Technology

The IDC Saudi Arabia CIO Summit 2024 gathered over 1,000 of the kingdom's top IT decision-makers at the Fairmont Riyadh on September 18-19. Hosted by the International Data Corporation (IDC), the summit explored the theme, The Future of IT: Rethinking Digitalization for an AI Everywhere World, focusing on how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global IT landscape.

Hamza Naqshbandi, IDC's Country Leader for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, emphasized the pivotal role AI plays in Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for a future-ready economy, stating, "AI sits at the heart of Saudi Arabia's vision, driving sustainable growth and opportunities for future generations."

Thomas Meyer, General Manager and Group Vice President for IDC EMEA, delivered the keynote, stressing the disruptive power of AI and its importance for a competitive advantage. "AI is not just the next wave of innovation; it is the cornerstone of digital transformation in today’s economy," Meyer remarked.

The event also introduced the inaugural CIO50 Saudi Arabia Awards, recognizing the top 50 CIOs and technology leaders for their groundbreaking contributions to innovation and digital transformation in the kingdom.

Throughout the summit, curated sessions addressed critical issues in the AI-powered era, covering topics like data-driven business value, automation, and reimagining security for an AI-dominant world. The event also featured panel discussions, offering insights into IT optimization, smart city development, and best practices for IT vendor management.

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