Dr. Marwan Alzarouni
CEO
Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni is a leading figure in emerging technologies, serving as CEO of AI for Dubai's Department
of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC). His appointment is part of
Dubai's ambitious 'Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence', which aims to position the city as a global leader
in AI innovation and implementation.
Dr. Maria Papadaki
COO
Dr. Maria Papadaki is a global leader with over 20 years of experience in aerospace engineering, disruptive technologies, and enterprise risk. Passionate about building resilient, future-ready organizations, she is known for developing transformative strategies and driving operational excellence. She currently serves as a Chief of Operation...
Igor Arkhypenko
CIO
With 20 years of experience, leads the product development of blockchain-based solutions at Dubai Blockchain Center, driving innovation for commercial and government initiatives in line with the UAE’s digital transformation strategy. Focuses on creating cutting-edge products that empower the UAE’s digital economy and strengthen its leadership in blockchain and emerging technologies.
Nick Ntigrintakis
Chief of Partnerships
Bringing 3 decades of experience in building ventures at the intersection of fintech, technology, and innovation in Sweden and Switzerland. As Chief of Partnerships, he drives strategic collaborations that strengthen the UAE’s role as a global blockchain hub, supporting ecosystem development and the adoption of emerging technologies across public & private sectors.
Reyadh Al Awadhi
CFO
Reyadh is a seasoned banking professional with over 20 years of experience specializing in client relationship management, wealth management, and investment strategy development. He is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term client relationships. Reyadh excels in collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals and enhance operational efficiency.
Christian Schmitt
Chief of Ecosystem & PMO
Christian is an experienced entrepreneur and strategist specializing in the tokenization of real-world assets and the development of scalable blockchain ecosystems. With deep familiarity across major regulatory frameworks including MiFID, MiCAR, and U.S. securities law—as well as selected LATAM and Asian jurisdictions—he supports the design and execution of compliant, future-proof Web3 infrastructures. Christian bridges the gap between visionary innovation and operational reality, advising governments, institutions, and private ventures on their path to digital transformation.
Anita Kalergis
Community Manager
Anita, a seasoned business development and market-making professional with nearly two decades of experience spanning Europe and the Middle East. With her exceptional multilingual skills, she has built an unbeatable track record in building professional networks and opening new markets for businesses. As a creative and innovative Sales Executive, Anita is known for solving complex sales challenges with elegant, thoughtful, and clearly defined strategies that drive remarkable revenue growth
Maria Vovchok
Head of BD & Media Lead
Professional Host/MC at International Business and Tech events. Podcast Host and Journalist at Dubai Blockchain Center./Ambassador at Blockchain Association of Ukraine; recognized among the Top-25 Women in Fintech& Blockchain in the MENA Region by Dx Talks.
Maria Vovchok is a journalist with over 12 years of experience as a news presenter and editor. She has also been a Blockchain enthusiast for more than seven years, working as a news editor and anchor in several Blockchain media, and later – for Blockchain companies in marketing and pr-departments.