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.

Currently, H.E. Mohammed Mahfoudh is the Assistant Secretary 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

As part of the Microsoft Headquarters Industry team, Ahmed leads the Microsoft Industry strategic engagements with a focus on Justice, Law Enforcement and Public Safety accounts across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

In his current capacity, Ahmed works with key Justice organizations on defining their Digital transformation capabilities while leveraging latest technology innovations around AI, Productivity and security solutions. Prior to this role, Ahmed led the Defense and Intelligence business for the same region working closely with senior executives from the Defense and intelligence entities to grow Microsoft strategic partnerships in this sector and drive large digital transformation initiatives that are tailored to the needs of each market.

For the past 15 years in Microsoft, Ahmed led multiple positions in sales, consulting and product advisory working in multiple countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.

Prior to moving to our region Ahmed led the Solution Sales part of the Microsoft World Wide Public Sector Consulting team in EMEA working with global justice, intelligence, policing and government accounts in UK, Germany, UAE, South Africa and others overseeing both government and public safety accounts. Ahmed has also led the EMEA Cybersecurity solution team.

With 20+ years of experience, Ahmed brings also a strong software development and consulting background in the fields of Digital Policing, Artificial Intelligence, Analytics & Intelligence solutions, Digital Military Defense solutions as well as Smart Cities where he started his career in software engineering, Technical training and helped co-author technical publications in Integration technologies.

Ahmed is a regular speaker in Industry Events on the topics of Justice Transformation, Cybersecurity, Digital Policing, Artificial intelligence and Digital transformation.

Anna Hazlett is the founder of AzurX, a leading entity in the Middle East’s private space and satellite consulting services and investment arena established in 2020. Under her leadership, AzurX has established a track record of collaborating with cutting-edge space and satellite companies, facilitating high-technology access, and providing comprehensive support to commercial space and satellite enterprises, sovereign investment arms, as well as government entities responsible for civil and national security space activities, and. Some of AzurX’s most notable portfolio partners include Blue Origin, Atlantic Council, Space42, NeoSpace Group, Space Intelligence, and Rhea Space Activity. Since 2021, AzurX has served as Blue Origin’s strategic advisor in the Middle East.

AzurX has collaborated extensively with leading space-focused government bodies and organizations, including the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) of Oman, the Bahrain Space Agency, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), and the UAE Space Agency.

AzurX publishes the Global Space Monitor, offering insights on emerging space markets, and delivers continuous research, analysis, and thought leadership through its Knowledge Hub. With its senior-level network and proven ability to align national priorities with international partnerships, AzurX is uniquely positioned to accelerate cross-border space collaboration and shape the future of the global space economy.

Anna serves as a Member of the Fund Advisory & Decision Committee of the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a AED 2 billion fund to support the innovation ecosystem of the UAE. Anna acts as a Space Mentor to Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) Space Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, is a Founding Steering Committee Member of the Global Space Awards and serves as a Board Observer at Space Intelligence.

Anna holds a First Class BA (Joint Honours) degree in Business Economics and Southeast Asian Studies from the University of Leeds, UK. She completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma at United World College (UWC) Singapore and is a graduate of the China CEO Program at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB).

Anna Veneziano is the Deputy Secretary General of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT). She is a Professor of Comparative Law at the University of Teramo, Italy, where she was formerly the Director of the Department of Private Law. In the period 2013-2017 she was tenured Professor of European Property Law at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Her education includes a Law Degree with honours from the University of Rome La Sapienza, an LL.M degree from the Yale Law School funded by a Fulbright scholarship, and a PhD degree from the University of Florence (Italy). Her main research and publication areas are on secured transactions as well as international, comparative, and European contract and sales law. Among her institutional activities before joining UNIDROIT she was a member of the Italian delegation with respect to the Cape Town Convention on International Interests on Mobile Equipment and its Aircraft Protocol as well as its Space Protocol. She was also a member of the Study Group on a European Civil Code and of the Compilation and Redaction Group on a Draft Common Frame of Reference on European Private Law (DCFR), and of the restricted Expert Group set up by the European Commission on a common European law on sales. At UNIDROIT she was, inter alia, involved in the drafting of the UNIDROIT/FAO/IFAD Legal Guide on Contract Farming, in the implementation of the Cape Town Convention Protocols and in the negotiations of the Mining, Agricultural and Construction Protocol. She represented UNIDROIT in the drafting of the Tripartite Guide on uniform contract law and was Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the ELI-UNIDROIT European Rules of Civil Procedure project.

