With more than 19 years of experience in information technology (IT) field, Ms. Latifa Al-Abbasi has an extensive knowledge in best IT practices, auditing, governance, and the alignment of IT with strategic business objectives. Her expertise extends to information security controls, data privacy, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and other emerging technologies. Currently, she holds the position of the Director of Innovation and Advanced Technologies directorate within the Information & eGovernment Authority.
Ms. Al-Abbasi previously served as the Head of Quality Management, where she led the implementation of several critical projects, including risk management, achieving ISO 20000 certification for IT service management, and establishing business continuity management within the Authority.
Ms. Latifa is also a board member of ISACA Bahrain Chapter and a member of the Technology and Business Society. She chairs the Generative Artificial Intelligence Committee and actively participates in various committees within the iGA related to AI, personal data protection, business continuity management, and international awards.
Ms. Al-Abbasi has participated as a speaker at various conferences and presented research papers at events such as the World Blockchain Congress in Bahrain in 2018, Bahrain Smart Cities Summit in 2019, the 3ICT 2020 Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies, and the Second Emerging Technologies Government Digi Conference in 2021. Her participation covered a range of topics, including best practices and cybersecurity for digital transformation. She also contributed to the Bahrain International eGovernment Forum 2023 – AI: Reshaping Industries.
In addition to her extensive professional experience, she holds several academic qualifications, including a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of Bahrain, a bachelor's degree in computer science, and the Information Technology Infrastructure Library Expert (ITIL Expert) accreditation from Axelos. She also holds various globally recognized professional certifications in auditing, information security, IT quality, and business continuity management.