Architecting an AI-Fueled Business
Overview
Saudi Arabia is in the midst of unprecedented national transformation, driven by ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives that aim to rapidly diversify the economy away from hydrocarbons. This has led to significant investments in giga projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea, Diriyah, and Roshn; mega sports events such as the Saudi Pro League, bids for the FIFA World Cup 2034 and the Winter Olympics 2030; and marquee global events such as World Expo 2030. In tandem, organizations in both the public and private sectors are undergoing transformation to upgrade their products, services, and operations to world-class levels.
Advanced technologies will underpin and enable these initiatives, leading to significant spending on applications, infrastructure, and cloud services. As the AI era unfolds, major investments are being made in AI and GenAI-enabled solutions including intelligence architecture, advanced big data analytics, next-gen intelligent automation, AIOps, and the convergence of AI with other technologies such as 5G connectivity, cloud, and IoT. Accordingly, IDC’s META Digital Executive Survey revealed that 52% of organizations in Saudi Arabia are already prioritizing AI investments for the next 12 months, highlighting the substantial impact of AI in the country.
Expert perspectives
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IDC Opening Keynote: Rethinking Digitalization for an AI-first World
As generative AI unleashes a new wave of disruption across industries, tech leaders are reviewing their approach to AI and its role in digitalization. The promise of significant impact on digital innovation, customer experience and operational efficiencies will drive progressive governments and digitally-determined organizations to take an AI-first approach. The concerns about data privacy and displacement of jobs and the demand for regulatory oversight remain, yet the need for competitive parity with early adopters will drive tech agendas.
H.E. Eng. Anas Al-Reemi
H.E. Eng. Anas Al-Reemi serves as Vice Governor of Technologies and Solutions at Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority. He is a value-driven executive with 20+ years of strategic leadership in digital transformation and technology innovation, and is a visionary leader shaping Saudi Arabia’s digital evolution through large-scale initiatives that enhance efficiency, elevate global rankings, and drive sustainable growth. He has a proven track record of success in driving enterprise-wide transformations, from pioneering Saudi Arabia’s first full cloud migration to launching digital platforms that revolutionized judicial services and education. Over the course of his career, he has led key national platforms, including Najiz, Gov.sa, and MoE, ensuring seamless change management and stakeholder collaboration to drive measurable impact.
Ramez AlFayez
Ramez Ibrahim AlFayez serves as the chief IT officer of the King Abdullah Financial District. He is a seasoned executive leader with over 21 years of experience in driving digital business transformation. He excels in establishing high-performance teams and optimizing operations to achieve strategic goals. He has a strong background in strategy, finance, procurement, and contracting and has collaborated with international consulting firms to develop and implement digital transformation strategies across various sectors. As a visionary leader in technology and innovation, he has spearheaded numerous successful projects, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and data analytics to drive business growth. His deep understanding of emerging trends and his ability to identify innovative solutions have enabled him to spearhead numerous winning technology initiatives. He was recognized as a TOP 100 CIO in Saudi Arabia in 2017 and one of the country’s top 100 visionary leaders in digital transformation in 2023.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Khnaifer
Dr. Abdulrhman Alkhanifer is a digital transformation consultant specialized in building the digital journeys CX/UX. Currently, he is the CIO at King Saud University. Also, he serves as the CEO of K-Devs company. Dr. Alkhanifer received his PhD from Rochester Institute of Technology in NY,USA.
Eng. Majed Mohammad Ayoub Alshodari
Majed Mohammad Alshodari serves as general director of the IT department at the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. He is also a member of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce’s Communications and IT Committee and a member of the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants, which is based in New Mexico. As part of his responsibilities, he helps establish future strategies, improve corporate governance, oversee operational plans, and analyze financial reports, revenue, and other expenses. He is a well-known business leader and an executive player with an intelligible passion for technology, cybersecurity, shared services, digitization, corporate strategy, and organizational change management. He has received numerous technology and innovation awards that have been based on his credibility and experience in delivering complex business development initiatives.
