Connect | MENA // Agenda

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8:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

  • DCD Talks speed to market vs certainty with Christopher Nicolas | TBH

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Data Center Construction
    • Open Session
    TBH Logo Positive Horizontal (1)

    TBH is an independent adviser with over 60 years of experience helping ambitious projects succeed across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. In the fast-growing data centre sector, TBH supports clients through the full lifecycle – from early strategy and investment to delivery and operations. Our team specialises in complex, high-stakes developments, helping clients unlock funding, expand into new markets and keep projects on track. Since 2010, TBH has contributed to more than 100 hyperscale data centre projects globally. By working closely with governments and global operators, we deliver clarity, foresight, and long-term value that powers the digital economy.

    Speakers

    Christopher Nicolas

    Christopher Nicolas

    Director, TBH

11:00 a.m.

  • iM Women Welcome Brunch

    • Hospitality & Networking
    • Invite-only Session
    IMW lockup 1500px (1)

    The mission of iM Women is to build community by increasing awareness, retention and advancement of women in digital infrastructure, through membership and education.

    Speakers

    Sunita Bottse

    CEO, Syntys

  • Major Panel: Modernising data centers for next generation compute

    • Main Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Data Center Cooling
    • Mission Critical Power
    • Data Center Construction
    • Open Session
    se_logo_social_shared_image_004_BUILDER.IOSquare

    We’re leading the convergence of electrification, automation, and digital intelligence into what we define as energy technology. We unlock the full value of energy and resources
    We invent the technology that makes the energy transition possible, enabling buildings, data centers, factories, plants, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open software-defined systems, simplifying complexity and enabling smarter, more sustainable operations across every sector. As an Impact Company, we believe performance and purpose go hand in hand. And with an inclusive culture at our core, we empower everyone to play a part in building a more sustainable, and resilient future.

    Speakers

    Hady Stephan

    Hady Stephan

    VP, Secure Power & Data Center Business – MEA, Schneider Electric

  • Tech Showcase: The AI Factory – From Grid to Chip | Delta

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Mission Critical Power
    • Open Session
    Delta Logo_RGB_2026 (2) (1)

    Delta is committed to innovation and is a global leader in switching power supplies and thermal management, offering a comprehensive portfolio of IoT-based smart energy-saving solutions. Leveraging our core competence in power management, we have expanded our operations into four business categories: Power Electronics, Mobility, Automation, and Infrastructure.

    Speakers

    Said El Bouhali

    Said El Bouhali

    Head of Data Center Solutions MEA, Delta Electronics

11:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

  • Data Center Cooling Welcome Lunch

    • Al Dana | Level 1
    • Data Center Cooling
    • Invite-only Session
    Carrier 349x175.jpg

    Carrier QuantumLeap" is the Force for Progress for data centers, integrating advanced cooling, digital intelligence, and lifecycle services to manage the thermal lifecycle with confidence. By connecting thermal equipment, controls, and service expertise from chip to chiller, QuantumLeap" transforms thermal infrastructure into a predictable, resilient system. This integrated approach helps reduce operational risk, protect uptime, support higher density and AI readiness, and enable sustainable, scalable growth for enterprises, hyperscalers, and colocation operators powering todayˇs digital world.

    Speakers

    Hitesh Prajapati

    Hitesh Prajapati

    Managing Director, Data Centers, Carrier

    Charbel Rahhal

    Chief Solution Architect, Carrier Middle Eaat

  • Mission Critical Power Welcome Lunch

    • Al Maasa | Level 1
    • Mission Critical Power
    • Invite-only Session
    GE Vernova 349x175

    GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with approximately 75,000 employees across approximately 100countries around the world. Supported by the Company’s purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future.

12:15 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

  • Debate: Machine‑led vs. human‑led - Who should run operations?

    • Management & Operations
    • Open Session

    Speakers

    Faheel Khan

    Faheel Khan

    AI Data Center Technical Lead, groq

    Mohammed Feroz Khan

    Mohammed Feroz Khan

    Head of IT Infrastructure, TotalEnergies

    Attallah Akroush

    Attallah Akroush

    Data Center and Environment Expert, Orange Jordan

  • Debate: AI vs lifetime ROI - Designing and retrofitting facilities that survive the hype cycle

    • Data Center Construction
    • Open Session

    Speakers

    Alistair Davis

    Alistair Davis

    Director, Black & White Engineering

    Issa Balchi

    Issa Balchi

    Digital Infrastructure & Data Center Delivery Expert

    Tarek Qabaha

    Tarek Qabaha

    Senior Technical Director, GHD

    Shamim Miah

    Shamim Miah

    Project Director, Pure Data Centres Group

    Samira Nikzad

    Project Development Director, DATAVOLT

  • Debate: Beyond hyperscale - Is MENA ready for mass liquid cooling deployment?

