Mr. Alexander Felsenberg is a seasoned digital strategist and corporate developer with over 30 years of experience driving innovation and sustainable growth across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His career spans diverse industries including AI, media, advertising, solar energy, government, associations, events, and FTTH.

He has led strategy development, product and service innovation, marketing, customer engagement, sales, and lobbying efforts, always with a focus on creating holistic digital solutions that balance customer- and employee-centricity as well as economic, social and environmental sustainability.

A passionate advocate for sustainability, Mr. Alexander supports the creation of future-ready businesses that address global challenges through digitalization. As a founder, investor, and mentor for startups in international accelerators such as AXP and Plug & Play, he guides emerging companies toward building sustainable business models.

Mr. Alexander plays an active role in several international organizations and networks. He is the Founder and Honorary Member of the German Digital Economy Association (BVDW), Board Member of the UN SDG World Summit Award (WSA), Chairman of the WSA Germany Nomination Committee, and Founder of the Self-Regulatory Body for Internet Content (FSM), the German IPv6 Council and the German Green Software Association. Additionally, he is a management consultant to associations such as the German Impact Investing Association (BIII) and the German Influencer Marketing Association (BVIM).

As a frequent speaker, networker, and advocate for digital transformation, Alexander is widely recognized for his ability to connect strategy with practical action. His commitment to using digital technology as a force for positive change makes him a leading voice in shaping the future of business and society.

Dr. Mohamed Baqer is currently a faculty member at the College of Information Technology at the University of Bahrain. Over the course of his career, he has held several leadership positions within the university, including Acting Vice President for Information Technology Services and Administrative & Financial Affairs, Dean of the College of Applied Studies, and Director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center.

In addition to his academic and administrative roles, Dr. Baqer is a member of both the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He is an active keynote speaker and reviewer for numerous international conferences and journals. His research interests span a wide range of areas, including quality assurance in higher education, artificial intelligence, the Internet of the Future, cybersecurity, Internet safety, energy-efficient algorithms, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the integration of social networks with the Internet.

Before joining the University of Bahrain in 2008, Dr. Baqer earned his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Networks from Monash University, Australia, where his research focused on network security, mobile communications, and wireless systems. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Esra Wali is the Vice President for Partnerships and Development at the University of Bahrain, with experience in academia, research and innovation. Throughout her career, she has implemented initiatives that foster entrepreneurship within the university. 

Previously, Dr. Esra chaired the Department of Information Systems at the College of Information Technology and managed the Business Incubator Center at the University of Bahrain. 

She is an active contributor, frequently serving as a jury member for competitions and awards, as well as a mentor to many national and international startups.

Dr. Esra holds a PhD from the University of London, an MSc in Information Systems from the University of Surrey, and a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Bahrain.

Ms. Daneh Al Rayes is the Vice President of Smart Way Consulting, standing at the forefront of Bahrain's smart city advisory landscape. With over 20 years of experience, she has extensively deployed smart solutions across various sectors, from real estate to retail.

Daneh’s journey in the ICT sector has seen her manage key roles, including Vice President of T-Linx Technology Solutions and Director at the Bahrain Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. A University of Bahrain graduate with a degree in Computer Science, she has continuously championed technological advancements, both as a board member of the Bahrain Internet Society and through her association with C5’s Nebula in collaboration with Amazon Web Services.

In her role as Vice President of Smart Way Consulting, Daneh has leveraged her deep expertise to advise clients across diverse sectors, including real estate, retail, commercial, and hospitality; on implementing sustainable and cutting-edge smart city solutions. Daneh’s consultative approach has enabled her to develop tailored strategies that optimize urban infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and improve overall livability for these cross-industry projects in Bahrain. Her ability to bring together stakeholders, analyze data, and deploy innovative technologies has been instrumental in driving impactful smart city transformations throughout the kingdom.

Daneh has also served as a jury member for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s eGovernment Excellence Awards in 2021 and 2023. Co-chairing the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit since 2016, her leadership has been instrumental in curating a platform that unites regional and global smart city experts. Daneh’s dedication to fostering dialogues and advocating for innovative solutions has significantly impacted Bahrain and the wider region’s sustainable development narrative.

Mr. Esam Hadi is a senior information technology advisor with over 39 years of experience in the IT sector, recognized for his innovative approach and leadership in advancing digital transformation. He served as Senior Manager of Information Technology at Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba), where he managed technology infrastructure and enterprise applications, and oversaw key IT initiatives that supported the company’s long-term growth.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Informatics from the University of Portsmouth, England, he became the first Bahraini to be certified as an SAP Production Planning Consultant in 2002. He has also held regional leadership roles, serving for a decade as a Board Director of the SAP Users Group (Middle East & North Africa). In addition, he is the Founder and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Technology and Business Society (TBS) and has served as a Board Member of AIESEC Bahrain.

Mr. Esam has contributed to national and regional ICT advancement through his role as a jury member for the Arab & Bahrain eContent Awards (2013), the eGovernment Excellence Awards (2014), and most recently as Head of the Jury Panel for the Bahrain Digital Content Award (2025). He is also a frequent keynote speaker at IT conferences, industry forums, and academic institutions such as the University of Bahrain.

In recognition of his contributions, Mr. Esam has received multiple awards, including Meet ICT Personality of the Year (2014), CIO of the Year by ACN Technology Awards (2013), CNME ICT Achievement Award (2013), and recognition in CIO 50 (2012) and CIO 100 (2015) by CPI Media Group.

