Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2025 to host Beyon Cyber CTO Abubakar Latif’s presentation on cybersecurity

Hotelier Maldives, the leading hospitality media group in the Maldives, is set to host the ninth edition of the annual General Managers (GM) Forum on 13 October 2025 at Kurumba Maldives. Since its inception in 2016, the GM Forum has become the premier platform for resort general managers and industry leaders to engage in high-level discussions on pressing issues shaping the Maldivian hospitality sector.

This year, Dhiraagu joins as the Platinum Sponsor of the forum. As part of its sponsorship, Dhiraagu is supporting a key presentation on the topic, “A Stakeholder Analysis of Cyber Risks in the Hospitality Industry”. The session will be delivered by Abubakar Latif, Chief Technology Officer at Beyon Cyber and Board Member at DTS Solutions UAE.

In line with Dhiraagu’s role as a leading digital and telecommunications service provider in the Maldives, the session underscores the importance of cybersecurity in a sector increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure. Dhiraagu’s parent company, Beyon – a technology group headquartered in Bahrain – brings global expertise to this dialogue through its subsidiary, Beyon Cyber.

“We are proud to support GM Forum 2025 and to welcome the presence of Abubakar Latif, Chief Technology Officer at Beyon Cyber. Through this forum, we remain committed to supporting the Maldivian hospitality industry by sharing expertise on emerging cyber challenges and strengthening cyber resilience,” Ali Riyaz, Chief Commercial Officer of Dhiraagu, said.

With over 20 years of international experience in cybersecurity strategy development, data privacy, and cyber defence, Abubakar Latif is a recognised authority in the field. He has served as an advisor to the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority in Bahrain, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s Telecom Data Privacy Regulations and Cybersecurity Regulations.

In his current role as CTO of Beyon Cyber, he leads cybersecurity initiatives across critical sectors while also serving on the board of DTS Solutions UAE. Abubakar is an international speaker on cybersecurity, digital transformation, and data privacy, and is a board member of ISACA Bahrain Chapter. His achievements include being awarded IT Person of the Year while representing Bahrain at the Future IT Summit 2018 in Dubai.

The GM Forum 2025, held under the theme “Digitalisation and Expanding Experiences,” will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and presentations that explore the integration of digital technologies with Maldivian hospitality. Ru Yi, Assistant Vice President of International Markets, APAC at Trip.com Group, will deliver the keynote address on “Travel in the Age of Digital Transformation.” The Featured Speaker, Will Howes, Vice President of Sales, APAC at TrustYou, will present on “Unlocking Loyalty Through Digital Guest Journeys.” In addition, a high-level panel discussion on “Destination Marketing in the Digital Era: Building Maldives’ Global Presence Beyond the Beach” will explore strategies to expand the Maldives’ brand narrative beyond the traditional sun, sand, and sea positioning. Moderated by Mathurot Chuladul, Field Marketing Director, Communications – Maldives, Marriott International, the panel will bring together Ru Yi, Will Howes, Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairman of Visit Maldives, and Murad Hassan, Tourism Marketing Specialist.

More speakers and panels are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Partners and sponsors of GM Forum 2025 include:

• Dhiraagu – Platinum Partner
• Bank of Maldives – Banking Partner
• Dhivehi Insurance – Gold Sponsor
• Maldives Airports Company Limited – Silver Sponsor
• Villa Hakatha – Silver Sponsor
• Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) – Silver Sponsor
• Manta Air – Aviation Partner
• Male’ Aerated Water Company – Beverage Partner
• Atmosphere Wellness – Wellness Partner
• Alia Investments – Associate Sponsor
• Uniforms Unlimited – Associate Sponsor
• Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM) – Associate Sponsor
• Souvenir Marine – Transport Partner
• Storm Events – Organising Partner
• Lightsout – Associate Partner
• Maldives TV – Media Partner
• Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance (MOPA) – Sustainability Partner
• Supporting Partners – Navean Maldives, Maldives Insider and Blue n White