Currently, H.E. Mohammed Mahfoudh is the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, UAE. He is responsible for formulating strategies and driving the Ministry Of Justice in its modernization efforts to become the first in smart eJustice governance in the world. Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Al-Majid has held several key posts. In his role as the Federal eGovernment Director, he has spearheaded several major eGovernment projects.

In the Commercial Sector, as Programme Manager of Microsoft MENA, he was instrumental in several new developments and white papers for products for the ME market. H.E. Mr. Al-Majid completed his Graduate Degree and Master of Business Administration (MIS) and is currently pursuing a Ph.D.

Specialties:

• IT
• Human Resources
• Finance
• Project Management
• e-Governance

Ahmed Salem is a Data and AI Lead for Government at Microsoft; he has been with Microsoft for over 10 years mainly in business development and sales specialist roles.

He has extensive experience working closely with Government customers in the UAE to help in their AI, Analytics & Cloud transformation journeys.

Ahmed is passionate about leveraging the latest technology to build innovative solutions for governments to transform their services and operations.

With the recent innovations in Generative AI from Microsoft & OpenAI, Ahmed has been working closely with the UAE Government to envision use cases that improve their employee productivity, the government internal business processes and the citizen experiences while engaging with the UAE government departments.

Amna Al Owais is Deputy Director of the DIFC Courts, providing high-level operational support and the oversight of a comprehensive suite of ancillary public court services. She spearheads special projects across DIFC Courts’ operations, particularly in technology and innovation, harnessing digital transformation to enhance judicial services. These include major partnerships under the Courts of the Future initiative with the Dubai Future Foundation, such as the Court Tech Lab and the Courts of Space, as well as the Court of the Blockchain with the Dubai Digital Authority, and the creation of the specialised Digital Economy Court Division.

Alongside her executive duties, Amna is Chairwoman of both the DIFC Courts’ Users’ Committee and the In-House Counsel Committee, and a member of the Consulting Council at the University of Sharjah College of Law. She also sits on the Advisory Board of the International Bar Association’s Access to Justice and Legal Aid Committee, and since 2019 has been a member of the College of Law Advisory Board at the University of Dubai.

Amna was selected in 2014 to join the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) in the Young Leaders category. Following its relaunch in 2018 under the Dubai Executive Office, she was chosen for the first batch of the MBRCLD Impactful Leaders Programme, graduating in December 2018. She also established the DIFC Courts’ Pro Bono Programme in 2009, the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East.

In 2019, Amna was invited to join the Dubai Future Councils, launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. That same year, she entered the inaugural cohort of the International Business Law LLM at Université Paris II, graduating summa cum laude in 2020. She also completed the Director Development Programme for Corporate Governance at the Hawkamah Institute in 2019.

Arul has over 15 years of rich experience in technology infrastructure, mobile, cloud and GRC, largely across government and financial sectors and has been employed as Manager of IT Operations with the DIFC Courts since 2016.

He has been instrumental in transforming the operational and administrative infrastructure of the Courts through digitalisation and pioneering technologies that expedited the DIFC Courts to be recognised as one of the most innovative global commercial courts. Several innovative implementations have received industry recognition, including an award for best technology solutions for improving access to justice by US-based National Association for Court Management; ICT Achievement Awards MENA-Editor’s Award; and, listed among the Top 100 CIOs by Computer News Middle East.

Arul spearheaded the introduction of the Middle East’s first ‘SMART’ Small Claims Tribunal (SCT), a DIFC Courts facility that enables a remote virtual courtroom service for dispute resolution. Identifying the need for accessibility, convenience, and flexibility, this virtual infrastructure was built to open further access to justice, especially for individuals and SMEs.

Arul has also led the DIFC Courts taskforce, working in conjunction with Smart Dubai, to launch the world’s first Court of the Blockchain. Building on existing dispute resolution services, the alliance is exploring how to aid the verification of court judgments for cross-border enforcement. The partnership is the first step in creating a blockchain-powered future for the judiciary which will have far-reaching benefits, including streamlining the judicial process, removing document duplications, and driving greater efficiencies across the entire legal ecosystem.

Arul completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Information Systems Management in the UK, and in 2018 completed the Certified Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme. He is presently exploring and testing emerging technologies such as Blockchain and AI for the DIFC Courts.

Ayesha was appointed as a Registrar of the DIFC Courts in November 2022. She currently oversees case progression at the DIFC Courts, as well as sitting as a judge and mediator with the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT). Ayesha also hears applications in the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal and the Enforcement Department. Ayesha also oversees the day-to-day function of the DIFC Courts Wills Service.

Ayesha joined the DIFC Courts in the role of Case Progression Officer in March 2015 and was promoted to the role of Assistant Registrar in 2018. In 2019, Ayesha was appointed as the Deputy Registrar of the Small Claims Tribunal and in 2020 Ayesha was appointed Deputy Registrar of the DIFC Courts.