Dr Anne-Sophie Martin is also a research assistant in international law and space law at Sapienza University of Rome. She is a Lecturer in Space Law at the Centre for High Defence Study (CASD – Rome, Italy). She is also a visiting researcher at the Institute for International Legal Studies of the National Research Council (ISGI-CNR) (Rome, Italy). She holds an LL.M. in Space Law from the University of Paris-Saclay and a Ph.D. from Sapienza University of Rome. She is a member of the Legal Council of For All Moonkind and Senior Fellow at its Institute on Space Law and Ethics. She is affiliated with the International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the Protection of Dark and Quiet Skies and the Open Lunar Foundation. Since 2021, she participates in the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities.

Arun Visweswaran is a partner based in the Dubai office of Addleshaw Goddard law firm. Arun specialises in international arbitration with a focus on commercial, technology and construction disputes and has been practising in the Middle East for over a decade. Arun has worked under the arbitration rules of the ICC, LCIA, DIFC-LCIA, DIAC, ADCCAC and SIAC and has conducted advocacy before the DIFC Courts, in arbitration and dispute adjudication proceedings. In addition, Arun advises on technology disputes and risk advisory work relating to data protection and cyber security.

Arun also sits as an arbitrator, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, an accredited IMI mediator, and the past Chairperson of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (YMG) in the UAE.

Dan Katz is an innovation entrepreneur and business lawyer.

He began his career as a business lawyer and practiced for more than ten years at a leading corporate law firm in Paris. He then embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, founding his first startup in mobile media. After pivoting its business model, the company was eventually sold to a larger industry player.

Since then, Dan has been active across several innovation-driven sectors, including digital education, big data analytics, and more recently Space transportation. He also launched and developed a chain of coworking cafés in Paris.

Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, Dan has held senior corporate roles. He served as Vice President of Business Development at the IP Licensing, Research & Innovation Division of Technicolor, an international media technology group, and later as Chief Data Officer at Safran, a global leader in aircraft equipment.

Dan subsequently joined Space Cargo Unlimited, a Luxembourg-based New Space startup. After contributing to the successful execution of several Space missions, he led the company’s efforts to design, develop, and operate the first Space vehicle dedicated to Space manufacturing.

He also founded eOnsight, a Paris-based startup focused on monitoring Earth infrastructure through the use of Space data.

Throughout his career, Dan’s pursuit of innovation has frequently taken him into uncharted legal territory, where he faced the challenge of interpreting and applying existing legal frameworks to entirely new technological and commercial realities.

Dan has a diverse multicultural background and speaks several languages fluently. He is a graduate of HEC Paris and holds a Master’s degree in International Law from Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas, as well as a B.A. in Chinese from the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales.

He also regularly acts as a mediator in corporate disputes between investors and founders and serves as a consultant and mentor to both corporations and startups on the execution of strategic innovation projects.

Daniela Bartolo leads the legal, compliance, and safety and security teams at Careem Technologies. Over the past seven years, she has guided Careem’s growth from a ride-hailing app into the region’s “everything app”, which now offers a wide range of services including food delivery, payments, groceries, and home services. She has led key initiatives including Careem’s fundraising, growing the Careem Pay remittance service, launching the employee equity programme, and developing the company’s responsible AI compliance framework.

Before joining Careem, Bartolo built her legal career in the technology and telecoms sector. She previously held legal and regulatory roles at Etisalat in Abu Dhabi and Vodafone in Qatar and Malta, and holds degrees in both law and business. She continues to work at the intersection of technology, regulation, and innovation, building teams that combine technical expertise with strong commercial judgement.

Derek Ho is the Deputy Chief Privacy, AI & Data Responsibility Officer at Mastercard. Derek specialises in privacy and data protection and technology law. Prior to Mastercard, Derek held senior legal positions in multinational companies in the Asia Pacific region, and was part of Drew & Napier LLC’s telecommunications, media and technology practice in Singapore.

