Panellists – The 16th Student Research Conference on Applied Computing

AI Innovations for a Better Tomorrow

Zayed University Convention Center, Dubai, UAE

September 24th and 25th, 2025

Dr. Omar Alfarisi an accomplished AI Senior Specialist, Advisor, Distinguished Professor, and Book Author with extensive expertise spanning artificial intelligence, computer vision, geosciences, and economic systems. With a career that bridges both academia and industry across four continents, he has published over 70 research papers and holds two patents. Dr. Alfarisi has received multiple Innovation Awards and has been recognized with two prestigious London Business School Awards, including Most Likely to Write the Best-Selling Book and Most Likely to Change the World. Currently, he serves as a Senior AI Technology Advisor at Dragon Oil, a member of ENOC – Emirates National Oil Company, and a Distinguished Professor at China University of Petroleum. His academic contributions include pioneering AI-driven research and conducting the first joint graduate class between Khalifa University and China University of Petroleum. Dr. Alfarisi has also served as an Advisor for Data Architecture at ADNOC Group, where he led machine learning research and AI-driven digital transformation initiatives. His work has had a profound impact on AI applications in reservoir characterization, geoscience, and economic modeling. Holding a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering from MIT and Khalifa University, an MBA from London Business School, and a Certificate in Contracts Law from Harvard University, he continues to shape the future of AI and digital transformation.

Worood Dabbas is a seasoned data and AI professional currently serving as a Senior Azure Data & AI Technical Specialist at Microsoft. Based in Dubai, she is passionate about driving innovation, empowering communities, and making artificial intelligence accessible to all. Worood leads Data & AI initiatives at Women in AI, where she champions diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Her commitment to bridging the gender gap in technology is matched by her technical expertise and drive to educate and inspire the next generation of AI professionals. Prior to joining Microsoft, Worood spent eight impactful years at IBM, contributing across several roles including Developer Experience, Skills Initiatives, and as a Technical Specialist in Data, AI, and Automation. Her career at IBM began immediately after graduating from Hashemite University, providing her with a solid foundation in enterprise technology and customer success. Known for her community engagement, Worood has delivered numerous workshops on building and deploying machine learning models using tools like Jupyter Notebooks and IBM Watson Studio. Her sessions are designed to demystify complex AI topics and encourage hands-on learning for diverse audiences.

Dr. Hussam Al Hammadi is a distinguished technology leader and researcher, currently serving as the Vice Chair of the IEEE UAE Section. With a PhD in Computer Science and a career spanning academia, industry, and government sectors, he has consistently driven innovation in areas such as digital transformation, AI adoption, and national ICT strategies.

Dr. Al Hammadi has held key leadership roles and has been instrumental in shaping the UAE’s digital landscape through his contributions to strategic IT initiatives, smart services, and advanced technology adoption. His work bridges technical expertise with policy insight, making him a respected voice in the region’s tech ecosystem.

He is also deeply committed to knowledge-sharing, mentoring, and building future tech talent, frequently engaging in conferences, panels, and community initiatives that foster regional innovation and collaboration.

Rashid is the Technology unit head of EngageX the Cloud Communication and Customer engagement solution unit of e& enterprise regionally with a focus on UAE and KSA.

Rashid is an accomplished executive professional with over 15 years of experience in different dynamic domains of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Customer Experience. He has worked in several organizational functions including CX Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Communication Operations, Mobile Network Optimization, and Network Performance. Rashid has a multi-skilled background in technical and non-technical skills in digital areas such as Cloud Communications, Conversational and Generative AI.

Throughout his career, Rashid has achieved several milestones including the Middle East Technology Excellence Award 2022 in ICT Technology, Best Business Line Award in e& enterprise 2021, and the Best Network Operation Center Award in e& for 2018. Rashid has been shortlisted for several innovative projects such as the Optimized building A/C project for the U.K. Telecom award 2017.

