Driving KSA’s digital future: Cisco’s Saudi chief talks AI, cybersecurity and local talent development

Salman Faqeeh, managing director of Cisco Saudi Arabia
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Updated 14 July 2025
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Driving KSA’s digital future: Cisco’s Saudi chief talks AI, cybersecurity and local talent development

On the sidelines of Cisco Connect KSA, Salman Faqeeh, managing director of Cisco Saudi Arabia, discussed how the global technology leader is helping to accelerate the Kingdom’s digital transformation and build a future-ready economy. With nearly three decades of presence in Saudi Arabia, Cisco’s story is closely intertwined with the country’s ambitions under Vision 2030.

Powering the AI revolution in Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia doubles down on its efforts to lead the AI revolution, Cisco is working hand-in-hand with government and enterprise partners to build the infrastructure of the future. Faqeeh highlighted Cisco’s groundbreaking initiative with HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s homegrown AI enterprise, to build one of the world’s most open and scalable AI infrastructures.

“Saudi Arabia is laying the foundation for a globally competitive AI ecosystem,” Faqeeh said. “With local data centers already operational for security cloud services and the Webex platform, and plans underway to bring the Meraki cloud to the Kingdom, Cisco is committed to enabling businesses to scale confidently in a cloud-first, AI-driven world.”

Upskilling the next generation

Beyond technology, Cisco is investing heavily in Saudi talent. Faqeeh announced the company’s plans to launch the Cisco AI Institute at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, a center dedicated to driving AI innovation and preparing the next generation of Saudi talent.

Cisco is also scaling its efforts through digital upskilling, pledging free training for 500,000 learners over the next five years in critical areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and data science. This builds on the success of Cisco’s Networking Academy, which has already trained over 401,000 learners in the Kingdom — 36 percent of whom are women.

“Our goal is to prepare Saudi talent to thrive in an AI-powered world,” Faqeeh said. “Partnerships with institutions like King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology are also helping expand the pool of Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts, ensuring the Kingdom has the skilled workforce it needs to manage complex networks that support the AI future.”

Driving local manufacturing

Cisco is also laying the groundwork for local manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia, starting with wireless technologies. According to Faqeeh, this effort will evolve in response to market demand, supporting the Kingdom’s goal of building a sustainable and diversified economy.

A rapidly advancing digital landscape

Reflecting on the pace of digital transformation, Faqeeh praised Saudi Arabia’s vision and execution. Over the past six years, the government has invested more than $24.8 billion in digital infrastructure. Internet penetration has reached 99 percent, with mobile Internet speeds surpassing 215 Mbps. The Kingdom now ranks first regionally and fourth globally for government digital services.

“Saudi Arabia is no longer just a consumer of technology; it’s becoming a global leader,” Faqeeh said. “We see immense opportunities for Cisco to contribute, especially in building AI-ready data centers, driving digital resilience, and developing future-proof workplaces.”

Strengthening cybersecurity in the age of AI

With the Kingdom accelerating its adoption of emerging technologies, cybersecurity has become a top priority. Cisco’s recent Cybersecurity Readiness Index shows that 91 percent of Saudi organizations experienced AI-related cyber incidents last year, yet an impressive 93 percent of organizations already leverage AI in strengthening security strategies. 

“Cybercriminals are using AI to automate and scale their attacks. Organizations can no longer rely solely on human-scale defenses,” Faqeeh explained. “Cisco is embedding AI across its security portfolio to help SecOps teams assist, automate, and augment their capabilities.”

Cisco’s AI Defense solution protects both the development and use of AI applications, safeguarding enterprises against misuse, data leakage, and sophisticated cyberthreats. Also Cisco’s cloud security data center in Saudi Arabia powers cloud-based security services such as Secure Service Edge, Cisco Secure Access, and Umbrella DNS, providing local organizations with flexible, AI-powered protection.

Preparing for the future of industry transformation

Looking ahead, Faqeeh highlighted several critical trends shaping Saudi Arabia’s industries. AI is transforming sectors from healthcare to finance, with organizations deploying secure, scalable infrastructures to harness practical AI use cases — such as predictive maintenance and automated onboarding.

The next leap, he said, will be agentic AI: autonomous AI tools capable of learning and acting independently. Supporting this evolution will require ultra-fast, low-latency, energy-efficient networks, as well as integrated security at every layer.

“We are on the verge of an AI-powered future that is difficult to fully comprehend today,” Faqeeh said. “The infrastructure we build now — whether in networking, compute, or cybersecurity — will determine how far we can go.”

