IDC, GBM & IBM Conference
The AI-Ready Enterprise
How Qatar Is Rebuilding IT for Scale
Hosted By
AI spending in Qatar is projected to top USD 2 billion by 2029. Enterprises here are moving past isolated experiments, putting AI into the systems that actually run the business.
This executive summit brings Qatar’s IT and infrastructure leaders together across two tracks: infrastructure built to run AI reliably, and AI-driven automation designed to run IT operations more powerfully.
From resilient infrastructure to security to AI-powered automation, explore what it takes to run AI at the heart of the business.
Discussion Areas
Infrastructure built for AI at scale
How infrastructure performance, security, and resilience hold up under AI workloads that can’t tolerate downtime.
Security that doesn't slow anything down
Where infrastructure-level security and third-party integrations protect AI workloads without adding friction.
Resilience that survives the worst day
How cyber-resilient storage keeps critical data recoverable when everything else fails.
Automation that runs IT operations
Where AI-powered observability and automation keep infrastructure running without adding headcount.
Integration built for agentic AI
How hybrid integration and identity security keep AI agents accountable across on-prem and multicloud.
Agenda
IDC, GBM & IBM Conference
Mon, Oct 19
Registration & Networking
Welcome Address
Raid Shahin
General Manager, GBM Qatar
IDC Keynote: Sovereign and Resilient IT, and the Role of Automation in Getting Both Right
This keynote lays out what “autonomous IT” actually means in practice: infrastructure resilient enough to absorb failure and security threats without constant oversight, and IT operations automated enough to scale with AI demand without scaling headcount. IDC sets out why this shift is now the baseline for Qatar’s IT organizations.
Shahin Hashim
Associate Research Director (META), IDC
The Autonomous Enterprise: How AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Business
AI is moving beyond assistants to autonomous agents that reason, decide and execute end-to-end processes. In this keynote, we will explore how the autonomous enterprise is reshaping how organizations operate and compete. It also covers what it takes to scale from pilots to agent-driven operations, that includes a trusted data foundation, high-value use cases and strong Data & AI governance that keeps autonomy secure, transparent and accountable.
Tamer Aly
Practice Leader – Data & AI, GBM
Autonomous IT for the AI Era
As AI reshapes enterprise IT, organizations must move beyond reactive management toward autonomous, self-optimizing operations. This keynote explores how AI-driven automation, predictive intelligence, and self-healing infrastructure are transforming IT operations across Qatar and the region- reducing downtime, strengthening security, and enabling teams to focus on innovation. Attendees will gain practical insights into building an autonomous IT strategy fit for the AI era
Mohamed Amr
IBM Business Unit Manager, GBM
Tea, Coffee & Networking Break
Track Sessions
Track A- AI Infrastructure and Cyber Resilience
11:10AM – 11:40AM
Securing the Future: IBM Power11 Innovations & New Capabilities & Security along with ISVs
Ahmad Hussein
Technology Systems Architect, IBM
11:40AM – 12:00PM
OpenShift in a Box- Agentic & Hybrid AI : IBM Fusion HCI
Loay Tabaa
Storage Technical Sales Leader- MEA, IBM
12:00PM – 12:20PM
Cyber Resilience with IBM Storage
Loay Tabaa
Storage Technical Sales Leader- MEA, IBM
Track B- Agentic AI and Intelligent Operations
11:10AM – 11:30AM
Unlocking Enterprise Productivity with Agentic AI
Ahmed Lashin
Data & AI Senior Technical Specialist, IBM
11:30AM – 11:50AM
Trusted AI at Scale: Build Trust and Resilience into Every AI Decision
Joy Paul
Practice Leader – IBM Analytics, Risk, Sustainability & AI, GBM
11:50AM – 12:10PM
Integration for the AI Era: Connect, Modernize & Scale
Feras Juma
Integration Technical Sales Leader, Middle East and Africa, IBM
12:10PM – 12:30PM
From Automation to Autonomy: Reinventing Enterprise Operations with AI
Rahul Jaini
Practice Leader- IBM DevOps, AIOps, Cloud, FinOps, Observability and Enterprise Automation, GBM
Lunch & Networking
Speakers
Raid Shahin
General Manager
GBM Qatar
Read bio
Raid Shahin
Shahin Hashim
Associate Research Director (META)
IDC
Read bio
Shahin Hashim
Event Sessions
One Day Event 9:35 am
IDC Keynote: Sovereign and Resilient IT, and the Role of Automation in Getting Both Right
This keynote lays out what “autonomous IT” actually means in practice: infrastructure resilient enough to absorb failure and security threats without constant oversight, and IT operations automated enough to scale with AI demand without scaling headcount. IDC sets out why this shift is now the baseline for Qatar’s IT organizations.
