DATA SPOTLIGHT CONSUMER VIEWS ON CYBER PROTECTION IN 2025
SSG’s Thibault Dousson on the next era of work
POWERING WORKPLACE 2.0
Lenovo SSG’s Thibault Dousson on how AI-driven innovations are redefining workspaces and elevating employee experience
12 THE DRIVE FOR AI EXCELLENCE
Highlights and insights from Oracle CloudWorld Tour 2025 in Dubai
FEATURE
26 INTO NEW WORLDS
A look at some of the key players participating in LEAP 2025 and what to expect
ANALYSIS
46 THE RISING AI CHALLENGER
How DeepSeek is emerging as a powerful disruptor
INTERVIEWS
40 PUSHING THE EDGE
ITQAN’s Feras Al Jabi discusses the evolution of IT infrastructure, exploring how AI, edge computing, and hybrid cloud are transforming industries
42 SUITE SUCCESS
Oracle NetSuite’s Nicky Tozer on helping SMEs scale for smarter growth
VIEWPOINTS
16 THE AIOps ADVANTAGE
NetScout shares insights into how Middle East organisations can reshape IT operations with AIOps
38 A NEW DAWN FOR AI
Pure Storage explores AI, training, inference and RAG
58 The latest gears and gadgets to keep you ahead of the curve
Published by
A NEW LEAP
For years, tech giants like Microsoft and Google have led the AI race, setting the pace for innovation and investment. Then came OpenAI, bringing artificial intelligence further into the global spotlight and setting it on a monumental trajectory. But today, a new player is shaking up the landscape—not just competing, but somewhat rewriting the rules of AI development.
Last month, DeepSeek – a China-developed AI platform has skyrocketed in adoption, becoming the most downloaded AI app within only a few days of its launch. Unlike traditional AI leaders relying on billion-dollar infrastructure, DeepSeek proves cutting-edge AI doesn’t need a massive price tag. Its open-source, cost-efficient approach is shifting market dynamics—so much so that Nvidia’s stock took a hit as investors questioned future demand for high-end AI chips. This signals a turning point in the AI arms race, proving innovation is no longer exclusive to deep-pocketed tech giants.
While AI disruption makes headlines, a more immediate transformation is unfolding in workplaces worldwide.
This month’s cover story explores how Digital Workplace Solutions (DWS) are redefining productivity, security, and
IT management. In an exclusive interview, Lenovo SSG’s Thibault Dousson discusses how modern workplaces are becoming more intelligent and AI-enhanced.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on Saudi Arabia, set to host LEAP 2025 as it invests massively to become a global tech powerhouse. With projects like NEOM, AI-driven smart cities, and high-profile tech partnerships, Saudi Arabia is shaping the future of digital innovation. We also feature insights from Huawei, IBM, Cisco, and SentinelOne on their expanding role in the region.
As AI reshapes industries and nations race to the forefront, one thing is clear—innovation waits for no one.
Adelle
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UAE, WEF partner to establish ‘Global Regulatory Innovation Platform’
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Economic Forum have launched the Global Regulation Innovation Platform (GRIP) to develop human-centred legislation amid rapid technological advancements. The initiative was announced during the 55th Annual Meeting of the Forum in Davos, held from
20 to 24 January 2025, in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Her Highness Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Cabinet signed the agreement, with Alois Zwinggi representing the Forum.
HH Al Hammadi stated, “The partnership with the World Economic Forum to establish and launch the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform embodies the vision and directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. This initiative reinforces the UAE’s role as a leading regional and global hub for international cooperation and supports global efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development, fostering stability, prosperity, and well-being for all communities.”
GRIP will develop a Future-Readiness Index for Legislation, publish a Global Guide for Regulatory Innovation, and facilitate international cooperation on governance models.
This initiative reinforces the UAE’s role as a leading regional and global hub for international cooperation…
Ericsson and Batelco to expand Bahrain’s 4G and 5G networks
Batelco, part of the Beyon Group, has partnered with Ericsson to expand its mobile broadband network across Bahrain, enhancing 4G and 5G coverage and capacity. The upgrade includes deploying Ericsson’s latest radio access network (RAN) products, such as Massive MIMO antennas, and upgrading Batelco’s Core network to the latest network function virtualisation infrastructure (NFVI) release. The expansion incorporates energy-efficient solutions like dual-mode triple-band radios and Interleaved AIR 3218, reducing the load on towers and cutting energy consumption by up to 20 per
cent while improving network performance. Batelco has also modernised its Ericsson Mediation platform with cloud-native technology to enhance operational efficiency and support growing data demands, including IoT and 5G Standalone applications.
Rashed Mohamed, Batelco’s Chief Technology Officer, said, “This network expansion is a testament to our dedication to delivering cutting-edge digital services and the best possible user experiences to our customers. Our ongoing collaboration with Ericsson strengthens our network coverage and capacity across the Kingdom and empowers us to meet the growing
connectivity demands in Bahrain seamlessly.”
Nicolas Blixell, Vice President and Head of Gulf Council Countries, Ericsson Middle East and Africa, said, “By leveraging our cutting-
edge technology, we are facilitating a strengthened digital infrastructure in Bahrain and an enhanced connectivity experience for Batelco’s consumer and enterprise customers.”
The MoU was signed in the presence of HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
(LtoR) Rashed Mohamed, CTO, Batelco; and Nicolas Blixell, VP and Head of GCC, Ericsson MEA
Oracle to train 350,000 people in AI and digital technologies in the Middle East
Oracle has announced a plan to train and certify 350,000 individuals across the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Morocco, and Jordan. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for Oracle Cloud services in the region by equipping IT professionals with skills in cloud and AI technologies.
The programme will cover areas such as Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Oracle AI services, OCI Generative AI, Low Code, Oracle APEX, DevOps, Cloud Data Management, and Security & Cloud Applications Business Process.
“Oracle is driving one of the fastest cloud expansions in the Middle East to help our customers innovate and explore new growth avenues,” said Gary Miller, Oracle’s Executive Vice President, Customer Success Services. “Oracle’s latest skills development initiative in the Middle East will help create a readily available local pool of Oracle certified professionals that will play a
Oracle is driving one of the fastest cloud expansions in the Middle East to help our customers innovate and explore new growth avenues
key role in the success of the Middle East’s AI economy, which is expected to reach $320 billion by 2030.”
The multi-year initiative will be delivered in collaboration with public sector partners through Oracle’s digital learning platform, Oracle MyLearn.
Study: Qatar’s digital transformation market set to double by 2030
Qatar’s digital transformation market is expected to reach $9.19 billion (QR33.55 billion) in 2025 and $19.65 billion (QR71.75 billion) by 2030, growing at a 16.43% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), according to a report by Mordor Intelligence.
The report attributes this growth to rising urbanisation, increased mobile adoption, and smart city initiatives such as Msheireb Downtown Doha and Lusail. Qatar is also leveraging global smart city trends, with the market projected to reach $7 trillion by 2030.
Despite advancements, experts highlight challenges, including concerns over
data security and the increasing volume of stored digital information. The government is promoting partnerships between banks and the financial sector to enhance digital services.
Key technology firms, including Oracle, IBM, and Wipro Doha LLC, are expanding their presence in the region. Meanwhile, the
Supreme Judiciary Council has introduced a fiveyear digital transformation strategy to automate the judicial system, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030.
$19.65 billion The projected value of Qatar’s digital transformation market by 2030
Source:MordorIntelligence
SandboxAQ and Google Cloud to advance AI-driven
research and security
Oman launches new programme to support tech startups
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has launched the Deep Technologies programme to support innovators and start-ups in Oman’s technology sector. The two-and-a-half-year initiative aims to help advanced technological projects progress to market-ready solutions.
Khulood bint Ali al Muhaidhri, Senior Technology Projects Specialist at MTCIT, said, “We
SandboxAQ and Google Cloud are working together to integrate its Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) with Google’s AI infrastructure. The collaboration will optimise SandboxAQ’s platform on Google Cloud and enable businesses to procure its solutions through Google Cloud Marketplace.
The partnership aims to advance research in drug discovery, materials science, advanced sensing, and cybersecurity by leveraging Google Cloud’s AI capabilities.
Jack D. Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, said, “Partnering with Google Cloud enables us to deliver enhanced value to customers by leveraging their industry-leading cloud computing and AI infrastructure with our groundbreaking Large Quantitative Models (LQMs).”
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, added, “Google Cloud’s AIoptimised infrastructure will underpin the development of SandboxAQ’s quantitative models and solutions, while Google Cloud Marketplace will provide SandboxAQ with an accelerated, simplified route to market.”
The collaboration is expected to accelerate the development and deployment of AI-driven solutions for businesses and governments.
observed that many projects from existing accelerator programmes fail to complete the development cycle. This programme addresses those gaps by offering continuous, sustainable support over a longer period.”
Participants will receive expert mentoring, financial assistance, and support in developing marketing strategies. The programme will also connect them with potential investors interested in deep technology sectors.
The goal is to promote innovation that tackles real-world challenges while driving technological growth in Oman
Deep technologies covered in the initiative include artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology for healthcare and agriculture, and sustainable energy solutions. “The goal is to promote innovation that tackles real-world challenges while driving technological growth in Oman,” Khulood added.
“THE DAWN OF THE
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AGE IS UPON US, USHERING IN A DYNAMIC NEW ERA OF TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES AND POSSIBILITIES AND PAVING THE WAY FOR AN AI-ENABLED FUTURE FOR THE BENEFIT OF
HUMANITY”
HE Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications in the UAE
“IN ABU DHABI AND THE UAE, OUR COMMITMENT TO AI INNOVATION, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, AND R&D UNDERPINS A DYNAMIC ECOSYSTEM THAT EMPOWERS TALENT AND DRIVES
STRATEGIC
PROGRESS”
HE Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, and Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC)
ORACLE CLOUDWORLD TOUR DUBAI 2025:
THE DRIVE FOR AI EXCELLENCE
At CloudWorld Tour Dubai 2025, Oracle highlighted its latest innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, and digital transformation, underscoring its commitment to driving technological excellence in the UAE
Words by Ruchika Sharma
The Oracle CloudWorld Tour 2025 in Dubai brought together industry leaders, innovators, and technology enthusiasts to discuss the power of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI). The event showcased Oracle’s commitment to empowering regional businesses with technologies and solutions that align with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global AI leader.
Held at Dubai World Trade Centre on 22nd January 2025, the event saw participation from government dignitaries, enterprise leaders, and Oracle’s global executives. The keynote address by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications captured the ambitious spirit of the UAE’s digital transformation.
“UAE has seen incremental development from a small fishing village on the Gulf Coast to one of the most advanced sets of cities and the most advanced country in the world. This happened because people had
the audacity to dream, and their dreams were not limited by the resources, geographical or cultural boundaries.” he said.
Al Olama went on to emphasise how the nation is now propelling itself into new frontiers of innovation, leading advancements in space exploration and pioneering technologies like artificial intelligence. As part of this vision, he highlighted the critical role AI will play in shaping the country’s future, underscoring the need for a highly skilled workforce.
“Thirty percent of Dubai’s population needs to become experts in AI in the next two years. This target of training a million people will lead to incredible gains—producing the best architects, doctors, scientists, businesspeople, and more,” he said, emphasising the importance of fostering AI talent to drive the UAE’s next phase of growth.”