Vision 2030: A blueprint for the digital economy

Saudi Arabia’s transformation is already bearing fruit. The digital economy contributes 15 percent to the GDP, equivalent to SR495 billion ($132 billion). The ICT market surpassed SR180 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $43.5 billion by 2027. The AI sector alone is expected to add $135 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, accounting for 12 percent of the GDP.

“Vision 2030 isn’t just a set of goals — it’s a blueprint for building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy,” Faqeeh added. “At Cisco, we are proud to partner with Saudi Arabia on this journey, helping turn bold ambitions into reality.”


New look, features in botim’s fintech-first transformation

Updated 23 July 2025
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New look, features in botim’s fintech-first transformation

botim, Astra Tech’s flagship fintech-first platform in the MENA region, has launched a refreshed brand identity and an upgraded user interface. This update marks the next chapter in the Abu Dhabi-headquartered app’s evolution, serving a growing global user base of more than 150 million with an improved experience.
Built on a strong VoIP foundation that established seamless communication, botim has evolved into a fintech-first, AI-native platform by integrating advanced financial features designed to meet the changing needs of its users. From January to May 2025, Botim saw a 50 percent increase in monthly active wallet users, a strong indicator of its growing relevance in the digital finance space. The redesigned interface is faster, more intuitive, and purposefully structured to simplify how users interact with its core functions including payments, transfers, lending, and calling.
“botim has always been a trusted platform for meaningful connection but is much more. With this update, we’re reinforcing our position as a fintech-first platform, built on a foundation of secure VoIP, and designed with simplicity at its core,” said Dr. Tariq bin Hendi, board member at Astra Tech and CEO of botim. “We’ve streamlined the experience to meet the needs of a growing user base that expects more not just from communication, but from the way they interact and manage their financial services as well.”
As the UAE continues to experience significant population growth, reaching an all-time high of 11.22 million in 2025 according to Worldometer, botim stands as a trusted platform for this expanding community combining seamless communication and financial tools into one unified experience. botim’s evolution from a local service to a globally scalable solution reflects market demand, with its embedded financial services such as peer-to-peer transfers and lending designed to meet users’ everyday financial needs, no matter where they are.
botim’s AI-native foundation enhances accessibility through intelligent features such as real-time translation, smart call filters, and an interactive in-app chatbot, serving a diverse, multilingual audience.
These advancements have driven the platform’s latest interface update. Designed around real user behavior, the new UI makes it easier to perform everyday actions from payments and transfers to lending and calling. Services are now clearly segmented, navigation is more intuitive, and the overall experience is simplified to meet the demands of an increasingly digital, mobile-first audience.
The app adapts to user profiles, from first-time users to VIPs, surfacing the most relevant services. Financial tools are now directly accessible within chat with a single click, while improved call quality and AI-powered chatbot assistance further enhance the user experience.

The result is greater responsiveness, reduced clutter, and increased clarity all tailored to the needs of a growing, digitally active population. 


flyadeal receives milestone 40th aircraft in France

Updated 23 July 2025
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flyadeal receives milestone 40th aircraft in France

flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing low-cost airline, has taken delivery of its newest and milestone 40th aircraft in a ceremony attended by employees flown specially to France for the handover.
Thirteen staff, including crew and competition winners chosen in a lucky draw from across the company, were given a behind-the-scenes tour of Airbus’ aircraft assembly plant in Toulouse, southern France, before taking the delivery flight back to Saudi Arabia.
The airline’s 29th A320neo, named Al-Faras (“The Horse“), is part of flyadeal’s 40-strong narrowbody fleet that also includes 11 of the A320ceo variant.
Captain Naif Almatrafi, director of operations, flyadeal, was handed over the keys to the airline’s latest flying asset by Airbus management before commanding the aircraft for the near six-hour flight to Jeddah. He was joined in the cockpit by co-pilot Lawrence Itani from Lebanon.
Steven Greenway, flyadeal CEO, said: “An incredibly proud moment for the flyadeal family to now operate a fleet of 40 aircraft in such a short time of less than eight years since our very first flight. It’s an amazing achievement, a great milestone, and one to build on as we continue to expand with vigor to meet our growth targets.
“What’s even more special is we flew a number of our employees to Toulouse for a memorable trip to see firsthand the hard work that goes into planning, building, assembling and delivering an aircraft. Boarding the aircraft as special passengers for the journey back to the Kingdom was a bonus dream flight to cherish. Thanks to our partners at Airbus for their hospitality in supporting the visit.”
Captain Abdulaziz Bahri, flyadeal chief operating officer, added: “Being the backbone of our fleet, the A320neos have demonstrated operational resilience, great performance efficiency and, importantly, contributed significantly to punctuality as reflected in our extremely consistent and above industry average on-time departure and arrival data, which only last month showed we were the world’s most punctual airline.”
flyadeal has rapidly developed into the Middle East’s fastest growing airline operating its young fleet from bases in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam to more than 30 year-round and seasonal destinations across Saudi Arabia, and in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia. By 2030, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal expects to triple its network to over 100 destinations and more than 100 aircraft.
As part of future fleet requirements, flyadeal placed its largest-ever order last year for 51 Airbus A320 family aircraft, comprising 12 A320neos and 39 larger A321neos, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.


