Jyoti Lalchandani is a seasoned business executive with more than 25 years of experience in emerging markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). In his role as IDC’s Group Vice President and Regional Managing Director for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META), he has been instrumental in establishing IDC’s presence in the region – first, through the initial expansion of the Dubai headquarters and then by spearheading the development of IDC offices in Johannesburg, Istanbul, Riyadh, Casablanca, Lagos, Nairobi, and Cairo.
Jyoti is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and coordination of IDC’s market intelligence and advisory services, sales, conferences and events, go-to-market services, and office development activities across the META region. As a respected authority on emerging market tech trends, he is also regularly invited to speak at major industry events throughout the region and is frequently quoted by both the national and international media.
His field of expertise includes key tech areas such as cloud, analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, and he is well known for providing guidance on digital transformation strategies for the entire C-suite. He is a trusted advisor to senior executives in the supplier/enabler space across the ICT ecosystem, as well as to tech buyers from the CIO and line-of-business communities.
Starting at IDC’s CEMA (Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) headquarters in 1995 in Prague, the Czech Republic, Jyoti served as IDC’s regional consulting manager. In this role, he headed several country-based project teams that advised local and multinational IT vendors on issues relating to entry strategy, competitor analysis, ROI analysis, distribution and partner evaluation, and market segmentation. He later took on the additional responsibility of overseeing the CEMA software practice, in which he was responsible for overseeing all related research (applications, system infrastructure, and tools) and advisory work across emerging EMEA countries.
Before joining IDC, Jyoti served on the national board of international non-profit organization AIESEC, where he managed the association’s partnership agreements with leading Indian conglomerates. He graduated from Loyola College, India, where his studies focused on strategy management and business policy. He later attended a corporate-sponsored program at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts.

Haitham Elkhatib is the co-founder and CRO at UnifyApps, a complete agentic AI platform for enterprises. He is a seasoned professional with over 20+ years of experience in the technology industry. Haitham has held various leadership roles over the course of his career, and has a proven track record of driving revenue, growth, and innovation. His expertise spans across multiple regions, including the Middle East and North Africa, where he has successfully led teams to achieve significant milestones. Haitham is widely known for his strategic vision and commitment to excellence.

Mohamed Khallaf serves as UnifyApps’ vice president for Saudi Arabia. He is an accomplished leader dedicated to advancing strategic growth and digital transformation across the Kingdom and the wider Middle East. With a strong foundation in AI, he applies predictive modeling, automation, and intelligent systems to drive impactful change. Passionate about shaping Saudi Arabia’s future, he specializes in building master plans that articulate a bold vision, ensuring teams are aligned and motivated toward a unified “North Star.” His leadership fosters innovation, empowering organizations to navigate the evolving digital landscape with clarity and purpose.

Harish Dunakhe leads IDC’s research & advisory practice for the software program in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey (META) region.
He is responsible for a team of research analysts and manages the delivery of insights in IDC’s software program and syndicated research. Harish and his team have expertise in studying technology trends to provide our clients with thought leadership and actionable insights. He is based in Dubai.

Harish has a strong understanding of leveraging technologies to solve business problems in the public sector, travel & transportation, hospitality, IT, and retail. He has significant knowledge of emerging technologies such as blockchain, RPA, artificial intelligence, and cloud. He works with clients to understand the intricacies, opportunities, and challenges involved in their technology transformation journeys.

Harish brings more than 17 years of experience working with leading system integrators and other technology companies across the Middle East, South Asia, and India. Prior to joining IDC, he held senior roles spanning technology sales strategy, program governance, and large account business planning at Global MNCs such as Wipro, DXC Technology, and Sonata Software.

Eren is a seasoned analyst with 20+ years of experience in the ICT sector. He directs all IDC ICT research and consulting engagements in Türkiye, and all sustainability research and consulting projects across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META).

Based in Istanbul, Eren has been involved in projects ranging from market forecasts to strategic consulting engagements on market entry, competitive analysis, go-to-market strategies, technology marketing, and end-user studies. Eren’s vast experience in the IT services, cloud, software, and telecommunications domains helps IDC clients understand the impact of technology-enabled, sustainable transformation processes in the context of sustainable digital business strategies, operations, products, and services. In addition to his research and consulting activities, Eren is a speaker at industry events.

Prior to joining IDC in 2017, Eren spent more than a decade in IT industry roles spanning portfolio management, channel and business development, pricing, and software development at companies including Turk Telekom and TAI.

Eren earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering and an MBA focused on technology road mapping for strategy and innovation, both from Middle East Technical University. He received a master of science in information systems, with a thesis on modeling mobile telecommunications services, from Middle East Technical University. During his academic endeavors, he studied for one semester at the University of Copenhagen, and for one semester at Harvard University. He is pursuing a marketing PhD focused on sustainability.

