RIYADH: The top senior executives in Saudi business must work together in close coordination to better understand each other’s priorities in the current disruptive digital environment, said
Matthew Kibby, Vice President Enterprise, Africa and Middle East atthe Sage, a British multinational enterprise software company headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Digital disruption is the change that occurs when new digital technologies and business models affect the value proposition of existing goods and services.
Kibby was speaking at a round table hosted here on Wednesday by the Sage Middle East in collaboration with leading industry analyst firm IDC to discuss best practices that bridge the increasingly interrelated functions of the Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Chief
Investment Officers (CIOs) as organizations ramp up the adoption of digital technologies
in the Kingdom Under Saudi Vision 2030.
Significantly, digital transformation is a key pillar of the Vision 2030, the national transformation road-map to reform and diversify Saudi economy, and develop various other sectors including health, construction, tourism and education. The event titled the “CFO-CIO Exchange: Building a framework for CFO-CIO collaboration in an era of digital disruption”, explored how technologies impact the CFO’s function, and how CIOs must increasingly collaborate with CFOs to develop business cases for the quick adoption of new technologies.
Speaking at the opening session Kibby said, "Saudi’s grand reform plan targeting the post-oil age will drive digital disruption and technological evolution for all industries in the Kingdom."
" As such, it is imperative that C-Suite business leaders understand and appreciate each other’s business priorities," he said said adding, " the finance function has to embrace digital transformation through big data and artificial intelligence (AI)."
Notably, C-Suite business leader refers to the seniors who get names from the titles of top executives which tend to start with the letter C for chief, as in Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Later speaking to Arab News on their priority and role in line with Vision 2030, Kibby said, " a key priority for us at Sage is to equip enterprises with smarter business software solutions, capable of intuitively helping organizations boost productivity and make better decisions based on
real-time data."
"For us it is very important that we have a valuable market presence in Saudi Arabia, we have a number of customers in the region, we really want to make sure that we are aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 that technology is going to assist in the achievements of local businesses with digital
transformation playing key role in national transformation program," he added.
He further pointed that there is a log list of new technologies which various organizations have started specializing in such as mobility, cloud computing, the internet of things (IoT), robotics, these types of technologies have started to become more and more mainstream and organizations started to impress with these technologies especially what they can deliver to reach expectations in line with Vision 2030.
He added that CFO holds the budget and is basically a business leader and CIO takes the technology decisions, they need to have a collaborative engagement model to the benefit of the organizations, which we are focusing on, it will also be helpful in parting the age gap as well as technology gap between the CFOs and CIOs.
In the second session there was a presentation on the newly introduced value-added tax (VAT), its implementation in the Kingdom and the impact it has had on businesses and industries in the GCC region.
Speaking about VAT and its business implications, Mansoor Sarwar, Director for Technical Services and Pre-Sales, Sage Middle East, said, " the GCC region is still in early stages
of the VAT regime, with only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) having implemented it this year.
The fresh introduction of duties in a region totally unfamiliar with taxes have been a challenge for CFOs, who need to balance performance, efficiency and risk, he added. Aligned with the digital transformation of the economy, CFOs should look to joint decision-making with CIOs, and use digital tools that can help automate most of the VAT process and drive productivity, he noted.
Later Kibby and Sarwar were joined by Ranjit Rajan, Associate Vice President for Research at IDC Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Moazam A Shah, CFO, Al Zamil Group and Hassan Al-Bahes, Chairman of the Institute of Management (IMA,Riyadh Chapter) in a panel that discussed best practices for CFOs and CIOs that align their functions and drive excellence in performance.
Rajan, who earlier made a presentation on navigating digital transformation, moderated the
panel discussion.
The event was attended by about 100 business executives representing various industries.
Sage is the market and technology leader for integrated cloud accounting, payroll, and payment systems, supporting the ambition of entrepreneurs and business builders.
Saudi business heads must coordinate in disruptive digital environment, says tech leader
Saudi business heads must coordinate in disruptive digital environment, says tech leader
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Saudi, Japan officials discuss relations in Tokyo
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TOKYO: Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto met with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Ghazi Faisal S. Binzagr on Wednesday to discuss various issues, including the two nations’ recently launched Strategic Partnership Council.