Elevare360 and Sahmik to power IR innovation in region

Updated 23 July 2025
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Elevare360 and Sahmik to power IR innovation in region

  • Rasha El-Hassan, head of IR advisory at Elevare360, added: “The integration of advanced analytics and real-time market intelligence with strategic advisory services is a game changer for IR professionals across the region.

Elevare360 Advisory, a Saudi-based investor relations and strategic communications consultancy, and Sahmik, a Qatari capital markets data and analytics platform, have signed a strategic partnership agreement marking a pivotal step toward advancing investor relations standards across the GCC.
As part of the agreement, the two firms will launch a co-branded bilingual investor relations platform tailored to clients in Saudi Arabia. The new solution, “Powered by Sahmik × Elevare360,” will integrate real-time market data, ESG dashboards, and institutional-grade reporting tools into state-of-the-art IR websites. Already trusted by major GCC-listed companies, Sahmik’s platform brings proven technology and credibility to the Kingdom. The solution will offer Saudi issuers a digital gateway to articulate their equity story, meet disclosure requirements, and actively engage shareholders — supporting the region’s digital transformation drive to attract long-term capital and position-listed companies for global visibility.
This partnership reflects the rising prominence of the Saudi stock market and the abundant opportunities it presents for regional and international investors. It also signals the growing maturity of GCC-based companies in adopting professional IR practices and forging high-impact cross-border alliances.

FASTFACT

As part of the agreement, the two firms will launch a co-branded bilingual investor relations platform tailored to clients in Saudi Arabia.

Amid the Kingdom’s busiest issuance cycle to date, 2024 saw 44 new listings raise the Saudi Exchange’s total to 353 companies — up from 247 main-market names at the end of 2023. Momentum is set to accelerate, with forecasts from Al-Rajhi Capital, EY, and others projecting 50–60 IPOs across 2025–26. Against this backdrop of rapid expansion, the Elevare360 × Sahmik collaboration arrives at a pivotal moment — equipping issuers with data-rich, bilingual IR technology and strategic counsel to stand out, meet rising disclosure demands, and compete for global capital on a broader, faster-moving market stage.

Together with Sahmik, we’re equipping issuers to be more transparent, investor-ready, and fully aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030, says Dr. Mishal Al-Harbi, Co-founder and COO of Elevare360

“This partnership underscores our conviction that data-driven investor-relations solutions are essential for Saudi companies that want to attract and retain both institutional and retail investors. By deploying these cutting-edge tools, we can help transform the Kingdom’s capital market.Together with Sahmik, we’re equipping issuers to be more transparent, investor-ready, and fully aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030,” said Dr. Mishal Al-Harbi, co-founder and COO of Elevare360.
 “The Elevare-Sahmik alliance is a natural extension of our mission to democratize access to capital markets data and IR technology. By combining our analytics engine with Elevare’s strategic expertise, we’re delivering a truly end-to-end IR solution that scales across the GCC,” said Dalibor Pajic, head of content and data management.
Rasha El-Hassan, head of IR advisory at Elevare360, added: “The integration of advanced analytics and real-time market intelligence with strategic advisory services is a game changer for IR professionals across the region. Through our partnership with Sahmik, we are empowering companies to proactively manage investor perceptions, streamline compliance, and elevate their equity narratives in alignment with global best practices. This collaboration marks a significant leap forward in setting new standards for investor engagement and transparency in our region.”

Initially focused on Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the partnership plans to expand across the broader GCC in response to growing demand for digital IR tools and localized advisory services.
As members of the Middle East Investor Relations Association, both Elevare360 and Sahmik view this partnership as a testament to the value of regional collaboration within the MEIRA community — demonstrating how shared standards, data transparency, and strategic storytelling can unlock cross-border value.

