Empowering Gulf Enterprises: How Cloud and AI Are Shaping Digital Futures
Let’s face it. Digital transformation is not a linear journey.
Our research ‘Navigating the Digital Revolution in the UAE and Saudi Arabia’ reveals that large enterprises in the GCC face a unique set of challenges that can impede or derail AI-powered digital transformation.
With legacy system challenges and fragmented data foundations to rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats, the road to AI-driven success is complex. So, the critical question remains:
How can digital leaders in the GCC overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of AI to drive innovation and growth?
We welcome you to our exclusive executive roundtable discussion on 22nd January at Ritz Carlton where leading AI experts will share real-world transformation stories through a dynamic mix of interactive Q&A sessions and insightful presentations.
Together, we’ll explore:
- Proven strategies for overcoming legacy system challenges
- Building strong data foundations for AI success
- Driving innovation and operational efficiency through AI
- Lessons learned from successful AI adoption across the Gulf’s fastest-growing economies
Event Agenda
Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026
Time: 08:30 – 12:00 GST
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre DIFC, off Sheikh Road, Dubai, UAE
- 08:30 – 09:00 Arrival & Breakfast
- 09:00 – 09:10 Open and welcome
- 09:10 – 09:30 Bridging the Tech Frontier report findings
- 09:30 – 09:45 Understanding where AI adds value
- 09:45 – 10:30 Break out session – address the barriers to change
- 10:30 – 11:00 What does the roadmap to success look like?
- 11:00 – 11:15 Closing remarks
- 11:15 – 12:00 Networking
Who should attend:
The event is tailored specifically for senior IT, Finance, Digital Transformation & Cloud Migration leaders in the MENA region.
Speakers
Faisal Abbasi | Executive Director AI & Data | Bell Integration
Faisal Abbasi is the Executive Director of AI Solutions & Services at Bell Integration, where he leads AI transformation efforts across 40+ countries, delivering cutting-edge AI platforms such as AIOps and Conversational AI. Prior to this role, he served as Managing Director for EMEA at Amelia, driving AI adoption and customer success for major banks and industrial organizations. With a track record of building successful teams and driving growth in AI, Faisal has extensive experience in AI delivery, business development, and building strong customer relationships in the technology sector. Faisal’s previous roles include, Microsoft, HP, Mercury, Oracle, GSK, and Kantar.
Stuart McMinn | Chief Technology Officer | Bell Integration
Stuart McMinn is Chief Technology Officer at Bell Integration, bringing over two decades of technology leadership experience to enterprise environments. As CTO, he drives innovation, new product development, and strategic partnerships whilst ensuring Bell's technology vision aligns with evolving customer needs. Stuart's expertise encompasses technology strategy, partner relationship management, intellectual property development, and cloud transformation initiatives. He has positioned Bell Integration at the forefront of AI-ready infrastructure, including next-generation data centre technologies such as direct-to-chip cooling solutions. As part of the executive leadership team, Stuart collaborates with the CEO and senior directors to guide Bell's technology roadmap across IT lifecycle services, cloud solutions, and advanced infrastructure offerings. Under Stuart's leadership, Bell Integration has refined its service portfolio in cloud adoption, infrastructure modernisation, and AI-supported solutions, enabling organisations to accelerate digital transformation whilst maintaining operational excellence.
Grant Niven | Founder, Managing Partner | Mingzulu
Grant is the Founder & Managing Partner of Mingzulu, a boutique advisory firm that provides management consultancy, board advisory/NXD placement, and connectivity to venture funding for growth stage founders and enterprise businesses in the financial services and disruptive technology sectors across the Middle East and inbound internationally. Prior to Mingzulu, Grant was Head of Group Digital at Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), where he was accountable for defining and executing the Bank-wide digital vision and strategic initiatives. Originally from Scotland, UK, Grant has over 25 years of experience in executive roles spanning technology, consulting, and financial services in UK and the Middle East. Before joining BSF in March 2020, Grant was a Partner with EY, leading the Technology & Digital Consulting practice for the financial services sector across the MENA region.
Simon Hardie | Director of Insights | Findexable
Simon is a speaker, thinker and commentator on technology ecosystems, the future of finance and the future of the digital economy. As the CEO & founder of Findexable – the global index for benchmarking digital finance innovation across advanced and high growth markets - Simon works with governments, scaling businesses and large enterprises to help them understand where and how the future is being created. He is a regular public speaker, moderator and conference chair for technology and innovation markets in Europe and the Middle East. And writes frequently about growth markets, digital innovation and tech ecosystem development. His book - The Ecosystem Handbook - focusing on how large enterprises and governments can accelerate digital transformation will be published by Taylor & Francis in October 2026.