    • Main Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Data Center Cooling
    • Open Session

    Speakers

    Imran Shaikh

    Imran Shaikh

    Director of MEP & Specialisms, Ramboll

    Sanjay Kumar

    Sanjay Kumar

    Director – Design & Execution Data Center, DAMAC Digital

    Mahmoud Zaki

    Head of Data Centers, Telecom Egypt - Centra

    Aida Elbouanani

    Aida Elbouanani

    Business Development Director MEA, bp Castrol

    Kaïs Ferjani

    Data Center Manager (EMEA & GCC), Telecom & IT Infrastructure, National Planning Council (Qatar)

  • Debate: Greenwashed gigawatts? Can hyperscale growth align with sustainability goals?

    • Energy & Sustainability
    • Open Session

    Speakers

    Joost Lansbergen

    Global Critical Facilities Practice Area Leader, Senior Associate, Gensler

    Safaa Adbel Baki

    Safaa Adbel Baki

    Senior Digital Strategy & Sustainability Consultant, LTA

    Saad Omeirat

    Saad Omeirat

    Senior Associate Engineer - Data Centers & Mission Critical, Dar Al-Handasah

    Dr Muhammed Wakil Shahzad

    Professor and Chair of Advanced Energy and Sustainability, Northumbria University

2:15 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

  • Major Panel: AI at scale - How MENA’s digital transformation is reshaping power, cooling, construction and design

    • Main Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Open Session
    BACLogo_PMS300 (1)

    BAC is proud to be the world’s cooling partner. Since 1938, BAC has created sustainable comfort cooling, process cooling and refrigeration solutions for essential and demanding environments around the world. The company serves customers across data centers, industrial processes, HVAC, industrial and commercial refrigeration, and other infrastructure markets. BAC designs and manufactures heat transfer and thermal management equipment, including cooling towers, condensers, hybrid, adiabatic and dry cooling products, as well as immersion cooling systems. These solutions help data center customers achieve long-term performance, reliability, and environmentally responsible outcomes.

    Speakers

    Himmath Mohammed

    Himmath Mohammed

    CIO, Gulf Data Hub

    Amine Kandil

    Amine Kandil

    CEO, N+ONE Datacenters

    Yashnath Issur

    Yashnath Issur

    CEO, Nxtra Africa

    Tom Bosmans

    Tom Bosmans

    Business Development Manager EMEIA, BAC

  • Explore the Floor

    • Open Session

6:00 p.m.

  • Icebreaker Networking Evening

    • Andiamo! Restaurant - Grand Hyatt | Lower Lobby Level
    • Hospitality & Networking
    • Open Session

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8:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

  • Major Panel: Gridlock to gigawatts - Defining MENA’s power strategy for AI’s next leap

    • Main Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Mission Critical Power
    • Open Session
    Eaton 228x114

    Eaton is an intelligent power management company that provides hardware, software and services to help you design and build at scale, while operating more sustainable, efficient and economical data centers. We deliver modular data center solutions spanning power, cooling and software that accelerate deployment, ensure reliability and support scalable, sustainable, future-ready operations.

    Speakers

    Tim Bawtree

    Executive Group Chairman & Founder, Quantum Switch

    Khulood Alawadhi

    Director - Advanced Technology Services, Moro Hub

    Sameer Gupta

    Sameer Gupta

    Director, Analysys Mason

    Simon Young

    Simon Young

    Sub Regional Lead - Energy, Location & Strategy Middle East & Africa, Google

    Ammar Al Horani

    Data Center Business Leader & Global Accounts Director, Eaton

  • DCD Talks shifting from scheduled servicing to prescriptive AI agents with Fadi Greige | AVAR

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Management & Operations
    • Open Session
    APAC26.AVAR Partner Logo (1)

    Modern Data Center Lifecycle Management

    AVAR is a leading provider of end-to-end data center lifecycle management, delivering innovative solutions that ensure mission-critical infrastructure remains resilient, efficient, and future-ready. Guided by its "From Cradle to Cradle" philosophy, AVAR supports every stage of the data center journey—from engineering and commissioning to 24/7 operations, maintenance, AI-driven optimization, and talent development.

