DRI GCC Committee
TThe DRI GCC Business Resilience Committee is a collective of senior industry practitioners and subject matter experts who provide strategic guidance, thought leadership, and professional representation in support of resilience excellence across the GCC.
Established through the contributions of experienced professionals from various sectors, the Committee serves to advance Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, Cyber Resilience, and Risk Management within complex and highly regulated environments.
Operating on a voluntary basis, Committee members contribute their expertise for the public good, helping to shape policies, practices, and professional standards that strengthen organisational resilience across the region.
Our Role and Impact
- Brings together resilience leaders and practitioners from across the GCC
- Advances regional knowledge and best practices in Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Operational Resilience
- Bridges industry, practitioners, and stakeholders to raise awareness and maturity across sectors
- Supports alignment with international standards and regional regulatory expectations
- Provides professional insight and representation to elevate resilience as a strategic priority
Through collective expertise and cross-industry collaboration, the DRI GCC Committee plays a vital role in strengthening the resilience ecosystem that underpins economic stability and sustainable growth across the region.
About
Waleed Aldakheel is a highly accomplished expert with over 32 years of specialized experience in the Financial Sector, focusing on Risk, Resilience, and Crisis Management. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) GCC and acts as a consultant for various governmental and private entities in the region.
Professional Background
His expertise is built on foundational roles, including serving as BCM Head at Bank Saudi Fransi, Business Continuity Services Manager at Al Rajhi Bank and Chairman of SAMA Saudi Banks BCM Committee. He is a Certified Auditor, Instructor, Exam Proctor and Founder of Continuity Consultancy (KSA and UAE), serving as a demonstrating a lifelong commitment to professional development.
Expertise
- Business Continuity Management
- Operational Risk Management
- Crisis Management & Response
- Risk Management & Assessment
- Organizational Resilience
- Cyber Resilience Strategy
Certifications
- Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)
- Certified Business Continuity Auditor (CBCA)
About
Dr. Talal Albadrani is a seasoned technology and cybersecurity leader with over 21 years of experience driving innovation across AI, fraud prevention, business continuity, and enterprise risk management. As the founder of Rasēd, he is at the forefront of building next-generation fraud intelligence and compliance platforms that empower financial institutions, fintechs, and government sectors to protect the future of digital finance.
A recognized expert in AI, cybersecurity, BCM, and ERM, Dr. Talal has led transformative initiatives across the Middle East, USA and Australia, helping organizations strengthen operational resilience, enhance compliance, and adopt advanced analytics to combat financial crime. His work bridges deep technical expertise with strategic leadership, enabling secure, intelligent, and trusted digital ecosystems.
Professional Background
Throughout his career, Dr. Talal has held senior cybersecurity and engineering roles, advising banks, enterprises, and critical sectors on fraud detection, digital trust, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance.
His leadership spans designing AI-driven fraud detection systems, establishing enterprise and operational risk frameworks, leading BCM/DR programs, and aligning cybersecurity capabilities with national and international regulations such as NCA, PDPL, ISO, SAMA, and global best practices.
As the founder of Rasēd, he has guided the platform from concept to implementation, earning recognition from investors, industry leaders, and innovation forums for reshaping how organizations detect fraud and manage risk in real time.
Expertise
- Artificial Intelligence in Fraud Detection
- Cybersecurity & Digital Trust
- Business Continuity Management (BCM)
- Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
- Fraud Prevention & Behavioral Analytics
- Operational Resilience & Crisis Management
- Enterprise Security Architecture
- Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Alignment
- Data Intelligence & Advanced Analytics
Certifications
- PhD in Software-Defined Networking Security
About
Anas Arafah is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in business continuity management, operational risk etc. With over 15 years of progressive experience, Anas has led high-impact initiatives across the banking, telecommunications, insurance, regulatory, and technology sectors in Saudi Arabia. Proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing enterprise-wide second-line defense programs that align with international standards such as ISO 22301, ISO 27001, NIST, and regulatory frameworks, including SAMA and NCA.
Recognized for leading strategic transformations, automating processes, and executing high-impact crisis simulations and business impact analyses. A results-driven leader with hands-on expertise in building governance structures, driving cross-functional initiatives, and fostering a culture of preparedness and continuity.
Expertise
- Risk Management
- Business Continuity Management
- Cybersecurity
Certifications
- Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)
About
Abdulrahman Alonaizan, CBCP, CBCLA, CCRP, CRMP, boasts an extensive 36-year banking career, notably as Chief Business Continuity Officer, Saudi Arabia for 20 years. His expertise spans managing various IT departments in technology fields for 15 years. Alonaizan has played a pivotal role in enhancing the profile of BCM, risk management, and crisis management not only within Saudi Arabia and the Middle East but also internationally.
He has won numerous awards, including "Business Continuity Manager of the Year" and "Lifetime Achievement," highlighting his significant impact. Alonaizan’ s leadership led to achieving ISO 22301 certification multiple times, showcasing his dedication to organizational resilience. His recent achievement includes winning the “Business Continuity Team of the Year 2024” Award from DRI-USA
Expertise
- Risk Management
- Business Continuity Management
- Cyber Resilience
- BC/DR Audit
Certifications
- Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)
- Certified Business Continuity Lead Auditor (CBCLA)
- Certified Cyber Resilience Professional (CCRP)
- Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)
About
Abdullatif AlSalem is the Executive Senior Advisor and GRCP Strategist with 15+ years of leadership experience in Governance, Risk, Compliance, Business Continuity, Crisis Management, and Disaster Recovery across major government entities and financial institutions.
He holds an M.Sc. in Risk Management and professional credentials, including Certified IT Disaster Recovery Specialist and Certified Operational Risk Professional. He has a proven track record in establishing enterprise-wide BCM, GRC, and Crisis Management functions, achieving ISO 22301 & ISO 31000 certifications. He is experienced in advising senior government officials, leading multi-ministry initiatives, and delivering high-impact workshops that enhance institutional resilience, regulatory compliance, and executive decision-making.
Expertise
- Business Impact Analysis
- Disaster Recovery Planning
- Crisis Management
- Governance Framework
- Business Continuity & Planning
- Gap Analysis & Assessment
- Emergency Response Planning
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Digital Transformation
- Stakeholders Engagement
- Leadership & Training
Certifications
- BCM Professional Certifications
- Project Management
Becoming BCM Committee
Be part of a dedicated team that drives resilience and business continuity awareness across Malaysia. As a BCM Committee Member, you’ll contribute your professional expertise to advance best practices, mentor practitioners, and strengthen collaboration within the resilience community. Join us in shaping the future of Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, Cyber Resilience, and Risk Management for the region.