In his role as associate research director for IT services and software across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META), Melih drives IDC’s regional research and consulting engagements in the areas of IT services, Cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and intelligent automation.

He first joined IDC in 2012 as a senior research analyst located out of IDC’s Istanbul office, with various responsibilities for the firm’s IT services, cloud computing, software, and telecom domains — both in Turkey and across the wider META region. Between 2016 and 2021, Melih headed the international marketing and investor relations practice at P.I. Works, a global automation and AI software vendor that serves telecom operators.

Now back at IDC, Melih is leveraging his vast experience in the IT services, cloud, software, and telecommunications domains to advise clients on go-to-market strategies, technology marketing and promotion activities, and market trends analysis. He is also driving a wide variety of research and consulting projects across the META region.

Melih has also previously served as enterprise channel and marketing manager at Nortel Turkey and as business development and strategy manager at Netaş, one of the leading systems integrators in Turkey and a former Nortel subsidiary. He possesses a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and received his MBA from Esslingen University of Applied Sciences in Germany. He has worked as a business development specialist at HP and wrote his MBA thesis for the company, covering European retail channel trends and winning strategies for channel businesses.

Enas Ashraf is Crayon’s senior manager for digital evolution and innovation. She is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of global experience in driving digital transformation across industries such as telecommunications, government, utilities, banking, and logistics. In her current role, she specializes in helping organizations unlock the potential of advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT to foster innovation and accelerate adoption. Enas is deeply focused on building AI centers of excellence, implementing scalable solutions, and delivering transformative outcomes. With a proven track record of collaborating with ecosystem partners and managing large-scale initiatives, her expertise lies in guiding businesses to thrive in an evolving digital economy through innovative and impactful strategies.

Gary has over 30 years’ experience in technology delivery, project management and sales and is passionate about delivering real business value through innovative technology. Gary has gained a unique view of the Application development life cycles of major corporations and how data can be both an accelerator and an inhibitor to innovation.

Marwan AlHuthail serves as Veeam Software’s Senior Enterprise Sales Manager for Saudi Arabia. He brings 15 years of enterprise IT expertise, marked by his leadership in helping organizations unlock their potential by delivering critical solutions for digital transformation. Prior to joining Veeam, Marwan served in impactful IT and customer-centric focused roles throughout Saudi Arabia. He is recognized for his strategic foresight and proven ability to lead initiatives in devising and implementing creative, practical strategies that significantly advanced customer experience, digital, and technology transformation. His career reflects a strong commitment to driving positive outcomes through effective partnerships.

Steve Fernandes serves as Confluent’s senior manager for solutions engineering. He is a seasoned IT professional with 26 years of experience in the tech industry, and possesses extensive expertise in presales, consulting, and systems integration solutions. During his career he has covered a wide range of IT infrastructure areas, including data pipelines, cloud computing, enterprise storage, and security, among others. Steve has built and led international teams to foster innovation across the business and bridge the gap between stakeholders and IT teams. With his multicultural background and understanding of various industry verticals like healthcare, oil and gas, government, education, aviation, and finance, he’s played a pivotal role in shaping and achieving the strategic ambitions of his clients in the Middle East. Steve has recently completed a post-graduate program in AI from the university of Texas McCombs and is leveraging that knowledge to build out new AI capabilities within the data streaming space.

Adrian Hayes is a record-breaking adventurer, speaker, corporate coach, and sustainability ambassador. A former British Army Gurkha officer and Airbus sales director, he has set two Guinness world records for polar expeditions – for reaching the Earth’s ‘3 Poles’ in the shortest period of time in history and for the Arctic’s longest unsupported snow-kiting expedition to date.

H.E. Eng. Anas Al-Reemi serves as Vice Governor of Technologies and Solutions at Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority. He is a value-driven executive with 20+ years of strategic leadership in digital transformation and technology innovation, and is a visionary leader shaping Saudi Arabia’s digital evolution through large-scale initiatives that enhance efficiency, elevate global rankings, and drive sustainable growth. He has a proven track record of success in driving enterprise-wide transformations, from pioneering Saudi Arabia’s first full cloud migration to launching digital platforms that revolutionized judicial services and education. Over the course of his career, he has led key national platforms, including Najiz, Gov.sa, and MoE, ensuring seamless change management and stakeholder collaboration to drive measurable impact.

H.E. Khalid AlGhilagah is the Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation within Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports, where he leads the development of digital infrastructure and promotes the adoption of modern technologies to enhance operational efficiency across the sports sector. With over 18 years of executive leadership in digital transformation and systems integration within both the public and private sectors, he has led several national initiatives and strategic projects with prominent government entities. Prior to taking on his current role, he held senior positions at the Ministry of Finance and SABIC.