In addition to his work at Mastercard, Derek has served in various advisory roles with different organizations, including as a member of the Singapore Personal Data Protection Commission’s Advisory Committee on Data Protection, a member of the OECD AI Expert Group on AI, Data and Privacy, and a member of the Singapore Academy of Law’s Specialist Accreditation Board. He is also regularly invited to speak at conferences and executive education programs, including at Imperial Executive Education where he shares perspectives on responsible AI, data governance, and ethical leadership.

Derek earned a Doctorate in Business Administration (cum laude) from SDA Bocconi School of Management, and a Bachelor of Laws from the National University of Singapore. He is also a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), and a Senior Accredited Specialist in Data and Data Economy Law.

Dhruv Paul is Group General Counsel and Head of Corporate Development at noon, one of the region’s leading consumer-technology platforms. He leads the group’s legal, governance, and strategic transactions functions. He is also at the forefront of driving legal innovation, including the use of technology and AI to modernise legal operations.

Dhruv is dual qualified in India & England and prior to noon he was a Partner in the global law firm, Watson Farley & Williams. Across 18+ years of working in private practice and in-house in different jurisdictions, he has developed a strong track record of acting as trust advisor to boards and senior executives on strategic transactions, regulatory frameworks, and emerging digital-economy issues.

Ernesto Damiani is a computer scientist specializing in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and privacy-preserving technologies.

He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Milan (1994) and has been a Full Professor of Computer Science there since 2002. He founded and directs the SESAR Lab and served as President of the Italian Inter-University Consortium for Informatics (CINI) from 2018-2025. He also served as a visiting professor at INSA-Lyon, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2017. In the UAE, he served as the Senior Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems Institute (previously directing the Center for Cyber-Physical Systems). He is a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academy of Sciences.

Damiani pioneered security models for legal processes in the late 1990s and has led several influential research projects on data-driven cybersecurity and robust Artificial Intelligence. He has published over 835 Scopus papers and is an ACM Distinguished Scientist and a multiple-award recipient from IEEE.

Senior Director of the Robotics and Intelligent Systems Institute and Director of C2PS at Khalifa University. 

Dr. Fatheya Al Sharji is a Legal Principal Researcher at the UAE Space Agency, She holds a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) and an LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from George Washington University, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Law from the University of Sharjah.

She was ranked among the Top 10 nominees for the Prime Minister’s Medal for the Specialized Jobs – Mohammed Bin Rashid Government Excellence Award (2022).

Dr. Fatheya has played a key role in drafting and reviewing the UAE Space Law and its implementing regulations, including Authorization, Registration, Human Space Flight, and Space Debris Mitigation frameworks. Her expertise includes legislative development, regulatory governance, and international space law research.

Her professional background includes extensive experience across multiple governmental entities, in addition to private legal practice as a licensed lawyer in the UAE.

Hamza Hameed is the Head of Space & Development at Access Partnership in Singapore. He is a member of the ITU Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Board and served as the Chair of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) from 2022 to 2024. He leads the firm’s engagements with governments and the private sector on issues related to space, satellite, and connectivity in the Asia-Pacific, and the firm’s global work on space sustainability. Prior to this, Hamza worked as part of the Secretariat of UNIDROIT in Rome. He led the effort towards establishing an international system of secured transactions law for the space sector and advised governments on issues related to blockchain and crypto law.

Hamza holds an LLM from the International Institute for Air and Space Law at Leiden University. He teaches spacecraft financing at Leiden University and is a member of the International Institute for Space Law (IISL).

Dr. Laetitia Cesari is a researcher and a legal practitioner working on the law and policy of digital technologies and outer space, with a focus on security and safety aspects, and particularly cybersecurity. Laetitia works for international institutions and private actors. Before that, she supported the work of national authorities on space-related topics. Laetitia has been a Visiting Researcher at UNSW Canberra in 2024 and at the University of Leiden in 2022.

Lidia Kamleh is a legal strategist and regulatory architect operating at the intersection of law, governance, and emerging technologies.