Ayesha holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Political Science from University of Saint Joseph Dubai and studied on a scholarship from the Edad Leadership Programme. She is also qualified to appear before the local and federal courts in the UAE.

Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO, AI, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni is a leading figure in emerging technologies, serving as CEO of AI for Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC). His appointment is part of Dubai’s ambitious ‘Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence’, which aims to position the city as a global leader in AI innovation and implementation.

In his role at DET, Dr. Al Zarouni works closely with both the public and private sector to roll out policies and initiatives to harness AI to enhance the quality of life for Dubai’s residents and enrich visitor experiences. As the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), he has been instrumental in driving blockchain adoption in the region. With over two decades of experience in technology, information security, digital forensics, and AI, he has driven significant advancements in blockchain adoption and AI innovation.

As a founding member of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) and the Artificial Intelligence Ethical Committee (AIEC), Dr. Al Zarouni is recognized globally, including being named one of the top 100 influential figures in blockchain and cryptocurrencies by CoinTelegraph in 2022. His contributions to the field have also earned him a place as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Cryptocurrencies from 2020 to 2021.

Tan Ken Hwee is currently the Chief Transformation and Innovation Officer for the Singapore Judiciary. Ken Hwee is in charge of the transformation, digitalisation, innovation and technology plans of the Judiciary.

He will seek to further improve the systems that we already have, and deploy relevant cutting-edge systems to keep the Courts, and the legal profession, at the forefront of legal technology.

Before this, he was the Chief Prosecutor of the (then) Financial and Technology Crime Division (FTCD) of the Attorney-General’s Chambers. FTCD handles white-collar cases in Singapore, including cheating, criminal breach of trust, corruption, cybercrime, money-laundering and terrorism financing, and Securities and Futures Act and Companies Act offences.

FTCD also made use of AI-assisted evidence review technology. Ken Hwee was also personally involved in major initiatives including the introduction of video recorded interviews for certain offences, and deferred prosecution agreements.

He has also been a Senior State Counsel in the International Affairs Division at AGC. He helped negotiate a Free Trade Agreement and participated in international dispute settlement on behalf of Singapore at the Hague and Hamburg.

He also contributed to the development and drafting of the Electronic Transactions Act 1998, the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act 1998 and the Internet Code of Practice.

As Senior Assistant Registrar in the Supreme Court from 2006-2009, he led the development of the current e-Litigation system used in the Singapore Judiciary. Ken Hwee has been involved in various legal technology and tech-law efforts in Singapore for more than 25 years.

Ken Hwee graduated from the National University of Singapore’s Faculty of Law in 1994 (LL.B) and proceeded to Columbia University in the City of New York in 1999/2000 for his LL.M with a focus on technology and international law.

Mohamed is an Information Technology Director at the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority with a strong focus on aligning technology initiatives with the organizations and Government’s strategic goals, emphasizing Digital Transformation and leveraging Government cloud infrastructure. With over 16 years of experience in the tech industry, Mohamed led technical teams in modern infrastructure management, CICD, DevOps, software development, AI projects, and employing state-of-the-art technology to drive innovation.

Mohammed is an Advisory Services specialist with vast experience in corporate finance, technology, startups and innovation strategy, and development. He has worked extensively as a turn-around consultant in UAE and Europe, as well as an advisor to startups, where he mentored and acted as both Executive and non-executive board directors in over 30 companies globally over a period of 10 years. Doing work in Europe mostly but also in Australia, India, and Chile.

During his work with startups, Mohammed had participated in the fundraising of over Euros 200 million for startups in Europe in industries from high-tech, health tech, and aviation with eight successful exits in China, Switzerland, and the USA (to private equity).

Mohammed has established Deca4 over a year ago with a group of senior partners that has offices in UAE and Chile, with a focus on providing advisory and consultancy services to government and private companies in the usage and implementation of Blockchain technology as well as the application of tokenization for the purpose of fundraising, covering technology, financial implications, and regulatory understanding.

Mohammed holds an MBA degree from London Business School, and a B.S. in Computer Sciences and Electrical Engineering from University of Texas at Austin, where he is also an advisory board member at the College of Natural Sciences.

Moulham Al Chawa is an experienced general counsel with more than thirteen years of professional experience and a progressive record of career development.

He serves currently as the General Counsel of RAK Digital Assets Oasis Authority, which is the world’s first free zone dedicated to digital assets and virtual assets companies.

Mr. Al Chawa is a highly qualified legal professional with a master’s degree in business law from Damascus University and a university diploma “DSU” in international business law from Panthéon-Assas University.

Also, he has been professionally recognized by different forums including being listed in the Legal500 GC Powerlist Middle East for the years 2019, 2022 & 2023.

