Governtment of Dubai - Organizer | Dubai World Congress For Self-Driving Transaport | Autonomous Vehicle Technology Exhibition
Roads & Transport Authority - Organizer | Dubai Congress For Self-Driving Transaport | Self-Driving Car Conference & Exhibition
Under The Patronage Of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince Of Dubai And Chairman Of The Executive Council
Under The Patronage Of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince Of Dubai And Chairman Of The Executive Council
Agenda 20232023-09-27T05:37:23+00:00

Agenda

September 26th | Conference Day 1 – Tuesday

Tuesday
September 26
08:00

Registration and Networking (Coffee Break)

 
09:00 – 10:30

SAE Knowledge Session 1 : Vehicle Electrification 

Location: Breakout room 1

Speaker
Frank Menchaca 
President
Sustainable Mobility Solutions, SAE International 
Mike Paras 
Business Development
Product & Strategic Partnerships Manager, SAE International
Robert (Bob) L. Galyen
Senior Strategic Consultant & Advisor Retired CTO of Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited
 
10:30 – 11:00

Morning Networking Refreshment Break

 
11:00 – 12:15

OPENING  -  Welcome Address & Self Driving Challenge Awards

Location: Main Plenary

 
12:15 – 13:00

Networking Lunch

 
13:00 - 13:30

Global Keynote Address Flying Man

Location: Main Plenary

Speaker
Sam Rogers ​​​​​​
Test Pilot & Design Lead Gravity Industries, UK
 
13:30 – 14:15
Panel Discussion

Journey of success: catalyzing innovation in self-driving public transport

Location: Main Plenary

5 Challenge Participants

Speakers
Chris Gall
Group Engineering Director
Alexander Dennis
Hossam Yahia
​​​​​​CEO/CTO
BrightDrive
Christian Sandu
Co-Founder and CEO
Quadribot
Dr. Jin Jiang
Chief Engineer
King Long
Thomas (Lih-Wei) Jeng
Chief Operating Officer
iAuto Technology Taiwan
Moderated by
Dr. Ismail Zohdy
Expert Self-driving Transport
RTA
 
 
14:15 – 15:00

Networking coffee break

 
15:00 – 15:45

Fireside chat: Honestly let’s talk - AV, AI, Accountability & Ethical dilemmas! 

Location: Main Plenary

Speaker
Joseph Salem
Partner and Head of Travel & Transportation in the Middle East
Reuben Sarkar 
CEO
American Center for Mobility
Gary Duncan West
Managing Director
Cruise Middle East
Moderated By:
Lukas Neckermann
Managing Director, Neckermann Strategic Advisors
 
 
15:45 – 16:15

Panel discussion: The Future of Mobility

Location: Main Plenary

Speaker
Xavier Antony Darwin
General Manager
United Motors
Lāth Carlson
Executive Director of the Museum of the Future
Moderated by
Alexander Nase
Managing Director, FEV 
 
16:15 – 16:30

Security in Future Mobility

Location: Main Plenary

Speaker
Khalid Al Hammadi
Director-Security and Monitoring Department
RTA
 
16:30 - 17:00

Closing Keynote Address : The challenges to effective regulation of automated driving system safety

Location: Main Plenary

Speaker
Dr. Steven Shladover
International Expert in Self-Driving Transportation Technologies

 
 
 

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This workshop provides an overview of vehicle electrification through a case study  of the development of SAE’s Electric Vehicle Charging Data Performance and Reporting framework and a lecture on global battery development, participants will understand the challenges and opportunities that come with electrification of mobility. They will receive an overview of the SAE/InnoEnergy Battery Institute, a 22-course program that is the ultimate training solution for professionals looking to excel in the field of e-mobility and prepare for the electric future.

SAE attendees certificate will be provided.

Frank Menchaca

President, Sustainable Mobility Solutions

SAE International

Frank Menchaca is President, Sustainable Mobility Solutions at SAE International, the oldest and largest technical organization for engineering in ground and air transportation. Frank incubated and developed SAE's work in sustainability and has also led the organization's product development, marketing, information publishing, professional learning, events and international business. Frank has a deep background in information products and served as Executive Vice President at Cengage Learning. Frank holds degrees from New York University and Yale University and is a candidate in the Chief Sustainability Officer certification program at MIT. A musician and artist, Frank has released ten records of original music under his own name and in the duo Hourloupe; his visual art practice includes painting and digital media.

Mike Paras

Business Development, Product & Strategic Partnerships Manager Sustainable Mobility Solutions

SAE International

Michael leads Business Development and Partnerships at SAE International in a newly created innovation unit, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions.  In this role, Michael develops partnerships across the corporate and academic markets as SAE International creates new technical research products and technical training programs to support SAE’s global stakeholder and member base.  Michael works closely with SAE’s Government Affairs team to support SAE’s work with the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy.  Prior to joining SAE International, Michael spent 10 years working in business development and sales in the private sector.   Michael brings unique educational perspective to SAE International as a student of the Liberal Arts, studying English Literature and History at the Pennsylvania State University.

Robert (Bob) L. Galyen

Senior Strategic Consultant & Advisor Retired Chief Technical Officer of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited)

Robert (Bob) L. Galyen, age 68, is recognized as one of the top executives in the battery energy storage world and within science/engineering-based communities. He is a highly sought-after public speaker as a subject matter expert. His positions as CTO of CATL (the world’s largest battery manufacturer), Chairman of SAE International Battery Standards Steering Committee, also an SAE Fellow, Chairman Emeritus and CTO of NAATbatt International, provides him a unique leadership perspective in the global battery industry. His degrees in chemistry and biology, along with decades of engineering experience and executive roles, provides him a unique view in a leadership or consulting role in cross functional technology areas. He has patents, publications and participates on multiple BOD’s and TAB’s. The 48 years’ international work experience has given him a visionary perspective on worldwide business, making him uniquely qualified as a global energy storage and scientific/engineering community thought leader. His manufacturing experience qualifies him as one of the top Lithium-Ion Battery producers (CATL) and Lead Acid Battery producers (Delco Remy Division of GM) in the world. He presently works with over 8 different battery systems in his consulting roles.

