IN line with its continued efforts to accelerate digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Microsoft Saudi will be hosting an event dedicated to encouraging conversation on digitalization and fostering the latest digital trends.

The event, titled Microsoft Transform 2018, will bring together senior Microsoft executives and industry experts from the region for a full-day program which will include keynote sessions from Microsoft’s President Middle East Africa, Samer Abu-Ltaif; Xavier Anglada, managing director Accenture digital lead MENA and Turkey; and Jamie Wylly, worldwide director for defense and intelligence at Microsoft Corp, as well as a series of panel discussions related to digital transformation across key industries. The event, which is in its second year, is scheduled to take place at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre on Feb. 5.

With digital transformation being a key pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the government has increased its focus on innovation and cloud technology to drive forward digitalization. In recent years, Microsoft has been working in the Kingdom with customers across key verticals to help them become digital organizations and accelerate their transformation. Digital transformation primarily addresses four areas of opportunity — empowering employees, engaging customers, optimizing operations and reinventing products. During Microsoft Transform 2018, Microsoft experts and selected industry solutions partners will discuss digital transformation in industry tracks focused on government, banking, retail, education, manufacturing and resources.

Abu-Ltaif said, “With a strong focus on developing a digitalized diversified economy, this is a very exciting time for Saudi Arabia. Innovation and cloud technology are central to this agenda and it is our priority at Microsoft to support this national goal through our technology and our expertise. Microsoft Transform 2018 has been designed as a platform to encourage knowledge-sharing and partnerships among key industry players which we believe will contribute towards accelerating the digital transformation of the Kingdom.”

Microsoft has led several initiatives in support of digital transformation in the Kingdom over the years including a program aimed at building the necessary skills among Saudi youth. This program titled ‘Saudi Codes’ was organized in partnership with Misk and the Ministry of Education to encourage Saudi youth to learn the basics of coding through Minecraft. — SG