Matsumoto highlighted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and expressed hope relations would continue to develop in various fields.
Binzagr echoed Matsumoto’s sentiments and thanked him for attending the recent Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 Ministerial Roundtable in Riyadh.
KSrelief organizes training in Aden on cholera, infection controls
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- 170 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers from across Yemen receive training
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief recently held a training course in Aden governorate for healthcare personnel to treat cholera patients and institute infection controls, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The course was held in partnership with the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health, as a part of the cholera-prevention project in Yemen.
A total of 170 doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers from across Yemen received training on Feb. 12 and 13.
The course covered epidemiological definitions, transmission methods, risk factors, clinical manifestations, dehydration assessment, cholera management during pregnancy, and treatment of malnourished children.
The initiative is a part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts, through KSrelief, to enhance Yemen’s healthcare system, particularly the management of infectious diseases.
MWL hosts forum to foster dialogue, promote Islamic unity
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- Makkah conference will feature senior figures from various sects, denominations
- Guide to common Islamic principles to be launched during forum
RIYADH: The Muslim World League will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects on March 6-7 in Makkah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The conference will bring together leading muftis, scholars, intellectuals, and representatives from senior Islamic councils, jurisprudential academies, and religious institutions across different sects and denominations.
It will serve as a unified platform for fostering constructive dialogue among diverse Islamic traditions as well as coordinating efforts and resources to strengthen Islamic unity, while ensuring mutual respect for doctrinal diversity.
The forum also aims to overcome sectarian disputes that have historically led to division and conflict, and promote fraternity and cohesion through practical initiatives.
This year’s conference marks a critical step in transforming the principles outlined in the inaugural conference into actionable programs, SPA said.
Discussions will address issues such as enhancing intra-Islamic dialogue and cooperation.
A highlight of the conference will be the launch of the encyclopedia of Islamic intellectual convergence, prepared by the Center for Safeguarding Intellect.
The encyclopedia, developed with contributions from 60 Islamic scholars and thinkers, aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to common Islamic principles.
Arab countries welcome Saudi Arabia’s hosting of talks between US, Russia
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- Russia, US agree to start working toward ending conflict in Ukraine
RIYADH: Arab countries on Tuesday welcomed Saudi efforts to host talks in Riyadh between the US and Russia on the Ukraine conflict.
Russia and the US agreed to start working toward ending the conflict in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties, the two countries’ top diplomats said after the talks.
The UAE expressed “hope that the talks will serve as a significant step towards bridging differences, fostering communication and advancing dialogue to bring an end to the nearly three-year-long conflict,” the Emirates News Agency reported.
Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the efforts of Saudi Arabia in hosting the talks “which reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting international peace efforts, and achieving global stability and prosperity.”
The ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting peaceful resolutions to conflicts and promoting international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Majed Al-Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Saudi efforts to lead the talks that “will hopefully result in peace in a struggle that has gone on for a very long time.”
Al-Ansari added: “We have called from day one for both parties to engage in a peaceful resolution of this war. This war has had huge humanitarian costs and great geopolitical (and) economic impact globally.”
Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed the talks and expressed the hope that they would “lead to achieving their desired goals in enhancing security and stability in the world.”
Sufyan Qudah, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, commended Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in hosting the talks and said they highlighted the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to foster comprehensive and just peace worldwide.
The Palestinian presidency said the talks were a culmination of the wise policy pursued by Saudi Arabia’s leadership, adding that it was “a policy that fosters regional and international stability and affirms Riyadh’s commitment to its effective role in achieving peace and security.”
Manga exhibition in Jeddah explores evolution of Japanese artform
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- Event strengthens bonds of friendship, cooperation between Kingdom and Japan, says consul-general
JEDDAH: As Saudi Arabia and Japan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, the Consulate-General of Japan in Jeddah is marking the milestone with Manga Hokusai Manga, a three-week art exhibition running until March 8.
Organized in collaboration with the Jeddah Historical Development Project and the Japan Foundation, the exhibition explores the evolution of Japanese manga from the 19th-century works of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai to the modern format that has gained widespread popularity in the Kingdom.
