Embedding security and compliance is vital to innovation – BDO UAE’s Dr Madan Mohan

He outlines how organisations can navigate risks and regulations whilst driving digital growth.

As the Middle East accelerates digital transformation, organisations across sectors face a complex technology landscape where balancing innovation with resilience and trust is now a pivotal priority.

Offering valuable insights is Dr Madan Mohan, Director of Technology Advisory Services at BDO UAE. He has over 19 years of experience across banking, insurance, telecom, and manufacturing sectors. His expertise spans digitalisation, data privacy, cybersecurity, business continuity management, information security governance, and risk assessment, and he has worked extensively with boards, CXOs, and specialist teams in IT, cybersecurity, privacy, and internal audit.

Over the course of his career, he has also been recognised with several industry awards for his contributions to information security and data protection.

As a judge at the Middle East Technology Excellence Awards 2025, Mohan discussed how organisations can align governance, privacy, and security with transformative technologies to stay competitive and compliant in an evolving digital landscape.

Given your cross-sector experience in banking, insurance, telecom, and manufacturing, what are the most pressing technology risks companies in the Middle East must address in 2025?

In 2025, Middle East companies face critical technology risks, including cyber threats, data sovereignty challenges, AI governance gaps, and cloud dependency. Rapid digital transformation across sectors demands stronger regulatory compliance, resilient infrastructure, and transparent data practices to ensure trust, continuity, and competitive advantage in an evolving tech landscape.

As digital transformation accelerates, how can organisations develop a unified approach to cybersecurity, data privacy, and IT governance whilst still enabling innovation across the organisation?

To develop a unified approach to cybersecurity, data privacy, and IT governance whilst enabling innovation, organisations must embed security and compliance into the innovation lifecycle. This includes adopting a zero-trust architecture, automating compliance monitoring, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Clear policies, continuous training, and real-time visibility across systems ensure agility without compromising control.

With regulatory frameworks evolving across the Middle East, how are companies adapting their digital and compliance strategies to remain both resilient and competitive?

In response to evolving regulatory frameworks, companies in the Middle East are adopting more agile and tech-driven compliance strategies. Many are integrating AI into their compliance programs, enhancing due diligence, and aligning with global standards such as anti-bribery and ESG disclosures. With new data privacy laws and geopolitical complexities, firms are investing in skilled compliance professionals and robust digital infrastructure. This shift not only ensures regulatory alignment but also strengthens operational resilience and competitiveness. By embedding compliance into digital transformation efforts, organisations can better manage risks, reduce delays, and maintain trust in a rapidly changing business environment.

As technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud-native platforms increasingly influence enterprise priorities, how are they driving transformation across key sectors in the Middle East?

Technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud-native platforms are accelerating digital transformation across key sectors in the Middle East. In banking, AI enhances fraud detection and customer personalisation, whilst blockchain improves transparency in finance and supply chains. In healthcare, cloud-native platforms enable scalable telemedicine and data sharing. Governments are adopting AI for smart city initiatives and public service automation. These technologies also support compliance with evolving regulations and data sovereignty requirements. By integrating innovation with security and governance, organisations are becoming more agile, resilient, and competitive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Looking ahead, what strategic shifts do you anticipate will most significantly transform the technology landscape in the Middle East in the coming years?

In the coming years, the Middle East’s technology landscape will be shaped by several strategic shifts. Governments and enterprises will increasingly prioritise AI integration, not just for automation but for decision-making and citizen services. Data sovereignty and local cloud infrastructure will gain momentum, driven by regulatory demands and national digital agendas. Sustainability tech will also rise, with smart grids, green data centres, and ESG reporting tools becoming mainstream. Additionally, cybersecurity will evolve from reactive to predictive, leveraging AI and threat intelligence. Finally, public-private partnerships will play a crucial role in accelerating innovation, especially in sectors like healthcare, energy, and logistics, positioning the region as a global digital hub.

As a returning judge at the Middle East Technology Excellence Awards, what specific criteria will you prioritise this year when evaluating nominees?

As a returning judge, I’ll prioritise innovation, measurable impact, scalability, and alignment with regional digital goals. I’ll also assess how effectively nominees integrate emerging technologies like AI and cloud, their approach to cybersecurity and compliance, and how their solutions drive tangible value for customers and communities in the Middle East.