A presentation held by Sam Rogers, Chief Designer at Gravity, showcasing the story behind the inventing, iterating and test piloting of the Gravity Jet Suit.  

Gravity began as a vision to reimagine human flight. Relentless experimentation and not being afraid to learn from recoverable failure resulted in an unexpected success story. Gravity grew into a commercial business leveraging 3D printing to enable an entirely new form of human mobility.

Sam learned to fly the Jet Suit back in 2018, and has since flown at events worldwide. He applied his prior experience in 3D printed rocket engines to the now fully 3D printed Jet Suit.

Sam Rogers

Test Pilot & Design Lead at Gravity Industries

Sam leads the design and realisation of the Jet Suit from concept, to digital models, to 3D printed hardware. He is an expert in metal and polymer 3D printing with extensive experience in 3D printed liquid rocket engines & turbo-pumps, pyrotechnics, UAVs, andfilmmaking. Growing up Sam experimented fabricating his own fireworks, solid fuelled rocket motors, radio controlled aircraft, and homemade camera equipment. Sam designs, builds and test flies with the team at Gravity as they focus on the ‘productisation’ of the Jet Suit.

Experience the dawn of a revolutionary era in automobile travel as cutting-edge technology takes center stage. The initial deployment of groundbreaking advancements is set to redefine the very essence of transportation, reshaping the future role of automobiles in our intricate networks. Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) hold the key to safer journeys, liberating valuable driving time for work and leisure. Join us for an immersive session dedicated to exploring the dynamic landscape of autonomous vehicles. Delve into the latest trends, confront the challenges, and uncover remarkable opportunities in this rapidly evolving field. Our esteemed panel of distinguished experts, representing diverse sectors, will provide invaluable insights, paving the way for a comprehensive exploration of the driving forces behind self-driving technology innovation. Embrace this remarkable opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative power of AVs and gain an unparalleled understanding of the path to an autonomous future.

Chris Gall

Group Engineering Director - Alexander Dennis

Chris Gall joined Alexander Dennis in August 2021 as its new Group Engineering Director, tasked with developing the company’s product range in new technologies and new markets. Chris joined ADL from Jaguar Land Rover.

In this role, Chris will leverage his vast experience to continue to develop and execute the company’s strategy and roadmap to deliver technically challenging engineering projects at pace. He leads ADL’s team of highly skilled engineering and support staff to shape the direction of technology development and respond to market demands as the bus industry transitions towards a zero-emission future. Chris also plays an active role in continuing to drive forward innovation and synergies between the various business units within the wider NFI Group.

A Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Chris joined ADL from Jaguar Land Rover where he most recently held the position of Chief Engineer for New Electrified Architecture following success in several key senior and strategic leadership roles over the course of the last decade, including three years on the board of a joint venture in China. Prior to Jaguar Land Rover, Chris spent seventeen years with Ford, rising through the ranks and holding several key engineering roles in across a variety of territories including the UK, USA, Turkey and Germany.

Hossam Yahia

CTO/CEO BrightDrive

Hossam is the chief Technical Officer of BrightDrive (www.bright-drive.com), Before that he served as
the CTO of Brightskies (www.brightskiesinc.com) between 2016 and 2023. He has a total of 19 years of
professional experience, most of them in automotive software development. Hossam worked for Valeo
(www.valeo.com) between 2006 and 2016 where he was appointed as a functional safety expert since
2012. He started automotive engineering services in Brightskies by beginning of 2016 and initiated
product development for electrification (BrightBus) and autonomous driving (BrightDrive) programs by
2019 before he moved to be the CEO and CTO of BrightDrive.
Born in 1981 in Cairo, Hossam got his Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Electrical
Communications from Cairo University in 2003. He got his MSc. degree in Communications and
Information Technology –Software Engineering from Nile University in 2014.
Hossam authored six conference publications and gave two public speeches in international events
about software safety. He has been a Technical reviewer for safety critical systems at the US Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) world congress event since 2012. In addition, he is a worldwide trainer for
automotive functional safety in Egypt, France, Germany, USA, Ireland, Hungary, and Czech Republic.
His experience in automotive systems development and analysis Software, Systems, and functional
Safety engineering for domains like ADAS, Autonomous driving, Body & Chassis, Electric and Hybrid
Powertrain and others.

Cristian Sandu

Co-Founder & CEO – Quadribot, France

  • Before creating QuadriBot S.A.S, Cristian participated and led several R&D projects related to autonomous driving, solving issues related to automation, real time calculation, power management, renewable energy, mobility and urban micro-mobility through innovative projects at: INRIA (French Digital Science Research Institute), SAFRAN (French Aerospace & military leader) and PSA (French automotive leader).
  • Since 2014, QuadriBot developed different hardware and software modules related to smart and autonomous mobility for private and governmental clients.
  • In 2022 Quadribot developed R-Box, a brain for autonomous driving. R-Box is an all-in-one HPC (high performance computing system) optimized for autonomous driving offering ASIL-D safety level. This further lead to innovative products such as the Ryl autonomous personal shuttle and the Scargo autonomous delivery robot.
  • Cristian earned his MSc. Power Electronics from Institute of Energy Technology, Aalborg, Denmark in 2009

Dr. Jin Jiang

Chief Engineer of King Long

Jin JIANG received the Ph.D. degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Science and Technology from the Tsinghua University (THU), China. He is currently a Chief Engineer of King Long. Besides, and also the Vice Director of Intelligent Network Research Institute with King Long. In addition, he is the Deputy Secretary General of Fujian Society of Automotive Engineers and Vice Director of Operation Management Department with Fujian Motor Industry Group Co. Furthermore, he has authored about 34 papers in refereed journals and conference proceedings and has been granted about 6 patents in China. His research interests are in the area of mobile edge computing, traffic modeling in wireless networks, intelligent on board unit, simultaneous localization and mapping, and decision-making in driver-automation shared control. In 2022, he led the development of the industry's first vehicle formation technology standard "Technical performance indexes and test methods of vehicle formation". He is the person in charge of the BRICS China Year 2022 Demonstration Project: Xiamen Jimei New Town Intelligent Public Transport Pilot Project, led the development of Collaborative Vehicle Formation Technology Based on 5G/C-V2X in the project. Dr. Jiang has been actively involved in organizing and reviewing over ten international conferences since 2014. He serves as an Reviewer of the 2019, 2020, 2022 International Conference on Communications and the 2019, 2020 IEEE Global Telecommunications Conference.