 


Forum to explore public-private partnerships in region

The PPP MENA Forum spotlights public-private collaboration, investment, and policy transformation.
Updated 23 July 2025
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Forum to explore public-private partnerships in region

  • Nasser Massoud, MENA PPP Forum chairman, said: “As we approach the 5th MENA PPP Forum, the region stands at a pivotal juncture. With hundreds of PPP projects announced in pipelines, valued at billions of dollars, the momentum is undeniable”

The 5th PPP MENA Forum is set to take place from Sept. 10 to 11 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, solidifying its position as the region’s premier platform for public-private collaboration, investment, and policy transformation.
As the Middle East continues its ambitious journey toward economic diversification and infrastructure expansion, this year’s forum comes at a critical inflection point — bringing together more than 400 stakeholders from across government, finance, development, and industry.
Organized by Great Minds Event Management Company, the forum will welcome decision-makers, investors, project owners, EPC contractors, and sector specialists for two days of high-level dialogue and strategic networking. With participation from more than 150 government representatives and 40 global speakers, the event will explore the future of PPPs across core sectors including energy, healthcare, real estate, logistics, transportation, and digital transformation.
The 2025 edition will spotlight key sectors such as renewable energy, water, digital infrastructure, logistics, smart city planning, healthcare, and education — providing a well-rounded outlook on PPP models that create long-term impact. Special sessions will also be dedicated to women leadership in infrastructure, municipal-level partnerships, and global best practices for PPP governance.
Under the theme “Driving progress from MENA to the World,” the event will delve into emerging policies, procurement reform, investment strategies, and successful case studies that are shaping the next generation of PPPs in the region.

Nasser Massoud, MENA PPP Forum chairman, said: “As we approach the 5th MENA PPP Forum, the region stands at a pivotal juncture. With hundreds of PPP projects announced in pipelines, valued at billions of dollars, the momentum is undeniable.” 

At the same time, procurement policy changes require a novel approach to delivering these projects in an affordable and sustainable way. This forum will delve into examples of successes and challenges, while exploring the transformative changes in procurement policies that will impact the nature of partnerships and project structures going forward. It is an opportunity to harness collective expertise, drive innovation, and forge partnerships that will define the future of infrastructure and service delivery in the MENA region and beyond.”

 


flyadeal expands regional footprint with new Dubai office

Updated 22 July 2025
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flyadeal expands regional footprint with new Dubai office

  • Farooq Ahmad, flyadeal head of sales, added: “We’ve been gradually stepping up our international sales support network across the region

Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing low-cost airline flyadeal has opened a dedicated sales office in Dubai to support customers and the travel trade, in the latest move to increase its presence in the emirate.
With the appointment of Orient Travel as the airline’s new general sales agent responsible for overseeing flyadeal sales in the UAE, the airline has also recruited Mudassir Dhanse as its new UAE country sales manager.
The opening ceremony of the new office, located within the premises of Orient Travel on Sheikh Zayed Road, was attended by key travel partners. Orient Travel Co-owners Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al-Qasmi and Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al-Qasmi, presided over the opening. Orient Travel CEO Asim Arshad and visiting senior management from flyadeal headquarters in Jeddah, led by CEO Steven Greenway and Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Rogier van Enk, were also present.

flyadeal has built up a successful split operation in Dubai to serve travelers in the heart of the city and the southern part to make accessibility easier for all, says Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal

flyadeal currently operates up to six daily scheduled flights between Riyadh and Dubai International Airport, a route launched just over two years ago. The airline also has a daily service linking the Saudi capital with Dubai World Central in southern Dubai that began in summer 2024.
flyadeal CEO Greenway said: “flyadeal has built up a successful split operation in Dubai to serve travelers in the heart of the city and the southern part to make accessibility easier for all. Of course we are looking to build capacity even further from up to seven daily flights across both Dubai airports as we induct new aircraft into the fleet. It’s just a matter of time before we increase frequency on these highly popular routes as we also look at venturing beyond Dubai exploring additional new route opportunities into other UAE markets.”

FASTFACT

Orient Travel has been named flyadeal’s new general sales agent responsible for overseeing the airline’s sales in the UAE.

Farooq Ahmad, flyadeal head of sales, added: “We’ve been gradually stepping up our international sales support network across the region. The addition of a GSA in Dubai to cover the UAE and having Mudassir onboard, who is well known to the UAE travel trade, provide us with a strong presence to provide our passengers and travel trade with the go-to support in one of the most dynamic markets in the Gulf.”

flyadeal has become one of the region’s fastest growing airlines with a current fleet of 39 Airbus A320 family aircraft serving more than 30 seasonal and year-round destinations in Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia. The airline is set to more than triple in size in fleet and destinations served by 2030.
The carrier has just embarked on its summer seasonal flying program with the return of popular destinations in Egypt, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.