What key innovations will you be showcasing at LEAP 2025?
At LEAP 2025, Cisco will showcase how we enable organisations to thrive in the AI era under the theme “Cisco Connects and Protects the AI Era.” Visitors can experience solutions that transform data centres to power AI workloads, modernise workplaces for seamless collaboration, and enhance digital resilience with advanced security and observability. With interactive demos, panel discussions, and expert briefings, we highlight our ongoing commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by harnessing AI-powered capabilities across our extensive product and customer service portfolio.
What is your AI strategy, and how do you see it reshaping Saudi Arabia’s tech landscape?
At Cisco, we believe that 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. Cisco latest AI Readiness Index shows that while 72 per cent of Saudi organisations are adopting AI strategies, businesses are still facing challenges in fully leveraging AI. Overcoming deployment challenges in infrastructure and focusing on talent development are critical to fully harness the transformative power of AI. For that, Cisco is supporting its customers, alongside its partners, to power infrastructure and focus on talent development.
With cloud adoption growing in the Middle East, how is your company addressing data sovereignty and cybersecurity challenges?
Cisco has established data centres for cloud security services as well as the Webex Collaboration Platform in Saudi Arabia, to serve our customers in the kingdom and the wider region. The security data centre helps customers protect their users, infrastructure, and investments against threat actors and empowers them with flexible security services and data protection for devices, remote users, and distributed locations. The collaboration data centres bring extensive services closer to customers in KSA and the region.
How do you see Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping the future of technology in the MENA region?
Saudi Arabia is positioned as a technology leader in MENA, with its ICT sector valued at $40.9 billion and top global rankings in digital readiness. Cisco has supported the Kingdom’s digital transformation since 1997 through initiatives like the Cisco Country Digital Acceleration programme and Cisco Networking Academy, which have driven innovation, sustainability, and workforce development.
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