Dubai Silicon Oasis: X-Tech Forum
June 18, 2026
Radisson Red, Dubai Silicon Oasis
The XTech Forum is a platform dedicated to research, development and innovation across four of today’s most transformative technology sectors: FinTech, HealthTech, EduTech, InsurTech and LegalTech.
Brought to you by Dubai Silicon Oasis, this forum is designed for the thinkers, builders and pioneers who are shaping what comes next.
Expect a programme packed with cutting-edge innovation showcases, expert-led keynotes and panel discussions that go beyond the surface to explore where each sector is truly heading. Whether you are working at the frontier of financial technology, reimagining how healthcare is delivered, rethinking education for the digital age, or modernising the legal landscape through technology, this is the space where those conversations happen.
The XTech Forum brings together startups, corporates, researchers and investors from within the Dubai Silicon Oasis ecosystem and across the region. It is a rare opportunity to connect with peers who share your drive, learn from those leading the way and showcase the work that matters most to you.
Mr Badr Buhannad
Director General, Dubai Silicon Oasis
Mr. Badr Buhannad is the Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), where he leads the strategic evolution of Dubai’s dedicated knowledge and innovation district. With over two decades of experience in corporate strategy, business services, and audit management, he is a proven strategic leader known for aligning long-term vision with operational execution, delivering measurable impact through C-level engagement, board reporting, and transformation initiatives.
Hans Christensen
VP, Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC)
Hans is a serial entrepreneur with as much experience as an entrepreneur as a corporate leader. The past decade he has helped build one of the largest entrepreneurial communities in the MENA region through offering investment, mentoring, and acceleration and a great space to set up their businesses, for the Dubai government.
Aon Raza
Head of Transformation, Al Wathba Insurance
Aon Raza is the Head of Transformation at Al Wathba Insurance, several years of experience in driving digital transformation within the insurance industry. His previous roles at Daman and Noor Takaful have equipped him with expertise in project management, portfolio management, and enhancing operational efficiency through innovative solutions. Aon has successfully led core insurance system implementations and spearheaded digital journey automation projects that significantly improved customer engagement.
Shiraz Ali
Chief Business Officer, Nymcard
Shiraz Ali is the Chief Business Officer at NymCard, with 20+ years shaping payments and banking across Mastercard, Saudi British Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, and the State Bank of Pakistan. A recognised voice on the future of payments infrastructure in MENA and beyond, Shiraz brings together deep institutional knowledge and a builder's mindset — from central bank policy to card issuance at scale. At NymCard, he leads the commercial agenda powering card issuing, payment processing, and money movement for financial institutions, fintechs, and enterprises across CEMEA.
Giovanni Everduin
Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, CBI
Gio serves as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at CBI, where he oversees corporate strategy, innovation, sustainability, fintech partnerships, banking-as-a-service and digital assets. In 2025 he co-founded CBIx, the Bank's independent innovation lab and corporate VC arm. Gio sits on the board of Zypl, a series A synthetic data and AI startup, the advisory board of Luna PR, a leading global PR & strategic comms agency and serves as a senior advisor to the National AI Council of Tajikistan.
08:30 Registration
09:00 Opening Ceremony
09:05 Opening Speech
09:15 Panel Discussion: From Lab to Market: Accelerating R&D and Innovation Across XTech
10:00 Keynote: HealthTech TBA
10:30 Coffee Break & Networking
10:45 Panel Discussion: The Future of Money: How FinTechs are shaping the Future of Money
11:30 Keynote: LegalTech TBA
12:00 Keynote: EduTech TBA
12:30 Keynote: InsurTech – Aon Raza, Head of Transformation, Al Wathba Insurance
13:00 Lunch & Networking
14:00 End