Nick Redshaw, SVP – Tech Cloud, and UAE Country Leader at Oracle, and Jae Sook Evans, Oracle’s Chief Information Officer, also delivered keynotes, highlighting the company’s dedication to innovation and its expanded presence in the UAE.
“We’re extremely proud to have expanded our cloud regions here,” said Redshaw. “This enables businesses across the country to scale and innovate securely and sustainably. In our 36th year
supporting the UAE’s growth aspirations, I want to reaffirm Oracle’s commitment to this country.”
A standout initiative was Oracle’s ‘sAIdaty’ programme, launched in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women’s Council. Within a year, the programme trained 500 women in foundational and advanced AI skills, empowering them to integrate AI into their professional environments and startups. Building on this success, Oracle announced the expansion of the programme to focus on advanced AI applications, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in 2025.
Taking the course of announcements a step further, Jae Sook Evans revealed, “Oracle is making significant enhancements to its regional cloud infrastructure, including a fivefold investment in its Abu Dhabi cloud region to meet the growing demand for cloud and AI services. Oracle now operates two dedicated cloud regions in the UAE—one each in Dubai and Abu Dhabi—offering unparalleled scalability, security, and sustainability to businesses.”
The most fascinating aspect was discovering how Oracle distinguishes itself in the competitive AI landscape. With nearly 25 years of experience in AI, Oracle has made significant strides in pioneering technologies like the autonomous database and
His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications
database, machine learning models, and advanced analytics, enable organisations to enhance decisionmaking, streamline operations, and predict trends more accurately.
Fireside chats with industry leaders like His Excellency Khalifa Al Marri, CEO of Shared Government Services Sector, Digital Dubai, Jasim AlAwadi of du and Martin Bradley, Group CFO at DULSCO provided valuable insights into the practical applications of Oracle’s technologies. They discussed how Oracle’s cloud solutions are helping businesses address challenges such as scalability, compliance, and cybersecurity while driving innovation in sectors like healthcare, utilities, and logistics.
Oracle is making significant enhancements to its regional cloud infrastructure, including a fivefold investment in its Abu Dhabi cloud region to meet the growing demand for cloud and AI services
JAE SOOK EVANS CIO, ORACLE
explained Evans. “One of the most unique aspects of Oracle’s AI approach is its integration at every layer—from our robust infrastructure and data models to the expansive suite of services within our applications. This comprehensive integration is what truly sets us apart from others.”
Another testament to Oracle’s commitment to the UAE is its strong partnerships with local enterprises, including the nation’s two leading telecom providers, du and e&. du is deploying Oracle Alloy to deliver enterprise-grade cloud infrastructure and AI solutions tailored to meet the sovereign requirements of government entities. Additionally, e& has gone live with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) dedicated regions, setting the stage for advanced AI-driven innovation and secure services with full data sovereignty.
“Oracle’s solutions are not just technological advancements; they are enablers of operational excellence,” said Bradley. “From streamlining compliance to enhancing data security, these tools help us stay ahead in an evolving landscape.”
AI vector search. For 47 years, the company has been at the forefront of helping customers manage and protect mission-critical data, underscoring its deep understanding of the vital role data plays in AI innovation.
“Oracle is innovating extensively across its AI offerings to deliver real differentiation for our customers,”
“By leveraging Oracle Alloy, du is empowering businesses to accelerate their digital journeys while addressing compliance and security needs,” said Jasim AlAwadi, Chief ICT Officer at du. “This collaboration with Oracle reinforces our commitment to driving digital transformation across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.”
The event showcased Oracle’s integration of AI capabilities across its cloud ecosystem. Embedded AI tools, such as Oracle’s autonomous
During the event, there were many presentations done by various leaders underscoring Oracle’s role in empowering innovation. Raghesh Dasannacharya, SVP of HR at First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Leopoldo Boado Lama, SVP of Business Applications at Oracle, highlighted how the bank is modernising its HR with Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications. Hassan J. Saduzai, CEO of eZhire, and Nicky Tozer, SVP of Oracle NetSuite EMEA, shared how Oracle NetSuite is fueling eZhire’s rapid growth in the UAE’s B2C car rental market. Cherian Varghese, SVP of Tech, Growth Markets, AI, ISV, and Heatwave, and Mohammad Abu Sheikh, CEO of CNTXT, discussed driving AI success with Oracle Cloud, while Greg Pavlik, EVP of AI and Data Management Services at Oracle, shared insights on Oracle’s AI strategy.
The Oracle CloudWorld Tour Dubai 2025 wrapped up with one big takeaway—Oracle seeks to continue being a key player in the UAE’s digital future. With a strong focus on AI, data security, and sustainability, the company is laying the groundwork for innovation and long-term growth.
Jae Sook Evans, Chief Information Officer, Oracle
Nick Redshaw, SVP – Tech Cloud, and UAE Country Leader, Oracle
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Choose the IE360 Series switches and let them provide the seamless data transfer that your critical infrastructure requires.
For
THE AIO ps ADVANTAGE
By Emad Fahmy, Director of Systems Engineering, NetScout
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the modern business landscape, and the Middle East is poised to transform into a global AI hub. According to PWC, it’s estimated that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030, with a $320 billion impact of AI for the Middle East. In the wake of the fourth industrial revolution, governments and businesses across the Middle East are beginning to realise the shift globally towards AI and advanced technologies.
Instead of revolutionising manufacturing processes, AI is transforming IT operations thanks to automation and streamlined processes. Artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) leverages the vast capabilities of AI to perform repeatable tasks without the need for human involvement. It becomes rooted in IT operations and alerts IT teams of important network issues to be addressed further, saving time and labour so teams can spend more time repairing and less time diagnosing. For example, user experience data can be extracted and leveraged to assist product owners in managing key websites or applications to benefit customers, leading to increased retention, satisfaction, and revenue.
AIOps is revolutionising the modern business landscape With the power of AIOps, IT teams can take their observability and cybersecurity efforts to the next level. While reducing the need for human involvement, AIOps powers automation that increases the bottom line and makes teams more efficient by freeing up monitoring time to be leveraged for issue resolution. With the automation of AIOps, traditional IT methods are being left in the dust, especially as the skilled personnel pool becomes smaller and smaller. Powerful AIOps can solve and simplify many business problems. Using an adaptive modelling approach to AIOps enables companies to:
• Automate root cause analysis, minimising service disruption time with lower headcounts
• Prevent service disruptions thanks to continuous monitoring, analysis, and correlation of data from the network
• Continuously analyse how customers use digital services, leading to data-driven updates to improve user experience and loyalty
• Assess the efficacy of deployment architectures when extending to the edge of their network while maintaining a strong security posture
With the power of AIOps, IT teams can take their observability and cybersecurity efforts to the next level
• Better meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals by understanding how much power applications waste and reducing noise created and energy consumed
The power of data
Actionable data is the best fuel for the AIOps engine. With curated telemetry data, AIOps platforms can be properly trained and deliver actionable insights to expedite responses to IT and security issues. This reduced mean time to repair (MTTR) helps improve user experience, security, and application availability with less human interaction.
Better data allows AIOps platforms to become both reactive and proactive. This efficiency of automation is characterised by reduced costs, faster response times, and improved confidence in AI models and capabilities.
AI Is the future, but skills will be required
Automation powered by AI/machine learning looks to be the future of networking and network security, but it will take powerful data and close supervision to train the models to consistently provide correct
outputs. An IT team is only as good as the information it receives, and AI outputs are just as reliant on quality data. To do this, employees will need to be re- or upskilled in fields such as algorithm training to ensure the right outputs of information. Organisations will need to ensure they leverage the right solutions to collect, process and send curated data feeds to the AIOps platform, elevating its capabilities and allowing teams to solve problems faster. With the right resources, AI is set to revolutionise the Middle East, helping it to realise its growth ambitions.
POWERING WORKPLACE 2.0
Thibault Dousson, Director, Lenovo Services and Solutions Group, META, shares insights into how AI-driven innovations are redefining workspaces and elevating employee experience
Words by Adelle Geronimo
The way we work has fundamentally changed. Hybrid and remote work models, once considered a temporary response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, have become the new norm for businesses worldwide. Organisations across industries have realised that employees can be just as—if not more—productive working from anywhere, as long as they are provided with the right digital tools and infrastructure. This realisation has fuelled rapid investment in digital workplace solutions, enabling seamless collaboration, bolstering security, and improving the overall employee experience.
This shift is reflected in the explosive growth of the global digital workplace market, which was valued at $48.81 billion in 2024 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 22.8 percent from 2025 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. The surge in adoption is driven by rapid digitalisation, increased reliance on cloud computing, automation powered by artificial intelligence (AI), and a growing emphasis on employee experience platforms. Businesses now acknowledge that a well-structured digital workplace goes beyond facilitating remote work—it enhances workforce engagement, reduces operational complexity, and drives productivity.
The new digital workplace
$48.8
Source:GrandViewResearch billion
The value of the global digital workplace market in 2024
The traditional office model no longer reflects how employees work today. As hybrid and remote work become the norm, businesses are rethinking how they support a distributed workforce. “When the pandemic ended, it became clear that returning to the office full-time was unnecessary for many roles. This realisation pushed companies to find digital solutions that would support ongoing remote and hybrid work,” says Thibault Dousson, Director, Lenovo Services and Solutions Group, META. However, embracing hybrid work requires fresh approaches, particularly in IT management, security, and user experience. To navigate this, businesses are turning to Digital Workplace Solutions (DWS) and AI-driven technologies to streamline
operations, enhance security, and create a more seamless, productive work environment. “Organisations are facing new challenges—employees are working from anywhere, security risks are increasing, and IT complexity is growing. DWS helps them stay agile, efficient, and cost-effective,” explains Dousson.
Through its DWS offerings, Lenovo provides businesses a comprehensive suite of services designed to optimise IT environments, secure enterprise data, and create hyper-personalised employee experiences. A key component of this offering is Care of One, an AI-powered platform that tailors digital workspaces to individual employees, automates IT processes and ensures seamless, proactive support.
Among the most significant shifts in the modern workplace is the growing
emphasis on employee experience.
failures, proactively resolve issues, and customise IT resources based on user needs, AI is enabling businesses to enhance efficiency while driving down operational costs.
By leveraging AI, automation, and predictive analytics, Lenovo’s Digital Workplace Solutions address these challenges head-on, ensuring that employees have the tools they need to stay productive, engaged, and supported—no matter where they work. Lenovo’s Care of One platform is a prime example of how AI can revolutionise the employee experience.
“Care of One actively adapts to individual employee needs, delivering hyper-personalised services that enhance the overall work experience,” says Dousson. “Unlike traditional IT support, which often reacts to problems after they occur, the platform uses AI to proactively optimise each employee’s digital environment, ensuring that they always have the right tools, configurations, and support at their disposal.”
Lenovo’s approach has always been focused on ensuring that we provide a balance between security and usability…
Organisations are realising that a wellstructured digital work environment is a key driver of employee engagement, retention, and productivity. This has led to increased investment in employee experience platforms, which include self-service portals, AI-driven virtual assistants, and automated workflows that reduce friction in daily tasks. “Employees want flexibility without friction, and for IT teams, managing a distributed workforce introduces complexity, cybersecurity risks, and the need for real-time, intelligent support systems,” Dousson explains.
