CaaS Research, a trusted name in technology research and advisory, has successfully concluded its flagship webinar, “Middle East IT Industry Foresight 2025: Manufacturing”, held on May 27, 2025. The session brought together leading voices from the region’s manufacturing and IT sectors to share strategic insights into the future of digital transformation across the Middle East.
The event commenced with an opening address by Jayakumar Mohanachandran, Chief Research Officer at CaaS Research, who emphasized the importance of independent, transparent, and objective research in enabling technology-led business transformation.
“CaaS Research was created to deliver unbiased, high-quality research tailored to enterprise needs. We are committed to working closely with our clients and industry leaders to guide decisions with insight, strategy, and integrity,” Jayakumar noted in his welcome.
Deep Dive Into Future-Ready Manufacturing
Shoeb Mohammad Choudhari, Lead Research Analyst at CaaS Research, led the presentation of the Middle East IT Industry Foresight 2025 – Manufacturing Edition. The report compiled insights from in-depth conversations with technology leaders across the region and covered key transformational themes in manufacturing, including:
- The accelerating impact of Industry 4.0 and IoT on operations
- The emergence of digital twin technologies in optimizing performance
- The growing role of 3D printing in agile and customized production
- Steady advancements in robotics and automation
- Strategic approaches to overcoming challenges such as legacy system integration and workforce readiness
Choudhari stressed that the report was not merely a reflection of global trends but a region-specific roadmap for manufacturers looking to stay competitive in a digitally enabled future.
Expert Panel: Voices from the Frontlines
The webinar featured a robust panel discussion with two distinguished IT leaders:
- Muhammad Kashif Siddiqui, Manager Governance, Digital & Technology, spoke on the evolving cybersecurity landscape in smart manufacturing. He emphasized the importance of aligning digital initiatives with established governance frameworks and embedding security into design thinking and operations.
- Nagi Reddy Bommareddy, IT Manager & ERP Program Manager at Uniceramic Qatar WLL, shared practical insights on how manufacturers are leveraging real-time data, automation, and AI-driven analytics to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance productivity across production lines.
The panel also addressed the alignment of digital transformation initiatives with sustainability and ESG goals, highlighting the increasing focus on environmentally responsible innovation.
Bridging the Digital Skills Gap
A critical part of the discussion focused on the regional challenge of digital skill gaps. Panelists discussed the role of government initiatives, academic partnerships, and internal upskilling programs in preparing the workforce for the next wave of technologies, including AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
