In an era of ever-evolving digital threats, strong cybersecurity leadership is no longer optional, it’s essential. Khaleej Times’ inaugural UAE’s Most Influential Cybersecurity Leaders list honours the CISOs and security heads who are fortifying the country’s digital spaces against growing safety challenges. These visionaries are guiding organisations through complex cyber landscapes, leveraging technology, and building resilient teams that protect critical systems. Beyond safeguarding infrastructure, they are shaping the region’s cybersecurity culture by mentoring and inspiring the next generation of leaders. This editorial-led list celebrates not just their technical expertise, but their broader impact on the UAE’s digital future.
Dr Mohamed Alkuwaiti
Head of Cyber Security, UAE Government
Dr Mohamed Alkuwaiti has served as the UAE’s cybersecurity lead since 2020, driving the national cyber strategy and innovation. He champions global partnerships, AI-driven defenses, and digital trust, positioning the UAE as a global cybersecurity leader and digital transformation hub.
Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani
CEO, Dubai Electronic Security Center
Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, a founding member of the DESC, has been instrumental in its success. Under his guidance, the development team has created innovative platforms and software that significantly enhance Dubai’s cyber readiness, paving the way for a more secure and advanced city.
Dr Hoda A. Alkhzaimi
Founder and Director, EMARATSEC Research Group
Dr Hoda Alkhzaimi is a cybersecurity leader specializing in cryptanalysis, secure systems design, and UAV security. She directs NYU Abu Dhabi’s Center for Cyber Security and has been part of national R&D initiatives advancing cryptographic resilience in critical infrastructure and emerging technologies.
Jonathan A. Kwofie
Head of Cyber Security, Dubai Financial Services Authority
Jonathan A. Kwofie is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over a decade of experience, specializing in the financial sector and regulatory space. Currently Head of Cybersecurity at an international regulator, he excels in risk management, compliance, and digital infrastructure security.
Waleid Al Mesmari
President, Space and Cyber Technologies, EDGE
Waleid Al Mesmari is a cybersecurity and space technologies leader, overseeing strategic development across advanced cyber entities. With deep expertise in cyber governance, strategic planning, and emerging tech, he drives innovation, resilience, and national capability development in critical domains.
Galal Ibrahim Maghola
Former Head of Cybersecurity, Bayanat (G42 Company)
Galal Ibrahim Maghola is a cybersecurity leader with 20+ years of experience across 25 industries. He has led 500+ successful vulnerability assessments and penetration tests, reducing cyber risk exposure by 60%. He has also implemented robust security frameworks for 200+ enterprises.
Mouza Al Romaithi
Director of Information & Cybersecurity, ADQ
Mouza Al Romaithi is an experienced IT and cybersecurity professional, skilled in risk management, governance, compliance, security incident management, penetration testing, vulnerability management, and security awareness. She has a strong track record of strengthening organizational cybersecurity resilience.
Abbas Sabuwala
Senior Manager Information Security and Operations, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Abbas Sabuwala is a strategic technology leader and cybersecurity expert, known for driving business resiliency and innovation. He excels in leading secure, scalable solutions across sectors, with deep expertise in cyber frameworks and global data governance compliance.
Nisha Rani
CISO, MMI ELR
A seasoned expert, Nisha Rani leads her company’s cybersecurity strategy, ensuring protection of critical assets and fostering a strong security culture. She also advocates for increased women’s representation in cybersecurity and mentors aspiring professionals in the field.
Dr Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi
National Risk and Policy Director, Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing
A leading expert in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi shapes UAE national policies, publishes widely, and actively advances global collaboration through speaking engagements, advisory roles, and impactful research contributions worldwide.
Anumod Xavier
CISO / Head of Cybersecurity – MENA, L’Oreal
Anumod Xavier is an accomplished technology and information security leader with 20+ years of experience across diverse domains. Holding top certifications, he specializes in governance, risk, compliance, cloud security, and business continuity, driving secure digital transformation through strategic, technical, and leadership excellence.
Eman Al Awadhi
Vice-President – Network and Cyber Security, Expo City Dubai
Eman Al Awadhi is a distinguished cybersecurity leader with over 16 years of experience. She holds a pivotal role at Expo City Dubai and previously at Expo 2020 Dubai, focusing on safeguarding digital infrastructures. Eman is also dedicated to mentoring and empowering future cybersecurity professionals.
Ayoub Fathi
Group CISO, Noon
Having joined Noon in 2017 and built the information security program from the ground up, Ayoub Fathi is on a mission to protect millions of customers. In his early years, he was active in the white-hat ecosystem and ranked among the top 100 hackers worldwide.
Dee Deu
Director of Information Security, Chalhoub Group
Dee Deu is an award-winning cyber and risk leader with 18+ years’ global experience. Known for building high-impact centres of excellence, Dee aligns business and security goals, embedding governance and driving transformation across sectors including banking, insurance, retail, and private equity.
Phil Lea
Head of Privacy and Cybersecurity, Landmark Group
With over 20 years in IT, including 16+ in information security, Phil Lea is a seasoned security and privacy leader. He specialises in developing IPR, risk methodologies, and risk assessments, helping organisations strengthen security posture and manage complex cyber risks.