Mohammad Alharbi serves as the assistant deputy minister for digital and innovation within Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). He is an experienced business-oriented executive with in-depth technical knowledge of ICT and corporate strategy development. He has more than 20 years of experience in multicultural organizations in different fields, including oil and gas, telecommunications, and government. He led the first ever cloud migration of government IT systems in Saudi Arabia. As an assistant deputy minister for digital and innovation, he manages an extensive technology portfolio, oversees digital transformation strategy and implementation, and manages IT services and operations. He also encourages innovation via the use of emerging technologies such as AI.

A talented professional with 30 years of in depth experience in the IT industry. An innovator, with keen entrepreneurial instincts and exquisite technical leadership skills in turning emerging technologies into viable business ventures, transforming ideas into operationally robust technical platforms. Has effective leadership skills in inspiring employees to reach their full potential, setting and maintaining high standards of integrity, honesty and transparency.

With an extensive experience as Executive-Level IT and Communications. Holding various leadership positions within the MOD, continuing to serve as General director of information technology in MOD, providing leadership and direction to a number successful major IT Projects. Main areas of expertise include Service Management, Infrastructure, Security, Programme, and Vendor management. Personal skills include commercial acumen and innovation together with constructive mediation and resolution to accomplish Organizational Goals.

A pioneer who can react to a variety of scenarios and able respond when situations arise without being passive. An associate degree knowledgeable leader with a transparent thirty year account and leadership expertise within MOD, motivated by desirous to deliver the goals and objectives of Vision 2030.

Dr. Eyad Buhulaiga is a pioneering leader in data, digital, and industrial transformation, currently serving as Chief Data Management & Digital Strategy Officer at Saudi Electricity Company. Drawing on his IT management background and deep expertise in cyber-physical systems and Manufacturing Operation Management, he spearheads the Data Management Office, Enterprise Architecture Office, and digital venture initiatives. Guided by a passion for smart plants and cities, Eyad’s mission is to harness advanced technologies to create sustainable, future-ready ecosystems that benefit generations to come.

Alessio Garofalo is a tech executive with strong roots in defense as a veteran, and an international career spanning roles at Amazon and NEOM. Now serving as CIO/CTO of Oxagon, Alessio drives the technology development of the industrial city of the future. He also advises companies on innovation, AI, robotics, and emerging technologies. Author of two international books and active entrepreneur, Alessio thrives on creating and developing leading products and business models.

Ramez Ibrahim AlFayez serves as the chief IT officer of the King Abdullah Financial District. He is a seasoned executive leader with over 21 years of experience in driving digital business transformation. He excels in establishing high-performance teams and optimizing operations to achieve strategic goals. He has a strong background in strategy, finance, procurement, and contracting and has collaborated with international consulting firms to develop and implement digital transformation strategies across various sectors. As a visionary leader in technology and innovation, he has spearheaded numerous successful projects, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and data analytics to drive business growth. His deep understanding of emerging trends and his ability to identify innovative solutions have enabled him to spearhead numerous winning technology initiatives. He was recognized as a TOP 100 CIO in Saudi Arabia in 2017 and one of the country’s top 100 visionary leaders in digital transformation in 2023.

Dr. Abdulrhman Alkhanifer is a digital transformation consultant specialized in building the digital journeys CX/UX. Currently, he is the CIO at King Saud University. Also, he serves as the CEO of K-Devs company. Dr. Alkhanifer received his PhD from Rochester Institute of Technology in NY,USA.

Majed Mohammad Alshodari serves as general director of the IT department at the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. He is also a member of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce’s Communications and IT Committee and a member of the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants, which is based in New Mexico. As part of his responsibilities, he helps establish future strategies, improve corporate governance, oversee operational plans, and analyze financial reports, revenue, and other expenses. He is a well-known business leader and an executive player with an intelligible passion for technology, cybersecurity, shared services, digitization, corporate strategy, and organizational change management. He has received numerous technology and innovation awards that have been based on his credibility and experience in delivering complex business development initiatives.

Yazeed Al Otaibi serves as assistant deputy minister for planning and digital transformation within Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health (MOH). He possesses vast experience in the areas of business and digital healthcare transformation, having delivered a number of key strategic transformational programs for the Ministry. For example, he led and directed the delivery and execution of the MOH Digital Strategies, the National Digital Health Blueprint, and the Digital Health Governance Frameworks. Over the course of his career, he has led multiple functions within the ehealth and digital transformation deputyship, such as the Office of Strategy Management, the Enterprise Architect Function, and the Digital Program Management Office.