As Chief Legal Officer of Dubai Future Foundation, she leads a multidisciplinary legal and regulatory innovation function supporting entities including the Museum of the Future, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Research Institute, and Sandbox Dubai. Her work spans governance design, regulatory strategy, complex joint ventures, IP commercialisation, and public-private innovation frameworks.

With over 24 years of experience, Lidia focuses on shaping enabling regulatory environments in frontier sectors. She works closely with policymakers and regulators to design structured pathways for experimentation, including centralised regulatory sandbox models that bridge innovation and oversight.

Her work focuses on institutional and regulatory “white spaces” translating uncertainty into clear governance architectures that allow emerging industries to scale responsibly while preserving accountability and public trust. Her work examines how institutional authority evolves in environments where technology reshapes risk, responsibility, and accountability, building governance models for sectors where legal frameworks are still forming. She has been recognised in Chambers and the Legal 500 for her leadership in regulatory and innovation-driven legal strategy.

Dr Maria A. Pozza Pozza holds her own practising certificate as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand and Trust Account Supervisor. Dr Pozza is the Director and a Lawyer at Gravity Lawyers, a law firm specialising in laws concerning Space, Aerospace, Aviation, Cyber Security, Data, IT, Technology, Privacy and AI.

Dr Pozza’s expertise in space law, space governance, risk, compliance and management, has been called upon by a number of domestic and overseas and agencies, domestic and international institutions, research institutions, and legislative development committees. Her work experience is vast and includes litigation, arbitration, risk and compliance, regulatory analysis, corporate and commercial domestic laws, and international law. Her client portfolio is wide ranging reflecting a cross-section of entities that operate in highly regulated sectors.

She is a Senior Lecturer of Ai and Business Analysis/User Engagements at the Centre for Geospatial and Computing Technologies, University of Lincoln, New Zealand, and she is a Lecturer of Aviation Law at Massey University School of Aviation, New Zealand.

Publications and Academic Posts: Dr Pozza has produced numerous professional reports, academic articles, book chapters, conference papers, professional publications, and guidance materials pertaining to space activities, law and policy. She has edited and published major books on the topic of space law and she is the Springer Series Editor for Space Law and Policy. Series publications include:

1. Space Mining (2026)
2. The Business of Outer Space: Commercial and Legal Issues (2025)
3. Space Governance: Challenges, Threats, and Counter Measures (2024)
4. Ascending to Space: A Perspectives from New Zealand and other Nations States (2024)
5. Space Law Principles and Sustainable Measures (2024)
6. Risk Management in Outer Space Activities – An Australian and New Zealand Perspective (2022).

Appointments: Dr Pozza has been appointed in a number of important governance and strategic leadership roles. She has served as the Director of the Otago Foreign Policy School, and she sits on the Schools’ National Security Committee. She currently sits on the Board of the Air and Space Law Journal an international journal for Wolter Kluwer and continues to serve as a member of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts of the Future Working Group.

Other key appointments include the Advisory Board Member for the Centre of Research in Air and Space Law, Maharashtra National University, Mumbai. She has also previously held a board role on the Board of RiskNZ.

Dr has previously been appointed as the Manfred Lach’s external memorial Moot Court Judge (on issues of space law) and has been serving the moot court intermittently since 2011. She also acts as a Judge for: the Australian Space Awards; the Australian Law Awards; the Australian Defence Industry Space Awards; and Australasian Lawyers Awards.

Education: She completed her Master of Business and Global Marketing, Lincoln University, in 2022. She earned her PhD from the University of Otago in 2013 focusing on Space Law and International Relations in Outer Space and was awarded the prestigious visiting Lauterpacht Fellowship at the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, University of Cambridge (UK).

In addition, Dr Pozza holds a Master of International Studies from the University of Otago (2010), the New Zealand Law and Practice Examinations (NZCLE) 2009, and was Called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn (UK) in 2005. She undertook the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) at the Inns of Court School of Law (ICSL) in London, where she also completed a postgraduate Diploma in Legal Skills and Research. Dr Pozza also studied Arabic between 2004 and 2005 and completed her LLB (Hons) in 2004.