Emerging technologies like AI are revolutionising digital workplaces by automating IT support, strengthening security, and refining workflows. With its ability to predict system
Dousson highlights how the platform adapts to the unique demands of different roles, ensuring that employees have the right technology to support their work. For example, a finance professional working with large datasets and analytics software may require a powerful workstation with advanced processing capabilities, whereas a mobile sales executive would benefit from a lightweight laptop with long battery life and seamless access to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms. With Care of One, employees receive IT configurations tailored to their specific tasks, ensuring maximum efficiency, productivity, and a frustration-free work experience.
Beyond personalisation, AI is also driving predictive IT support, eliminating downtime caused by technical failures. The platform can detect potential hardware issues before they cause disruptions, automatically schedule maintenance, and even order replacement parts—without requiring employee intervention. “Our telemetry software can predict hardware failures and
We’re only scratching the surface of AI’s potential
notify IT teams before an issue occurs, allowing proactive maintenance,” Dousson explains.
He adds, “By reducing reliance on manual IT interventions, businesses can streamline IT operations, improve system reliability, and reduce costs associated with reactive troubleshooting.”
Security beyond borders
Cybersecurity is especially critical in hybrid workplaces where employees access company systems from multiple locations and devices. With the increasing number of endpoints and data access points, organisations must prioritise safeguarding sensitive corporate information against evolving cyber threats. “With hybrid work becoming the norm, the number of endpoints and data access points has grown exponentially. This makes security more complex than ever before,” says Dousson.
Lenovo’s DWS includes robust security management solutions that offer end-to-end encryption, identity and access management, and realtime threat detection. By integrating AIdriven security automation, businesses can identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited and respond to threats with greater speed and precision.
“Our Care of One platform is designed with enterprise-grade security and compliance controls. It integrates with existing security frameworks, automatically updates itself to patch vulnerabilities, and provides full transparency into data usage,” explains Dousson.
Moreover, as regulatory requirements become more stringent, businesses must ensure that their digital workplace solutions comply with global cybersecurity standards. “Lenovo’s approach has always been focused on ensuring that we provide a balance between security and usability, making sure that employees can access corporate systems securely without unnecessary complexity,” says Dousson.
The future of work
AI and automation are poised to play an even greater role in shaping the workplace of the future, according to Dousson. He draws a parallel to the evolution of the internet, explaining how it started primarily
as a tool for accessing information and communication before revolutionising industries through e-commerce, online banking, and digital marketplaces. “AI is following a similar trajectory—right now, it’s used for basic automation, but in the future, it will fundamentally reshape how businesses operate,” he says.
For companies looking to stay ahead, intelligent IT orchestration will bring them a competitive edge by improving efficiency, reducing operational costs, and fostering an engaged workforce. “We’re only scratching the surface of AI’s potential. Many organisations are still figuring out how to implement AI effectively, much like the early days of the internet,” says Dousson.
With this evolution underway, Dousson highlights that Lenovo is significantly expanding its AIpowered enterprise solutions, integrating AI-driven PCs, cloudbased IT orchestration, and sustainable data centre innovations. The company is also doubling down on liquid cooling technology to improve energy efficiency in data centres to address the rising demand for sustainable IT infrastructure. “Lenovo is evolving from a hardwarefocused company into a services and solutions-driven organisation. While we remain a leader in PCs, we are investing heavily in AI, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions. This year, we will continue integrating AI across our three core business units—PCs, servers, and services. We recently launched our first AIpowered PC, and we’re bringing AI capabilities to our mobile devices and data centres,” Dousson explains.
Looking ahead, Dousson assures that Lenovo remains committed to pushing the boundaries of enterprise solutions, ensuring that businesses are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. “We want to ensure our customers get the maximum value from their IT investments, making workplaces more efficient, intelligent, and cost-effective. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and we will continue pushing forward to deliver solutions that drive the greatest impact for businesses,” says Dousson.
ACRONIS DATA PRIVACY SURVEY
2025 REVEALS CONSUMER
VIEWS ON CYBER PROTECTION
Individuals are increasingly aware of cyber threats, yet many still lack the tools or knowledge to protect themselves effectively. This key finding from Acronis’ Data Privacy in 2025 report highlights a critical paradox in modern cybersecurity. While global consumers express growing concern over data breaches and cyber risks, their security habits often fall short of best practices, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
Acronis found that 64 percent of respondents identified data breaches as their top privacy concern, yet 25 percent have already experienced data theft or loss, and 12 percent are uncertain if they have been compromised. These statistics
underscore the hidden nature of many cyberattacks and the urgent need for stronger personal security measures. However, even basic safeguards are not universally adopted—while 66 percent regularly back up their data, nine percent never do, and four percent are unfamiliar with what backups entail.
Password security also presents contradictions. Although 68 percent of respondents use strong, unique passwords, fewer than half (46 percent) enable two-factor authentication (2FA), a simple yet effective method for preventing unauthorised access. Mobile security adoption remains similarly inconsistent, with 43 percent using mobile security apps, while 35 percent are unfamiliar with these tools—a significant gap considering the increasing reliance on smartphones for digital interactions. There is also a clear disconnect between attitudes and behaviours. Despite over 60 percent of respondents considering data security “very important”, nearly 70 percent continue using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, and only 40 percent frequently update their passwords. Complexity and cost are additional barriers, as 30 percent find security tools too difficult to use, and 25 percent cite expense as a limiting factor.
Generational differences further shape cybersecurity habits, with younger consumers (under 35) reporting more breach incidents than older demographics, possibly reflecting riskier online behaviour. On a positive note, cybersecurity education is on the rise, with 44 percent of respondents turning to video-based learning to improve their security knowledge.
Acronis’ findings serve as a stark reminder that while awareness is increasing, action must follow. Simpler, more accessible cybersecurity solutions and widespread education are essential to closing the gap between knowing the risks and taking meaningful steps to mitigate them.
INTO NEW WORLDS
LEAP 2025 returns to Riyadh, bringing together industry giants and innovators. Here’s a look at some of the key players participating in the show and what to expect
Saudi Arabia’s globally acclaimed tech event, LEAP, is back for its fourth edition, taking place from 9th to 12th February 2025, at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre in Malham.
Under the theme ‘Into New Worlds,’ this year’s event promises an unparalleled experience for tech professionals, startups, and investors alike.
The event is a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to technological advancement, economic diversification, and digital leadership. LEAP 2025 is curating an exclusive experience, ensuring that attendees include only the most influential decision-makers, leading investors, and high-calibre entrepreneurs.
The event will see more than 1,800 global tech brands, 680+ startups, and 1,000+ expert speakers converging in Riyadh, making it an unmissable opportunity for those looking to stay ahead in the fastevolving tech space.
This year, LEAP introduces several exciting new features designed to push the boundaries of innovation. The Tech Arena will offer live product demonstrations and interactive engagements, bringing the latest technology to life. The SportsTech Track will explore how emerging technologies are revolutionizing the world of sports, featuring cutting-edge innovations from industry leaders, clubs, and pioneers.
Meanwhile, the Startup Stage will provide a platform for rising tech entrepreneurs to pitch groundbreaking ideas, secure investment, and accelerate growth. Taking the networking experience beyond the exhibition halls, LEAP Nights will immerse attendees in Riyadh’s vibrant cultural scene, offering exclusive dinners, meetups, and entertainment where global tech leaders can connect in a more informal setting.
The Investor Program will further enhance business opportunities by facilitating direct interactions between over 1,500 global investors, venture capitalists, and startups, creating a powerful ecosystem for funding and mentorship
As Saudi Arabia solidifies its position as a global technology powerhouse, LEAP aims to set new benchmarks as the ultimate platform where visionary ideas transform into reality. To offer a glimpse of what’s ahead, here’s a look at some of the key industry players taking centre stage and the innovations they’ll bring to LEAP 2025.
ACER
With a strong focus on business, education, and gaming, Acer will showcase its latest solutions designed to enhance productivity, collaboration, and high-performance computing.
Acer’s participation at LEAP underlines the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia by expanding its commercial and educational business, building strategic partnerships, and unveiling its latest technological innovations to a diverse audience.
“We are thrilled to join LEAP 2025, a global platform that aligns perfectly with our vision of advancing technology to create meaningful connections and opportunities. This event provides the perfect stage to present our cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses, schools, and individuals alike,” said Michele Montecchio, General Manager, Acer Middle East.
industry experts. Peter Lacey, Acer’s Education Lead, will deliver presentations on the history of AI and its role in education in Saudi Arabia.
Acer will showcase a diverse range of products, including high-performance Altos servers for cloud and computing applications, TravelMate laptops and monitors for SMBs, Chromebooks designed for schools, and the latest Predator gaming devices built for immersive experiences.
CISCO
Participating under the theme ‘Cisco Connects and Protects the AI Era,’ the company will showcase how its technologies empower organisations to thrive in the AI-driven world. According to Cisco, visitors can explore technologies that transform data centres for AI workloads, modernise workplaces for seamless collaboration, and enhance
Visitors to Acer’s booth will explore innovative technologies and hear from digital resilience with advanced security and observability.
There
is no AI without the network. Over the past 40 years, Cisco built the internet—now we’re building the network foundation for AI
adopting AI strategies, many still face difficulties in fully leveraging AI. Cisco is committed to supporting its customers and partners in navigating these challenges,” he said.
With cloud adoption growing in the Middle East, Cisco is strengthening data sovereignty and cybersecurity by establishing cloud security and Webex Collaboration data centres in Saudi Arabia.
As the Kingdom’s ICT sector reaches $40.9 billion, Cisco continues to drive innovation, sustainability, and workforce development through initiatives like the Cisco Country Digital Acceleration programme and Cisco Networking Academy.
CLOUDFLARE
Cloudflare will demonstrating its latest cloud connectivity and security innovations at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh.
As Saudi Arabia advances its digital transformation, the company aims to equip businesses with the tools to enhance security, optimise performance, and scale AI-powered applications.
This event provides the perfect stage to present our cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses, schools, and individuals alike
“There is no AI without the network. Over the past 40 years, Cisco built the internet—now we’re building the network foundation for AI,” said Tarik Al-Turki, Director of Solutions Engineering, Cisco Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the need to overcome infrastructure and talent development challenges to fully harness AI’s transformative potential. “Our AI Readiness Index shows that while 72 percent of Saudi organisations are
Michele Montecchio, General Manager, Acer Middle East
Tarik Al-Turki, Director of Solutions Engineering, Cisco Saudi Arabia
Bashar Bashaireh, VP – Middle East, Türkiye & North Africa, Cloudflare
At the event, Cloudflare will present its Connectivity Cloud, featuring advanced Zero Trust security models, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and its powerful Workers AI platform. Attendees will see firsthand how Cloudflare’s AI Inference Platform, powered by an expanded GPU infrastructure, enables businesses to deploy complex AI applications with lowlatency and global accessibility.
Cloudflare’s commitment to artificial intelligence goes beyond buzzwords — AI is in our DNA
“Cloudflare’s commitment to artificial intelligence goes beyond buzzwords — AI is in our DNA,” said Bashar Bashaireh, VP Middle East, Türkiye & North Africa at Cloudflare. “With GPUs deployed in over 180 cities around the world, Cloudflare’s Workers AI platform offers one of the largest global footprints for AI inference, ensuring that customers can process AI tasks as close to the end user as possible, all while maintaining security and data privacy.”