    Operating across 13+ countries, with over 500MW of contracted IT load and US$20 billion in assets under management, AVAR has established itself as a trusted partner for hyperscale, enterprise, telecom, and government data center operators.

    AVAR's comprehensive portfolio includes:

    Engineering & Lifecycle PMO

    Data Center Design, Build & Commissioning

    24/7 Critical Facility Operations

    Vendor-Agnostic Maintenance & Consultancy

    AI-Powered Predictive Analytics through Lyric Logic®

    Physical Security (SPADA®)

    The AVAR Academy for data center talent development

    Driven by innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, AVAR combines advanced engineering with proprietary AI technologies to maximize uptime, improve efficiency, and help organizations build the next generation of digital infrastructure. With a strong commitment to ESG principles and continuous innovation, AVAR is shaping the future of mission-critical facilities across the Middle East and beyond.

    Headquarters: United Arab Emirates

    Website: www.avarglobal.com

    Speakers

    Fadi Greige

    Chief Growth & Innovation Officer , AVAR

10:00 a.m.

  • Tech Showcase: The physical layer that powers AI | Panduit

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Telecoms & Connectivity
    • Open Session
    Logos (55)

    Panduit, a global leader in electrical and network infrastructure solutions, thrives on ingenuity and enterprise. We focus on solving problems and achieving success through our comprehensive portfolios, helping organizations navigate digital, fuel, and workforce transformations for sustainable growth. Customer needs are at the core of our strategy, ensuring our R&D investments lead to continuous breakthroughs in business-continuity products. Our unwavering commitment to customer success ensures exceptional solutions and seamless support worldwide. With a dedication to innovation, extensive global presence, and deep industry expertise, we deliver tomorrow's solutions today. Panduit is making the connections that matter. For more information, visit www.panduit.com.

    Speakers

    Salim Janbeh

    Salim Janbeh

    Physical Infrastructure Consultant, Panduit

10:30 a.m.

  • Major Panel: Solving MENA’s cooling dilemma - Balancing heat, water, and efficiency in the AI era

    • Main Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Data Center Cooling
    • Open Session
    Johnson Controls 228x114

    Johnson Controls delivers integrated, scalable solutions for modern data centers through its Global Data Center Solutions organization, combining thermal management, controls, fire protection, security, and lifecycle services. The company supports hyperscale and AI‑driven environments with advanced technologies such as YORK® chillers, Silent‑Aire modular systems, and high‑density liquid cooling platforms designed for next‑generation workloads. JCI’s strategy, centered on innovation, scalability, and consistency, meets the accelerating demands of operators seeking efficient, reliable, and globally deployable infrastructure solutions.

    Speakers

    Gaurav Mathur

    Gaurav Mathur

    Chief AI & Data Center Officer, JLL

    Somen Mathur

    Somen Mathur

    Vice President - Head of Engineering and Design, DATAVOLT

    Deepak Bhat

    Regional Product Director, Johnson Controls

    Steven Briscoe

    Steven Briscoe

    Managing Director of Gulf Operations, Subsea Cloud

  • DCD Talks from circuits to strategy, optimizing electrical topology and delivery with Khaled Banat | Huawei

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Mission Critical Power
    • Open Session
    huawei_logo_349x175 2022.png

    Huawei Data Center Facility (DCF) is a global leader in providing green, smart, and modular infrastructure solutions. As part of Huawei Digital Power, the business focuses on integrating digital and power electronics to modernize how data centers are built and managed.

    Core Solutions

    FusionModule: A "datacenter-in-a-box" approach for indoor environments, integrating power, cooling, and racks into a single modular unit.

    FusionDC: Prefabricated, building-level modules for hyperscale facilities that reduce construction time by up to 50%.

    Smart Power & Cooling: High-efficiency UPS systems paired with SmartLi (Lithium batteries) and AI-driven cooling (NetCol) that lowers energy consumption via iCooling technology.