On her journey to continuing professional development, Dr Pozza also holds the following professional qualifications from OECG (GRC):

1. Integrated Compliance and Ethics Professional (ICEP) (2026)
2. Integrated Data Privacy (2024)
3. Integrated Risk Management Professional (2024)
4. Integrated Policy Management Professional (IPMP) (2024)

Awards: Dr Pozza has received a number of accolades and awards in recognition of her work in both international space law and New Zealand’s space law, which include:

1. (2023) Most influential Lawyers Award – Change Maker Category.
2. (2022) New Zealand Adviser’s (legal category) Award Elite Women Lawyers, New Zealand
3. (2022) Finalist In-House Lawyers Association – contributions to the community.
4. (2022) Lincoln University’s Deans List for Excellence.
5. (2021) Most influential Woman in Aerospace Law – New Zealand, Global Excellence Awards;

Pre-2020

1. Inter-Pacific Bar Association Award
2. AI Global Magazine as “the Women in New Zealand’s Legal Profession to Watch”;
3. Finalist – New Zealand Lawyer of the Year Awards 2017 – Young Private Practitioner category
4. Peace and Disarmament Education Trust of New Zealand Award
5. Claude McCarthy Fellowship
6. Otago Postgraduate Scholarship
7. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Historical Research Grant
8. New Zealand Political Studies Association Projects Grant
9. visiting Lauterpacht Fellowship, Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, University of Cambridge, UK.

Dr. Marwan Alzarouni is a globally recognised leader in blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital security. He currently serves as CEO of AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), where he plays a pivotal role in advancing Dubai’s vision to become a global hub for emerging technologies.

With over two and a half decades of experience spanning information security, digital forensics, blockchain, and AI, Dr. Alzarouni has made substantial contributions to the development of secure and ethical digital infrastructure. He is a founding member of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) and the Artificial Intelligence Ethical Committee, reflecting his long-standing commitment to cybersecurity, governance, and responsible innovation.

Dr. Alzarouni serves in several strategic advisory and governance positions across leading global and regional organisations:

1. Non-Executive Director, Bitpanda Custody MENA DMCC
2. Independent Non-Executive Director, Zand Trust
3. Member, Technology & Innovation Committee (Led by Dubai Future Foundation with VARA Input)
4. Strategic Advisor, Polkadot’s Aventus & Truth Network
5. Advisory board, Akii
6. Member, DIFC Courts of the Future Working Group (CotF WG)
7. Member, World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Decentralized Finance
8. Member, BRICS Business Council Digital Economy Working Group

Dr. Mohamed Amara is an Algerian qualified lawyer currently holding the position of General Counsel for the Federal Geographic Information Center (FGIC). Mohamed holds a PhD in Private Law from the University of Tlemcen in Algeria and a Master’s Degree in Public law and Economics from the University of Alexandria in Egypt.

Mohamed has been practicing in the GCC region for over 30 years. He is acknowledged as an expert practitioner in several areas of law such as administrative law, public procurement law, pension & retirement, oil & gas, space policy and law, dispute resolution, and corporate governance.

Currently, Mohamed is engaged in advising the FGIC on its policy and legal framework of the geospatial sector in the UAE.

Mohamed has served as a General Counsel for UAE Space Agency for over seven years in which he led the efforts for the establishment of the legal framework for the regulation of the space sector in the UAE and participated as a delegate to the Legal-Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). He also advised the Agency on numerous space technology projects including satellites and communications systems, launch services agreements, export control regulations, and was involved in the negotiations for a number of international cooperation projects. Mohamed is a Member of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL).

Before joining the UAE Space Agency, Mohamed worked for the Abu Dhabi National Oil & Gas Group of companies (ADNOC) where he advised the Group on all legal matters related to oil & gas, including the drafting of national legislation. Mohamed is also an independent Arbitrator registered with arbitration institutions including Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration Centre, Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration, and the Dubai International Arbitration Centre. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and an Accredited Mediator. He has served as Chairman, Co-arbitrator and Sole Arbitrator in various cases ranging from construction, real estate, contract interpretation, and oil & gas disputes. Mohamed has also published space-related articles and is a speaker at multiple space law, mediation, and arbitration symposiums and conferences.

