Women in tech round table

16th Oct

Location

Dubai, UAE

Organiser

Lynchpin Media

In the heart of the Middle East, the UAE’s stature as a technology hub is always growing. What’s even more remarkable is the growing influence of women in this historically male-dominated industry. Ten impressive women from across the tech industry will come together during the week of GITEX global, to discuss how they entered the field of technology and how the industry can encourage more women and girls across the MENA region to step into what is still a sector with a gender imbalance.

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Want to participate in our round table? Contact our Events Manager, Jodie Harris at [email protected] .

The evolution of gender roles within the tech industry has seen significant shifts, but historical imbalances persist – our round table will reveal top insights and advice from women in tech in the Middle East.

We’ll be hearing from an inspirational line up of ten speakers providing top insights and tangible advice.

Sheeba Hasnain

Senior PMO & Digital Transformation Specialist, Sharjah Government

We are thrilled to announce Sheeba Hasnain, Chairwomen & CIO at SENTIENTE, as a speaker at our round table.

Sheeba is an award-winning Technocrat, AI Expert, Business Digital Transformation Specialist, Speaker, and Entrepreneur, driving transformation in multinational industries and the government sector. With her unwavering commitment to innovation and digital transformation, Sheeba has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for Women in Tech, standing out as a true trailblazer in the dynamic landscape of technology and business.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sheeba is also an accomplished author, known for her work ‘Thankfulness the Art’ and as a co-author of GreenPMO.

Anshu Sharma Raja

Chief Technology & Operations Officer, Africa and Middle East

Anshu Sharma Raja is the Chief Technology & Operations Officer (CTOO) for Africa and Middle East. She joined the Bank in September 2018 in Bangalore as Global Head of Retail Banking Technology and Head of GBS Technology & Innovation Centres and was most recently the Chief Information Officer for the Consumer, Private and Business Banking (CPBB) of Standard Chartered based in Singapore.

In her role as the CIO of CPBB, Anshu has successfully led and delivered the modernisation of Standard Chartered’s digital platforms, driven technology transformation and modernisation for individual and business banking clients.

From a C++ programmer in mid-1990s to date, her professional journey has allowed her an experience, across markets, industries and networks. As a technology leader with over 25 years of experience with premier investment banks and technology firms, developing product, solutions, and leading global programmes, Anshu has been recognised as one of the top 10 influential data science leaders in 2017 by Analytics India Magazine. She also sits on the Wiley Advisory Council and has co-authored the Innovation Black Book for Exponential technologies.

Anshu is an avid diversity and inclusion champion and continues to be an ambassador and mentor for the Bank’s talent development efforts. Out of work, she is a passionate traveler, hobbyist photographer and mom of two.

Mubaraka Ibrahim

Acting CIO Emirates Health Service(EHS), UAE

Mubaraka Ibrahim, the acting CIO of Emirates Health services and a passionate enthusiast, has spearheaded the Digital Transformation Journey. She has played a crucial role in the Riayati “Electronic Unified Medical Record” committee for securing pharmaceutical supply chains that uphold post-pandemic resiliency.

As a seasoned health care IT leader with over 30 years’ experience, she has a proven track record of leading government entities through complex changes, implementing innovative solutions, and improving patient care. Mubaraka has proven to be an invaluable asset to the industry and has taken a leading role in utilising technology to improve the quality of patient care.

Anuja Shah

Head of Strategy & IT, Zurich International Life Middle East

Anuja Shah is the Head of Strategy & IT at Zurich International Life Middle East (Zurich), part of Zurich Insurance Group. Joining Zurich in 2020, Anuja holds the responsibility for shaping Zurich’s strategy in the Middle East region and leading pivotal digital transformation initiatives that drive sustainable value for both customers and the business.

Prior to her recent promotion to Head of Strategy & IT, Anuja led the Business Transformation team that is dedicated to delivering initiatives that span the insurance value chain in the retail and corporate sectors. Her focus lies in leveraging digitalization, streamlining processes, and harnessing automation to maximize operational efficiency.

With a remarkable career spanning over 15 years in the BFSI spectrum, encompassing commercial and retail banking, financial services, and insurance, Anuja possesses an in-depth understanding of customer and partner needs. Her ability to identify opportunities through extensive research and translate them into innovative business models sets her apart. Anuja began her journey with ICICI Bank and has since gained valuable expertise in trade finance, payments, platforms, and partnerships, as well as restructuring and evaluation of prospects for mergers and acquisitions.

Anuja’s professional achievements include being a Gold Medalist in Trade Finance from the ICICI Manipal Academy, India, where she obtained her Post Graduate Diploma in Banking. Additionally, she holds an MBA in Finance from Gujarat University, India.

Driven by her passion for innovation and talent development, Anuja has also served as a mentor to various start-ups in the UAE. This aligns perfectly with Zurich’s customer-centric, innovation-driven, and simplification-focused strategy.

Anuja’s experience, strategic vision, and commitment to driving transformation make her an invaluable asset to Zurich in the Middle East. Her leadership ensures the continuous advancement of the organization, as well as the provision of exceptional value and service to its customers and partners.