By supporting Saudi Vision 2030, Cloudflare is empowering local businesses with world-class infrastructure to drive innovation and accelerate the Kingdom’s digital transformation.
ERICSSON
Ericsson will unveil its latest innovations at LEAP 2025, showcasing 5G, AI, and advanced network solutions under the theme ‘Step Forward: Discover the Unfolding Future.’
With Saudi Arabia making significant strides in digital transformation as part of Vision 2030, Ericsson is actively supporting these ambitions. “Through strategic partnerships, we are driving advancements in 5G and AI to enhance connectivity and user experiences,” said Håkan Cervell, Vice President and Head of CU Saudi Arabia, Ericsson. Recently, Ericsson collaborated with stc Group to achieve a world first in 5G Advanced capabilities, implementing Automated Radio Resource Partitioning on a 5G standalone network slice. The
Through
strategic partnerships, we are driving advancements in 5G and AI to enhance connectivity and user experiences
company also partnered with Mobily to trial an AI-powered 5G uplink interference optimiser, improving network efficiency.
Cervell underscored how the Kingdom’s strong investment in emerging technologies and digital infrastructure positions it to lead the MENA region’s technological future. “Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of technological progress in the MENA region,” he said. “At LEAP, our objective is to highlight the transformative power of connectivity in various sectors while reinforcing our commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure and delivering tailored solutions for customers.”
Ericsson is also inviting visitors to join engaging Tech Insights sessions covering diverse topics and immersive use cases for consumers and enterprises.
FORCEPOINT
Forcepoint will spotlight its ‘Data Security Everywhere’ approach at LEAP 2025, highlighting how businesses and government agencies can securely embrace digital and AI transformation.
The company’s expertise in Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solutions ensures real-time visibility and control without compromising productivity.
Saudi Arabia’s investment in emerging technologies aligns with Forcepoint’s commitment to Vision 2030, with a focus on endpoint data protection, secure web and SaaS app usage, and compliance with evolving regulatory standards. “Prioritising data security across Saudi Arabia is essential as the Kingdom continues its rise in the global AI sector,” said Samer Diya, Vice President – META, Forcepoint.
As AI adoption grows, Forcepoint integrates smarter automation into data discovery, classification, monitoring, and protection. “AI is invaluable for businesses managing vast amounts of data. We empower organisations with AI-driven security to stay ahead of cyber threats,” explained Diya.
With the Middle East’s increasing cloud adoption, Forcepoint helps enterprises navigate data sovereignty and compliance challenges. “Our approach ensures businesses prioritise security wherever data resides, unlocking their full potential while staying compliant,” added Diya.
Prioritising data security across Saudi Arabia is essential as the Kingdom continues its rise in the global AI sector
Håkan Cervell, Vice President and Head of CU Saudi Arabia, Ericsson
Samer Diya, Vice Presiden – META, Forcepoint
GLOBANT
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a key focus for Globant, with strategic partnerships supporting giga projects like Qiddiya and Red Sea Global. “We are bringing our expertise in AI, smart venues, and immersive technologies to create worldclass digital experiences,” said Federico Pienovi, Chief Business Officer & CEO of New Markets at Globant.
With over a decade of AI expertise, Pienovi noted that Globant’s solutions are already revolutionising industries like banking and retail through automation and hyper-personalisation.
At LEAP 2025, the company will showcase its most advanced AI-driven solutions, including its renowned AI Agents. Among them, the Code Fixer AI Agent, validated by SWE-bench-lite, is transforming software development by automating bug fixing and enhancing efficiency. The company will also present innovations in smart venues and connected experiences, leveraging AI, cloud, and immersive technologies to redefine entertainment, sports, and tourism in the Middle East.
Beyond AI, Globant integrates sustainability into its tech solutions, helping businesses meet net-zero goals with AI-driven ESG strategies and real-time data insights. “By aligning sustainability with digital transformation, we enable businesses in the Middle East to innovate responsibly while meeting ambitious ESG targets,” Pienovi added.
As a first-time sponsor of the event, the company also aims to leverage LEAP as a platform to expand its presence in the MENA region, engage with key stakeholders, and drive AI-powered innovation across Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape.
HUAWEI
At LEAP 2025, Huawei will showcase its advancements in AI and cloud computing to accelerate industrial intelligence across
We are investing in local talent development, aiming to train 200,000 developers, support 2,000 startups, and collaborate with 1,000 local partners
startups, and collaborate with 1,000 local partners,” said Alan Qi, President of Huawei Cloud Middle East and Central Asia. Huawei’s solutions are already empowering Saudi businesses, from fintech to e-commerce and media streaming platforms.
On sustainability, Huawei is integrating AI-powered environmental monitoring and green computing into its cloud solutions, aligning with global net-zero goals and Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development objectives. “Our AI-ready cloud infrastructure ensures robust security, efficiency, and compliance with local regulations, providing a strong foundation for digital transformation,” Qi added.
IBM
IBM will spotlight its latest innovations at LEAP 2025, highlighting its advanced suite of AI-powered solutions. With 59 percent of CEOs recognising that competitive advantage depends on leading Generative AI, IBM aims to demonstrate its transformative potential for businesses.
We are bringing our expertise in AI, smart venues, and immersive technologies to create world-class digital experiences
sectors such as media, finance, healthcare, and education. The company will also demonstrate how its AI-native cloud is transforming industries through HUAWEI CLOUD Stack, enabling businesses to build dedicated foundation models and leverage AI for enhanced efficiency and innovation.
Huawei is deeply committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, having established Riyadh as a cloud region to serve the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. “We are investing in local talent development, aiming to train 200,000 developers, support 2,000
Federico Pienovi, Chief Business Officer & CEO of New Markets, Globant
Alan Qi, President of Huawei Cloud Middle East and Central Asia
Fahad Alanazi, General Manager, IBM Saudi Arabia
By
fostering AI innovation while ensuring ethical governance, we are helping businesses unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth
Featured technologies include watsonx, an enterprise AI and data platform, and Granite, a family of AI models tailored for business.
IBM has played a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s technological evolution since 1947 and remains deeply committed to supporting Vision 2030. The company has invested over $200 million in talent and infrastructure, including a new Software Development Lab in Riyadh. It has also partnered with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to upskill 100,000 young Saudis in AI, cybersecurity, and other digital fields.
“We are working closely with government and industry leaders to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and establish it as a global technology hub,” said Fahad Alanazi, General Manager, IBM Saudi Arabia.
Reinforcing its commitment to responsible AI, IBM has also partnered with SDAIA to launch the Arabic Large Language Model (ALLaM) on watsonx. “By fostering AI innovation while ensuring ethical governance, we are helping businesses unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth,” Alanazi added.
. LENOVO
At LEAP 2025, Lenovo will highlight its latest AI and hybrid infrastructure innovations, including AI-ready servers and storage solutions designed to enhance high-performance workloads. These advancements aim to help businesses process data with greater speed and accuracy, driving better decision-making and operational efficiency.
Lenovo will also introduce its Neptune liquid cooling technology, which
LIFERAY
As a provider of open-source Digital Experience Platform (DXP) solutions, Liferay empowers organisations to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate innovation, and deliver seamless digital experiences through AI and low-code capabilities. At LEAP 2025, the company will showcase its latest AI-driven and cloud-powered innovations, reinforcing its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation
Moussalam Dalati, General Manager for MEA & France at Liferay emphasised the company’s role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by driving the adoption of open-source technologies and cloud infrastructure. “Our flexible and scalable solutions integrate AI and low-code tools, enabling businesses to innovate faster and reduce time-tomarket,” he says.
By working closely with local partners, we are supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a regional hub for technology and innovation
improves energy efficiency and thermal management. “This game-changing technology supports businesses in meeting both their technological and environmental goals,” said Alaa Bawab, General Manager, Infrastructure Solutions Group at Lenovo META.
As part of its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Lenovo is investing $2 billion in partnership with Alat to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh and a sustainable manufacturing facility. “This initiative will produce millions of PCs and servers annually while fostering local innovation and job creation,” Bawab explained.
With a focus on democratising AI, Lenovo is helping Saudi businesses implement AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity and customer experiences. “By working closely with local partners, we are supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a regional hub for technology and innovation,” Bawab added.
Hosted on Google Cloud and available on the Google Cloud Marketplace,
Alaa Bawab, General Manager, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Lenovo META
Moussalam Dalati, General Manager for MEA & France, Liferay
Liferay DXP has become the preferred deployment choice for many regional businesses. “This aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification, digital enhancement, and productivity growth in both public and private sectors,” he said.
Saudi Arabia’s investment in emerging technologies is positioning the Kingdom as a leader in the MENA region’s tech landscape. According to Dalati, as a prominent technology gathering, LEAP offers a prime platform for Liferay to emphasise its strategic dedication to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, in line with the country’s vision for driving fast-paced innovation.
NTT DATA
With innovations spanning Sports Tech, IoT, AR/VR, Healthcare, Cybersecurity, and Managed Services, NTT Data will offer immersive demonstrations, including Football and Racetrack simulations, a Robotic Dog with sensors, and AI-powered analytics at LEAP 2025
“LEAP provides an opportunity to
showcase how NTT Data is enabling AIdriven smart cities, advancing sustainability, and accelerating digital transformation,” said Rami Beidas, Country General Manager for KSA at NTT Data MEA. “Our presence underscores our commitment to empowering businesses and supporting Saudi Arabia’s transition into a global technology and innovation hub.”
As part of its AI strategy, NTT Data is committed to integrating AI into smart city initiatives and optimising operations. The company also leverages AI-powered analytics and cloud technologies to optimise operations while ensuring compliance with Saudi data sovereignty regulations. “AI is a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s digital future, and we are focused on delivering solutions that drive efficiency, enhance decision-making, and support the nation’s ambitions,” said Beidas.
Beidas also noted that another key aspect of their AI strategy focuses on upskilling local talent through training programmes and innovation hubs, fostering expertise in emerging technologies.
Following its rebranding from Dimension Data in 2024, NTT DATA aims to strengthen partnerships with government entities, enterprises, and tech innovators at LEAP, demonstrating its expertise in AI, IoT, cloud, and cybersecurity.
SENTINELONE
At LEAP 2025, SentinelOne will highlight its latest AI-driven cybersecurity innovations, demonstrating how autonomous protection can defend against evolving cyber threats. With advanced EDR, XDR, and ITDR solutions, the company’s Singularity platform empowers organisations with real-time threat detection, response, and prevention across endpoints, cloud, and identity layers.
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional tech leader, and we are proud to contribute to its vision
and respond to threats faster and more efficiently. “Our technology empowers businesses and government sectors to strengthen their security posture, drive innovation, and accelerate digital transformation,” she added.
With cloud adoption expanding across the Middle East, data sovereignty and security remain top priorities. SentinelOne ensures compliance with regional regulations while securing cloud environments through AI-driven threat detection and automated response. “Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional tech leader, and we are proud to contribute to its vision,” ElOuazzani concluded.
Our presence underscores our commitment to empowering businesses and supporting Saudi Arabia’s transition into a global technology and innovation hub
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation under Vision 2030, cybersecurity remains a key enabler of progress. “We are committed to enabling secure digital growth by protecting critical infrastructure, businesses, and government entities from advanced cyber threats,” said Meriam ElOuazzani, Senior Regional Director, META, SentinelOne.
