Dubai– The concept of the 'Digital Economy' has gained significant prominence over the last few years, and the rate of digital adoption is increasing rapidly across the Middle East region as organizations adapt their business models to the changing characteristics and demands of their customers. This dynamic will shape discussions at the 16th annual installment of the IDC Middle East CIO Summit, which takes place on February 22-23, 2023, at Dubai's iconic Atlantis, The Palm.
"Today, almost every country in the region has a cohesive national vision for a digital economy that focuses on driving local economic value, employment creation, and social development by reaching the underserved," says Jyoti Lalchandani, IDC's group vice president and regional managing director for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa. "Whether it is accessing essential government services, purchasing products on digital platforms, or the shift to online learning and working, the impact of this mass transition to digital is evident everywhere.
"IDC research shows that mobile broadband penetration in GCC countries has reached 100%, more than 50% of consumers in the region shop online, and in the UAE, 80% of digital payments are now contactless. To set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive market, organizations need to leverage infrastructure, data, and skills alongside critical technology enablers such as 5G, the cloud, and AI. Only then will they be able to successfully re-invent their business models, create new customer experiences, and drive innovation with their partners.”
Taking place under the theme 'Enabling the Digital Economy's Leaders', the IDC Middle East CIO Summit 2023 will examine the current state of the digital economy, assess its ongoing impact on citizens, customers, employees, and operations, address the key challenges that need to be overcome, and outline proven best practices and strategies for driving future success.
It will incorporate five different 'Transformation Zones' demonstrating pioneering use cases and technological advances in the areas of the metaverse, DevOps, customer experience, sustainability, and Industry 4.0. An enviable lineup of expert speakers will be on hand across both days to explore some of the region's most pressing tech concerns, providing essential guidance on such topics.
The event will also feature insights from IDC's CIO Advisory Council for the Middle East, whose members include some of the region's most respected ICT leaders and experts, including:
· Wesam Lootah, CEO, Corporate Support Services Sector, Dubai Municipality (UAE)
· Eng. Faisal Bakhashwain, Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation, Ministry of Human Resources& Social Development (KSA)
· Dr. Ammar H. Al Husaini, Acting Director General, Central Agency for Information Technology (Kuwait)
· Yazeed Al Otaibi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Planning & Digital Transformation, Ministry of Health (KSA)
· SundahAlsehali, Public Sector CIO (KSA)
· Jason Roos, CIO, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KSA)
· Abdulaziz Abanmi, COO, Saudi Payments (KSA)
· Saud Al Dhawyani, CTO, Emirates NBD (UAE)
· Ayman Alharbi, Senior IT Director, The Red Sea Development Company & Amaala (KSA)
· Bander Al-Shahrani, Head of IT, Public Investment Fund (KSA)
The IDC Middle East CIO Summit has been a staple of the region's ICT calendar for 16 years, serving as the ICT community's premier source of learning about the industry's latest developments. The 2023 edition will feature an intricately tailored agenda of informative presentations, in-depth discussions, and expert-led panel sessions on today's hottest ICT issues.
To learn more, please click here or contact Sheila Manek at [email protected]/ +971 4 446 3154.
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight help IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data, and marketing services company.
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