ABOUT US

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

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​Dr. Shaista Hussain, "the algorithm doctor" is an accomplished Machine Learning Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, Clinical Pathologist, and researcher, Dr. Hussain has developed advanced algorithms and ethical AI models, and has contributed extensively to fields including data analysis, blockchain, and CRISPR-Cas9 genomics. She is a published scientist and international speaker, recognised for thought leadership in explainable, responsible, and secure AI systems. Trained as a medical doctor at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, she specialised in pathology, and then Machine Learning engineering and cybersecurity at Google, Microsoft, MIT, Stanford, and FourthBrain.

Business Development & Leadership

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Scott Hilton-Clarke, founder of Inspiration Labs, has been unlocking and championing greatness in individuals and businesses for over 35 years. His work revolves around helping people identify and own their signature strengths and unique self-expression. His public service roles include several non-profits and university boards and the launching team of TEDx Trinidad. Scott holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Chief Financial Officer​

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Khaleel Essa brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience in financial governance, risk management, and capital markets across the Gulf and African markets to SAIF CHECK. Formerly a Senior Director at Grant Thornton UAE, where he served on the assurance leadership team and led a department of 45 professionals, Khaleel has advised boards, investors, and regulators on complex financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.

His extensive career includes managing multi-million-dollar assurance portfolios, leading technical accounting advisory for capital market transactions, including major Sukuk listings on NASDAQ Dubai, and guiding high-growth enterprises and family conglomerates through IPO readiness and regulatory frameworks. At SAIF CHECK, Khaleel leverages his deep background in audit, IFRS compliance, and risk strategy to bridge technical rigor with commercial insight, reinforcing the platform's commitment to enterprise integrity, compliance, and strategic transparency.

Lead Engineer

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Firi Berhane is an AI Engineer specializing in LLM-powered systems, and agentic workflows. With experience building and deploying end-to-end AI products across model design, evaluation, backend integration, and scalable infrastructure, Firi is committed to developing reliable, secure, and well-governed AI systems, with a focus on safe agent orchestration, robust infrastructure, and trustworthy real-world deployment.

Head of Strategy & Growth​

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Mohamed Bin Abdirahman is a Business Development professional with a background in legal advisory, strategic partnerships, and enterprise growth across the GCC. He has led commercial initiatives for law firms, PE & VC ecosystem partners, and corporate clients, helping organizations build strategic relationships and unlock new market opportunities.

At SAIF CHECK, Mohamed focuses on bridging AI governance with business strategy, supporting organizations in adopting secure, compliant, and trustworthy AI systems. His work combines client advisory, regulatory alignment, and strategic partnerships to help enterprises navigate the evolving landscape of Responsible AI.