Thomas (Lih-Wei) Jeng

Chief Operating Officer of iAuto Technology Taiwan

Thomas began his career in the Autonomous Vehicle technology since back in 2013, along with some other members, developed and demonstrated the first prototype of a Level-2 plus full speed range ADAS in Taiwan. The team went on to form iAuto Technology Taiwan, with the sole focus of developing a safe and efficient self-driving transport (SDT) system as a service to benefit the mass public. The team with a shared vision continues to strive for the best in the ADS technology scene, working to bring together the three major areas: autonomous vehicle, electrified vehicle and connected vehicle technologies to produce a sustainable SDT service.

Dr. Ismail Zohdy

Self-driving Transportation expert at the Roads and transport Authority

Dr. Ismail Zohdy is a smart mobility expert with more than fifteen years of experience collectively between USA, Egypt and United Arab of Emirates, in Intelligent Transportation Systems, Shared Mobility, Future Mobility modeling, Autonomous/Connected Vehicles technology, Electric Mobility and all Smart City initiatives. He is currently an Agile Coach and the Program Manager of Self-Driving Transport strategy at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Government of Dubai, United Arab of Emirates. His role to manage/oversee technical implementation for smart mobility, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles roadmap, maintain stakeholder engagement and engage/negotiate with transport technology providers for future mobility deployment in Dubai.

He previously supported many US federal clients, including Federal Highway Administration, US Department of Transportation and Advanced Research Projects Program for US Department of Energy. Dr. Zohdy is an author of 40+ peer-reviewed publications, and book chapters for Autonomous vehicles.

The era of self-driving cars approaching the mainstream is now within reach like never before. With the rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle technology, significant ethical considerations are emerging. The responsibility for accidents involving self-driving cars raises complex questions. How should engineers program these vehicles to handle critical situations? Join our expert panel as we delve into the crucial role of regulatory frameworks and policy initiatives in driving or impeding innovation in the self-driving industry. Our esteemed panelists will engage in an insightful discussion on the necessity of a balanced approach to regulation, one that prioritizes safety while fostering experimentation and advancement. The outcomes of these deliberations will shape the future of self-driving vehicles and have far-reaching implications for the field of AI as a whole. Be part of this pivotal conversation and gain valuable insights into the trajectory of self-driving technology. Together, let us navigate the ethical complexities and forge a path towards a safer and more innovative future.

Joseph Salem

Partner, Travel and Transport lead in Arthur D. Little

Joseph is the leading partner in the Travel and Transportation practice at Arthur D. Little Middle East. ADL is the oldest global management consulting company established in 1886.

Joseph holds a Master’s degree (Strategic Management) from HEC in France, and a Bachelor in Engineering from the American University of Beirut. His work focuses on the future of urban mobility and innovative business models in the transport sector. Joseph has led major assignments on future strategies for global mobility players and supported national transport ministries and authorities in reshaping the ecosystem. Expertise are (and not limited to):

  • Transport & Logistics
  • Future of Mobility
  • Growth Strategies
  • Public Sector

Reuben Sarkar

CEO, American Centre for Mobility

Prior to joining ACM, Reuben was Chief Product Officer for Forge Nano, a venture-backed start-up focused on commercially scalable, precision nano-coatings for EV batteries and other industrial applications. Formerly, he was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation for the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), where he oversaw more than $1.8B of R&D investments into the sustainable transportation sector through their Vehicle, Fuel Cell, and Bioenergy Technologies Offices. While at U.S. DOE, he established EERE’s focus on mobility systems, co-chaired the advanced materials workgroup, was executive director of the Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative (CEMI) and established the Energy Materials Network (EMN).

Before joining EERE, Reuben worked at Proterra Inc., a leading manufacturer of electric buses, where he led the development of their 1st generation 35-foot all-electric bus and fast charging station as well as product planning for their 2nd generation 40-foot electric bus that are in transit fleets today. Prior to that, Reuben spent more than a decade at General Motors where he was the lead engineer on the 1st generation electric drive unit for the Chevy Volt.

Reuben is a Senior Fellow at the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, an advisor at the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT), and an Operator Advisor at Assembly Ventures. He is also a senior advisor to the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification and a Board Member of the Zero Emission Transportation Associations Education Fund. He holds both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in chemical engineering, as well as an MBA with high distinction, all from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Gary Duncan West

Managing Director Cruise Middle East

Gary is a veteran of the automotive industry and has spent most of his career driving mobility
solutions that connect people and business to what matters. As of September 2023, Gary
serves as Managing Director of Cruise Middle East, the self-driving ridehail and delivery
company, where he leads the company’s commercialization and growth in the region in
partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transit Authority (RTA).
After beginning his career in the UK, Gary found his passion in helping global automotive
brands improve their businesses operations focusing on emerging and developing markets. This
led to 2 decades working in diverse locations across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the
Middle East.
In 2016, his curiosity led him to join General Motors Africa Middle East where he led the
foundation of its Future Mobility strategy, as well as the introduction of GM’s technologies across
Connected, Software Defined, Autonomous and Electric mobility.
In his new role Gary plays a pivotal role in making transportation safer, more accessible and
more convenient with Cruise’s self-driving, all-electric technology

Lukas Neckermann

Managing Director of Neckermann Strategic Advisors

Lukas is the Managing Director of Neckermann Strategic Advisors.  He has over 20 years of leadership experience in automotive, media, and financial services and has worked at BMW and Allianz Group, and recently served as interim COO of Splyt, a high-growth scale-up.

