Registration & Networking

Event Opening

IDC Welcome Address

Jyoti Lalchandani

Head of WW Events & MD – META, Central Asia, India, IDC

Opening Address: Government’s role in advancing the AI vision: Middle East’s unique advantages ​

The Middle East is becoming a focal point for global AI investment. With favorable regulatory environment, clear data sovereignty goals, and long-term AI roadmaps, regional governments are enabling a thriving, trusted AI ecosystem. This session explores how public-private partnership redefines innovation, how to take the momentum forward, and how CIOs across the Middle East can seize this moment to shape the region’s AI future.

IDC Opening Keynote: The AI Moment: Strategies for CIOs in the Middle East

AI, predicted to have a $19.9 trillion impact on the global economy by 2030, is reshaping economic landscapes, creating new revenue streams, and redefining competitive advantages. This session will provide unique insights and analysis drawn from IDC’s extensive study of CIOs and key decision-makers across the Middle East. It will provide a deeper understanding of current and planned AI strategies and use case road maps, covering key topics such as AI-ready data, unified governance, fit-for-purpose and scalable infrastructure, and AI talent.

Meredith Whalen

Chief Research and Data Officer, IDC

Scaling AI for the Agentic Future: Closing the Enterprise Gaps

Bridging the divide between AI ambition and execution to prepare for autonomous, enterprise-scale systems

Panel Discussion: Digital Governance: Leveraging AI to Enhance Public Services

Meredith Whalen

Chief Research and Data Officer, IDC

The Evolving Role of the CIO: From IT Leader to Business Strategist

How CIOs are shaping enterprise direction and boardroom priorities

Agentic AI: Re-Architecting Enterprise Value Chains for the Autonomous Future

As enterprises step into an era defined by autonomy, Agentic AI is emerging as the most transformative architectural shift since cloud. Rather than augmenting tasks, agentic systems dynamically perceive, reason, and act across value chains—driving decisions, orchestrating workflows, and elevating human potential. In this session, Tech Mahindra’s COO, Atul Soneja, explores how enterprises can responsibly harness Agentic AI to redesign operations, unlock new business models, and build adaptive digital ecosystems. Through real-world learnings, he will highlight the leadership imperatives, governance foundations, and organizational rewiring required to succeed in an autonomous-first world.

Atul Soneja

Chief Operating Officer, Tech Mahindra

Horizon Technologies: The Next Wave of Industry Transformation

Exploring emerging technologies that will redefine industries and reshape global economies

Technical Debt as a Strategic Lever

Managing legacy systems and debt reduction to unlock innovation capacity

Samir Akel

Regional Vice President, Emerging Markets, Nintex

Bridging the Talent Gap to Realize Middle East’s AI Ambitions 

AI ambition in the Middle East is soaring, but the talent gap is widening. This session examines how enterprises, government and academia can address critical shortages in AI and data skills in 2026

Resilience by Design

Building adaptable architectures to withstand disruption and volatility

Approaches for Modernizing Applications

Advisory Council Felicitation

Tea / Coffee & Networking Break

Engage, Explore, and Network—Where technology meets unforgettable moments!

Make the most of your networking break with exciting experiences! Enjoy coffee or ice cream from the Robotic Arm Café, capture memories at the AI Photobooth, and refresh at the Mocktail Station. Pick up your exclusive AI T-shirt, craft a signature scent at the Perfumery Station, or get a fun Caricature. Need a quick check-up? Visit the Health Zone for expert advice.

Lunch & Networking

Felicitation of Session Speakers

End of Day 1