As a head of EngageX Technology at e& enterprise, Rashid is responsible for defining and leading the implementation of long-term strategic EngageX CPaaS technology roadmap. He is also responsible for the common foundational technology strategy for the EngageX as well as planning, development, and operations function of EngageX technology. Rashid’s key goals include expanding globally and ensuring availability in different regions, improving software delivery efficiency, product resiliency, and optimizing compute and network costs as well as growing and managing a global engineering team.

Prior to this role, Rashid was leading Messaging & Retail IoT Operations at Etisalat by e&, where he was responsible for leading a team of Digital Channels and IoT network operation personnel that provide end-end support for a managed network state of art services offering. He was responsible for managing & leading a team that owns all aspects of the restoration and support processes required for the customers that Interface provides a broad set of managed Digital Channels and IoT network services.

Rashid holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) from the University of Sharjah. And a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) in Computer Engineering from Khalifa University. And currently he is preparing his PhD in MIS.

Professor Moustapha was Senior Manager of Technology, Collaboration and Technical Training Programs for P&WC from 1999 to 2009 and was named P&WC Senior Research Fellow in 2011. Joined ÉTS in 2010 as Professor and Director of Aerospace Programs (AEROÉTS). Dr. Moustapha is a Canadian industry and academic member of NATO’s Aviation Technology since 2000. He is an Adjunct Professor at McGill and Carleton University (Canada), as well as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (U.S.A.). Dr. Moustapha is the founder and co-founder of the Montreal Aerospace Institute (MAI, 2001), the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec (CRIAQ, 2002), Aero Montreal Cluster (2005), the Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN, 2007), AEROETS (2010) and Aerospace 4.0 (2016). He is a keynote speaker at various international conferences and forums on aviation, technologies of aircraft engines, and the various technology and skills challenges of the fifth industrial revolution “Industry 5.0”. He is the author and co-author of over 100 publications and two books on gas turbines and the recipient of over 30 national and international awards, including the following: Québec most prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre National (2013), Montreal Inspiration and Research Award for top five aviation experts (2013), James C. Floyd Award (AIAC) (2012), CRIAQ Tribute and Montreal Inspiration-Innovation Awards (2012), CASI Senior McCurdy Award (2008), ADRIQ Prix Carrière industrielle (2007), ASME Board of Governors Award (2007), Ryerson University Honorary Doctorate (2005), Concordia University Teaching Excellence Award (2002), Canadian House of Commons Award for outstanding academic and professional achievements (2001), etc.

Dr. Ibtesam Alawadhi is an expert in digital forensics with nearly two decades of experience as a Digital Forensics Senior Examiner at the Dubai Police Forensics Department and Criminology. Since 2020, she has been actively involved in academia, serving as an adjunct faculty member at multiple universities, including Middlesex University Dubai, Emirates Aviation University, and the American University in the Emirates (AUE), where she has taught cybersecurity and digital investigation courses. In 2023, Dr. Alawadhi was appointed as the Head of the Postgraduate College at Dubai Police Academy, overseeing advanced academic and research programs. She holds a Ph.D. in Digital Forensics from the University of Central Lancashire, a master’s degree in information technology from Zayed University, and a bachelor’s degree in business information technology from Higher Colleges of Technology, along with a Higher Diploma in Computer Software Engineering. With expertise in training, investigation, and memory analysis, she has played a pivotal role in advancing forensic science and cybersecurity education in the UAE.

Mr. Mohamed Ezzat is an accomplished technology leader and the Head of Machine Learning at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he drives the adoption and innovation of AI/ML solutions across industries. With a strong foundation in data science, cloud computing, and scalable ML systems, he helps organizations unlock the full potential of their data by designing and implementing cutting-edge machine learning strategies.

At AWS, Mr. Ezzat works with customers across the region to solve complex business challenges using state-of-the-art AI technologies. His expertise spans the full ML lifecycle—from model development and deployment to operationalization at scale—enabling enterprises to accelerate their digital transformation journeys.

Mr. Ezzat is known for his deep technical knowledge, practical approach to problem-solving, and ability to translate advanced machine learning concepts into real-world business value. He is a regular speaker at industry events, a mentor to emerging talent, and a strong advocate for responsible and ethical AI practices.