The WEF has labeled the current era of digital transformation the ‘4th Industrial Revolution’ - with trends like IoT, big data, AI / machine learning, blockchain, and robotics building tremendous momentum and transforming business in every sector of the economy.  From Big Data providing the core for analysis, optimization, and product creation, to blockchain technologies providing automation, speed, and authentication, to artificial intelligence applications that can provide in person support all the way through to in-depth analysis. Entreprises across sectors are committing increasing budgets to tech adoption: IDC reports that spending on AI systems in MEA is anticipated to reach $374M in 2020, while Saudi Arabia recently launching the National Center for AI.  At the same time the increase in technology adoption is making cyber-security a critical business concern for businesses: IBM estimates that MENA is the second highest region in the world in average cost of breaches for entities at $5.97M. This panel will explore the established and emerging technologies that are driving digital transformation, the top areas for investment for CIOs and business leaders, as well as challenges and lessons learned from implementation.

Yasser Alobaidan, Founder and CEO, Jawra
Anthony Butler, Chief Technology Officer - Middle East and Africa, IBM
Rashid AlBallaa, Managing Director, National Technology Group (NTG) 
Mohammed AlKhushail, Board Member of Communications and Information Technology Commission, Chairman of NOMD Holding 
Bassam Aleidy, General Manager, Digital Banking and Innovation, Bank Albilad

Moderator: Mohammed Alrokayan, Former Chief Executive Officer at National Digitization Unit, Founder and Chairman at Squad Partner