Dr.Mohamed is fluent in three languages (Arabic , English and French).

Mohammed Mahfoudh is the founder and CEO of Deca4 Advisory, which is a leading consultancy company specializing in tokenization and software development and integration in the blockchain and AI domains. Since 2018, Deca4 served over 300 clients in conducting research and studies for RWA tokenization, as well as general non-RWA tokens. As well as a multitude of governments and governments entities such as TII in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center, TDRA, RAK Government, Botswana, DRC, and Zanzibar governments, and of course working closely with DIFC Courts in multiple projects.

Prior to that, Mohammed worked as a founder of multiple companies and an angel investor in startups in LATAM, Europe, and Australia.

Mohammed has an MBA from both London Business School and Carnegie Mellon, and a degree from University of Texas at Austin in Computer Engineering and Sciences.

Moulham Al Chawa is the General Counsel of Innovation City, where he is responsible for overseeing legal, regulatory, and governance matters in support of the organization’s mandate as the Ras Al Khaimah’s premium innovation and technology-focused free zone, purposebuilt for modern futuristic industries.

In his role at Innovation City, he provides strategic legal oversight across a broad range of commercial, regulatory, and institutional matters, working closely with senior management and external stakeholders to support Innovation City’s operational and development objectives.

Nicholas McNicholas is a senior director at VARA and is Head of Enforcement and Regulatory Affairs. Nicholas is a qualified barrister and tax consultant and is a member of the Bar in the UK and Ireland and is an experienced regulator having worked at the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Central Bank of Ireland.

Dr. Numa Isnard is an attorney-at-law based in Paris. He is the founder of SPACEAVOCAT, the first boutique law firm entirely dedicated to space activities. His practice is worldwide, advising diverse stakeholders such as NewSpace ventures, SMEs, large groups, public institutions, and governments. SPACEAVOCAT provides a wide range of services including space law & regulatory consulting, dispute resolution as well as corporate, contractual, transactional or IP matters. Prior founding SPACEAVOCAT, Numa worked at several law firms and telecommunications companies; he graduated from UC Berkeley School of Law and Université Paris-Saclay (LLM Space&Telecommunications Law ‘11, Ph.D ‘15).

Phil Reynolds is a globally experienced and multi-award-winning entrepreneur and VC investor. He has spent over 30 years as an intrapreneurial “C” suite executive, in-house General Counsel and non-executive Director.

A disciplined, systems-oriented thinker, his track record and penchant are one of scaling high-growth ventures and pioneering innovative business models across telecoms, fintech, digital infrastructure, and digital media. He is well known for translating strategic vision into actionable corporate and commercial growth, particularly in complex, multi-jurisdictional environments. His governance experience spans Fortune 500 companies, national regulators and government, and high-growth ventures, with board-level oversight of financial performance, enterprise risk, and public-interest outcomes. His leadership has received public recognition through multiple industry awards and international appointments.

Phil is most recognized for having started the Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa group of companies in 2006 and held “C” level and NED posts for over 9 years. Post-Virgin Phil subsequently broke new ground by co-founding Pyypl Group Ltd in the UAE in 2016. Pyypl is a pioneering regional Fintech company delivering multiple digital financial services from a single mobile phone App to under-developed emerging markets containing almost 1bn under-banked citizens within the MEA region. Phil is retained as a NED on three Pyypl regional boards.

Most recently, as Co-Founder and Chairman of Panda Advisory Group, Phil works with digital tech-related investors, founders, boards, and executive teams to unlock growth, manage enterprise risk, develop resilient business models, and navigate and shape regulatory and legal complexity. He is an Executive Adviser to Pynx Hill an Abu Dhabi/Nicosia–based advisory firm specialising in cross-border expansion strategy, governance, and compliance for high-growth and regulated enterprises.

Educated in Australia and the U.K., Phil holds a Master of Laws (Melb.) specializing in technology and communications law, Bachelor of Arts (Canberra) and a postgraduate diploma in telecommunications law from Queen Mary University of London. He is a qualified lawyer in three jurisdictions.

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.

