Cisco Connect 2018 highlights opportunities presented by Saudi digital acceleration

Haytham Al-Ohali, managing director of Cisco Saudi Arabia.

Themed “Your Time is Now,” Cisco’s flagship technology forum returned to Saudi Arabia to address how digital transformation is fundamentally changing the business landscape. Held at the Hilton Hotel, Jeddah, from March 27-28, Cisco Connect brought together regional technology and business decision makers to drive the Kingdom’s digitization agenda and discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital era.
The event highlighted how Cisco’s Country Digitization Acceleration (CDA) program, launched nearly two years ago, is contributing toward the progress of the Kingdom in line with the Kingdom’s National Transformation Program and Saudi Vision 2030.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in Saudi Arabia, we want to bring a fresh perspective on digitization to our customers and partners, as well as the broader business and technology community,” said Haytham Al-Ohali, managing director of Cisco Saudi Arabia. Speaking ahead of the event, he added: “Cisco Connect Saudi Arabia 2018 will showcase breakthrough IT technologies, trends and innovations and highlight how digital transformation is driving change across Saudi industries and society by redefining business models and service provision. The event will also tackle the business challenges that will be created through step changes taking place in the Kingdom’s digitization.”
Cisco Connect Saudi Arabia 2018 featured the latest technology trends and solutions across the Cisco portfolio, including Cisco’s pioneering innovation, The Network. The event provided leaders from across Saudi Arabia’s government, public and private sectors, and ICT and business communities the opportunity to engage and share knowledge with Cisco experts and attend thought-provoking keynote and breakout sessions and panel discussions.
“At a time when change is the only constant, the key to socioeconomic development lies in continual innovation and staying ahead of the disruption curve,” said David Meads, vice president for Cisco Middle East and Africa. “With a progressive vision and excellent fundamentals, Saudi Arabia stands to benefit greatly from the digital era. The Kingdom is well positioned to leapfrog established economies and prosper immensely from the rapid pace of digital transformation.”
Cisco is proud to play an active role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy, improve citizen services and strengthen its competitiveness.”