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Backyard Internet Talks: Navigating Disruption

Staying Agile & Relevant in Today’s Tech Ecosystem

Technology in the UAE is evolving at an extraordinary pace, positioning the region as a global innovation hub. From smart cities to advancements in cybersecurity, cloud computing, Web3, and AI, the region offers immense opportunities for businesses and startups. As these technologies rapidly evolve, staying updated is key to remaining agile and competitive.

To help our present and upcoming leaders navigate through this competitive landscape, Backyard Internet Talks (BIT), presented by Dubai Internet City, brings together thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore how businesses can leverage emerging technologies to drive resilience and long-term growth.

Join us for insightful discussions, thought-provoking exchanges, and valuable networking sessions—complete with great food, drinks, and an inspiring community in the heart of Dubai’s tech district. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and co-create the future of tech-driven success!

Date: Wednesday February 26th 2025
Time: 6:00PM – 8:30PM 
Location: Bldg 19 Rooftop, Dubai Internet City

complimentary valet service available.

Sammar Farooqi

VP- Strategy, Cloud Innovation & Business Development - SAP

Mohammed Ogaily

VP Product - Anghami

Zohare Haider

Co-founder & CEO - Jalebi.io

Kartik Renjen

Head of Startups, Middle East & Africa - Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Rami Saad

Co-founder - Halo AI

Shihab Makaniyil

CEO, Founder - ShopDoc

Tim Buckler

Director, Customer Acquisition and Engagement, Services - Mastercard

Georges Odeimi

Business Solutions Lead - Snap Inc. MENA

Ali Cheikhali

Creative Strategy Lead - Google

Bunty Monani

CEO, Co-founder - Zofeur

Agenda

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Registration and Networking
6:30 pm - 6:40 pm
Welcome and Opening Remarks
6:40 pm - 7:15 pm
Panel Discussion 1: UAE’s Innovation Blueprint – Navigating The Tech Ecosystem
Explore how the UAE’s forward-thinking vision and technology-driven blueprint are driving business innovation across industries. From leveraging advancements in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and Web3 to transforming digital commerce and media, this session will unpack the strategies and opportunities shaping a future-focused economy.

Tim Buckler

Director, Customer Acquisition and Engagement, Services
Mastercard

Ali Cheikhali

Creative Strategy Lead
Google

Georges Odeimi

Business Solutions Lead
Snap Inc. MENA

Mohammed Ogaily

VP Product
Anghami

Sammar Farooqi

VP- Strategy, Cloud Innovation & Business Development
SAP

7:15 pm - 7:30 am
BREAK
7:30 pm - 8:05 pm
Panel Discussion 2: Scaling Success: How Technology Empowers Start-Ups in the Ecosystem
This panel focuses on the transformative role of technology in supporting the start-up ecosystem, helping businesses grow faster, smarter, and more efficiently. The panel will explore the challenges start ups face while integrating technologies, and provide insights into how they can overcome these hurdles, and the strategic importance of collaboration.

Kartik Renjen

Head of Startups, Middle East & Africa
Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Zohare Haider

Co-founder & CEO
Jalebi.io

Rami Saad

Co-founder
Halo AI

Shihab Makaniyil

CEO, Founder
ShopDoc

Bunty Monani

CEO, Co-founder
Zofeur

8:05 pm - 8:30 pm
Closing Remarks and Networking

EVENT ORGANIZED BY

IN COLLABORATION WITH