Quote from Phil: “Sustainable growth starts with passionate leadership, clear strategy, fit-for-purpose governance, disciplined execution, and the courage to challenge assumptions and ‘accepted wisdom’.”

Rachel Ewin is the founder of Infinite Resolution, a company dedicated to assisting space startups and established enterprises in refining their processes and procedures, while providing expert advice on relevant dispute pathways to achieve resolution. Through bespoke consultancy services, she aims to foster innovation, ensure compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and resolve disputes within the space industry.

Rachel’s career began in the construction industry, where she was involved in formal dispute resolution proceedings including arbitration (both international and domestic), adjudication, and mediation.

She specialises in drafting and negotiating contract documents, procurement, dispute resolution and avoidance, as well as quantum and commercial management issues.

Rachel is an Accredited Expert Witness, certified Mediator, Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators, and Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Her academic achievements include a BSc (Hons) degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of the West of England, a Post Graduate Diploma in Arbitration, an LLM in International Law, and she is currently finalizing her LLM in Air and Space Law.

She has had the privilege of participating as a delegate in several UN COPUOS and UNOOSA meetings in Vienna and Bonn. Additionally, she serves as the National Coordinator of the UAE for the Moon Village Association, overseeing various initiatives aimed at promoting international cooperation in lunar exploration and sustainability. Rachel is also an active member of the Moon Village Association Lunar Governance Working Group and the OpenSpace International Policy Department Working Group, contributing to the creation of policies relating to lunar governance and space debris.

Raja Al Mazrouei, an accomplished leader in the world of finance and technology, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), where her visionary leadership has been instrumental in reshaping the landscape of trade credit insurance and bolstering the UAE’s position as a global trading powerhouse.

Since her appointment in late 2022, Raja has reinvigorated ECI with a fresh perspective. Her astute understanding of advanced technology has enabled her to craft innovative strategies that have become the driving force behind ECI’s transformative goals. These initiatives not only support exporters and national development but also fortify the UAE’s stature as a dynamic global trading hub.

Under Raja’s stewardship, ECI is embracing innovation and excellence as its guiding principles. She places strong emphasis on the acceleration of digitization in trade credit insurance and financing. As the federal export credit company, ECI maintains a resolute commitment to sustainable trade, emphasizing diversification strategies and catalyzing SME growth to bolster the UAE’s economic contribution.

Raja’s illustrious career spans executive roles at renowned, multi-sector organizations, including Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai Holding, National Bonds Corporation, and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Her tenure as the Executive Vice President of DIFC FinTech Hive is particularly noteworthy, as she played a pivotal role in establishing the region’s most successful and innovative FinTech ecosystem.

Educated with an MBA in Global Leadership and Management from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Raja stands as one of the pioneering Emirati women who embraced technology early in her career. Her quest for knowledge has taken her to renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, London Business School, University of California at Berkeley, Singularity University, and Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance.

Beyond her role at ECI, Raja serves on the boards of several prestigious organizations, including Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, Al Ansari Financial Services, Zand Digital Bank, Al Masraf Bank, and Ittihad International Investments. She is also appointed as the Chair for Harvard Business School Middle East and North Africa Advisory Board (MENAAB). Her exceptional leadership has garnered her recognition as one of the “Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East” (2023) and “100 Most Powerful Businesswomen” (2023) by Forbes Middle East, “50 Inspiring Business Leaders” (2023), and “Women of Influence in the Arab World” (2021) by Arabian Business, along with the honor of being named among the “50 Most Influential Women in Middle East Finance” (2019) by Dow Jones.

More recently, Raja was recognised as one of the “100 Most Powerful Businesswomen” (2025) by Forbes Middle East for her remarkable leadership and exceptional contributions to the business world. She also received the “Woman of the Year (Leadership) Gold Award” at “Citywealth Powerwomen Awards International” (2025). This prestigious accolade emphasizes her remarkable achievements and influential role in reinforcing women’s participation in the financing and trade sectors. Adding to her list of achievements, Raja was recognized among LinkedIn’s top creators in the Insurance & Insurtech category in the UAE by Favikon (2024). She was ranked 52nd among Top 200 Creators nationwide, indicating her visionary leadership and impactful contributions to the industry.