He is an advisor to investors, as well as scale-up companies across the mobility and urban ecosystems including NEXT Modular Transportation, MSCI Thematic Indexes, StreetDrone.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Technology Studies from Cornell University, and an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business. Lukas has been featured in the Financial Times, Wired, Fast Company, Trends.be, Robotics Tomorrow, Quattroruote, Fleet Management Weekly, Fleet Europe and other magazines and newspapers.

Books written or co-authored by Lukas:

The Mobility Revolution (Matador Business Press 2015)

Corporate Mobility Breakthrough 2020 (collaboration with the CVO 2016 and the Matador Business Press 2017)

Smart Cities, Smart Mobility (collaboration with the CVO 2016 and Matador Business Press 2017)

Being Driven (Matador Business Press 2019)

Embark on a visionary journey into the future of public transportation with a focus on zero emissions electric buses. Discover the transformative power of autonomous technology and its potential to revolutionize the bus industry. In this session, we will dive deep into the exciting advancements, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead, shaping the very fabric of public transportation. Our esteemed panel of renowned experts will bring forth diverse perspectives, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of the key drivers fueling the evolution of bus transportation. By attending, you will gain invaluable insights, fostering a deeper understanding of the immense impact autonomous technology can have on the bus industry. Together, we will illuminate the pivotal role it plays in paving the way for a sustainable and highly efficient future of public transportation. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation that will shape the trajectory of public transportation for years to come. Join us as we unlock the potential of autonomous technology in revolutionizing the way we move people and embrace a greener tomorrow.

Xavier Antony Darwin

General Manager-Service, United Motors

A career spreading over 3 decades on trucks and Buses in India, Oman, and UAE. A Mechanical Engineer specialized on Heavy vehicles from the start with manufacturer Ashok Leyland in India and later with Multi franchise dealerships in Oman and now with United Motors and Heavy Equipment Co UAE. Has extensive exposure from development of Trucks to customer service to ensure customer Loyalty. Has Keenly observed the development of many generations of trucks and Buses of MAN, Germany over the last 3 decades and has been involved as a service provider to key customers including RTA DUBAI and ITC Abu Dhabi heading a service organization of 500 technical staff. As Technology and innovations soar new heights changing the Automobiles for the betterment of life on earth, happy to be part of that change and make my contribution.

Lāth Carlson

Executive Director of the Museum of the Future

A beacon of hope in a world facing significant challenges is how Lāth Carlson, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future, describes the museum. He sees it as a critical new approach in museums, that aspires to empower people to make a better future.

As the founding Executive Director, Lāth was responsible for the opening of the museum and now ensures that all aspects of MOTF come together to inspire guests and enable them to learn, explore, and actively participate in building a better future. In its first year, MOTF welcomed over 1 million guests from 160 countries with tickets continuously sold out. This makes the Museum of the Future the most successful new museum ever built.

Throughout his career, Lāth has been at the forefront of technology and museum practice. At the University of New Mexico’s Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, he created exhibitions while completing his degree in Cultural Anthropology. From there, Lāth’s interest in interactive design and engineering led him to becoming a designer and project manager at the Please Touch Children’s Museum in Philadelphia as well as the Franklin Institute Science Museum.

From 2012 to 2015, Lāth held the position of Vice President of Exhibits and Content Development, at The Tech Museum of Innovation in Silicon Valley. In 2015, The Tech was awarded the highest honor an American museum can achieve: a National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

Before his directorship at the Museum of the Future, he was a Founding Executive Director of Living Computers: Museum + Labs in Seattle, Washington, a project initiated by Microsoft Co-Founder Paul G. Allen.

Lāth has served on the board of the National Association for Museum Exhibition (USA) and is a Noyce Leadership Institute Fellow. He also lectured in graduate programs at the University of Washington and the University of the Arts, where he occupied a senior lecturer post.

The Museum of the Future is a place of expansive storytelling, as well as being one of the first future-oriented museums in the world. A flagship project of Dubai Future Foundation, the Museum of the Future, is a visionary cultural institution based on a unique initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Alexander Nase

Managing Director of FEV Consulting

Alexander Nase is a highly accomplished professional serving as the Managing Director of FEV Consulting, a renowned global management consultancy specializing in the automotive, mobility and energy sectors.

Throughout his 20-plus years long career, Nase has been at the forefront of shaping the future of mobility. He has been instrumental in advising leading automotive companies on embracing emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connectivity solutions.

Having earned a dual master’s degree in mechanical engineering and business administration from the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany and being an Alumni of the Harvard Business School, Mr. Nase possesses a deep understanding of the technical as well as strategic aspects that drive innovation in the transport industry and beyond.

Prior to founding FEV Consulting, Mr. Nase was working as an Interim Manager for Airbus and Liebherr Aerospace. He started his professional career at Daimler in Research & Development.

Beyond his role as Managing Director, Mr. Nase is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the automotive and mobility sectors.
He actively participates in industry conferences, sharing his expertise and insights on the future of transportation.

“As future mobility transforms transportation system, prioritizing security is vital to ensure the safety, privacy, and reliability of these advanced technologies. Khalid Al Hammadi, Director of The Security and Monitoring Department in the Roads and Transport Authority, will highlight the potential challenges and threats that emerging technologies may bring.  

He will emphasize the importance of collaboration between industries and governments in addressing challenges associated with future mobility. As well as the strategies and proactive measures put in place to minimize these risks. Furthermore, he will underscore the future role of Physical, Personnel, and Information Security (OT/IOT) in the future on transportation.” 

