CSO30 Awards: Introducing the top 30 security leaders in the UAE

In a world where digital threats loom large, cybersecurity leadership has become paramount. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its burgeoning digital landscape, is no exception. Recognizing the crucial role of cybersecurity leaders in safeguarding the nation\’s digital infrastructure, the first edition of the CSO30 Awards recently took place in Dubai, showcasing the cream of the crop in the field.

The inaugural CSO30 Awards event in Dubai was not only a celebration of cybersecurity excellence but also a resounding success in its own right. Attended by key stakeholders from government, business, and academia, the event provided a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among cybersecurity professionals.

The CSO30 Awards are aligned with Foundry’s global awards program and are viewed as a mark of excellence within the enterprise. In 2021, CIO Middle East launchedthe first edition of the CIO50 Awards in the region, honouring transformational, inspirational, and enduring CIOs at both in-country and regional levels across the Middle East.

CIO Middle East is proud to unveil the expanded CSO30 UAE Awards in 2024. These cybersecurity leaders embody excellence, innovation, and resilience in safeguarding the UAE\’s digital future. Their collective efforts are instrumental in ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and resilience on the global stage. As digital threats continue to evolve, the expertise and dedication of these leaders will be crucial in navigating the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape with confidence and vigilance.

  • Ahmed Alzarouni VP – Head of IT, Investment Corporation of Dubai

2. Aisha Alhemeiri, Head of Cybersecurity, Department of Community Development

3. Ali Alkaf Alhashmi VP, Cyber Security & Technology, Mubadala Investments

4. Anoop Paudval Head of Information Security and Governance Gulf News, Al Nisr Publishing

5. Aus Alzubaidi, CISO, MBC Group (Middle East Broadcasting Center)

6. Ayoub Fathi, Vice President of Information Security, CISO noon

7. Dileep Sreedharan, Senior Director of Cyber Security, DAMAC Group

8. Dr Ahmed Alketbi, CISO, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

9. Dr Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi, Cybersecurity Director, ENEC

10. Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Elshamy, Head of Information Security, Fujairah eGovernment

11. Dr. Grigorios Fragkos, Head of Cyber Security Center Sharjah Cyber Security Center (SCSC)

12. Ebrahim Kamalzadeh, Head of Information Technology, Al Nabooda Automobiles

13. Hariprasad Chede, CISO, National Bank of Fujairah (NBF)

14. Hoda Alkhzaimi, Director of Center for Cyber Security New York University/Emaratsec

15. Irshad Mohammed, CISO, Burjeel Holdings

16. Kashif Khan, Head Information Security, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC)

17. Muhammad Zia Choudhary, Information Security Officer, Emirates News Agency WAM

18. Mukesh Kumar, Head Information Security, Apparel Group

19. Munish Jain, Head Security Operations, Dubai Health Authority

20. Nicholas Charnley, CISO, TAQA

21. Parthasarathy Muthukrishnan, CISO, Deem Finance

22. Rajesh Yadla, Executive Manager Information Security, Al Hilal

23. Ramadan Mohamad Ali, CISO, Ajman Transport Authority

24. Rashid AlMuawada, Head – Information Security, Ajman Bank

25. Sajjad Ahmad Group, VP – Security and Governance, DP World

26. Shafiullah Ismail, CISO, Mubadala Capital

27. Srinivas Mathala, Information Security and Compliance Director, Kent PLC

28. Vikalp Shrivastava, VP of Information technology and Security, Kerzner international

29. Zaheer Shaikh, CISO, Al Maryah Community Bank LLC (Mbank)

30. Zain Khan, Director of Technology (CIO/CISO), Dubai Taxi Company

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