With a relentless pursuit of excellence, Raja Al Mazrouei continues to shape the future of trade credit insurance, technology, and sustainable trade.

Saeed Al Falasi serves as the Executive Director of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Director of the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI). With 24 years of experience in digital transformation, emerging technologies, and business innovation, he is spearheading several strategic initiatives under DCAI that drive responsible AI adoption and innovation across sectors, including the Chief AI Officers (CAIO) Program, the Dubai AI Seal,  AI Week, the One Million Prompters, the Future of AI in Government Services Accelerator Program, the Global Prompt Engineering Competition. 

Samantha Nataf is an international arbitration practitioner with more than 18 years of experience acting as counsel, arbitrator, and legal expert in complex commercial and investment disputes. She has handled cases under all major arbitral rules, including ICC, ICSID, LCIA, DIAC, CCJA, and UNCITRAL.

A member of the Paris, New York, and Israel bars, Samantha is qualified in both civil law and common law systems. She has acted in disputes involving a wide range of arbitral seats and applicable laws worldwide including (without limitation) Algeria, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Egypt, France, Israel, Luxembourg, Morocco, Senegal, Switzerland, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States (California, New York and Delaware).

Her practice focuses on high-value, technically complex disputes across aviation and aerospace, defense, energy, infrastructure, mining, and telecommunications. She has acted in matters spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Samantha has particular expertise in jurisdictional objections, complex multiparty proceedings, and set-aside actions, including proceedings to challenge arbitral awards before the French courts and internationally.

She has extensive experience with ICC arbitration, having served as a member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration from 2018 to 2024.

She also has significant experience in investment arbitration and was recently appointed to the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators following her designation by the State of Israel.

She is listed on major arbitrator rosters and is consistently recognized as a leading arbitration practitioner by Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, and Leaders League.

Shamsh Hadi is a distinguished technology leader and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of blockchain, data privacy, and digital transformation.

As the Managing Director of The Hadi Group (THG) and a recently exited founder of Zafer AI (December 2025), Shamsh has dedicated his career to building secure, paperless digital ecosystems that prioritize user privacy and data integrity.

His expertise lies in leveraging emerging technologies specifically Blockchain, Web3, and Artificial Intelligence to modernize legacy systems and enhance institutional trust. A pioneer in the “Trust is Everything” philosophy, Shamsh’s work has focused on creating immutable, legally compliant digital frameworks for governments and global enterprises.

Key Expertise

1. Digital Justice & Governance: Expert in developing secure digital signature technology and blockchain-based document management systems that ensure chain of custody and forensic audit trails.
2. Strategic Risk & Security: Advisor on data privacy and cybersecurity, specializing in the implementation of “Privacy by Design” within large-scale organizational transformations.
3. Blockchain & Web3: Deep technical and strategic knowledge of Hyperledger Fabric and decentralized architectures to facilitate transparent and tamper-proof transactions.
4. Cross-Border Investment: Strategic focus on the UAE-India-USA investment corridor, facilitating technology transfer and economic synergy.

Current Roles & Affiliations

1. Managing Director, The Hadi Group (THG): Overseeing a Single-Family Office with a focus on strategic technology investments.
2. Advisory Board Member, Association for Data and Cyber Governance (ADCG): Providing guidance on global data standards and regulatory compliance.
3. YPO Member: Active in global, regional leadership and mentoring roles.
4. Harvard Business School: HBS Presidents’ program.

Tarek Nakkach is an award-winning General Counsel, thought leader and a regular speaker on topics of Tech, AI, Governance, Policy and Law.

He is the coauthor of the book “The New AI Era: Transforming Governance and Society” and has many publications in the field of AI, policy, law and the future of the legal profession.

He is also the winner of the Association of Corporate Counsel Top 10 30-Somethings award and chosen as one of the most influential General Counsels in the Middle East by the Legal 500 GC Powerlist for promoting AI, technology and law.

He is also a Fellow at the Centre for Assuring Autonomy at the University of York in the UK which is a program specialized in research in areas of safety for robotics and autonomous systems and an advisor to the Ministry of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Lebanon.