Discussing the company’s AI strategy, ElOuazzani explained how machine learning and behavioural analysis enhance SentinelOne’s ability to detect, mitigate,
SOPHOS
With Saudi Arabia rapidly advancing its AI and digital transformation agenda, cybersecurity is a crucial enabler of innovation. At LEAP 2025, Sophos will showcase its latest AI-powered solutions designed to strengthen the Kingdom’s cybersecurity posture.
“At Sophos, we are committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by strengthening the Kingdom’s cybersecurity
Rami Beidas, Country General Manager for KSA, NTT Data MEA
Splunk, a Cisco company, will demonstrate its AI-powered cybersecurity and observability solutions at LEAP 2025, highlighting how organisations can detect threats, optimise performance, and enhance digital resilience. A key feature will be the Splunk Edge Hub, offering businesses a hands-on look at securing and managing data across hybrid, multicloud, and edge environments.
ZOHO
infrastructure,” said Harish Chib, Vice President Emerging Markets, Middle East & Africa, Sophos. “Our advanced AI-driven threat detection, Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and cloud security solutions help organisations build a resilient digital ecosystem.”
Sophos will highlight its MDR, Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and nextgeneration firewalls, all integrating AI to enhance threat detection and response. “By combining artificial intelligence with 24/7 human expertise, we provide faster and more precise identification of advanced threats, enabling proactive threat hunting and mitigation,” Chib added.
As cloud adoption rises in the region, Sophos also focuses on data sovereignty and compliance, ensuring businesses can protect sensitive data while adhering to local regulations.
Attending LEAP for the first time, Sophos aims to engage with industry professionals, demonstrate the power of AI in cybersecurity, and explore new business opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s expanding digital landscape.
As part of Cisco’s portfolio, Splunk will also present AI-driven security solutions that deliver real-time insights and automation to protect critical infrastructure and streamline operations. “Our goal is to show LEAP visitors cutting-edge technology that they put to work to navigate today’s complex digital landscape,” said Mamduh Allam, Area Vice President for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait, Splunk.
With Saudi Arabia prioritising emerging technologies under Vision 2030, Splunk and Cisco are helping customers accelerate digital transformation, cybersecurity, and AI adoption. Their solutions empower key sectors such as government and financial services with real-time data insights, strengthening cyber resilience and driving innovation.
On cloud adoption and security, Splunk ensures businesses can securely store, analyse, and manage data across various environments while maintaining compliance. “By empowering organisations with visibility and control over their data, they can confidently adopt cloud technologies while maintaining compliance and security,” Allam stated.
Zoho will bring its latest AI-powered business solutions to LEAP 2025, reinforcing its role in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and Vision 2030 goals. With advanced AI-driven features embedded across its flagship products, Zoho aims to help businesses scale and improve efficiency. The company will also showcase locally tailored solutions, including ZATCA-compliant tools, an Arabic UI, and an authorised e-signature app, ensuring a smooth transition to digital operations. Its newly established data
centres in Jeddah and Riyadh further strengthen its commitment to secure and locally compliant services.
At Sophos, we are committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by strengthening the Kingdom’s cybersecurity infrastructure
“Zoho has advanced its AI capabilities for over a decade, establishing itself as an early pioneer in enterprise AI. We are bringing future-ready innovations to the Saudi market, which is evolving into a tech-savvy and value-driven ecosystem,” said Hyther Nizam, President Middle East and Africa (MEA), Zoho. He highlighted Zoho’s investment in Agentic AI to automate real-time decisions and optimise business processes.
Zoho’s AI strategy focuses on deeply integrated solutions that enhance efficiency while ensuring user privacy. “By integrating multiple language models, we customise AI solutions to address specific business needs, helping Saudi companies leverage advanced technology effectively,” Nizam added.
Harish Chib,Vice President Emerging Markets, Middle East & Africa, Sophos
Mamduh Allam, Area Vice President for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain & Kuwait, Splunk
Hyther Nizam, President Middle East and Africa (MEA), Zoho
STRENGTHENING THE FACTORY OF THE FUTURE
ABy Vibhu Kapoor, Regional Vice President - Middle East, Africa & India, Epicor
t the onset of 2025, the outlook for the region’s manufacturing sector looks bright. Manufacturing output is estimated to be around US$130 billion in Saudi Arabia and US$132 billion in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Industry players understandably want to share in the growth inspired by government programmes such as the UAE’s Operation 300bn.
But though they may bring undeniable strides towards competitiveness, some popular emerging technologies enabling this growth are not without their caveats. Manufacturers continue to couple IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology) more tightly, turning to solutions in the edge-computing, IoT, and automation spaces. In an industry that can ill afford disruption, the cyberattack surface is expanding through the very modernisation of connectivity that was intended to make it more resilient.
In March 2024, a survey backed by the UAE Cyber Security Council revealed 155,000 vulnerable assets in the country. Alarmingly, more than 40 percent of their critical vulnerabilities had been unaddressed for more than five years. And a PwC report on the
state of cyber-readiness in Saudi Arabia cited a 2022 finding of 110 million threats detected in the Kingdom in a single year. As regional surveys continue to predict inflated cyber-budgets and overwhelmed CISOs continue to express concern over the shifting threat landscape, manufacturing stands as one of the major sectors of concern.
Risk e-business
The problem lies in selective modernisation. For manufacturers, being offline is unthinkable, so they may connect IT and OT without due regard for the Internet-facing exposure of their mission-critical equipment. Previously, unpatched assets were left untouched since they were isolated from external threats. However, with many of these legacy systems now online, manufacturers’ risk profiles have shifted dramatically.
Cybersecurity experts are increasingly concerned about the merging of OT and IT. Threat actors never leave vulnerabilities unexplored for long. If we are discussing them, they are already thinking about it. Recent reports highlight a rise in incidents targeting critical infrastructure and OT in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
CIOs and CISOs in manufacturing must now work together to ensure they are not among the first victims of these evolving threats. The problem in protecting OT has always been skills. Specialised equipment makes even replacing a maintenance engineer difficult, let alone finding cybersecurity expertise among IT staff or engineers. Likewise, expecting deep engineering knowledge from a CISO is unrealistic. This is why collaboration across IT, OT, and security is crucial for manufacturers. But do they have the necessary skills? And even if they do, do they have enough personnel to ensure 24/7 protection while developing a strong IT/OT strategy? A threat actor only needs one opportunity to succeed, while
CIOs and CISOs in manufacturing must now work together to ensure they are not among the first victims of these evolving threats
defenders must be flawless every time. Given skill shortages and increasing connectivity, attackers may have the upper hand in the long run.
Look to the cloud
With some manufacturing solutions crossing cloud boundaries, the challenge intensifies and is becomes more impossible for businesses to ignore the scalability and cost benefits of the cloud. The cloud is also where modern businesses access AI and machine learning. However, it expands the attack surface, increasing cyber
risks. This puts the responsibility on manufacturers to enhance risk management, ensuring they can fully leverage cloud computing without falling victim to cyber threats.
To add another layer of complexity, AI is just as ubiquitous a tool among threat actors as it is among legitimate organisations. Its global appeal in law-abiding circles, however, makes it another point of entry as well as an attack weapon. For the manufacturer, AI must therefore be thought of as a defensive tool but also as a tool to be defended. AI assets must be used responsibly by business users and used innovatively by technical users as they write business code and as they sift out and deploy countermeasures against malware in real time.
Manufacturers must examine their toolbox for weapons of defence. Many cloud-based solutions come with built-in security features that support AI-driven protection. Cloud platforms offer risk reduction while accelerating AI adoption. CIOs, OT specialists, and security teams must collaborate to harden devices, patch software, and safeguard users. The challenge lies in selecting the right tool for diverse assets. In some cases, applying technical protections may be too disruptive to manufacturing processes. Here, people become the strongest defence. Developing new skill sets is essential to maintaining trust between manufacturers and regulators. Technical and non-technical leaders must ensure employee training focuses on the most pressing threats, such as social engineering and credential theft.
The PPT triad
People, processes, and technology. If regional manufacturers build their security posture around these fundamental elements, they can derisk their digital transformation and share in the industrial growth ahead.
A NEW DAWN FOR AI
By Patrick Smith, Field CTO EMEA, Pure Storage
The 30th of November 2022 was a monumental day—the day ChatGPT was introduced to the world by OpenAI. The rest, as they say, is history. In just two years, AI has experienced an unprecedented surge in interest, fuelling nearly a 10x increase in the market capitalisation of Nvidia, the leading GPU manufacturer. Predictions about business investments in AI and its impact on society have also escalated, marking a significant turning point in technological evolution.
This AI revolution feels distinct from previous waves of innovation over the last 70 years, from the Turing Test and chess grandmaster defeats to autonomous driving and, now, the Generative AI explosion. While the game has fundamentally changed, it still hinges on core principles. AI advancements have consistently relied on three key factors: 1) increasingly powerful compute resources, particularly
GPUs; 2) improved algorithms, such as the Transformer architecture and large language models (LLMs) driving Generative AI; and 3) access to vast amounts of data. At a high level, AI projects follow a structured process: data collection and preparation, model development and training, and deployment (also known as inference).
It’s all about the data
Data collection and preparation cannot be overlooked: good quality, relevant, and unbiased data is key to a successful AI project. It’s often cited that organisations are challenged in understanding their data, identifying data ownership, and breaking down silos to allow that data to be effectively used. Without access to high quality data, an initiative is unlikely to succeed. Increasingly organisations are using multimodal data, not just text, but also audio, images, and even video in their AI projects. The
Data collection and preparation cannot be overlooked: good quality, relevant, and unbiased data is key to a successful AI project
amount of data, and therefore the underlying storage requirements, are significant.
Training the model
The training phase is typically approached in two ways. The first is foundational model training, which involves using vast amounts of data to build an AI model from scratch, iteratively refining it to create a general-purpose model. This approach is typically undertaken by large tech companies with significant resources. For instance, Meta recently discussed training its open-source Llama 3.1 model, a massive 405-billion-parameter model, using over 15 trillion tokens. Reports suggest this required around 40 million GPU hours on 16,000 GPUs. Such extensive training underscores the need for frequent checkpointing to recover from failures. With large models it’s essential that the storage used for checkpointing has very high write performance and capacity.
The second approach is model fine-tuning, where an organisation takes an existing pretrained model—where the heavy computational work has already been done—and applies domainspecific data to refine it further. This allows for a customised model without the need for extensive training from the ground up.
Regardless of the method, AI training relies on massive parallel processing with GPUs, demanding high throughput and fast data
access to handle large datasets. AI storage must deliver high performance to keep GPUs supplied with data, scalability for growing datasets, and reliability given the cost and complexity of model training.
Into production
Once a model is trained and meets performance requirements, it moves into production. At this stage, it processes new data to generate insights, known as inference—where AI delivers value. Inferencing is far more resource-intensive than training, as it requires continuous compute and storage at scale, such as millions of users accessing a chatbot.
Storage for inferencing must provide high performance for fast results and scale efficiently to handle growing data for recordkeeping and retraining. The accuracy of inferencing depends on the quality of the trained model and dataset.