Yazeed Abdulallah Alotibi
Yazeed Al Otaibi serves as assistant deputy minister for planning and digital transformation within Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health (MOH). He possesses vast experience in the areas of business and digital healthcare transformation, having delivered a number of key strategic transformational programs for the Ministry. For example, he led and directed the delivery and execution of the MOH Digital Strategies, the National Digital Health Blueprint, and the Digital Health Governance Frameworks. Over the course of his career, he has led multiple functions within the ehealth and digital transformation deputyship, such as the Office of Strategy Management, the Enterprise Architect Function, and the Digital Program Management Office.
Jayesh Maganlal
Jayesh Maganlal currently serves as group chief information and digital officer (GCIDO) at ROSHN Real Estate, where he drives the company’s digital transformation and innovation agenda. With more than 22 years of experience leading technology and business transformations across various industries in global multinationals, as well as regional industries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, Jayesh is a highly accomplished executive. Before joining ROSHN Real Estate, he held several leadership positions in the region, including CIO at Damac, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, and a government-owned budget airline in Dubai. He has a proven track record of delivering successful technology and business initiatives that result in significant cost savings, revenue growth, and improved customer experiences. With extensive experience in solving various business challenges across all technology areas in diversified industries, Jayesh is highly adept at grasping complexity and driving simplicity. He has a win-win mindset and excels at building profitable long-term relationships while helping companies grow. As a digital evangelist, Jayesh champions the use of data and technology practices to instil a digital mindset from the top down.
Bandar Alshahrani
Bandar Alshahrani serves as executive director of the digital and technology division at Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, a PIF company. In this role, he is leading the development and execution of Rua’s digital transformation strategy. With over 20 years of experience in the digital and technology domains, Bandar is passionate about leveraging technologies, innovations, and digital transformation to enable business excellence and sustainability. Previously, he served as head of digital and innovation at ARDARA Development Company, also a PIF company, where he established the organization’s digital and innovation function and developed the ARDARA Digital Strategy aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and creating a positive social impact. He has also served as CIO at Ma’aden and was an integral developer of the Maaden Digitalization Strategy 2025 and a member of the Board of Managers of Ma’aden Fertilizer Company.
Mohannad AlSalmi
Mohannad AlSalmi is the CIO of Flyadeal. He has over 28 years of experience in IT and digital transformation. Throughout his lengthy career, he has held key roles in various organizations where he has been instrumental in developing and leading digital strategies, road maps, and projects. In 2022, he was recognized as one of the top 10 CIOs in the Middle East by IDC. He is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach who has earned a leadership and management qualification from the International Air Transport Association.
Mohammed AlGhannam
Mohammed Al-Ghannam serves as the general supervisor for IT and digital transformation at the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services. He is an accomplished business-oriented digital leader with an impressive track record of 22 years in IT and digital transformation. He excels in navigating intricate business strategies and implementing cutting-edge digital solutions. His expertise spans diverse domains, empowering him to drive digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data strategies with unparalleled proficiency. During his tenure at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, he has spearheaded numerous digital and technology programs and attained new heights of operational excellence. His approach seamlessly integrates technology adoption with cultural and strategic shifts, fostering growth and efficiency in the digital era.
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IDC CIO Excellence Awards
To compete and thrive in the new digital economy, progressive CIOs across the region are increasingly transforming their customer engagements, business operations, and operating models by leveraging digital technologies. They are rapidly adopting advanced technologies such as AI and leveraging cloud solutions to accelerate transformation. They are also supported by line-of-business leaders in delivering business transformation.
Through the IDC CIO Excellence Awards 2025, IDC intends to honor those organizations and IT leaders that have conceptualized and successfully delivered digital transformation initiatives that brought about tangible results.
At IDC, we pride ourselves on enforcing the very highest levels of transparency and impartiality. As such, each nomination will be reviewed and validated using a multi-tiered process.

Venue
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
Kingdom Centre, Olaya St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11321
Nestled in the heart of the city, the Four Seasons Hotel offers an unparalleled blend of elegance and comfort. Renowned for its impeccable service, world-class amenities, and sophisticated atmosphere, it provides the perfect setting for high-level discussions and transformative ideas.
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Contact Us
Ronita Bhattacharjee
rbhattacharjee@idc.com
Taher Hamdan
+971 50 659 1320
thamdan@idc.com
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Saudi Arabia’s transformation is redefining possibilities—from visionary mega projects to cutting-edge AI innovations. More breakthroughs and bold moves are on the way.
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