Ms. Najwa A. Rahim is an accomplished executive ICT leader and strategic advisor with extensive experience in technology-driven transformation and corporate governance. She served as Vice President for Information and Communications Technology at the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) (2008–2020), where she led the development and execution of the ICT strategy in alignment with the Bahrain International Airport’s vision, mission and business goals.

During her tenure, Ms. Najwa played a pivotal role in several national initiatives, including leading the ICT strategy and operational planning for the Bahrain International Airport, contributing to its privatization in 2008, overseeing the segregation of ICT infrastructure between Civil Aviation Affairs and BAC, and participating in the Airport Modernization Program, which delivered the new Passenger Terminal Building equipped with advanced technologies to enhance operations efficiency and passenger experience.

Prior to joining BAC, she served as the Assistant Secretary General at the Supreme Council for Women, where she was among core team members that developed the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Bahraini Women (2004). Earlier in her career, she spent over two decades at the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, leading the development and implementation of the Government Financial Management Information System (FMIS), a milestone in the digitization of financial services across government entities.

Ms. Najwa has also held leadership and governance roles, including representing Bahrain Airport Company at the Airport Council International IT Standing Committee (WAITSC), serving as an Independent Board Member at Takaful International Company, Board Member at the College of Information Technology- University of Bahrain, Board Member of the Technology and Business Society, and member of the Smart City Society.

She holds a Gulf Executive Development Diploma (Executive MBA) from the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia (USA), an MBA from the University of Bahrain, and a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics from the University of Kuwait.

Mr. Ali Beshara is a senior cybersecurity consultant and thought leader, specializing in executive-level workshops that equip boards and senior leaders to navigate today’s cyber risks with clarity and confidence. He is also the author of Mastering Technical Communication, a book that helps security leaders translate technical complexity into business impact.

With over a decade of involvement in digital excellence programs, Mr. Ali has participated as a jury member in more than 12 eGovernment Excellence Awards and served as the senior consultant in developing a national eGovernment award framework for a GCC country. His experience reflects a rare blend of technical expertise and governance insight, positioning him at the intersection of cybersecurity, innovation, and digital trust.

His appointment as a jury member for the eGovernment Excellence Award reaffirms his commitment to advancing secure digital transformation in the Kingdom of Bahrain and across the region.

Dr. Aisha Bushager is the Head of Data and Analytics at BBK, one of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s leading banks, where she drives the development and implementation of data-driven solutions that support strategic objectives, enhance customer experience, and advance the bank’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda. She also brings several years of board-level experience as a Board Member at CrediMax, Bahrain’s leading card-issuing and acquiring company, advising on corporate strategy, digital transformation, governance, and ESG integration. 

With over 20 years of experience in academia, Dr. Bushager served as a faculty member at the University of Bahrain and later as the Chair of the Computer Engineering Department, where she contributed to curriculum development, accreditation efforts, and advancing research in emerging technologies. She also held the position of Vice Chair of the Academic Board at Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School, and a Board Member and Vice Chair of the Technology and Business Society (TBS), contributing to national conversations on innovation and technology.

A passionate advocate for women and youth in business, science, and engineering, Dr. Bushager actively mentors aspiring IT professionals and entrepreneurs. She was selected by the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain to represent Scientific Bahraini Women in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program on Women’s Innovations in Science and Engineering (WISE) in the United States.

Dr. Bushager received several awards for her innovative contributions to e-learning, information assurance, and cyber security. She is an active speaker in international conferences, summits, and forums. Her expertise spans Data and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Information Assurance, Cybersecurity, Smart Cities, Fintech, and emerging E-Business technologies.

Ms. Samya Hussein is a strategic advisor with extensive professional experience in corporate communications, corporate social responsibility (CSR), institutional identity, and NGOs partnership across both the public and private sectors. She currently serves as a Strategic Advisor to the Social Development Bank in Riyadh, where she has played a leading role in national campaigns in Saudi Arabia, high-level forums, and specialized programs targeting youth, women, and the broader community, enhancing civic engagement and supporting sustainable development goals.

Samya has been instrumental in developing institutional identity strategies and managing the public image for the organizations she has worked with. She has also designed and implemented CSR programs aligned with national development priorities, contributed to building strategic partnerships with civil society organizations and non-profits, and managed promotional campaigns and major events that have had a significant impact at both the national and regional levels.

Her participation extends to prominent national initiatives, including her membership in the Executive Committee of the National Plan to Promote Belonging and Strengthen Citizenship Values “Bahrainouna” (2019–2025), membership in the Supreme Committee for the ALBilad Award for Social Responsibility, and her chairing of Public Relations for the His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa Award for Volunteer Work. She is also a member of the judging panel for the Prince Award and was previously a board member of Goid Wird Society (2020–2022).

Throughout her distinguished career, Samya has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions reflecting her professional stature and societal contributions. These include honors at the Arab Women Innovators Forum in Lebanon (2019), being named among the 50 Most Powerful Executives in Communications in the Middle East by CommsMEA (2012) and being listed among the most influential women in Bahrain by Business in Gulf magazine (2014, 2016, 2019, 2020). She also received the Social Responsibility Award from the Ministry of Social Development (2010) and a special recognition from the Bahrain E-Learning Center at the University of Bahrain (2016).