Khalid Al Hammadi

Director – Security and Monitoring Department at The Roads and Transport Authority-Dubai

Khalid Al-Hammadi is a prominent Emirati young leader who has excelled across various sectors, including Media,
Information Security, Cybercrime, Education, and Transportation.
Al-Hammadi pursued his education at the UAE University in 2006, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in
Information Security. Alongside his studies, Al Hammadi showcased his passion for media by working as a designer
and movie director, receiving awards for his work as the best graphic and best judgment commission and having his
films showcased in international forums.
Al-Hammadi’s career commenced in the military, where he made significant contributions in the field of information
security and cybercrime. He introduced innovative projects, solutions and cutting-edge technologies, and he also
developed the governance framework for information security in Dubai. His dedication led him to pursue
international certifications in Digital Forensics.
Al-Hammadi played a pivotal role in the educational sector, where he was one of the founders of the Mohammed bin
Rashid smart learning program, which gained international recognition as the best smart learning initiative. AlHammadi's expertise in education also led to his nomination as a representative of the Ministry of Education at the
World Education Summit in London.
Among his noticeable achievements, Al Hammadi takes pride of the establishment of an accelerator in Dubai that
supports startups growth, and registration of several intellectual properties in technology and smart applications, in
addition to his membership in The International Association of Public Transport (UITP).
Believing in Al-Hammadi’s strategic foresight and exceptional leadership skills, he was appointed as the Director of
Security and Monitoring Department at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which is responsible for securing
infrastructure, technical systems, and services of the transportation sector in Dubai. He laid the building blocks for
establishing the department, developed policies and strategies to be the first department in a civil authority that
combines all security fields from information, physical and personnel security. He also established security response
centers to foster security sustainability in RTA.

Dr. Steven Shladover

An international expert in self-driving transportation technologies and Chairman of the Challenge Jury in its first and second editions

Dr. Steven Shladover has been researching road vehicle automation systems since 1973, beginning with his masters and doctoral theses at M.I.T. 

He was the Program Manager, Mobility at the PATH Program of the Institute of Transportation Studies of the University of California at Berkeley, where he worked from 1989 until his retirement in November 2017. 

Dr. Shladover is an internationally renowned expert on both technological and policy issues associated with road vehicle automation and he led PATH’s pioneering research on automated highway systems

He chaired the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Committee on Intelligent Transportation Systems from 2004-2010, and the TRB Committee on Vehicle-Highway Automation from 2013-2019.

Join us for a captivating exploration into International Autonomous Technology Insights. Our featured distinguished speakers will share their expertise on the forefront of technological evolution. Delve into the future with discussions on uncovering how artificial intelligence is shaping urban transportation. Gain invaluable insights into the intricate landscape of self-driving vehicles during "Navigating the World of Autonomous Vehicles." Lastly, be inspired by "Autonomous Cars and Entrepreneurship," where entrepreneurs will share their journeys in this groundbreaking industry. This is your opportunity to engage with thought leaders, visionaries, and pioneers in the realm of autonomy, harnessing innovation to steer us toward a smarter, self-driven tomorrow. 

In this dynamic era of technological advancement, the convergence of artificial intelligence and transportation systems has the potential to revolutionize the way we perceive mobility. I will talk about AI-enabled road infrastructure and its pivotal role in expediting the integration of connected and automated mobility solutions. I will give an overview about the status of Connected Vehicles (V2X) deployment in Qatar and elaborate on real use-cases where the fusion of AI and Connected Vehicles can enable seamless Automated Mobility.

Dr. Hamid Menouar

Principal R&D and Innovation Lead, Qatar Mobility Innovations Center

Dr. Hamid Menouar is a Principal R&D and Innovation Lead at Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC). In his role, he spearheads the design and development of cutting-edge solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life. Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies like AI and IoT, he focuses on creating smart, efficient, and sustainable cities. Several of his innovative solutions have played a pivotal role in the success of the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022.

Dr. Hamid is an expert in connected and automated mobility. He has contributed to the early development and standardization of vehicles to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure (V2X) in Europe. Since 2010, he has been leading the development and deployment of V2X in Qatar.

With a Ph.D. degree from the esteemed French school Telecom Paris Tech, Dr. Hamid possesses extensive expertise in AI, IoT, Connected and Automated Mobility, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or drones. His research endeavors have yielded a remarkable collection of scientific research publications, both in esteemed international conferences and journals, along with multiple patents.

Autonomous vehicle technology has continued to improve in parallel with moderation of expectations and timeline predictions as to its widespread deployment. As the field matures, many organizations are investing in pivots to specific aspects of autonomy - ranging from autonomous delivery vehicles, to region-restricted robot axis, to automated and semi-automated road freight. In this session I'll present a snapshot of where we are as a field in 2023 and the key factors that have led to the field being where it is today. I'll highlight some of the key milestones and developments to watch over the coming years and how they may impact further technology improvements and vehicle deployments.

Michael Milford

Specialist and Director of the Robotics Center at the Queensland University of Technology

Michael Milford conducts interdisciplinary research at the boundary between robotics, neuroscience and computer vision and am a multi-award-winning educational entrepreneur.

He has been a long-term international judge for the Dubai World Self-Driving Transport Challenge events (2018–21); a non-executive director on the board of the Qld Motor Trades Association Institute; Automation Technology Lead at Mining; and member of the National Transport Commission’s Automated Vehicle Industry Insights Group.

He has led or co-led industry projects with leading Fortune 100 and multinational companies in the autonomous vehicles space spanning automotive, mining and defense.

He currently holds the positions of Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow, Joint Director of the QUT Centre for Robotics, QUT Professor and am a Microsoft Research Faculty Fellow.

