International Data Corporation (IDC) hosted more than 1,000 of the region’s foremost IT leaders for the second day of its 17th annual IDC Middle East CIO Summit. Taking place at the Grand Hyatt Dubai on February 21-22, the event served as a dynamic platform for senior business executives, IT professionals, leading technology firms, and respected industry analysts to engage in collaborative discourse around the theme ‘The Future of IT: Rethinking Digitalization for an AI Everywhere World’.
With attendees joined by more than 60 pioneering IT vendors, service providers, and professional associations, the IDC Middle East CIO Summit 2024 featured a diverse array of informative presentations, real-life end-user case studies, best-practice sessions, and individually themed tracks. These sessions delved into cutting-edge developments and strategies surrounding digital resiliency, digital trust, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the rise of the intelligent enterprise.
Distinguished keynote speakers such as H.E. Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE government, Dr. Bushra Al Blooshi, advisor chief executive of the Dubai Electronic Security Center, and renowned ethical hacker Glenn Wilkinson captivated the audience with their insights. Additionally, Steven Frantzen, IDC’s senior vice president and regional managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, provided valuable perspectives on the evolving global IT landscape.
A key highlight of the agenda was the numerous dedicated ‘For the CIO, by the CIO’ panel discussions, which featured exclusive insights from more than 20 regional and international industry pioneers. These discussions explored critical topics such as talent development, IT operating models, the optimization of IT performance, and best-practice strategies for vendor selection and management.
Reflecting on the significance of the event’s theme, Jyoti Lalchandani, IDC’s group vice president and regional managing director for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, remarked, “Embracing an ‘AI Everywhere’ mindset is no longer a choice but a necessity for organizations aiming to maintain competitive parity. Forward-thinking governments and digital-savvy entities are prioritizing AI to drive digital innovation, enhance customer experiences, and optimize operational efficiencies.”
The summit reached its peak with a ceremony honoring the recipients of Foundry’s CIO50 Awards 2023, recognizing the Middle East’s foremost technology leaders for their innovation and resilience. These annual awards, part of Foundry’s extensive program of global recognition, celebrate excellence within the enterprise landscape and honor visionary technology executives.
IDC extends its gratitude to the esteemed members of its regional CIO Advisory Council for their invaluable contribution to the success of the IDC Middle East CIO Summit 2024.
