< Previous20 edge_november 2023 awardsawaaaaaaaardssssssssad Fortinet spearheads the fusion of networking and security. The company offers a range of network security solutions that are not only widely adopted but also backed by patents and thorough validation, setting industry benchmarks. Fortinet is dedicated to empowering its customers with intelligence-driven tools, allowing them to effectively navigate the ever- expanding threat landscape in today’s borderless networks. With a remarkable trust from over 595,000 customers for safeguarding their businesses, Fortinet’s extensive portfolio vividly showcases its unwavering commitment to integration and automation, ensuring efficient, self-healing operations, and swift responses to emerging threats. SECURITY INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR FORTINETedgenovember 2023 21 awards 21mbmbbgeeovnoneer21e2d ServiceNow empowers organisations to leverage their existing technology investments, thereby accelerating their digital workflows. This solution not only ignites innovation and operational excellence but also acts as a catalyst for streamlining digital transformation efforts, making it a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious award. The Now Platform emerges as the epitome of a revolutionary workflow solution. While the market offers specific solutions for distinct systems, like ITSM or HR service delivery, ServiceNow provides a unified foundation for all enterprise digital workflows. This unique approach allows customers to maximise the value of their current technology investments and seamlessly bridge the gaps between siloed systems, departments, and processes. SOFTWARE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR SERVICENOW22 edge_november 2023 awardsawaaaaaaaardssssssssad MetaEssence is a specialised G2B2C (Government to Business to Consumer) Web3.0 and Metaverse solutions provider. Its innovative product studio provides a platform to accelerate the adoption of Web3.0 Metaverse technology and facilitates seamless integration into everyday business operations. The company places a strong emphasis on product value and end results, offering blockchain-agnostic solutions and fostering long-term partnerships through a well-established transaction-based model. Their vision revolves around simplifying, securing, and ensuring reliable access to a diverse range of Web3.0 and metaverse solutions, enabling customers to harness synergies and execute transactions with enhanced business value. WEB 3.0 INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR METAESSENCEedgenovember 2023 23 awards 23mbmbbgeeovnoneer23e2d Redington played a pivotal role in delivering disruptive solutions, ensuring that their partners and customers achieve seamless and effective business outcomes. In a remarkable shift this year, the company successfully transformed from a conventional distributor into a digital aggregator through various innovative initiatives. VAD OF THE YEAR REDINGTON MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Redington is also known for its expansive partner network, diverse vendor portfolio, comprehensive solutions and services, as well as its unique enablement programmes. They have consistently upheld their leadership status within the region while continuously adapting to the demands of the digital era, now ranking as the ninth largest distributor globally.24 edge_november 2023 awardsawaaaaaaaardssssssssad A technology industry veteran, Hani Nofal is currently the General Manager and Head of Technology at Gulf Business Machines (GBM). Over the years, Nofal has consistently displayed visionary qualities, driving notable partnerships, and spearheading the evolution of GBM’s cybersecurity endeavours. He was also instrumental in the company’s acquisition of a majority stake in Coordinates Middle East, a regional Managed Detection and Response firm headquartered in Dubai. Nofal’s strategic acumen, marked by a risk-driven cybersecurity approach, led to significant growth in revenue and team size, while also contributing to the government and public sector’s digital resiliency efforts across multiple countries. Additionally, his role as the architect of GBM’s Annual Security Report and the establishment of the GBM Annual Security Summit showcases his dedication to knowledge dissemination and thought leadership in the field. TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION LEADER OF THE YEAR HANI NOFALedgenovember 2023 25 awards 25mbmbbgeeovnoneer25e2d As the CEO of the aptly named IT firm Future Tech, Dr Amjed AlThuhli has demonstrated visionary leadership by consistently forging connections between innovation and practical application, resulting in transformative solutions. His ability to seamlessly merge research with real-world implementation, combined with his strategic acumen, has been instrumental in propelling technological advancements and cultivating skilled professionals. Future Tech provides an array of digital infrastructure development services, including digital transformation plans, process automation, and e-commerce solutions. Furthermore, Future Tech offers consultancy and research services to government institutions and private sectors in the ICT and space sectors, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, reducing operational costs, and maximising the quality of outputs, products, and services through advanced electronic and cloud management technologies. FUTURE TECH LEADER OF THE YEAR DR AMJED ALTHUHLI26 edge_november 2023 awardsawaaaaaaaardssssssssad ICT INNOVATION CHAMPION JASIM AL AWADI With an extensive background spanning over two decades in the regional technology landscape, Jasim Al Awadi consistently demonstrates his visionary leadership and exceptional acumen. Serving as a driving force at du, one of the UAE’s largest telecommunications companies, Al Awadi was appointed as the Chief ICT Officer (Acting). Al Awadi has played a pivotal role in spearheading the du Cyber Defence Command Centre in the UAE, pioneering blockchain innovation, and leading Industry 4.0 projects. These endeavours underscore his unwavering commitment to security and sustainable technological advancement. Al Awadi’s dedication extends to creating a customer-centric, secure, and agile ecosystem, and his efforts in promoting sustainability and motivating youth for community initiatives reflect his comprehensive approach to technology leadership. Furthermore, Al Awadi’s instrumental role in launching transformative events such as “Envision” highlights his ability to unite tech leaders and visionaries to forge a better and more sustainable future. His illustrious career and innovative mindset have rightfully earned him this prestigious accolade.edgenovember 2023 27 awards 27mbmbbgeeovnoneer27e2d For over four decades, GITEX GLOBAL has consistently acted as a catalyst for technological progress and entrepreneurship, not only in the region but also across the world. The event plays a pivotal role in nurturing and uniting thousands of companies across various tech sectors, including cybersecurity, cloud, networks, and AI, significantly contributing to the advancement of the technology landscape. This year, GITEX GLOBAL hosted more than 6,000 exhibitors and 1,800 startups, further cementing its position as a crucial platform for the best minds and visionary companies to shape and empower the digital agendas of the world. Earlier this year, the GITEX GLOBAL team achieved a milestone by successfully hosting its inaugural international edition, GITEX AFRICA Morocco. Building on this success, they have now unveiled plans for another exciting venture: GITEX EUROPE Berlin, scheduled for May 2025. This strategic expansion firmly establishes GITEX as a dominant force in promoting technology-driven economic growth on a global scale. INNOVATION CATALYST GITEX GLOBAL28 edge_november 2023 awardsawaaaaaaaardssssssssad As the Head of CyberSecurity Regulatory Compliance at Emirates Group, Nouri Othman Agha has pushed the envelope on innovation and driving tech progress within the company. His strategic acumen and forward-thinking mindset have been steadfast drivers of technological transformation at Emirates, resulting in tangible and beneficial outcomes. These achievements clearly indicate his potential as a future CIO. Furthermore, his collaborative approach has not only cultivated a culture of innovation within his organisation but also left a lasting mark on the broader tech industry, solidifying his influence as a visionary in the field. FUTURE CIO OF THE YEAR NOURI OTHMAN AGHAedgenovember 2023 29 awards 29mbmbbgeeovnoneer29e2d The Abu Dhabi Pension Fund’s commitment to modernising pension administration services through the Ajyaal Transformation Program, along with its innovative technological advancements and organisational restructuring, set new industry standards. The programme not only enhanced operational efficiency and transparency but also ensured the financial stability and long-term sustainability of the pension system. By proactively adapting to evolving member needs and leveraging the latest technologies, the ADPF demonstrated a relentless pursuit of excellence. PROJECT OF THE YEAR ABU DHABI PENSION FUNDNext >