS Global Education Award 2024. He currently researches AI in education at UCAM, Spain, and leads ITEF UAE and the AISGI Charter at GAFAI.

Dr. Michail Lazos is a seasoned Artificial Intelligence Engineer with extensive expertise in designing and deploying advanced neural networks, predictive analytics, and machine learning models to solve complex business challenges. Demonstrated success in leveraging machine learning to optimize algorithms, enhance AI-driven decision-making, and integrate quantum computing applications. Adept at utilizing Python, C++, and various data science tools to develop innovative AI solutions, improve data-driven insights, and elevate enterprise performance. Experienced in leading AI research initiatives, model evaluation, and deep learning projects that drive business value. Proven track record of collaborating across cross-functional teams to align AI solutions with business needs and deliver measurable results. Skilled in applying AI to cybersecurity enhancements, natural language processing (NLP), and autonomous systems. Currently working as a Senior Lecturer at Manchester Innovation and Technology Academy – Dubai, UAE