GovTech Innovation Forum & Awards 2026 Advances UAE’s Digital Transformation Through Recognition of Pioneering Leaders
The GovTech Innovation Forum & Awards 2026, held at The Ritz-Carlton JBR in Dubai, brought together senior government officials, technology executives, and digital transformation leaders to celebrate the advancements in the UAE’s digital government landscape. This event underscored the critical role of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in shaping the future of public services.
Celebrating Digital Innovation
The forum, organized by CPI Media Group, showcased over 50 awards recognizing government entities, technology leaders, and innovators who have significantly contributed to the UAE’s digital transformation. The event highlighted the integration of emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and blockchain, which are pivotal in enhancing public services and national resilience.
Sandhya D’Mello, Technology Editor at CPI Media Group, opened the evening with a welcome address emphasizing the importance of collaboration among government institutions, technology providers, and industry leaders. This collaboration is essential for delivering secure, citizen-centric, and AI-enabled public services.
Keynote Insights on Cyber Resilience
The program featured keynote presentations from notable experts, including Karthikeyan Gunasekar from HPE and Wassim Abi Saab from Everpure. Gunasekar discussed the foundational role of intelligent networking in establishing AI-native enterprises, while Abi Saab provided insights into building resilient, AI-ready data platforms that support enterprise innovation.
A significant panel discussion moderated by D’Mello included industry experts such as Eric Badenhorst from Rubrik and Fadi Kanafani from Yas Holding Technology. The panel focused on strengthening cyber resilience beyond traditional backup and recovery methods. They explored how organizations can transform AI investments into measurable business outcomes, modernize networks for AI workloads, and create intelligent workplaces that foster secure collaboration.
Fireside Chat on Responsible AI Adoption
The program also featured a fireside chat with Mario M. Veljovic from VAD Technologies and Maya Zakhour from BeyondTrust. This discussion delved into how AI and digital innovation are reshaping industries, creating growth opportunities, and redefining leadership in an AI-driven world. The conversation highlighted the importance of responsible AI adoption and cross-sector collaboration in building resilient, future-ready organizations.
Recognition of Excellence in Digital Transformation
The evening culminated in the GovTech Innovation Awards, where over 50 awards were presented to outstanding entities and individuals for their achievements in various categories, including AI implementation, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. Kausar Syed, Group Publishing Director at CPI Media Group, remarked on the significance of the awards, stating that they recognize leaders and organizations that are transforming ambitious digital strategies into measurable national impact.
Among the standout recognitions was the Digital Transformation Project of the Year awarded to Emirates NBD. This accolade acknowledged the bank’s successful large-scale initiative that enhanced operational excellence and customer experiences through technology-led innovation. The collaborative efforts with Office Connect, recognized as a strategic technology partner, underscored the growing importance of ecosystem partnerships in accelerating digital transformation.
Notable Winners and Their Contributions
The awards highlighted several key players in the UAE’s digital landscape. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) received the Dubai IT Department of the Year award for its innovative use of AI and automation. Lt. Col. Dr. Hamad Al Nuaimi from Abu Dhabi Police GHQ was honored as the Critical Infrastructure Technology Visionary of the Year for his contributions to public safety technologies.
Other notable winners included Mohamed Al Shamsi from Aldar Properties, recognized as the Government Infrastructure & Operations Leader of the Year, and Marwah Eissa from the Ministry of Finance, awarded for her excellence in government technology enablement.
Comprehensive List of Award Winners
The event concluded with a comprehensive list of award winners, showcasing the breadth of talent and innovation in the region. Categories included:
- AI-Powered Cybersecurity Solution of the Year: Rubrik
- National Cybersecurity Leader of the Year: Hadi Anwar, CEO, CPX
- Digital Transformation Project of the Year – UAE: Emirates NBD
- Woman in Government Technology Leadership Excellence: Dr. Majeda Al Marzooqi, EDGE Group PJSC
- CISO of the Year: Mohammed Rizwan Razeek, Abdullah Aldah Group
These awards reflect the commitment of organizations and individuals to advancing digital transformation and fostering innovation across the UAE.
The GovTech Innovation Forum & Awards 2026 not only celebrated achievements but also set the stage for future advancements in government technology. The recognition of leaders and organizations at this event reinforces the UAE’s position as a global benchmark for digital government and technology excellence.
For further details on the event and its implications for the cybersecurity landscape, visit www.tahawultech.com.
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