IDC, GBM & IBM Conference
The Agentic Enterprise
Closing the Gap Between AI Ambition and AI Operations
Hosted By
AI has moved from aspiration to essential infrastructure. IDC forecasts AI spending in UAE will reach USD 5.78 billion in 2029, and the enterprises that move first will capture it.
This conference brings together senior technology leaders from across the UAE to see what it takes to run it at scale, spanning systems, automation, and agentic AI.
Delegates will hear from GBM & IBM’s global leadership and get a first look at what’s next.
This is where the region sees AI delivered, not promised.
Discussion Areas
Systems Built to Scale AI
See what separates infrastructure that supports AI workloads from infrastructure that limits them.
Automation that Unlocks AI’s True Potential
Where automation removes the friction blocking deployment at enterprise scale.
Agentic AI, from Pilot to Production
How peer organisations are handling the governance, integration, and skills questions that decide whether it sticks.
UAE's AI Reality Check
Inside Enterprise Adoption on the Ground
Agenda
IDC, GBM & IBM Conference
One Day Event
Registration & Networking
Welcome Address By GBM
IDC Keynote: The State of Enterprise AI in the UAE
The UAE is moving fast, but is enterprise AI keeping pace with ambition? This keynote unpacks where UAE organizations really stand on AI adoption today, the gaps between pilot and production, and what it will take to turn investment into measurable advantage. Navigate what’s next with the evidence to back it.
Melih Murat
Associate Research Director, Artificial Intelligence (META), IDC
Accelerate the Race, the Systems Decisions for Scaling AI
Scaling AI isn’t just an algorithm problem, it’s a systems problem. This keynote explores the infrastructure, architecture, and platform decisions separating enterprises that scale AI successfully from those stuck in pilot mode. Learn what it takes to build the technical foundation that turns AI ambition into enterprise-wide advantage.
The Multiplier Enterprises are Missing
Most enterprises are investing in AI, but few are unlocking its real multiplier effect. This keynote reveals the missing piece that separates isolated AI wins from compounding, enterprise-wide impact, and what leaders need to change to turn scattered initiatives into a genuine force multiplier for the business.
Networking Break
Panel Discussion: What UAE Enterprises Need to Deliver AI at Scale
Moving from AI pilots to AI at scale takes more than technology, it takes the right talent, governance, and organizational buy-in. This panel brings together UAE enterprise leaders to debate what’s really required to scale AI successfully, and the hard trade-offs behind getting there.
Lunch & Networking
Speakers
Melih Murat
Associate Research Director, Artificial Intelligence (META)
IDC
Read bio
Melih Murat
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.
Event Sessions
One Day Event 10:10 am
IDC Keynote: The State of Enterprise AI in the UAE
The UAE is moving fast, but is enterprise AI keeping pace with ambition? This keynote unpacks where UAE organizations really stand on AI adoption today, the gaps between pilot and production, and what it will take to turn investment into measurable advantage. Navigate what’s next with the evidence to back it.
Partner
GBM | IBM
Gulf Business Machines (GBM) is the leading regional solutions provider in the Gulf region, offering world class technology and services. We put the client’s needs first, providing on-ground, local and remote expertise, with round-the-clock customer care. As a leading Hybrid Cloud & Digital Solutions provider, we support organizations of all sizes and industries on their journey to digital transformation. We serve over 2500 customers in 5 Countries across the region.
