Reem Al-Bakry, Cisco Saudi Arabia's General Manager,
outlines the company's commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia's digital
transformation, focusing on key areas such as artificial intelligence,
cybersecurity, and the development of local talent. Cisco aims to align with
Vision 2030 by empowering Saudi youth and fostering a skilled workforce for the
kingdom's digital economy.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia
In an exclusive
interview, Reem Al-Bakry, the recently appointed General Manager for Cisco
Saudi Arabia, has detailed the company's strategic vision for supporting the
Kingdom's ambitious digital transformation agenda. Her insights highlight
Cisco's profound commitment to advancing technology adoption, strengthening
cybersecurity defences, and cultivating a robust local talent pool, all in
direct alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Cisco's Role in Saudi Arabia's Digital Transformation
Cisco, a global leader in networking hardware, software, and
telecommunications equipment, is set to play a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's
accelerated move towards a digital economy. Ms. Al-Bakry emphasised that the
company's strategy is deeply integrated with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, a
blueprint for economic diversification and societal development. This involves
a multi-faceted approach, leveraging Cisco's expertise to build a resilient and
advanced digital infrastructure across various sectors.
Cisco Addressing the Rise of Artificial Intelligence in KSA
Artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a cornerstone of the Kingdom's digital future, and Cisco is actively contributing to its advancement. As reported by Arab News, Ms. Al-Bakry stated that AI is
"at the top of the agenda for Saudi Arabia and a top priority for Cisco."
This mutual focus underscores the collaborative effort to
integrate AI into critical national projects and industries. The company is
exploring various avenues to deploy AI solutions that can enhance efficiency,
innovation, and economic growth within the Kingdom.
Cisco's Cybersecurity Initiatives in the Kingdom
With increased digitalization comes the heightened need for
robust cybersecurity measures. Ms. Al-Bakry underscored the critical importance
of cybersecurity, describing it as "extremely important" for Saudi
Arabia. Cisco is committed to providing advanced security solutions and
expertise to protect the Kingdom's digital assets and critical infrastructure.
This includes deploying cutting-edge technologies and sharing global best
practices to build a secure digital environment, safeguarding businesses and
citizens from evolving cyber threats.
How is Cisco Developing Local Talent in Saudi Arabia?
A key pillar of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is the
empowerment of its youth and the development of a skilled national workforce.
Cisco is actively contributing to this through its dedicated talent development
programmes. Ms. Al-Bakry highlighted the company's focus on nurturing local
capabilities, stating that Cisco has "developed hundreds of thousands of
Saudis over the years" through various initiatives.
Cisco's Networking Academy, a flagship programme, has been
instrumental in providing education and training in IT skills, particularly
networking and cybersecurity. These programmes are designed to equip young
Saudis with the necessary expertise to thrive in the digital economy, ensuring
that the Kingdom has a homegrown talent base to drive its technological
ambitions. The emphasis is not just on technical skills but also on fostering
innovation and leadership among Saudi youth, preparing them for future roles in
the technology sector.
Cisco's Long-Term Vision for Saudi Arabia
Cisco's long-term vision for Saudi Arabia extends beyond
simply providing technology solutions; it aims to be a strategic partner in the
Kingdom's journey towards a sustainable and diversified economy. Ms. Al-Bakry
affirmed Cisco's commitment to aligning its efforts with the broader objectives
of Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a global investment
powerhouse and a hub for innovation. This involves continuous investment in
research and development, fostering local partnerships, and adapting solutions
to meet the specific needs of the Saudi market. The company is focused on
creating a lasting impact by contributing to job creation, economic growth, and
the overall enhancement of digital literacy and capabilities across the
Kingdom.