Vishal Vaghela
CISO, Americana Restaurants
Vishal Vaghela is a global CISO with 18+ years’ experience leading cybersecurity strategy, digital transformation, and innovation. He has developed and led cybersecurity programs with $25 million+ budgets, aligning resources to business goals and regulations, significantly reducing risk exposure.
Irshad Mohammed
CISO, Burjeel Holdings
Irshad Mohammed is a CISO specializing in healthcare cybersecurity. He leads ISO 27001 certification, vulnerability assessments, and privileged access management, harmonizing IT security policies and building secure, compliant infrastructures to protect hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across the group.
James Wiles
Head of Cyber Security – Middle East & Africa, Cigna Healthcare
James is a global cyber security executive with 20+ years leading security, intelligence, and IT teams across diverse sectors. As Head of Cyber Security for Cigna MEA, he drives cyber operations, risk management, and digital transformation, fostering resilience and innovation regionally.
Veneeth Purushotaman
Group CIO, Aster DM Healthcare
Veneeth Purushotaman is a skilled technology leader with 20+ years driving digital transformation across healthcare, retail, and pharma. At Aster DM Healthcare, he leads tech consolidation and innovation, aligning IT with business goals to deliver impactful, cost-efficient solutions.
Kanesan Pandi
Group-Head of Information Security, Galadari Group
Kanesan Pandi is a passionate security professional with 25+ years in IT, including 18 in information security. He drives strategic roadmaps in cybersecurity, business continuity, and AI, enhancing digital resilience and risk management while mentoring and leading security innovations.
Shafiullah Ismail
Senior Vice President & Head of Information Security and Risk, Mubadala Capital
Shafiullah Ismail leads comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, driving Zero Trust and integrated risk management. With expertise in cloud security, automation, and AI, he strengthens regulatory compliance and partnerships, safeguarding digital assets and advancing security operations in a dynamic global financial environment.
Mohammed Azrak
Vice President – Information Security, Dubai Holding
Mohammed Azrak is an executive information security leader with 20 years of experience. He specializes in developing and managing complex security infrastructures, ensuring compliance with top standards, and driving continuous improvements across industries like hospitality, retail, and real estate.
Vipin Kumar Bhaskaran
Head of Information Security Risk & Governance and International Security, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
Vipin Kumar Bhaskaran is a cybersecurity leader with 25+ years of experience, specializing in AI governance, threat intelligence, and data security. He drives innovation in cyber defense, risk management, and secure AI adoption across complex financial and cloud ecosystems.
Badreya AlMehairi
AVP Senior Data Privacy, Mashreq Bank
Badreya AlMehairi is a seasoned information security leader with expertise in risk management, threat mitigation, and secure system integration. She delivers strategic security solutions, aligns operations with enterprise goals, and excels in incident response, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Linoy Kidd
GBM MENAT CIO, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
Linoy Kidd is an award-winning technologist and global CIO with 18+ years at HSBC. Known for driving innovation across five countries, she blends leadership in finance and technology with a deep commitment to global philanthropy and sustainable impact.
Ahmed Alshamsi
Chief Corporate Affairs & Security Officer, e& UAE
Ahmed Alshamsi is a seasoned telecommunications and technology leader with over 30 years of experience. He champions forward-thinking strategies and robust security practices, ensuring operational excellence and driving innovation across complex digital and network environments.
Jasim Al Awadi
Chief ICT Officer, du
Jasim Al Awadi is a telecommunications leader driving digital transformation and network expansion across the UAE. With deep engineering expertise and strong commercial focus, he enables advanced connectivity solutions for government and enterprise, fueling national growth and innovation.
Thomas Heuckeroth
Senior Vice President IT Infrastructure & CyberSecurity, Emirates
Thomas Heuckeroth is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of global experience. He drives enterprise-wide cyber resilience, regulatory compliance, and digital risk management, while actively shaping the future of cybersecurity through mentorship, innovation, and strategic advisory roles.
Frank Meyer
Chief Digital Officer, Etihad
Frank Meyer is a digital transformation leader with over 20 years of cross-industry experience. He drives innovation and technology strategy, delivering impactful digital solutions and leading high-performing teams to accelerate business growth and operational excellence.
Kausar Mukeri
Vice President, CISO, GEMS Education
Kausar Mukeri is a senior cybersecurity expert with 20+ years of experience. He excels in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex IT infrastructures and security systems. A skilled problem-solver, Kausar holds multiple certifications and leads teams to achieve organizational goals.
Nick Charnley
CISO – Director Cyber Security, TAQA Group
Nick Charnley is an award-winning CISO with 25 years of experience, specializing in IT and OT security. He leads cybersecurity at TAQA Group, excels in team building, and drives innovation by aligning cybersecurity with business transformations.
Saquib Malik
Head of Information Security, Al Tamimi & Company
With 18+ years in IT and security, Saquib Malik specializes in cybersecurity and business continuity. He excels in risk management, compliance, vulnerability assessment, and governance, delivering robust security strategies for top organizations.
Jagmohan S
Head of Information Security – CISO, Sukoon Insurance
Jagmohan S is a senior information security practitioner and CISO with extensive experience aligning technology and business to achieve common goals. He specializes in integrating IT with business strategies, ensuring stakeholder satisfaction, and driving success across organizations.
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