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December 2025 Newsletter

Dear Members,

We are pleased to present this month's newsletter from the ISACA Bahrain Chapter, which aims to provide valuable insights and foster stronger connections with our members. Please take a look at the following information and offerings.

On the occasion of Bahrain’s National Day, we extend our warmest congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the esteemed leadership of the Kingdom. May this day of pride and unity continue to inspire prosperity, peace, and progress for Bahrain and its people.

If you have not already renewed, a gentle reminder to renew your ISACA membership and certification renewal for year 2026.

Coming soon! New AI Risk certification beta

ISACA is seeking individuals to participate in a beta program for a new certification in development, ISACA Advanced in AI Risk (AAIR). The certification is designed specifically for IT risk professionals seeking to showcase their skills to fill the in-demand need for AI expertise. 

What to expect:

· A beta program for IT risk professionals who hold one of the following certifications: CISA, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, CDPSE, CRMP, CRMA, CGRC, CISSP, CERP, CRCM, or PMI-RMP.

· Beta will begin: 15 December 2025. Applications for the beta will open 1 December 2025. Learn more.

· Apply by 15 December to be one of the first to experience the program, receive a deeply discounted rate, and provide feedback as this new certification is finalized and added to ISACA’s prestigious credentials.

AI, Analytics, and Forensic Governance

ISACA Bahrain, as a supporter of the 3ICT International Conference 2025 organized by the College of Information Technology at the University of Bahrain, hosted the session titled “AI, Analytics, and Forensic Governance,” delivered by Dr. Durgesh Pandey, Forensic Accounting Expert, on Monday, 17 November 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The session combined theory and practical application to demonstrate how AI and analytics enhance fraud detection and forensic investigations through Continuous Fraud Monitoring (CFM). Participants examined approaches for analyzing structured and unstructured data to identify anomalies and patterns, and explored how these analytical insights support governance, evidence integrity, and accountability. The discussion also aligned practical methodologies with key governance requirements outlined in the Bahrain Personal Data Protection Law (2018) and the CBB Rulebook’s Governance and Risk Management modules.

Below are some pictures of the event.

ISACA Bahrain Chapter was proud to have two of its board members deliver an industry-focused lecture at the University of Technology Bahrain (UTB) on 24 November 2025. The session, titled “Student to IT Professional: My Journey in the Industry,” provided students with firsthand insights into building successful careers in information technology and public service.

Mr. Hesham Moosa Hashem, Information Security Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Manager at Bahrain Islamic Bank, shared practical guidance on transitioning from academic studies into the cybersecurity and governance profession. His discussion highlighted the skills, mindset, and continuous learning required to thrive in the evolving GRC landscape.

Ms. Muneera Albuainan, Chief of the Public Transportation Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications, offered students an inside look into the technology, management, and operational challenges of modern public transportation systems. Her talk emphasized the importance of adaptability, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The event took place at UTB’s auditorium from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM and was attended by students eager to learn from real-world experiences. ISACA Bahrain Chapter looks forward to continued collaboration with academic institutions to support the development of future IT and cybersecurity professionals. Here are some pictures.

ISACA Bahrain organized educational presentation titled “AI and Cybercrime- Defending Against the Next Generation of Threats” delivered by Ramona Ratiu - MS, CISM, CISA, GSTRT, GCCC, on Tuesday 25^th November 2025 from 6.30 pm to 8.30pm at Westin Hotel, City Center 

The session explored the evolving tactics of modern threat actors and how advanced technologies are reshaping the cyber threat landscape, and participants gained insights into the shifting nature of cyber-attacks and the growing role of AI in both defense and offense. Below are some pictures of the event.