    Strategic Value

    Huawei’s philosophy centers on four pillars:

    Simple: Prefabricated designs that simplify deployment.

    Green: Achieving ultra-low PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) through liquid cooling and AI optimization.

    Smart: Using digital twins and automated O&M (Operations & Maintenance) to reduce human error.

    Reliable: Ensuring continuous operation with modular redundancy and proactive "predictive maintenance."

    Market Impact

    With a presence in over 170 countries, Huawei is a top-ranked provider for modular data centers and UPS systems. In 2026, the focus has shifted toward AI-Ready Infrastructure, specifically designed to handle the high-density power and cooling demands of GPU clusters and large-scale AI computing.

    Speakers

    Khaled Banat

    AI Data Center Technical Program Manager , Huawei

11:00 a.m.

  • DCD Talks the density dilemma with Graham Easton and Furqan Mian | Engie Solutions

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Mission Critical Power
    • Open Session
    ENGIE_Solutions_logotype_RGB (1)

    ENGIE partners with datacenter operators to make energy a strategic advantage - scaling availability, stabilizing costs, and accelerating sustainable energy strategies. We deliver rapid access to power through existing assets and a strong local footprint; expand capacity via our global portfolio of renewables and storage; and bring deep expertise in sourcing, risk management, and 24/7 carbon-free energy.
    Power your operations with confidence - available and scalable today, reliable and sustainable for tomorrow.

    Speakers

    Furqan Mian

    Furqan Mian

    Head of Data Centers, ENGIE Solutions

    Graham Easton

    Graham Easton

    Managing Director, IFM GCC, ENGIE Solutions

11:30 a.m.

  • Major Panel: Blueprints without builders - Can MENA deliver the talent to match its digital ambitions?

    • Main Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Management & Operations
    • Open Session
    APAC26.AVAR Partner Logo (1)

    Modern Data Center Lifecycle Management

    AVAR is a leading provider of end-to-end data center lifecycle management, delivering innovative solutions that ensure mission-critical infrastructure remains resilient, efficient, and future-ready. Guided by its "From Cradle to Cradle" philosophy, AVAR supports every stage of the data center journey—from engineering and commissioning to 24/7 operations, maintenance, AI-driven optimization, and talent development.

    Operating across 13+ countries, with over 500MW of contracted IT load and US$20 billion in assets under management, AVAR has established itself as a trusted partner for hyperscale, enterprise, telecom, and government data center operators.

    AVAR's comprehensive portfolio includes:

    Engineering & Lifecycle PMO

    Data Center Design, Build & Commissioning

    24/7 Critical Facility Operations

    Vendor-Agnostic Maintenance & Consultancy

    AI-Powered Predictive Analytics through Lyric Logic®

    Physical Security (SPADA®)

    The AVAR Academy for data center talent development

    Driven by innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, AVAR combines advanced engineering with proprietary AI technologies to maximize uptime, improve efficiency, and help organizations build the next generation of digital infrastructure. With a strong commitment to ESG principles and continuous innovation, AVAR is shaping the future of mission-critical facilities across the Middle East and beyond.

    Headquarters: United Arab Emirates

    Website: www.avarglobal.com

    Speakers

    Hammayun Ali

    Director Capacity Planning GPU & Compute (EMEA & JAPAC), Oracle

    Amjad Hafez

    Amjad Hafez

    CEO, NourNet

    Rabih Jawad

    Chief Operating Officer, AVAR

    James Richards

    James Richards

    Vice President - HSE, DAMAC Digital

  • DCD Talks from grid to rack, creating a smart and sustainable future with Varun Mehndiratta | Hitachi Energy

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Mission Critical Power
    • Open Session
    Hitachi Logo black (3)

    Hitachi Energy serves customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future.

    Speakers

    Varun Mehndiratta

    Vice President - Head of Marketing & Sales, Grid Integration, MEA Region, Hitachi Energy

12:00 p.m.

  • Tech Showcase: Building AI infrastructure and accelerating time to token | Vertiv

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Data Center Cooling
    • Mission Critical Power
    • Open Session
    logo 349x175.jpg

    Vertiv is a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, designing, manufacturing, and delivering solutions for data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments.


    Vertiv delivers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services — including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution units, thermal management systems, and data center infrastructure management solutions — engineered to help organizations maintain the reliability and performance of their critical operations.