Generative AI introduces a challenge: inaccuracies, known as hallucinations, are common. These errors have led to widely publicised issues, highlighting the need for robust data management and validation.
Improving accuracy
Users of ChatGPT understand the importance of query structure. A well-formed, detailed query yields more accurate responses than a brief question. This has led to the concept of “prompt engineering,” where a well-crafted dataset is provided as input to optimise the model’s output.
An increasingly important alternative is retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). RAG enhances queries by incorporating an organisation’s own data, using case-specific context from a vector database such as Chroma or Milvus. Compared to prompt engineering, RAG improves accuracy and significantly reduces hallucinations. Crucially, it enables models to use up-to-date data rather than being limited to a historical cut-off.
RAG relies on vectorising an organisation’s data, integrating it into the architecture. However, vector databases often experience a significant increase in dataset size—sometimes up to 10x the original—and are highly performance-sensitive, as response time directly affects user experience. This makes the underlying storage’s performance and scalability critical to the success of RAG implementation.
The AI energy conundrum Electricity costs have surged globally, and Generative AI is driving massive increases in data centre energy demands. The IEA estimates that AI, data centres, and cryptocurrency accounted for nearly 2% of global energy use in 2022, with demand potentially doubling by 2026. Power-hungry GPUs require 40-50 kilowatts per rack, exceeding many data centres’ capacities. Efficiency is crucial, making allflash storage essential for reducing power and space requirements. Every watt saved on storage can power more GPUs. Some all-flash storage technologies cut energy use by up to 85% and require 95% less rack space, making them vital for AI infrastructure.
Data storage part of the AI puzzle
AI’s potential is almost unimaginable. However, for AI models to deliver, a careful approach is needed across training, whether foundational or fine tuning, to result in accurate and scalable inference. The adoption of RAG can be leveraged to improve the output quality even further.
It’s clear that in all stages data is a key component, flash storage is essential in delivering AI’s transformative impact on business and society, offering unmatched performance, scalability, and reliability. Flash supports AI’s need for real-time access to unstructured data, facilitating both training and inference, while reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, making it vital for efficient, sustainable AI infrastructure.
PUSHING THE EDGE
Feras Al Jabi, General Manager, ITQAN, shares insights into the evolving landscape of IT infrastructure, exploring how AI, edge computing, and hybrid cloud are transforming industries
What key trends have shaped the evolution of IT infrastructure and services in recent years?
The evolution of IT infrastructure has been driven by several transformative trends. Cloud adoption has surged, enabling scalable and costefficient solutions for businesses. Edge computing has emerged, addressing latency and real-time processing demands, especially for IoT applications. Hybrid cloud models are becoming standard as organisations balance flexibility with data sovereignty. AI and machine learning integration into infrastructure has optimised performance, predictive maintenance, and automation. Additionally, the rise of software-
defined networking (SDN) and storage (SDS) has introduced agility and enhanced control. Cybersecurity has also evolved to tackle sophisticated threats, with Zero Trust Architecture gaining traction. Lastly, green IT initiatives are pushing organisations to adopt energy-efficient solutions, driven by sustainability goals and regulatory compliance. The demand for Big Data and Data Analytics, as well as AI deployments, has added extra pressure on IT managers to scale up their data centres.
In what ways has ITQAN driven innovation in IT infrastructure and its development?
ITQAN has consistently pioneered innovative IT solutions tailored to regional needs. By integrating AI-driven automation into IT infrastructure, we have enhanced operational efficiency and predictive analytics for our clients. Our collaborations with global technology leaders have introduced cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, ensuring robust protection for enterprise environments. Our expertise in hybrid and multi-cloud solutions has enabled clients to achieve seamless scalability while maintaining data integrity. Additionally, we have implemented advanced edge computing architectures, addressing latency challenges and enabling real-time decision-making for a wide range of clients across different verticals. Our participation in key industry forums, such as GITEX, underscores our role in showcasing and driving technological advancements.
With edge computing gaining momentum alongside cloud technologies, how do you see this
shaping the future of enterprise infrastructure in sectors such as telecom, oil and gas, and logistics?
Edge computing complements cloud technologies by bringing computation closer to data sources, addressing latency and bandwidth challenges. In telecom, edge computing enables lowlatency services like 5G applications, enhancing user experiences and driving innovation in AR/VR. For oil and gas, it supports real-time data processing at remote sites, optimising exploration, monitoring, and predictive maintenance. Logistics benefits from edge solutions through improved supply chain visibility, real-time tracking, and efficient route optimisation. Hybrid models integrating edge and cloud will dominate, enabling enterprises to process critical data locally while leveraging the cloud for analytics and storage. This synergy will drive cost efficiency, innovation, and
Feras Al Jabi, ITQAN
competitiveness across sectors, alongside enhanced Quality of Experience (QoE).
What role is AI playing in driving innovation within IT infrastructure, and what opportunities does it create?
technologies mature, their integration into IT infrastructure will streamline operations, reduce costs, and create scalable solutions, positioning enterprises for future growth.
How do you see the UAE’s AI ecosystem evolving, and what role do you envision ITQAN playing in that future?
The UAE’s AI ecosystem is rapidly expanding, underpinned by government initiatives like the UAE National AI Strategy 2031. With investments in AI research, smart city projects, and digital transformation across sectors, the country is becoming a regional AI hub.
As a leading technology solutions provider, we are well-positioned to play a crucial role in this evolving landscape by delivering advanced AI-powered solutions tailored to industries such as energy, healthcare, and finance. Leveraging our expertise, we can develop and deploy AIdriven solutions that address sectorspecific challenges while driving innovation. Our deep understanding of technology and business processes enables it to offer seamless AI integration services, ensuring organisations can effectively embed AI into their existing systems and workflows.
Programmes that support education, upskilling, and industry engagement are essential to creating effective policies and regulations
AI is revolutionising IT infrastructure through intelligent automation, enhanced decision-making, and predictive capabilities. AI-driven analytics optimise resource allocation and identify infrastructure inefficiencies. In cybersecurity, AI detects and mitigates threats proactively, reducing risks. AI enables predictive maintenance, minimising downtime and optimising system performance. It’s driving innovations in network management, such as self-healing networks and adaptive load balancing. AI also opens opportunities for hyperpersonalised user experiences in IT services, boosting productivity. As AI
Beyond implementation, we also provide consultancy and advisory services, guiding businesses in identifying AI opportunities, formulating strategies, and navigating the complexities of AI adoption. Recognising the importance of a skilled workforce in sustaining AI-driven transformation, we are contributing to talent development through training programmes, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. Additionally, through collaborations with research institutions, startups, and global technology leaders, we continue to foster innovation and accelerate AI advancements in the UAE.
By actively participating in these areas, we are poised to solidify our position as a key enabler of the country’s AI ambitions, shaping the future of artificial intelligence in the region.
SUITE SUCCESS
Nicky Tozer, Senior Vice President, EMEA, Oracle NetSuite, discusses key platform updates and how they are helping small and medium enterprises scale for smarter growth
As businesses expand, they outgrow the tools and processes that once supported them. Basic accounting software may no longer provide the financial visibility needed to manage increasing complexity, and spreadsheets that once worked for tracking inventory become prone to errors and inefficiencies. Sales teams may
struggle to access real-time data, leading to misalignment between supply and demand. As operations scale, disconnected systems create bottlenecks, slowing decisionmaking and making it harder to maintain efficiency.
For many companies, this turning point signals the need for a more integrated approach to managing their business. Cloud-based
enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions like Oracle NetSuite offer a way to unify financials, inventory, sales, and operations, which ultimately enables businesses to improve efficiency and make informed decisions. With more than 41,000 customers across 219 countries and territories, NetSuite has helped organisations of all sizes scale efficiently, automate processes, and adapt to changing business needs.
In the UAE, where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in economic expansions, many organisations are turning to NetSuite’s solutions to optimise workflows, gain deeper insights, and accelerate operations. Recently, the company announced an array
of new product updates and AI innovations across the suite to help businesses increase efficiency and take advantage of new opportunities.
“NetSuite serves as a foundation our customers’ operations, offering a platform that grows and adapts alongside their evolving needs while keeping their entire business connected,” said Nicky Tozer, Senior Vice President, EMEA, Oracle NetSuite. “We are continually enhancing NetSuite’s capabilities to reinforce that foundation for our customers in the UAE.”
Tozer highlights that every NetSuite customer now runs on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), giving them access to Oracle’s advanced AI capabilities, AI services, and the autonomous database. This infrastructure allows businesses to scale operations efficiently while processing data faster and more securely. “AI is fundamentally driven by data, and NetSuite customers benefit from Oracle’s market-leading autonomous database, which fuels productivity,” Tozer explains. “Unlike models trained on public data sources, our approach ensures AI-driven insights are unique to each business, enhancing decisionmaking and operational efficiency.”
A key addition to NetSuite’s suite of AI tools is NetSuite Text Enhance, which helps businesses generate and refine content in real time. This feature allows companies to automate tasks such as drafting product descriptions, summarising customer interactions, and generating sales order details.
them to introduce custom AIpowered capabilities tailored to their operational needs. This enables businesses to enhance automation and efficiency beyond NetSuite’s standard AI features. Another significant update is NetSuite Analytics Warehouse, which brings together AI-powered data analysis and machine learning models to help businesses uncover opportunities and improve operational efficiency. Tozer explains how this capability allows SMEs to accelerate data analysis and gain valuable insights that drive smarter decision-making. “With NetSuite Analytics Warehouse, businesses can conduct scenario planning and quickly identify growth drivers, giving them a competitive advantage,” she says.
To further enhance financial management, NetSuite’s Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) consolidates planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting into a single platform. This helps businesses connect financial data across multiple sources, improve visibility, and make more informed decisions.
NetSuite serves as a foundation our customers’ operations, offering a platform that grows and adapts alongside their evolving needs while keeping their entire business connected
“Text Enhance enables NetSuite to generate and refine text, helping businesses automate tasks while keeping human oversight in the loop. This ensures that outputs are finetuned for accuracy and consistency,” says Tozer. She further highlights that this tool is already proving useful across various industries, especially in manufacturing, retail, and customer service.
For companies looking to embed AI-driven functionality into their NetSuite extensions and workflows, NetSuite’s Generative AI for SuiteScript API allows
NetSuite is seeing strong demand in the Middle East across industries such as hospitality, real estate, and government-supported startups. Tozer notes that regional businesses are prioritising cloud adoption as they look for ways to streamline financial management and improve operational visibility. “Governments in the region are actively supporting startups, and this has contributed to NetSuite’s growth. Real estate, in particular, is seeing significant expansion, with businesses looking to optimise financial management and operational efficiency,” she explains.
Regulatory requirements are also driving ERP adoption, particularly in financial operations. With the UAE set to mandate e-invoicing by 2026, NetSuite Electronic Invoicing ensures that businesses can send and receive invoices electronically in a structured format, aligning with tax authorities and improving invoicing speed and accuracy.
To support growing businesses, NetSuite has developed
SuiteSuccess, a methodology that provides industry-specific best practices, allowing companies to get up and running quickly. Rather than building an ERP system from scratch, customers can use a ready-to-deploy solution that aligns with their industry’s needs. Tozer underscores how this approach accelerates ROI for SMEs, making enterprise technology accessible without long and costly implementation processes. “Customers don’t need to build an ERP system from scratch. Instead, they receive a ready-to-use solution that can be customised for their unique business needs, allowing them to see value faster,” she says.
