IDC CIO Summit 2025

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.

IDC CIO Advisory Council 2025

H.E. Eng. Anas Al-Reemi

H.E. Eng. Anas Al-Reemi

Vice Governor, Technologies & Solutions, Digital Government Authority

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Ramez AlFayez

Ramez AlFayez

CITO, King Abdullah Financial District

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Dr. Abdulrahman Al Khnaifer

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Khnaifer

CIO, King Saud University (KSU)

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Eng. Majed Mohammad Ayoub Alshodari

Eng. Majed Mohammad Ayoub Alshodari

CIO

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

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Yazeed Abdulallah Alotibi

Yazeed Abdulallah Alotibi

Assistant Deputy Minister for Planning and Digital Transformation, Ministry of Health (KSA)

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Jayesh Maganlal

Jayesh Maganlal

Group Chief Information & Digital Officer, ROSHN Real Estate (KSA)

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Bandar Alshahrani

Bandar Alshahrani

Executive Director, Technology, Rua Almadinah (PIF Company)

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Mohannad AlSalmi

Mohannad AlSalmi

CIO

Flyadeal

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Mohammed AlGhannam

Mohammed AlGhannam

General Supervisor for IT and Digital Transformation, Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services

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Experience the Extraordinary

Join Adrian Hayes, World-Record Adventurer and Renowned Speaker, for an Inspiring Journey.

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.

Our Partners

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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.

Events Highlights 2024

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Contact Us

Ronita Bhattacharjee

Ronita Bhattacharjee

Group Vice President, Events, META, India & APAC

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Taher Hamdan

Taher Hamdan

Sales Director – Events, IDC Middle East, Turkey & Africa

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Stay tuned for exciting news!

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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