Jayesh Maganlal currently serves as group chief information and digital officer (GCIDO) at ROSHN Real Estate, where he drives the company’s digital transformation and innovation agenda. With more than 22 years of experience leading technology and business transformations across various industries in global multinationals, as well as regional industries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, Jayesh is a highly accomplished executive. Before joining ROSHN Real Estate, he held several leadership positions in the region, including CIO at Damac, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, and a government-owned budget airline in Dubai. He has a proven track record of delivering successful technology and business initiatives that result in significant cost savings, revenue growth, and improved customer experiences. With extensive experience in solving various business challenges across all technology areas in diversified industries, Jayesh is highly adept at grasping complexity and driving simplicity. He has a win-win mindset and excels at building profitable long-term relationships while helping companies grow. As a digital evangelist, Jayesh champions the use of data and technology practices to instil a digital mindset from the top down.

Bandar Alshahrani serves as executive director of the digital and technology division at Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, a PIF company. In this role, he is leading the development and execution of Rua’s digital transformation strategy. With over 20 years of experience in the digital and technology domains, Bandar is passionate about leveraging technologies, innovations, and digital transformation to enable business excellence and sustainability. Previously, he served as head of digital and innovation at ARDARA Development Company, also a PIF company, where he established the organization’s digital and innovation function and developed the ARDARA Digital Strategy aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and creating a positive social impact. He has also served as CIO at Ma’aden and was an integral developer of the Maaden Digitalization Strategy 2025 and a member of the Board of Managers of Ma’aden Fertilizer Company.

Mohannad AlSalmi is the CIO of Flyadeal. He has over 28 years of experience in IT and digital transformation. Throughout his lengthy career, he has held key roles in various organizations where he has been instrumental in developing and leading digital strategies, road maps, and projects. In 2022, he was recognized as one of the top 10 CIOs in the Middle East by IDC. He is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach who has earned a leadership and management qualification from the International Air Transport Association.

Mohammed Al-Ghannam serves as the general supervisor for IT and digital transformation at the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services. He is an accomplished business-oriented digital leader with an impressive track record of 22 years in IT and digital transformation. He excels in navigating intricate business strategies and implementing cutting-edge digital solutions. His expertise spans diverse domains, empowering him to drive digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data strategies with unparalleled proficiency. During his tenure at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, he has spearheaded numerous digital and technology programs and attained new heights of operational excellence. His approach seamlessly integrates technology adoption with cultural and strategic shifts, fostering growth and efficiency in the digital era.

Ahmad Al Rifai serves as group IT director at Al Muhaidib Group. He is a seasoned technology executive with more than 25 years of cross-industry experience across the F&B, FMCG, retail, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals sectors. He has led large-scale digital transformation programs, leveraging cloud technologies, cybersecurity frameworks, and strategic IT initiatives to drive business growth. In recent years, Ahmad’s focus has expanded to integrating AI to boost operational efficiency and enable data-driven decision-making. Ahmad brings a unique blend of leadership, innovation, and technical expertise — aligning emerging technologies with business priorities to deliver tangible value.

Anas Mosa is a visionary IT and digital transformation leader who currently serves as IT director at a government entity. He is a seasoned IT executive with over 24 years of experience leading digital innovation across enterprise, government, and start-up environments. Renowned for architecting and executing transformative IT strategies that align with business goals, optimize operations, and drive sustainable growth, Anas is a dynamic leader with a strong track record of managing multi-million-dollar budgets, building high-performing cross-functional teams, and delivering mission-critical programs from vision to value. Anas brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic foresight, with his leadership experience spanning multiple sectors, including real estate, healthcare, government services, and technology start-ups, where he has repeatedly delivered innovation, efficiency, and cost savings.

Hani is the Chief Information Officer at Extra. Levering 25 years of experience in technology and Retail business with a successful track record in Digital Transformation, e-commerce, and building capabilities to enhance the customer experience to cope with the new digital era that we live in today.

Mohammed Almisfer is a seasoned executive and transformation advisor with over 25 years of experience driving digital innovation, operational excellence, and business development across the public and private sectors in the GCC region. His leadership has been instrumental in reshaping technology landscapes, enabling organizations to deliver sustainable value through strategy execution, data-driven innovation, and agile transformation. He is currently advising organizations on expanding their services in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on AI enablement and digital transformation. Previously, Mohammed served in multiple C-level and advisory roles, where he led some of the most impactful transformation initiatives in the region — ranging from core banking modernization and real-time supervision to large-scale platform design aligned with Vision 2030. Mohammed is a Saudi Certified Chair from the Advisory Board Centre and has contributed to national initiatives and institutional growth through strategic advisory, operational scaling, and technology innovation. He is known for his visionary leadership and empowering style, consistently bridging the gap between technology and business strategy.