Immerse yourself in the insightful sessions that explore into the core of autonomous driving innovation. You will discover the intricacies of sensor technology shaping self-driving capabilities, as well as, the crucial role of standards and regulations in ensuring secure and reliable autonomous mobility. Join us as we navigate the complexities of autonomous vehicles, from sensor precision to regulatory frameworks, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem propelling us into the future of transportation.

Professor Siddartha Khastgir

Head of Verification & Validation, Connected & Autonomous Vehicles, WMG, University of Warwick, UK

Professor Siddartha Khastgir is the Head of Verification & Validation for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles (CAV) at WMG, University of Warwick. He leads several collaborative R&D projects with industrial and academic partners nationally and internationally. His research focuses on generating safety evidence and arguments, test scenario generation, simulation-based testing, and safety of AI systems. Leveraging the cross-domain nature of safety, he is also involved in safety research in aviation, marine and healthcare. He has been appointed as a member of the UK Govt’s Department for Transport’s Science Advisory Council.

Siddartha is an active member of various national and international standardisation and regulatory groups, including ISO, SAE and ASAM. Currently, he represents the UK on several ISO technical committees and is the lead author for two new ISO standards for aspects of automated driving systems. He sits on the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) committees on safety of automated driving.

Prior to joining WMG, Siddartha was with FEV GmbH in Germany, leading automotive software development and testing for series production projects.

He has received numerous national and international awards for his research contributions, including the prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship in 2019 focused on safety evaluation of CAVs and a Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe listmaker.

The adoption of fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) is undoubtedly among the largest technology shifts. Most of the analyses on the adoption of AVs mainly focus on their impacts on people mobility and transit. However, since the use of vehicles is linked to other sectors, the level of considerations, opportunities, and disruption of the adoption of AVs will be much broader. This talk focuses on highlighting the anticipated shifts that AVs will bring to various sectors of our economy. Realizing these transformations is necessary to harness the advances of AV technologies and ensure that we are fully ready to leverage and embrace their disruptive opportunities.

Dr. Sherin Abdelhamid

Senior Strategy Manager at TELUS

Dr. Sherin Abdelhamid is a Senior Strategy Manager at TELUS, where she drives the strategy development & implementation of connected and autonomous vehicle services. She also manages partner relationships and large-scale projects that span across major TELUS frontline and internal facing business units. Prior to joining TELUS, Sherin worked as a technical advisor and manager with the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, where she owned and managed delivery of strategic projects in partnership with industry, government, and other ecosystem partners. She also worked as a research associate and adjunct assistant professor at the School of Computing - Queen’s University, where she received her PhD in 2014. Sherin is a subject-matter expert in connected, autonomous, and electric vehicle technologies and mobility innovation, and has been named by Automotive News Canada as one of the 2020 Canadians to Watch in the auto industry. She is also experienced in data analytics, smart city innovations, and the Internet of Things. She is an award-winning researcher with more than forty publications in many top journals, magazines, and conferences. .

Andrew Bevan

Smart Mobility and EV Lead, Parsons

A versatile technology leader who is passionate about the future of our cities and
improving the lives of our citizens, Andrew is accountable for delivery of Smart City
and Smart Mobility Projects for Parsons across the Middle East.
He has nearly 25 years’ experience in major transport infrastructure projects and has
held a series of leadership roles at a global and regional level, leading multidisciplinary teams to drive growth, innovation and new business. He is an
experienced professional in advanced mobility having successfully delivered multiple
projects around the world, which include a number of technically complex and first-inregion connected, autonomous and electric vehicle initiatives valued at over $100M.
He is a regular contributor to the advanced mobility industry, authoring and
contributing to papers on range of publications such as SAE Edge. He is also a
regular speaker at global events such as World Roads Congress, World Self-Driving
Congress and United Nations technical meetings where he provides thought
leadership on the future of mobility.

Sam Rogers

Test Pilot & Design Lead at Gravity Industries

Sam leads the design and realisation of the Jet Suit from concept, to digital models, to 3D printed hardware. He is an expert in metal and polymer 3D printing with extensive experience in 3D printed liquid rocket engines & turbo-pumps, pyrotechnics, UAVs, andfilmmaking. Growing up Sam experimented fabricating his own fireworks, solid fuelled rocket motors, radio controlled aircraft, and homemade camera equipment. Sam designs, builds and test flies with the team at Gravity as they focus on the ‘productisation’ of the Jet Suit.

Prashanthi Raman

Vice President of Global Government Affairs Cruise

Prashanthi Raman has over 15 years of experience navigating challenging, highly charged,
and complex political environments. As Vice President of Global Government Affairs for
Cruise, an all-electric, autonomous vehicle company, she oversees public policy and
regulatory issues for the company worldwide. Prior to Cruise, Prashanthi served as Head of
State and Local Government Relations at Lyft, where she played a pivotal role in creating
and expanding the ridesharing industry across North America. She started her career as a
healthcare attorney, which ultimately led to her appointment as associate chief of staff for
healthcare and human services by then governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn. Throughout that
time, Prashanthi worked with a diverse set of decision-makers to advance the governor’s
agenda, negotiate multiple legislative bills, and led major policy initiatives, which included
medical marijuana, Medicaid expansion, and ridesharing. She is a graduate of Northwestern
University and Chicago-Kent College of Law and received her Masters in Public Health from
the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a woman of color and mother of two, Prashanthi is
breaking glass ceilings and leading in an emerging tech space where senior leadership
positions are particularly underrepresenting women and people of color. In furthering
impact to these communities, Prashanthi serves on the Board of Directors of the National
Domestic Violence Hotline, the PowHerful Foundation, and is a recent appointee by
Secretary Buttigieg to the US Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on
Transportation Equity.

In this keynote presentation, we delve into the transformative impact of wheeled-legged robots on last-mile delivery. Explore their unique design, efficiency, versatility, and cutting-edge technology. Discover how these robots navigate complex terrains, optimize routes, and enhance delivery efficiency. We also explore their potential to reduce carbon emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve customer satisfaction. Join us to uncover the profound implications of wheeled-legged robots and envision a more sustainable future for last-mile delivery.