One of the trends driving ERP adoption in the Middle East is a phased implementation approach, where businesses start with financial management before expanding into areas like CRM, inventory,
and HR. Tozer explains that this strategy helps companies manage change more effectively while ensuring measurable benefits at each stage. “Most customers begin with financials, as that’s often their primary challenge,” she says. “Once they see value, they expand usage to other areas. A step-bystep approach ensures a smooth transition and tangible cost savings.”
For businesses that rely on field service operations, NetSuite Field Service Management simplifies scheduling, dispatch, and asset tracking, helping companies reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction.
NetSuite has also introduced the Redwood interface, which enhances usability and streamlines navigation. The new design makes it easier for businesses to access and manage critical data, improving overall efficiency. “We showcased these updates, and customers appreciated
the improved usability. The goal is to enhance the end-user experience and facilitate business processes more efficiently,” she says.
A key advantage of NetSuite’s new AI capabilities is that they are fully integrated into the platform at no additional cost. Unlike thirdparty AI tools that require separate implementation and compliance measures, NetSuite’s AI features are embedded into the system, ensuring security and ease of use.
“AI is built into NetSuite, not added on as external tools. This means businesses can harness AI-driven automation and insights without worrying about extra expenses or security risks,” says Tozer.
With cloud adoption accelerating, many businesses that rely on customised legacy systems are exploring the shift to cloud-based solutions such as NetSuite. While a common concern among companies is losing existing customisations, Tozer reassures that NetSuite offers flexibility without the complications of legacy infrastructure. “Most businesses with heavily customised systems built them that way because their previous solutions couldn’t support their needs. With NetSuite, we provide best-practice processes out of the box, reducing the need for extensive customisation,” she says. “Unlike legacy systems, NetSuite’s customisations upgrade seamlessly with each update.”
As businesses in the UAE invest in digital transformation, NetSuite is helping them scale more efficiently with AI, automation, and cloud solutions designed for long-term growth. “Businesses in the UAE and the wider Middle East recognise that to remain competitive, they need to be agile, data-driven, and technologically empowered,” Tozer concludes. “NetSuite is designed to be the foundation for that transformation.”
With a growing customer base and a suite of powerful tools, NetSuite is giving SMEs in the region the capabilities they need to operate more efficiently, expand their market presence, and build a sustainable future.
NickyTozer, Oracle NetSuite
THE AI CHALLENGER SHAKING UP THE INDUSTRY
With the AI market projected to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030, DeepSeek is emerging as a powerful disruptor, challenging industry giants with its efficiency and rapid adoption. Here’s what you need to know
The artificial intelligence (AI) race is evolving rapidly, and a new player from China is making waves. With the global AI market projected to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030, according to Statista, the competition to dominate this space has never been more intense. DeepSeek, an emerging AI model, has quickly gained global recognition for its powerful capabilities, costefficient training methods, and disruptive impact on the AI landscape. In just a short span, it has climbed to the top of app store rankings, challenged industry leaders like OpenAI and Google, and even sent shockwaves through financial markets.
But what exactly is DeepSeek, and why is it attracting so much attention? Here’s everything you need to know about this rising AI powerhouse and how it has managed to gain such rapid popularity.
What is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is a Chinese AI company focused on large language models (LLMs). Founded in May 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, it aims to develop open-source AI models that are both powerful and accessible. While companies like OpenAI and Google invest billions into AI development, DeepSeek has taken a different approach—
prioritising efficiency and costeffectiveness without sacrificing performance.
This unique strategy has enabled DeepSeek to build highly capable AI models while using significantly fewer resources than its competitors. Its AI assistant, powered by DeepSeek-V3, has already made history by becoming the most popular free app on the US Apple App Store, surpassing ChatGPT.
How did DeepSeek become popular so quickly?
DeepSeek’s rise to prominence can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, it offers an AI model that performs on par with some of the
best in the industry while operating on a fraction of the resources. The affordability and accessibility of its technology have made it an appealing choice for businesses and developers looking to integrate AI solutions without the hefty price tag. Secondly, DeepSeek capitalised on an open-source approach, a move that has resonated with AI researchers and developers worldwide. Unlike OpenAI’s GPT-4 or Google’s Gemini models, which remain closed-source, DeepSeek has made its AI models available for public use and modification. This has not only increased adoption but also fuelled innovation within the AI research community.
Another crucial factor in DeepSeek’s rapid rise is its ability to overcome hardware limitations. With the US imposing strict export bans on advanced AI chips to China, many expected Chinese AI companies to struggle. However, DeepSeek reportedly stockpiled tens of thousands of Nvidia A100 chips before the restrictions took effect, ensuring they had the computing power needed to develop their models.
DeepSeek-R1 vs OpenAI: How do they compare?
DeepSeek’s flagship model, DeepSeek-R1, has been compared to OpenAI’s o1 model in areas
requiring advanced reasoning. Early evaluations suggest that DeepSeek-R1 excels in mathematics, coding, and logical problem-solving. These capabilities position it as a serious competitor to some of the most sophisticated AI models available today.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of DeepSeek’s development is its cost efficiency. While OpenAI and Google train their AI models using thousands of high-end GPUs, DeepSeek has managed to achieve competitive results using only 2,000 Nvidia GPUs, including lower-end Nvidia H800 chips. This efficiency has enabled the company to train its model for under $6 million—a
fraction of the billions typically spent on AI training.
DeepSeek’s impact on financial markets
The release of DeepSeek did more than just impress AI researchers— it had immediate financial consequences. On 27 January 2025, when DeepSeek-V3 became the top-rated AI app in the US, the stock market reacted strongly. Nvidia, a leading supplier of AI chips, saw its stock price plummet by 17 percent before making a slight recovery. Investors grew concerned that DeepSeek’s cost-effective AI models could disrupt the industry and reduce reliance on expensive hardware.
The Nasdaq also dropped by three percent, and Nvidia’s market value shrank from $3.5 trillion to $2.9 trillion, pushing it to third place behind Apple and Microsoft. This demonstrates just how influential DeepSeek has become in the AI space.
Cybersecurity challenges and political restrictions
DeepSeek’s rapid success has not come without obstacles. On the same day it rose to the top of the App Store rankings, the company experienced large-scale cyberattacks and website outages. The attacks disrupted access to its AI assistant, raising questions about potential competitors or statebacked entities trying to hinder its growth.
In addition to cybersecurity threats, DeepSeek must navigate strict AI regulations within China. Like many Chinese AI models, DeepSeek has been trained to avoid politically sensitive topics, ensuring compliance with government guidelines. While this approach aligns with China’s AI governance policies, it differs significantly from Western AI models that prioritise open discussions on a wider range of issues.
DeepSeek’s future and global impact
DeepSeek’s rise signals a shift in the AI industry, proving that innovation
FAST FACTS
The development cost of DeepSeek’s base model
16 million
The total downloads of DeepSeek in its first 18 days
671 billion
The number of parameters used to train DeepSeek-V3 $5.6 million
doesn’t necessarily require massive financial investment. By focusing on efficiency, opensource collaboration, and strategic resource management, it has quickly positioned itself as a formidable contender.
Even OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has acknowledged DeepSeek’s strengths, calling it an “impressive model” and welcoming the competition. However, he has also hinted that OpenAI has even more powerful models in development to maintain its lead.
With AI playing an increasingly vital role in global industries, DeepSeek’s emergence has prompted questions about the future of AI dominance. Will OpenAI and Google respond with even more advanced models? Could DeepSeek’s cost-efficient approach reshape the industry’s financial landscape?
One thing is certain—DeepSeek has proven that the AI race is far from over. Whether it continues to challenge the industry’s biggest names or sparks a new wave of AI innovation, its impact on the global AI ecosystem is undeniable.
BLUEPRINT FOR RESILIENCE
Ayman Mansour, IT Infrastructure Department Manager, IKK Group, discusses how the company strengthened its data protection strategy to ensure business continuity, improve efficiency, and support growth
Since its founding in Saudi Arabia in 1968, Isam Khairi Kabbani Group (IKK Group) has been a key player in the construction, manufacturing, and trading industries. Over the past five decades, the company has grown into a regional powerhouse, delivering specialised solutions across more than 20 countries and contributing to some of the most significant infrastructure projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
With 40 subsidiaries and a workforce of 18,000 employees and workers, IKK Group is on a mission to build the infrastructure of the future in line
with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The company is involved in largescale construction projects across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa region, including the Jeddah Corniche Formula 1 Circuit, Riyadh Metro Project, Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum, King Abdullah Financial District, NEOM projects, and many other mega projects in the Kingdom and Middle East.
As IKK Group continues its rapid expansion—launching an average of three new subsidiaries annually—it faces the challenge of managing an ever-growing volume of business-critical data. Over the last five years alone, IKK Group’s data has tripled, increasing from
AT A GLANCE
To develop a strong data protection strategy to ensure business continuity to support rapid growth
THE CHALLENGE
• Veeam Data Platform
Advanced Universal
• Veeam Data Cloud for Microsoft 365
• Increased data volumes due to rapid growth
• Ensuring uninterrupted access for 5,000+ users
• The need for a robust solution for faster backups and recovery
40 TB to 120 TB. Keeping this data secure, accessible, and resilient is a business necessity, and the company’s IT infrastructure plays a vital role in ensuring uninterrupted operations.
The urgency of reliable data protection
IKK Group’s centralised IT department serves as the backbone of its digital operations, supporting 5,000 office users and 13,000 field workers. A few years ago, IKK Group saw that its legacy data protection solution was struggling to keep up with its growing business. Frequent errors and glitches when restoring from backups, coupled with a lack of responsive, local support from the previous backup solution vendor, left the IT team stretched thin.
“In the construction sector, any project delays can drive costs dramatically,” said Ayman Mansour,
IT Infrastructure Department Manager at IKK Group. “Unplanned downtime to our IT systems could cost the business the equivalent of almost $5 million dollars a day in a worst-case scenario. Protecting our data and ensuring continuous operations isn’t just a priority — it’s a necessity.”
Recognising these challenges, IKK Group set out to modernise its data protection strategy. The goal was to eliminate inefficiencies, enhance disaster recovery capabilities, and establish a long-term partnership with a reliable vendor.
A strategic shift
After evaluating the market, IKK Group selected Veeam Data Platform to strengthen its backup and recovery infrastructure. Veeam provided the scalability, security, and cost efficiency the company needed to support its ongoing growth.
a predictable cost, which is a massive advantage as our business data continues to grow.”
With Veeam’s enterprise-grade backup and disaster recovery solution, IKK Group was able to transform its data management strategy, ensuring that critical applications—such as Microsoft Dynamics and Microsoft SQL Server—were always protected. The company adopted the 3-2-1-10 backup strategy, replicating over 200 virtual machines across HPE StoreOnce appliances in its primary data centre and disaster recovery site, while also keeping an airgapped backup for added security.
“The solutions enabled us to verify the integrity of our backups, which gives us much greater confidence in our disaster recovery capabilities,” Mansour said. “We also use immutable backups from Veeam, which help reduce any exposure to ransomware risks.”