Nicholas McNicholas has over 20 years of experience as a financial services lawyer and policy expert, having previously held roles in Authorisations, fit and proper, governance and policy at the European Central Bank establishing the nascent SSM regulatory framework for banks in Europe, and as a senior enforcement lawyer and policy expert at the Central Bank of Ireland. Nicholas started his career as a barrister and tax consultant, advising on criminal, public and private law and tax issues and conducting trials on behalf of a diverse range of clients, in London as a member of Lamb Chambers and then in Dublin. Nicholas has been pivotal in shaping regulatory frameworks and leading significant enforcement investigations across Europe. He has a deep knowledge of governance, diversity, and emerging financial technologies and has vast experience in cross-border policy formulation and harmonisation and in chairing and coordinating multi-national expert groups.

Phil Reynolds is a globally experienced and award-winning entrepreneur and VC investor. He has also spent over 25 years as an intrapreneurial “C” suite executive, in-house General Counsel and non-executive Director.

He is a well-known and long respected legal and regulatory specialist in the ME region and recognised as a legal and regulatory expert in his core fields of communications and digital transformation, including Fintech, AI, ML, and robotics.

Seasoned in demanding pivotal roles in regulated industries and emerging markets, he has worked in multiple geographically disparate and multicultural environments.

He is well recognized for having started the Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa group of companies in Dubai in 2006 and held “C” level and NED posts for over 9 years. He is retained as an adviser to the company.

Phil subsequently broke new ground by co-founding Pyypl Group Ltd in the UAE in 2016. Pyypl, a regional ADGM authorised Fintech pioneering entity, uses cloud-based blockchain technology and machine learning to deliver multiple digital financial services from a single mobile phone App focusing on solutions for under-developed emerging markets. Pyypl’s core customer market is the almost 1bn under-banked citizens within the MEA region

Phil is also a consultant and advisor to other international technology start-up entities in the FinTech, UAV, and AI and AR sectors. He previously held Executive Director-level posts in three Fortune 500 global communications companies.

Educated in Australia (University of Melbourne and University of Canberra) and the U.K. (Queen Mary College, University of London), he holds a Master of Laws (Melb.) specializing in technology and communications law and has numerous additional postgraduate academic and professional qualifications. He is a Ph.D. candidate researching product liability law relating to AI, ML, and robotics. He is admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in 3 jurisdictions including the High Court of Australia.

He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), the Institute of Directors (MIoD), the Law Society of New South Wales and various professional information associations and societies.

Reem began her career in Human Resources with the DIFC Authority and joined the DIFC Courts in January 2011 as the Head of Human Resources and Business Excellence. In 2013, under Reem’s direction and as a result of DIFC Courts’ commitment to court excellence, the DIFC Courts became the first court in the world to achieve the International Standard for Service Excellence (TISSE) certification.

In 2014 the DIFC Courts, led by Reem, attained the 5 Star Customer Excellence Award by the UAE Prime Minister – the first non-federal UAE government entity to do so. In the same year, she became the Chief Operating Officer overseeing all the operational departments supporting the divisions which make up the DRA. Following her success in 2015, Reem graduated from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development – the Young Leaders category.

In 2016, Reem became the ICCE Representative for DIFC Courts and Member of the Executive Committee following the DIFC Courts proudly becoming a member of the International Consortium for Court Excellence (ICCE). Since then the DIFC Courts and Reem have been working actively to assist judiciaries across the world to adopt the International Framework for Court Excellence.

In September 2018 Reem attended the IACA conference in Brazil with H.E. Justice Ali Shamis Al Madhani, Chairman of the Middle East Board of IACA. In collaboration with the ICCE, Reem also spearheaded the organisation of the Court Excellence and Innovation conference in Dubai on November 2018, which identified international best practice and challenges for courts around the globe.

Saeed Al Falasi, Executive Director – Future Design and Acceleration at Dubai Future Foundation, an innovation ecosystem formed by the Dubai government to challenge the status-quo and design a future-ready city powered by innovators and disruptors. In this role, he leads the Dubai Future Accelerators (DFA), Area 2071, and Dubai Future Labs. Most notably, he spearheads the accelerator program that connects government entities with technology companies, start-ups, and entrepreneurs from all over the world to work closely with decision-makers in Dubai to tackle and solve current and future challenges through cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IoT, Blockchain, etc.

Prior to joining Dubai Future Foundation in 2018, Saeed served as the Executive Director of Retail and Strategic Alliances at Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (DFRE) of Dubai Tourism and led several departments such as Strategic Alliances and Sponsorships, Retail Permits, and Retail Promotions and Raffles. He also played a key role in developing and rolling out Dubai’s Retail Calendar (DRC) in 2017 that introduced new shopping seasons.

Saeed earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Colorado and completed his Master’s in Information Technology from Bond University in Australia.