AI & Cyber Security Forum 2025

As AI and cyber threats reshape education, school leaders in the UAE face new safeguarding and compliance expectations under PDPL, ADEK digital strategy rules, and global inspection standards. This half-day free conference brings together Heads and Digital Strategy Leads to explore practical ways to manage AI use, protect student data, and strengthen cyber resilience. Through keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions, participants will gain actionable leadership insights to balance innovation with safety, ensuring schools remain both compliant and future-ready.

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Emerging trends

Gain insights from experts on how AI and cybersecurity are reshaping the education landscape and the risks schools need to address.

Learn from peers

Hear from heads and principals sharing real-world strategies for managing AI integration and cyber threats in their schools.

Practical guidance

Walk away with actionable knowledge on AI, digital learning, and cybersecurity to make informed decisions for your school community.

Supported by

Schools that are participating.

Mark Leppard MBE

Head Teacher - BSAK Abu Dhabi

Mark is an award-winning British international school leader, recognised with an MBE for services to education and the Pearson Lifetime Achievement Award (2025). With a record of leading schools to seven ‘Outstanding’ inspections, he is Chair of BSME, the first international member of the HMC Board, and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teachers.

Tracy Moxley

Principal and Head of School - iCADEMY

An enthusiastic and creative international school leader and senior administrator with over 25 years of experience
Passionate about Global Citizenship and providing authentic learning experiences through innovative curriculum development and continuous professional development.

Mark Steed

Director - Steed Education

An education leader with over 23 years’ experience as Principal and CEO of leading UK and international schools. He specialises in school strategy, cost control, mergers, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. A former Chair of the ISC IT Strategy Group and British Schools in Dubai, he holds master’s degrees from Cambridge, Nottingham, and Ashridge-Hult Business School, and is a regular Tes contributor and recognised ISC Research Edruptor.

James McDonald

Principal - Wesgreen International School, Dubai

An experienced Principal and CEO in the UK and international education sector, currently leading a world-class HMC and BSO-accredited British International School within GEMS Education, UAE. As Chairman of AoBSO, he supports over 130 prestigious British international schools worldwide and has been elected to HMC. With over 18 years in senior leadership, he has successfully guided multiple schools through BSO accreditation, overseen multicultural student bodies, and delivered outstanding academic results.

Mark Orchison

CEO & Founder - 9ine

Mark Orchison is the CEO of 9ine, a leading provider of AI, technology, cyber and privacy services to schools. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Mark is a highly respected thought leader in the field of technology, cyber, privacy and safeguarding in K-12 education. He has a proven track record of helping organisations of all sizes to navigate the rapidly changing digital and regulatory landscape and capitalise on new opportunities.

Steve Bambury

Head of Digital Learning and Innovation - JESS Dubai

I am an education and technology specialist with 19 years’ experience, including serving as Head of Digital Learning and Innovation at JESS Dubai. Since 2019, I have worked as a technology consultant, focusing on integrating VR and other tech solutions for learning. I was the first to host professional development sessions in VR and co-hosted the world’s first global VR lesson. An Apple Distinguished Educator and Microsoft Master Trainer, I am a two-time GESS Award winner and recipient of the 2018 BETT MEA Innovation Award and EdTech Digest Trendsetter Award.

Jim Stearns

Deputy Director of Schools - Victoria International School

Jim Stearns is Deputy Director of Schools at Victoria International School, based in Sharjah. With a strong track record in whole-school improvement, marketing, and ICT in education, he serves as Vice Chair of the Sharjah Principals’ Council and Chair of Governors at Dubai Heights Academy. A University of East Anglia graduate, Jim has spoken at GESS Dubai and chaired panels at BETT.

1:00PM

Pre-Event

Join us before the event for coffee/ tea and light bites.

1:30PM

Opening keynote

with Mark Steed

The new challenges that we face: AI and Cyberthreats

2:00PM

Heads’ Panel Discussion

How schools are facing the new challenges.

Mark Leppard MBE, Headteacher, BSAK Abu Dhabi

Tracy Moxley, Principal and Head of School iCademy

James McDonald, Principal of Wesgreen International School, Dubai

Jim Stearns, Deputy Director of Schools, Victoria International School

3:00PM

Networking

Tea & coffee served

3:15PM

Keynote

with Steve Bambury

What Heads need to know about AI

4:00PM

Discussion

with Mark Orchison

The Turing Trials Card Game and Cyber Security

5:00PM

Closing Remarks

A summary of the day's discussion

5:30PM

Drinks

Join us at the bar for drinks after the event

6:30PM

Dinner

Ticket Availability

The event has a maximum capacity of 70 Heads and Digital Leads. Places are limited and to ensure a fair allocation of places we are asking delegates to apply for a ticket. CIS, HMC and NESA affiliated schools will have priority. Your day includes light bites and refreshments, an opening keynote on AI and cybersecurity challenges, an interactive panel with school leaders sharing practical insights, expert sessions on AI in schools and cybersecurity strategies, plus ample networking opportunities over refreshments..

General Admission

For school leaders.

£0 (free)

Apply for ticket

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Wednesday 26 November 2025 at The St. Regis Downtown, Dubai, UAE

AI & Cyber Security Forum Dubai.