Dr. Marko Bjelonic

Founder, Swiss- Mile

Marko Bjelonic (born 1990 in Banja Luka, Yugoslavia) is an enthusiastic roboticist and future entrepreneur. During his doctoral degree at ETH Zurich under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Marco Hutter (ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. Stelian Coros (ETH Zurich), and Prof. Dr. Sangbae Kim (MIT in Boston), Marko developed optimization-based methods focusing on motion control and planning for wheeled-legged robots over challenging terrain (2017 - 2021), which has more than a million views through prestigious news articles like Reuters, CNN, BBC News, IEEE Spectrum and more. Marko holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from TU Darmstadt, Germany (2010 - 2013, 2013 - 2016). He spent the first year of his Master's degree at the Cybernetics department of NTNU in Trondheim, Norway (2013 - 2014). During his studies, he worked at the Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach (Germany), Fraunhofer LBF in Darmstadt (Germany), and most notably at CSIRO in Brisbane (Australia) with Dr. Alberto Elfes and Dr. Navinda Kottege on multi-legged robots. Previous work during his Master's thesis consists of the development of the hexapod robot, Weaver, including its state estimation, perception, autonomy, and control algorithms. In 2020, he managed his family owned business with an annual sales of 350K USD and negotiated a company sale in 2021.

Dr. Marko Bjelonic

Founder, Swiss- Mile

Marko Bjelonic (born 1990 in Banja Luka, Yugoslavia) is an enthusiastic roboticist and future entrepreneur. During his doctoral degree at ETH Zurich under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Marco Hutter (ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. Stelian Coros (ETH Zurich), and Prof. Dr. Sangbae Kim (MIT in Boston), Marko developed optimization-based methods focusing on motion control and planning for wheeled-legged robots over challenging terrain (2017 - 2021), which has more than a million views through prestigious news articles like Reuters, CNN, BBC News, IEEE Spectrum and more. Marko holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from TU Darmstadt, Germany (2010 - 2013, 2013 - 2016). He spent the first year of his Master's degree at the Cybernetics department of NTNU in Trondheim, Norway (2013 - 2014). During his studies, he worked at the Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach (Germany), Fraunhofer LBF in Darmstadt (Germany), and most notably at CSIRO in Brisbane (Australia) with Dr. Alberto Elfes and Dr. Navinda Kottege on multi-legged robots. Previous work during his Master's thesis consists of the development of the hexapod robot, Weaver, including its state estimation, perception, autonomy, and control algorithms. In 2020, he managed his family owned business with an annual sales of 350K USD and negotiated a company sale in 2021.

Robotics for AV Systems Bootcamp which is developed by SAE International and Clemson University with industry guidance from experts. In this workshop, participants will learn how they can enter the field of mobility robotics through an overview of this rigorous, twelve-week, experience. If they take the course, students will gain insights into how engineers build autonomous systems by learning to program a mobile robot through hands-on approaches using ROS, Gazebo, and Python. (Space permitting, we will demonstrate this.) Following an introduction to Mechatronics and Kinematics, participants will learn how the course guides students through software engineering principles such as SLAM; Localization; Navigation/Path Planning; Perception: LiDAR, Cameras & Vision and Visual Intelligence; and Machine Learning.

Prof. Venkat N. Krovi

Michelin Endowed Chair of Vehicle Automation in the Departments of Automotive Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University

Prof. Venkat Krovi is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at SUNY Buffalo. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998 and joined SUNY Buffalo in 2001. Prof. Krovi directs the Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics (ARMLAB) Laboratory and co-directs the Medical Robotics and Computer-Integrated-Medicine (MRCIM) Laboratory. His research program focuses on the lifecycle treatment of mechanical and mechatronic systems, leveraging mechatronics and computer-aided engineering for implementation/validation. His research has received funding from federal, state, and industrial sources. Prof. Krovi's work increasingly focuses on developing improved design and implementation methodologies for bio-inspired machines/systems. He has served in technical program committees and editorial boards of several IEEE and ASME conferences and is an Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Robotics. Prof. Krovi has served on several funding agency review panels and chaired the ASME Robotics Technical Committee.

Explore the cutting-edge landscape of autonomous mobility and its readiness for commercial deployment in this insightful session. Dive into the latest advancements in autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing services, and smart transportation solutions that are shaping the future of mobility.

Key Highlights:

  1. Emerging Technologies: Discover the state-of-the-art technologies driving autonomous mobility, including AI-driven navigation systems, sensor technologies, and communication networks.
  2. Commercial Viability: Assess the current commercial feasibility of autonomous mobility solutions and their potential impact on various industries, from transportation and logistics to urban planning.
  3. Regulatory Challenges: Gain insights into the regulatory hurdles and safety standards that autonomous mobility must meet to become commercially viable on a large scale.
  4. Industry Perspectives: Hear from experts, industry leaders, and innovators who are at the forefront of developing and implementing autonomous mobility solutions.
  5. Case Studies: Explore real-world case studies of successful autonomous mobility deployments and learn from their experiences in overcoming challenges and achieving commercial readiness.

Join us to delve into the future of autonomous mobility and gain a deeper understanding of its readiness for commercialization. This session will provide valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of autonomous transportation.

Joseph Salem

Partner, Travel and Transport lead in Arthur D. Little

Joseph is the leading partner in the Travel and Transportation practice at Arthur D. Little Middle East. ADL is the oldest global management consulting company established in 1886.

