The 11th edition of the Future IT Summit – KSA Edition, hosted by GEC Media Group in Riyadh, unfolded as a powerful gathering of minds committed to shaping the future of enterprise through artificial intelligence. With the theme centered around “AI-Powered Enterprises,” the summit brought together industry leaders, technologists, government representatives, and digital transformation experts to delve deep into the evolving role of AI in modern business landscapes.
The event began with a compelling address by Anushree Dixit, Chief Strategy Officer of GEC Media Group, who welcomed the esteemed attendees and set the tone for the day. Her opening remarks underscored the urgent need for enterprises to embrace AI not just as a tool, but as a strategic pillar for growth, agility, and resilience.
This was followed by a high-impact panel moderated by Jayesh Maganlal, Group Chief Information and Digital Officer at ROSHN, focusing on how AI is transforming the digital landscape of businesses. The conversation highlighted how organizations are rethinking their digital strategies, with AI enabling predictive capabilities, personalized experiences, and intelligent operations.
Esteemed Panelists:
Rathna Kireeti Muthyala, Director of Business Consulting, YASH Technologies Private Limited
Mohammed Ali Shalan, Vice President – Digital Transformation, PMI Saudi Chapter
Ladle Patel, Senior Advisor, Arab National Bank
Afnan Ahmed Chowdhury, Director of IT, Al Ahsa Health Cluster
Adding a technology vendor’s perspective, Harini Vijayakumar, Solution Architect – EMEA at KissFlow, delivered a focused keynote on the role of low-code and no-code platforms in driving agility.
The momentum continued with a forward-looking panel discussion moderated by Mohammed Al Shobani, CIO of SAICO Insurance, which examined the emerging technologies poised to define the future—AI, machine learning, blockchain, IoT, and cloud computing. The panel brought together leaders from both public and private sectors.
Esteemed Panelists:
Abdulrhman Abdulaziz Alodhayb | Director of Project Portfolio Management | Ministry of Defense
Abdullah Alasqah, Business Director, DXwand Saudi Arabia
Eng. Mohammed Mahnashi, Founding Member |CaaS
Ibrahim Hamed, Group CIO, Al-Kifah Holding
Ali Saif, Head of IT, Tanmiah Food Company
In a captivating interlude, Dr. Rupal Agarwal, Founder of Business Process Experts, took the stage to explore the growing interest in digital twin technology.
Later in the day, Dr. Rupal Agarwal returned to moderate an in-depth discussion on the cloud revolution, focusing on the evolution of hybrid and multi-cloud strategies. The panel reflected the diverse ways enterprises are navigating cloud adoption.
Esteemed Panelists:
Usman Abrar, Head of IT, PKF Al Bassam Chartered Accountants
Khalid Alafari, CIO & Head of research and technical innovation center, CTI
Dr. Sameh Hablas, Chief Advisor, Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence SDAIA
Hazem Awni Jarrar, Chief Technology Officer, King Faisal Foundation
Adel Anwar, Director of Information Technology, Jumeirah
The event concluded with an inspiring awards ceremony—the Catalyst CIO Awards and Catalyst AI Awards—which recognized individuals and organizations leading the way in digital innovation. These awards celebrated CIOs and IT leaders who have not only implemented AI but are also driving measurable business outcomes and cultural change through technology. The atmosphere during the awards was electric, as stories of transformation and impact were acknowledged with well-deserved applause.
The Future IT Summit was proudly supported by leading organizations in the tech industry. Kissflow joined as the Gold Partner, Yash Technologies and Ermetix supported the event as a Silver Partner, DX Wand participated as the AI Knowledge Partner.
Backed by industry-leading sponsors and a vibrant tech community, the 11th Future IT Summit – KSA Edition served as more than just a conference—it became a collaborative stage for the region’s brightest minds, a reflection of the Kingdom’s digital aspirations, and a powerful reminder that AI is no longer on the horizon—it is here, reshaping the very core of how we work, live, and lead.
The Future IT Summit will be back next year—bigger, bolder, and more transformative. Stay tuned!
