Cloud Summit 2026, hosted by Global Enterprise Connect, concluded successfully on 9th February 2026 at Dubai Knowledge Park, bringing together 200+ technology leaders, CIOs, CISOs, cloud experts, and decision-makers from across the region.
The one-day summit served as a strategic platform for enterprise leaders to exchange insights on cloud security, data sovereignty, infrastructure modernization, and digital transformation, while fostering collaboration between public and private sector organizations.
Industry leaders share vision and expertise
The summit opened with a welcome address by Arun Shankar, Managing Editor and Head of Growth & Integrated Media at Global Enterprise Connect, setting the tone for a day focused on innovation, leadership, and future-ready cloud strategies.
The opening keynote was delivered by Ahmed Al Hai, Head of Realtime Operations and Technology at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Jury Council Member, who shared expert perspectives on large-scale cloud adoption and the importance of real-time technologies in driving operational efficiency and resilience.
This was followed by a Vendor Keynote by Ali El Kontar, Founder & CEO of Zero & One, highlighting evolving cloud ecosystems and enterprise innovation trends.
Thought-provoking panels and discussions
A key highlight of the panel discussion on Cloud Security and Data Sovereignty, moderated by Jeevan Thankapan, Managing Editor at Global Enterprise Connect. The panel featured senior experts including Vishal Vaghela (CISO, Leading Retail Industry), Varun Vij (CISO, Confidential), Nikhil Tekumetla (Senior Cloud DevOps Database Administrator, Noon), and Shyamlal Babu (Regional Cybersecurity Leader – MEA, Schneider Electric FZE).
The second panel discussion focused on Building Sustainable, High-Performance Cloud Infrastructure, moderated by Arun Shankar, featuring leaders from Satheshwaran Manoharan (Vice President – Digital Infrastructure, Q Mobility), Mike Asfar (IT Director, Abdul Latif Jameel International), Adam Lalani (CTO, Alliad), and Ibrahim Adedeji Adefila (IT Security & Governance Manager, Al Rostamani). The session highlighted best practices for scalable, resilient, and future-ready cloud foundations.
Celebrating excellence and leadership
Cloud Summit 2026 also recognized industry excellence through the Titans Badge of Honor Award, celebrating leaders featured in Titans Magazine 2025 for their outstanding contributions to the technology ecosystem.
The afternoon keynote by Manal Allam, Digital, Data & IT Business Partner – Middle East at Merck Group, provided valuable insights into aligning cloud strategies with business transformation goals.
One of the most impactful sessions of the day was the panel on UAE women champions in cloud and business transformation, moderated by Suzan Alghanem from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. The panellists include the senior women leaders, Shaikha Ali Juma (Information Technology Security Manager, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority) Badreya Juma Almehairi (AVP, Data Privacy Manager, Mashreq), Hessa Almatrooshi (Team Leader, Information Security, Ajman Free Zone – AFZ), Rini Laskar (Head of Technology Transformation and Governance, RAKBANK), and Hoda Alyammahi (Senior Associate, Security Incident, TAQA Distribution). They shared experiences and perspectives on leadership, innovation, and inclusion in technology.
Awards and closing networking
The summit concluded with the CIO Catalyst Awards, She Leads Awards, and Top Young Leader Awards, honoring visionary CIOs, women leaders, and emerging talents who are driving digital and cloud transformation across industries. The event wrapped up with high-level networking, reinforcing collaboration and partnerships within the regional cloud ecosystem.
Partners and sponsors
Cloud Summit 2026 was proudly supported by leading technology partners:
- Exclusive AWS Partner: Zero&One
- Platinum Partner: Office Line
- Gold Partner: ManageEngine
- Silver Partner: Finesse
- Supporting Partner: Elitser Technologies
Their participation played a key role in delivering a successful and impactful summit experience.
The Cloud Summit will also travel to KSA in April, and later to the Philippines, Malaysia, Kenya, and Indonesia – bringing together cloud leaders and innovators across the region.