Joseph holds a Master’s degree (Strategic Management) from HEC in France, and a Bachelor in Engineering from the American University of Beirut. His work focuses on the future of urban mobility and innovative business models in the transport sector. Joseph has led major assignments on future strategies for global mobility players and supported national transport ministries and authorities in reshaping the ecosystem. Expertise are (and not limited to):

  • Transport & Logistics
  • Future of Mobility
  • Growth Strategies
  • Public Sector

Join us to explore the remarkable advancements in autonomous cars, revolutionizing the automotive industry with unparalleled reliability, safety, and affordability. Discover the challenges and opportunities in real-time implementation, consumer satisfaction, security, privacy, policies, and regulations. Our experts will shed light on the crucial digital infrastructure required to support the seamless deployment and operation of autonomous vehicles. Delve into the journey of building a robust and reliable digital ecosystem for self-driving technology.

Prof Dr Enrica Papa

Department of Planning and Transport, University of Westminster

Enrica Papa is a Reader in Transport Planning at the University of Westminster in London. She also serves as the co-convenor of the Transport and Mobilities Research Group and is the Course Leader of the MSc Transport Planning and Management program. With a PhD in Transport Network and City Planning, her research focuses on the intersection of urban, mobility, and economic geography. Over her 15-year career, Enrica has taught, conducted research, and provided consultancy services in the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. She is currently involved in several research projects related to access planning and sustainable mobilities, including the 15-minute City Mapping initiative, Ex-TRA (Experimenting with City Streets to Transform Urban Mobility), ACUTE (Accessibility and Connectivity knowledge hub for Urban Transformation in Europe), and GeoSence.

Okan Baş

CEO, Karsan

Having received his undergraduate and graduate degree from Boğaziçi University, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Clemson University (USA), Department of Mechanical Engineering, respectively, Mr. Baş embarked upon his professional career at TOFAŞ Bursa Plant in 1987 in Engineering Support Department in the capacity of Mechanical Engineer. He has served at various positions at TOFAŞ until June 2016.

Mr. Baş has served at TOFAŞ Bursa Plant as Workshop Production Supervisor, Engine Production Unit Manager, Body Production Unit Manager, Assembly Production Unit Manager and Doblo Product Manager between 1991 and 2002, and has worked at Tofaş Head Office İstanbul between 2002 and 2016 in various positions such as After-Sales Director, Mini-Cargo Project Manager, After-Sales Spare Part Director, FIAT Business Unit Director, and Aegea Project and Business Development Director.

Prof Dr Achille Fonzone

Professor of Transport Analysis and Planning at Edinburgh Napier University

Achille is Professor of Transport Analysis and Planning at Edinburgh Napier University since 2021.

He has a background in Civil Engineering, a PhD in Transport and Planning, a Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Before joining Edinburg Napier University, he worked at Politecnico di Bari and Imperial College London. He held visiting positions at King’s College London, University of California Davis, and Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Achille’s current research is in the area of mobility attitudes and behaviour in relation to smart and sustainable mobility. His research aims to promote a more equitable, cleaner, and safer mobility, making the most of the opportunities generated by automation, data and connectivity, and new means of transport and business models.

He has authored tens of peer-reviewed publications and other scientific outputs. He has published in the top-ranking transport scientific journals, including Transportation Research Part A, B and C, Travel Behaviour and Society, and Analytic Methods in Accident Research.. He is Associated Editor of the Journal of Intelligent Transport Systems.

He is leading the societal research in the Innovate UK/C-CAV flagship project CAV Forth, which has built and is about to operate a fleet of level 4 full-size buses for the first time in the world.

Denis Heckmann

Principal at FEV

Denis Heckmann is Managing Director for the Middle East region at FEV Consulting, a renowned global management consultancy specializing in the automotive, mobility and energy sectors. His focus is on the future mobility, in specific on Connected, Automated and Electric Vehicles and related technologies as well as Advanced Air Mobility. He worked for clients in the private and public sector across the Middle East, Europe, America and Asia. Through his career he supported clients in defining impactful strategies, as well as developing technology concepts and facilitate the implementation to turn ideas into reality. He earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and business administration from the RWTH Aachen University in Germany. Beyond, he is a thought leader by regularly publishing papers and articles and attending to conferences in the mobility industry.

How do we create an airspace that serves both passengers and cargo? How do we integrate and scale drone services and passenger air taxis safely to enable electric aviation at scale? And what learnings can we take from existing industry standards? 

In this session, Duncan Walker, CEO & founder of Skyports will dive into the opportunities, key use cases and obstacles to enabling an electric aviation revolution. Drawing on experience and lessons from Skyports Drone Services, the leading operator of electric drone aircraft for logistics, survey and monitoring uses cases, and Skyports Infrastructure, the company partnering with the RTA to develop Dubai’s air taxi vertiport network, the session will answer important questions about the future of electric aviation in Dubai’s skies.

Duncan Walker

CEO and Co-founder, Skyports

Duncan Walker is CEO and Co-founder of Skyports, the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure developer and drone services operator.

Duncan formed Skyports in 2018 after identifying the need for safe, regulated, vehicle-agnostic landing infrastructure for the emerging AAM industry. The company is founded on the belief that electric aviation has the potential to deliver measurable benefits to people, businesses and the environment, and that Skyports’ vertiport infrastructure and drone services capabilities will enable it.

Duncan has 20 years of commercial real estate experience. Prior to founding Skyports he was a Main Board Director at Helical Plc, a FTSE listed investment and development company. He holds Master’s degree in Economics and Management from Oxford University.

About Skyports

Headquartered in the UK with offices spanning four continents, Skyports is leading the design, build and operation of take-off and landing infrastructure for air taxis, providing the critical link between ground and sky.  Skyports is also a drone services provider, committed to creating positive change by connecting people, businesses and communities to vital supplies and services, such as healthcare, maritime, logistics and e-commerce. 

The company partners with world-class electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle manufacturers to enable safe, sustainable and efficient flight operations in urban and suburban environments, and is a first mover in the industry in key markets including APAC, EMEA and the Americas.  Skyports is also playing a key role in the development of regulation and legislation to enable the advanced air mobility industry.

For more information, please visit: www.skyports.net