Tarik Al-Turki, Director of Solutions Engineering at Cisco Saudi Arabia, emphasized that at LEAP Riyadh 2025, Cisco will showcase AI-driven innovations that accelerate digital transformation, security, and collaboration, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
Through strategic partnerships, Cisco is fostering AI readiness, talent development, and regional technological growth.
What key innovations or solutions are you showcasing at LEAP Riyadh 2025, and how do they address the unique needs of the Saudi and broader Middle East markets?
At LEAP 2025, Cisco will showcase how we enable organizations to thrive in the AI era under the theme “Cisco Connects and Protects the AI Era.” AI success depends on a strong, secure infrastructure, and Cisco is laying the foundation for AI-driven innovation. Visitors can explore cutting-edge solutions that transform data centers for AI workloads, modernize workplaces with advanced collaboration tools, and strengthen digital resilience through security and observability. With our expanded presence in Saudi Arabia, and alignment with Vision 2030, we continue to support the Kingdom’s digital goals by working with our customers and partners and delivering solutions that drive efficiency, scalability, and security across industries.
How is your company leveraging Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives, particularly in areas like AI, digital transformation, and sustainability, to drive growth and impact?
Cisco is a long-standing partner in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, aligning with Vision 2030 to drive innovation, through many active initiatives and a regional head office in Riyadh. To name a few; Cisco Country Digital Acceleration program, initially launched in the Kingdom in 2016, supports digitization efforts across key industries, fostering digital skills and developing the innovation ecosystem in the country. To date, the program has implemented more than 20 projects of national impact across vital sectors, including healthcare, education, smart cities and government digitization. The program focuses on digital economy, industry 4.0 and sustainability, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the national digital transformation agenda. Cisco has also established data centers for cloud security services as well as the Webex Collaboration Platform in Saudi Arabia, to serve our customers in the kingdom and the wider region.
What partnerships or collaborations are you seeking or have established to expand your footprint in the rapidly growing Middle East technology ecosystem?
In Saudi Arabia, we work closely with public and private sector customers to accelerate technology adoption, alongside our partners. Our collaborations with entities like the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), stc and others are instrumental in building AI-ready infrastructure and fostering local innovation.
How do you see trends like AI, 5G, metaverse, and space tech reshaping the regional market, and how is your company positioning itself within these domains?
AI and emerging technologies are reshaping industries in Saudi Arabia, driving digital transformation across sectors like healthcare, finance, and smart cities. The findings of Cisco’s latest AI readiness index in KSA showed a focus from organizations on AI with 72% having a clear strategy to deploy AI powered solutions, and 98% report an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year. At Cisco, we believe that there is no AI without the network. Over the past 40 years, Cisco built the internet, now we’re building the network foundation for AI. Cisco is at the forefront of this evolution, providing AI-ready networking and security solutions that enable businesses to leverage these technologies securely and efficiently.
What role does your company play in addressing critical challenges, such as talent development in the Saudi and regional tech ecosystems?
Cisco is deeply active in addressing key areas such as local workforce development in Saudi Arabia. Through the Cisco Networking Academy, we have trained over 336,000 learners in networking, cybersecurity, programming, and other digital technology fields. Notably, 36% of participants have been women, a figure that ranks among the highest globally.
What are your company’s long-term goals for the Middle East, and how does participation in LEAP Riyadh contribute to achieving those ambitions?
Cisco’s long-term vision for the Middle East aligns with enabling digital transformation, advancing AI readiness, and fostering economic growth through innovation. Our commitment to Saudi Arabia extends beyond technology – we aim to be a key supporter of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions by providing AI-driven infrastructure, securing digital resilience, and investing in talent development. LEAP 2025 is a strategic platform for us to demonstrate our latest innovations, engage with key stakeholders, and showcase real-world AI and security applications. Through our participation, we continue to strengthen our relationships with customers, partners, and policymakers, ensuring that Cisco remains a trusted partner in shaping the region’s digital future.