Unlocking performance
Previously, IKK Group’s IT team relied on multi-step backup workflows that consumed valuable time. Now, with a more automated and efficient process, IT staff can focus on more strategic initiatives, such as capacity planning and security enhancements, rather than being bogged down with repetitive administrative tasks.
Another significant advantage was the cost savings achieved through Veeam’s Backup as a Service model. By eliminating the need to provision and maintain on-premise storage, IKK Group was able to cut storage costs by 20 percent. “With Backup as a Service from Veeam, we no longer need to provision our own storage—delivering a substantial cost-saving,” Mansour explained. These savings allow IKK Group to reallocate resources toward innovation and future expansion.
Building a resilient future
By embracing modern data protection solutions, IKK Group is reinforcing its commitment to building the infrastructure of the future. The latest deployment better positions the company to navigate the challenges of rapid digital expansion while maintaining the highest levels of reliability and resilience. Unplanned
“Veeam offered capabilities that most other vendors simply couldn’t match, including seamless integration with our VMware infrastructure and a highly costeffective licensing model,” Mansour explained. “With Veeam, we get straightforward scalability at
The implementation of Veeam brought immediate, measurable improvements to IKK Group’s IT operations. The company’s recovery time for Microsoft 365 data was reduced by 20 percent, ensuring that employees could regain access to critical files and applications faster than ever before. “With Veeam Data Cloud for Microsoft 365, we can rapidly restore user data to meet our stringent internal service-level agreements,” said Mansour.
The introduction of automated backups also streamlined operations, reducing the manual effort required for Microsoft 365 data protection by 25 percent.
As IKK Group continues to grow, its partnership with Veeam ensures that its data protection strategy remains scalable, efficient, and secure. The company now has full confidence in its ability to protect business-critical applications, recover quickly from disruptions, and minimise downtime risks.
Ayman Mansour, IKK Group
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI
Defining Africa’s Future with AI Impact
45,000
1,500
660+
DIALLING INTO AI
WBy Markus Persson, Telecommunications Global Industry Director, IFS
hen people ask me:
“What’s the best thing about the AI hype?”
Sometimes I joke and say that it means I don’t have to talk about Digital Transformation anymore…unfortunately the truth is rather the opposite.
Communication Service Providers and Infrastructure players that have embraced Digital Transformation are now reaping the benefits of AI, but what exactly is digital transformation, and how has it paved the way for AI? Let’s dive in.
The digital transformation journey Digital transformation is all about integrating digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers. It’s not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about a cultural shift that requires organisations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment, and get comfortable with failure.
Think about it: CSPs that have successfully undergone digital transformation have streamlined their operations, improved customer experiences, and gained valuable insights from data. This transformation has laid the groundwork for AI to thrive, because AI needs data, lots of it, preferably structured.
The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably accelerated the pace
of digital transformation for CSPs. As organisations scrambled to adapt to new ways of working and serving customers, the need for robust digital infrastructure became more apparent than ever. Telecommunications companies, in particular, have seen a surge in demand for digital services, as remote work, e-learning, and online communication have become the norm. This surge has further highlighted the importance of digital agility and the ability to leverage AI to meet changing customer needs quickly and efficiently. The pandemic has not only pushed CSPs to accelerate their digital transformation journey but also to innovate at a faster pace, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The AI and data dilemma
AI is transforming industries across the board. From predictive analytics to chatbots, AI is helping businesses make smarter decisions, automate processes, and provide personalised experiences to customers. But here’s the catch: AI relies heavily on data. And not just any data, but clean, well-organised, and accessible data. This is where digital transformation comes into play. CSPs that have invested in digital transformation have the
infrastructure in place to collect, store, and analyse data effectively. This data is the fuel that powers AI.
The consequences of falling behind
Now, let’s talk about the flip side. What happens to CSPs that haven’t embraced digital transformation?
Well, they’re at a significant disadvantage in the AI race. Without a solid digital foundation, these companies struggle to harness the power of AI. Their data is often siloed, outdated, or simply unusable. How many of us are still stuck with multiple billing systems and multiple customer care and order management systems for each LoB (line of business), all of them in silos without any intelligence drawn across them?
Imagine trying to build a high-tech skyscraper on a shaky foundation. It’s not going to work, right? The same goes for AI. Without digital transformation, companies lack the necessary infrastructure to support AI initiatives. This means they miss out on the efficiency gains, cost savings, and competitive edge that AI offers. This is the most common reason enterprises fail in their AI adoption. According to Gartner, more than 80 percent of enterprises are struggling with lack of quality of data quantity or quality.
Real-world
examples
Amazon and Netflix exemplify successful digital transformation, leveraging AI to enhance services. Amazon applies AI for personalised recommendations and supply chain optimisation, while Netflix analyses viewer preferences to recommend engaging content.
Without digital transformation, companies lack the necessary infrastructure to support AI initiatives
In contrast, companies slow to adapt are struggling—traditional retailers, for example, face challenges competing with e-commerce giants. Without AI-driven personalised marketing and inventory management, they risk losing ground. With solutions such as IFS Cloud, organisations can unify data on a single platform, ensuring it remains clean, organised, and accessible. Industrial AI is embedded within applications where it adds value, evolving alongside the product with built-in AI governance. This approach ensures AI is applied
effectively to support business operations, enhancing efficiency and decision-making. By integrating AI directly into workflows, organisations can leverage datadriven insights without needing separate AI systems, enabling more seamless digital transformation that aligns with operational needs.
The path forward
So, what’s the takeaway here? If your company hasn’t started its digital transformation journey, now is the time. Embrace change, invest in technology, and build a culture
that values innovation. By doing so, you’ll be well-positioned to take advantage of AI and stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Don’t go the other way around and start with AI only to realise that your data foundation is too weak, so the AI investment ends up being costly and not gaining the efficiencies you hoped for.
Remember, digital transformation is not a one-time project; it’s an ongoing process. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to fail. The future belongs to those who are willing to adapt and evolve.
THE FUTURE OF CARE
TSunil Paul, MD, Finesse, explores how AI is redefining the healthcare industry
echnology continues to redefine healthcare, enhancing efficiency, improving diagnostics, and expanding patient access to care. As hospitals and healthcare providers integrate advanced solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into their systems, the focus is shifting toward efficiency, precision, and proactive treatment.
At Arab Health 2025, this shift was on full display as industry leaders explored how AI and automation are driving realworld impact. The conversations went beyond theory, highlighting how AI is already becoming a strategic necessity for healthcare organisations.
Transforming the healthcare industry AI-powered solutions are driving significant improvements in disease detection, predictive analytics, and workflow automation. A report by Grand View Research estimates that the global AI in healthcare market will reach $22.45 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 36.4 percent through 2030.
In medical imaging, AI is enhancing radiologists’ capabilities by identifying abnormalities with greater precision, reducing diagnostic errors, and making treatment decisions more efficient.
Pathology is also benefitting from machine learning models that recognise patterns in tissue samples, supporting faster and more reliable diagnoses.
Beyond diagnostics, AI is also streamlining operations, ensuring that healthcare facilities function more efficiently while optimising patient outcomes. These advancements reduce costs and administrative burdens, allowing medical professionals to focus on delivering high-quality care.
The rise of AI-powered telemedicine platforms is making healthcare more accessible, particularly in remote or underserved areas. Virtual assistants and automated triage systems are supporting clinicians by guiding patients through initial assessments, managing follow-ups, and providing real-time insights based on patient data. These tools improve response times and enhance the patient experience.
Wearable health technologies are also changing the way healthcare is delivered. Smart sensors embedded in medical devices continuously monitor vital signs, detect irregularities, and alert healthcare providers before conditions escalate. Integrating AI with wearable technology enables healthcare providers
to deliver a more proactive and personalised approach to patient care.
The power of partnerships
The successful integration of AI in healthcare relies on collaboration between hospitals, technology providers, and regulatory bodies. Companies such as Hyland Software and Automation Anywhere are developing AI-powered solutions that improve data security, streamline electronic health records (EHRs), and facilitate interoperability across healthcare networks. These advancements enable seamless information sharing, reducing inefficiencies and supporting informed decision-making.
AI-driven cybersecurity measures are also becoming essential as healthcare systems become more digitised. Protecting sensitive patient data from cyber threats remains a priority, and AI is strengthening security protocols by detecting anomalies and mitigating risks in real time.
Responsible progress
While AI is delivering significant benefits, its adoption raises important ethical and regulatory questions. Its growing role in healthcare brings challenges related to ethics, data privacy, and compliance. Discussions at Arab Health 2025 emphasised the importance of aligning AI adoption with strict regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency, fairness, and patient safety. Governance structures must evolve to address AI’s implications on decision-making accountability, bias prevention, and data protection.
Healthcare organisations implementing AI must prioritise responsible innovation, ensuring that automation enhances clinical expertise rather than replacing it. Ethical AI deployment will be key to longterm, sustainable adoption.
The road forward
The healthcare industry is entering a new era where AI is driving better experiences, higher-quality care, and more efficient medical systems. Organisations that strategically invest in AI will benefit from improved patient outcomes, enhanced operational efficiency, and reduced costs. With the right strategies, AI can help build a healthcare ecosystem that is more intelligent, connected, and patient-centric.
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SAMSUNG: Galaxy S25
and S25+
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+, featuring enhanced AI integration and upgraded hardware. Both models run on One UI 7 and come equipped with Gemini AI, offering tools like Writing Assist and Drawing Assist for improved productivity and creativity.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, the Galaxy S25 series enhances AI-driven performance, display efficiency, and image processing. The 50MP ultrawide camera sensor on the
Google’s Circle to Search now includes AI Overviews and one-tap actions, while Samsung Calendar integration allows users to manage schedules with simple commands. The series supports Content Credentials, an industrystandard for AI-generated content transparency.
Available in Navy, Silver Shadow, Icy Blue, and Mint.
EPSON: EF-21 and EF-22
Epson has introduced the EF-21 and EF-22, two compact mini laser projectors designed for home entertainment. Both models offer a screen size of up to 150 inches, use Epson’s 3LCD technology for high brightness and vivid colours, and feature a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and clear shadow details.
Equipped with Google TV, the projectors provide access to streaming apps, and Google Assistant allows voice control. Chromecast built-in supports casting from Android, iOS, and computers. Both models include two 5W speakers and function as Bluetooth speakers.
The EF-22 includes an adjustable built-in stand for flexible projection on walls, ceilings, or floors, while the EF-21 offers a compact design in warm white or smoke ice green. Automatic focus, keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance simplify setup. These models deliver long-lasting laser projection for extended, maintenance-free use at home.
HONOR: Magic7 Pro
Honor has launched the Magic7 Pro in the UAE, featuring AI-enhanced photography, productivity tools, and gaming performance. Running on MagicOS 9.0 (based on Android 15), the device introduces AI Magic Portal 2.0 for quick object recognition and interaction, AI Notes for summarisation, and AI Translate, supporting real-time translation in 13 languages.
For photography, the AI HONOR IMAGE ENGINE includes AI Super Zoom (30x–100x) for distant subjects,
AI Motion Sensing Capture for action shots, and HD Super Burst (10 frames per second) for fast sequences. Stage Mode optimises images in complex lighting conditions.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, the Magic7 Pro enhances gaming and power efficiency. The device also integrates Google Gemini AI, providing contextual assistance and app extensions.
Available in Lunar Shadow Grey, Breeze Blue, and Black.
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