Tamer Aly
Practice Leader – Data & AI
GBM
Read bio
Tamer Aly
Tamer Aly leads the Data & AI Practice at GBM, where he helps organizations across the region turn AI ambition into business results. With more than 25 years of experience across multiple industries, he advises clients at every stage of their AI transformation, from shaping the initial roadmap to scaling solutions across the enterprise.
Event Sessions
One Day Event 9:55 am
The Autonomous Enterprise: How AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Business
AI is moving beyond assistants to autonomous agents that reason, decide and execute end-to-end processes. In this keynote, we will explore how the autonomous enterprise is reshaping how organizations operate and compete. It also covers what it takes to scale from pilots to agent-driven operations, that includes a trusted data foundation, high-value use cases and strong Data & AI governance that keeps autonomy secure, transparent and accountable.
Mohamed Amr
IBM Business Unit Manager
GBM
Read bio
Mohamed Amr
Mohamed Amr leads the IBM Software & Systems business unit with more than 27 years in the IT industry across IBM and GBM Qatar. His role is to expand GBM Digital transformation Solution footprint, encompassing Data & AI, AIOps, AI Governance and Counter Fraud Management, demonstrating robust growth in market share and revenue. Oversee all aspects of including strategic planning and execution to achieve business unit objectives.
Event Sessions
One Day Event 10:25 am
Autonomous IT for the AI Era
As AI reshapes enterprise IT, organizations must move beyond reactive management toward autonomous, self-optimizing operations. This keynote explores how AI-driven automation, predictive intelligence, and self-healing infrastructure are transforming IT operations across Qatar and the region- reducing downtime, strengthening security, and enabling teams to focus on innovation. Attendees will gain practical insights into building an autonomous IT strategy fit for the AI era
Ahmad Hussein
Technology Systems Architect
IBM
Read bio
Ahmad Hussein
Ahmad Hussein is a technology advisor with over 22 years of experience helping organizations translate complex infrastructure challenges into practical, business-driven solutions. His expertise spans IBM Power, Storage, Red Hat Linux, and hybrid cloud, backed by extensive experience in technical sales, consulting, architecture, and customer engagement.
Ahmed Lashin
Data & AI Senior Technical Specialist
IBM
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Ahmed Lashin
Ahmed Lashin is a seasoned Data & AI professional and a published technical author. Currently he is a Senior Technical Specialist at IBM, bringing over 18 years of experience in designing and delivering enterprise data and AI solutions and helping organizations to drive innovation and business transformation. His expertise spans Enterprise Data Architecture, AI, Advanced Analytics, and Governance, with a proven track record of delivering strategic solutions across diverse industries.
Joy Paul
Practice Leader – IBM Analytics, Risk, Sustainability & AI
GBM
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Joy Paul
Joy Paul is a seasoned practice leader in IBM Analytics, Risk, Sustainability & AI at GBM, with over 25 years of experience driving data-driven transformations across MEA and India. An IBM Champion for seven years, Joy specializes in Performance Management, ESG & Sustainability, Responsible AI Governance, GPRC (Governance, Performance, Risk and Compliance) and Counter Fraud Management.
Loay Tabaa
Storage Technical Sales Leader- MEA
IBM
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Loay Tabaa
Loay Tabbaa is an experienced IBM Storage technical sales leader, driving business growth and technical excellence across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). He specializes in enterprise storage, hybrid cloud, AI infrastructure, and IBM Fusion solutions, helping clients modernize their IT environments and accelerate digital transformation. With a strong background in technical presales, customer engagement, and strategic sales execution, he builds trusted partnerships and delivers business value. Passionate about innovation, team development, and technical enablement, Loay empowers teams to succeed in an evolving technology landscape.
Feras Juma
Integration Technical Sales Leader, Middle East and Africa
IBM
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Feras Juma
Feras Juma has over 24 years of experience in the IT industry, I specialize in guiding customers through their digital transformation journeys, helping them realize the value of initiatives around Hybrid Cloud, AI, Hybrid Integration, API Management, and Process Automation. My extensive background across diverse technologies enables me to drive impactful change and unlock the full potential of data to deliver real value.
Rahul Jaini
Practice Leader- IBM DevOps, AIOps, Cloud, FinOps, Observability and Enterprise Automation
GBM
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Rahul Jaini
Rahul Jaini is a technology and digital transformation leader with over 20 years of experience in DevOps, AIOps, Cloud, FinOps, Observability and Enterprise Automation. Based in Dubai, he works with GBM , helping organizations across the GCC modernize IT operations, accelerate software delivery, and drive business value through emerging technologies.
Partner
GBM IBM
GBM Qatar is a 100% Qatari company and the country’s leading digital transformation partner, with over 35 years of experience delivering cloud, cybersecurity, managed services, infrastructure, and AI solutions to 150+ clients across government, finance, healthcare, and other key sectors. Backed by strategic alliances with IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, and Google, GBM Qatar combines deep local market expertise with global technology innovation to empower Qatar’s digital future.
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