    Vertiv strives to develop energy-efficient technologies that support customers in reducing their carbon footprint and improving the operational efficiency of their infrastructure.

    Speakers

    Sanjay Sainani

    Sanjay Sainani

    Senior Vice president Technology and Data Centers Business Development, Vertiv

12:30 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

  • DCD Talks Architecting Power for the Gulf with Mandar Pandit | GE Verona

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Mission Critical Power
    • Open Session
    GE Vernova 349x175

    GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with approximately 75,000 employees across approximately 100countries around the world. Supported by the Company’s purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future.

    Speakers

    Mandar Pandit

    Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Data Centers - Electrification Segment, GE Verona

3:00 p.m.

  • Tech Showcase: Emax 3 - Intelligent power for AI data centers | ABB

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Mission Critical Power
    • Open Session
    ABB_349x175.png

    ABB technology powers one in four data centres globally. From cloud environments to gigawatt-scale AI facilities, we collaborate with customers and partners to deliver the world’s most advanced data centres. Our comprehensive portfolio spans from source to rack, ensuring next-generation data centres have the expertise and technology they need.

    Speakers

    Atif Saleri

    Atif Saleri

    Product Marketing Director, ABB

    Basma Elakkad

    Basma Elakkad

    Product Marketing Specialist, ABB

  • Major Panel: Building at Speed, Performing at Scale - Rethinking delivery models for lasting reliability

    • Main Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Data Center Construction
    • Open Session
    Logo_of_Meinhardt-1

    Meinhardt Data Centre of excellence has become a global stronghold, leveraging the group’s extensive experience and proven track record to drive innovation and excellence across the globe.

    Speakers

    Matt Froukhians

    Matt Froukhians

    Head of Data Centres Middle East, CBRE

    Ehab Ibrahim

    Ehab Ibrahim

    Managing Director – UAE, Iraq, and North Africa, Meinhardt

    Steffen Zimmermann

    Steffen Zimmermann

    Project Director, Pure Data Centres Group

    Gareth McElroy

    Gareth McElroy

    Director of Technical Facilities, MEEZA QSTP

3:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

  • Major Panel: Kuwait’s digital pivot - How public–private alignment will shape success in the next decade

    • Main Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Investment & Markets
    • Open Session

    Speakers

    Zaid Al Othman

    Zaid Al Othman

    Director of Enterprise Customer Success & Data Center Solutions, Zain Kuwait

    Yasmine Rifai

    AI & National Digital Transformation Leader | Former CTO, Public Sector

    Priyanka Nagpal

    Priyanka Nagpal

    Director, Data Center Capital Markets

  • Closing refreshments

  • Tech Showcase with Grundfos

    • Spotlight Stage - Show Floor | Baniyas Ballroom | Ground Level
    • Data Center Cooling
    • Open Session
    Grundfos_349x175.original

    Grundfos is a pioneering global leader in integrated cooling and water management solutions for data centres. Operating in 66 countries, we help customers optimise cooling performance, water usage, heat recovery, and system efficiency across the entire water lifecycle, enabling sustainable, resilient, and future-ready digital infrastructure for the AI era.

    As artificial intelligence drives unprecedented growth in data centre capacity and resource demand, operators face increasing pressure to reduce energy consumption, conserve water, improve resilience, and meet ambitious sustainability goals. Grundfos addresses these challenges through a holistic approach that integrates cooling, water management, digital intelligence, and sustainability into a single optimised ecosystem.

    Our expertise spans the complete water lifecycle: Source, Treat, Distribute, Reuse, Recycle, and Discharge. From securing and treating incoming water supplies to enabling efficient cooling distribution, heat recovery, water reuse, recycling, and responsible discharge, Grundfos helps customers optimise every stage of water movement and utilisation within the data centre.

    Through intelligent pumping systems, advanced controls, digital monitoring, water treatment expertise, and heat recovery technologies, we enable owners, operators, developers, and technology partners to improve operational and environmental performance. Our solutions help reduce water and energy consumption, enhance cooling efficiency, increase system reliability, recover valuable waste heat, and accelerate progress towards net-zero and water stewardship objectives.

    By combining more than 80 years of water expertise with a deep understanding of data centre operations, Grundfos is helping shape the next generation of sustainable digital infrastructure for a rapidly expanding digital economy.

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