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Hosted at Bait Amir Bahar in Al-Balad, one of Jeddah’s historic homes, the exhibition highlights both the similarities and contrasts between the artistic styles while showcasing the cultural depth of Japanese storytelling.
Rather than simply focusing on how Hokusai’s work influenced manga, the exhibition invites visitors to compare both styles and understand what makes them unique. It examines themes such as visual storytelling, artistic techniques and cultural participation across different eras.
HIGHLIGHT
The exhibition in Jeddah explores the evolution of Japanese manga from the 19th-century works of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai to the modern format that has gained widespread popularity in the Kingdom.
Hokusai’s manga drawings, while sometimes resembling cartoons, encompass a wide variety of subjects, from nature to human expressions and everyday life. Unlike modern comics, his work was not centered on humor but balanced artistic instruction with entertainment — much like how manga today combines storytelling with visual artistry.
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Hokusai created his manga using woodblock printing, transferring the images onto paper in three primary colors: Black, gray and pale peach. The collection, comprising 4,000 illustrations across almost 800 pages, was published between 1814 and 1878 in 15 volumes bound with string.
The phrase denshin kaishu, which precedes the title, translates to “transmitting the spirit and learning the craft,” highlighting the collection’s educational purpose.
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Hokusai Manga was originally used as a reference book for aspiring artists, much like today’s “How to Draw Manga” guides. Similar to modern fan-made manga, his work encouraged learning, copying and artistic experimentation.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Daisuke Yamamoto, the consul-general of Japan in Jeddah, described Hokusai as one of Japan’s greatest artists, modernizing traditional print styles through innovations in subject matter and composition.
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“Hokusai transformed the ukiyo-e genre traditionally focused on images of fleeting pleasures — by shifting its emphasis from people to landscapes and the changing seasons,” Yamamoto said. “His print designs invited audiences to witness nature’s transience, capturing birds in flight, flowers in bloom and water in motion. Through his work, he blended an acute awareness of the fleeting with a deep appreciation for the timeless.”
According to an official statement, Hokusai’s work captured Japan’s diverse landscapes, portraying scenes and activities connected by shared symbols and narratives. He was among the first artists to both shape and be shaped by globalization, drawing from international influences and later inspiring European artists who adopted his decorative motifs, serialized compositions and vision of contemporary society. To this day, countless artists continue to engage with his legacy.
(This exhibition) provides an opportunity for a wide range of people to know about each other’s culture, which will be reflected in the future in their understanding of each other and facilitate all other aspects of cooperation.
Daisuke Yamamoto, Consul-general of Japan in Jeddah
Reflecting on the exhibition’s significance, Yamamoto highlighted its role in strengthening cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan: “Holding this exhibition and other cultural events basically confirmed the excellent cultural cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia, and strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation, and provides an opportunity for a wide range of people to know about each other’s culture, which will be reflected in the future in their understanding of each other and facilitate all other aspects of cooperation.”
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Since the 1970s, Hokusai himself has appeared as a character in manga, reimagined by various artists in styles ranging from realistic portrayals to fantastical interpretations. This reflects manga’s evolution, blending historical figures with contemporary storytelling techniques.
Ukiyo-e, the popular art of the 18th and 19th centuries, foreshadowed comic techniques such as visualizing the invisible. However, its speech-like balloons often depicted dreams rather than dialogue, and weather lines were integrated into the scene rather than used as abstract symbols.
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Hokusai’s most popular collection of printed drawings was named “manga.” While the collection is primarily known for its diverse subjects and painting style, its frequent portrayal of exaggerated expressions and acrobatic scenes has led many to associate “manga” with cartoons or humorous images.
When compared to the work of his contemporary, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, it becomes clear that Hokusai’s manga images were not necessarily intended to be funny.
In 19th-century Japan, the success of Hokusai’s manga was rooted in the balance between the mundane and the whimsical, instruction and entertainment. This blend helped secure the collection’s lasting appeal.
Today’s Japanese comics share similarities in content, particularly in their focus on capturing movement, and in their wide circulation, thanks to advancements in reproduction technology.