Agenda 2025
Conference Hall C
9.00
Arrival and networking
10.00
Opening
Led by:
Rob Jones
Partner
b2b Connect
10.05
Keynote Panel: The rise of AI-ready data centres
In today's era of intelligent computing, AI ready data centres are revolutionising digital infrastructure. Built from the ground up using advanced engineering, these centres leverage cutting-edge liquid cooling systems, ultra-high-power capacities, and hybrid architecture to support the demands of AI-driven applications and next-generation chipsets. This discussion will explore the infrastructure and technology requirements for an AI-ready versus a traditional data centre and challenges to consider when planning scalable, agile, and reliable AI ecosystems that power tomorrow’s digital innovations.
Led by:
Rob Jones
Partner
b2b Connect
In conversation with:
Amer Al Ajmi
Executive Vice President
Alfanar Projects
Dame Dawn Childs
Chief Executive Officer
Pure Data Centres Group (remote)
Felix Wass
Chief Executive Officer
Detasad
Majid Al Zein
Chief Operating Officer
Microsoft
Mohammed Aljuaib
Chief Technology Officer
Aramco Ventures
10.45
Keynote Panel: Are data centres mission-critical in the age of the cloud?
As digital infrastructure expands, this discussion explores if every industry needs a dedicated data centre, or if the cloud can meet evolving demands. With technology progress outpacing deployment timelines, should data classifications be revisited, redefining what’s truly mission-critical? Not all information requires ultra-high availability, so is the pursuit of “five nines” uptime still relevant, or has it become an outdated ideal in an era dominated by gaming, social media, and crypto? This discussion looks at the trade-offs, opportunities, and policy choices shaping the future of data centres.
Led by:
Mohamed Elgendi
Principal Director - Cloud Transformation Leader
KPMG Saudi Arabi
In conversation with:
Abdullah Alfahaid
Group CIO & Chief Shared Services Officer
Ajlan & Bros Holding Group
Adil Alaskah
VP of Data Centers
HUMAIN
Gary Yangzhenhua
Chief Technology Officer
Huawei Cloud, Saudi Arabia
Hassan Alharbi
Chief Technology Officer
Sahb Finance Company
Majed Alangari
Head of Cloud and Infrastructure
Salam Telecom
11.25
Panel: The future of digital Infrastructure in KSA
Saudi Arabia’s Cloud-first policy for government departments is fuelling a data centre expansion in the kingdom, as they shift from on-prem solutions. This panel explores what is behind the decision, and the impact it is having on cloud use and data centre planning. With AI a critical requirement, the panel explores how to ensure a cloud approach becomes a scalable, cost-effective approach for both the private and public sector, if the country's tech infrastructure is ready for the flexibility that 'as a service' models demand, and the importance of clear regulations to guide decisions.
Led by:
Mohammed Shah
Smart City Director
Knowledge Economic City
In conversation with:
Ahmed Al-Amer
Director of Data Management
Zain KSA
Akram Hashem
Senior Director - Hospitality Systems
Red Sea Global
Hazem Awni Jarrar
Chief Technology Officer
King Faisal Foundation
Himmath Mohammed
Chief Information Officer
Gulf Data Hub
Khaled Ali
Program Director, Data Centers, CX & Workplace Solutions
solutions by stc
12.05
Networking break
12.30
Presentation: Resilient by design: The future of colocation and disaster recovery
Resilience is no longer a contingency plan, it is the foundation of digital leadership. This session invites leaders to reimagine infrastructure for strength, adaptability, and trust in an era defined by disruption. It explores the transformative role of colocation as more than a safe haven for workloads, it is the strategic backbone of continuity, sustainability, and innovation. Attendees will learn how visionary organizations can design inherently resilient infrastructures, ensuring not just survival, but enduring success in the digital future.
Jihad Nehme
Chief Business Development Officer
Edarat Group
12.40
Panel: Redefining Design & Build for Scalable, AI-Ready Data Centres
The explosive growth of AI and high-performance computing is transforming the way data centres are designed, built, and scaled. Traditional design models are no longer sufficient to meet the unprecedented demands of AI workloads—dense power, advanced cooling, low-latency connectivity, and sustainability must now converge with scalability from day one. This session explores how forward-thinking design and build approaches are redefining the future of data centres to be both scalable and AI-ready.
Led by:
Ramachandra Nimbargi
Head – Data Centre (Design), International
Larsen & Toubro
In conversation with:
AbdelSalam Shqair
Director Data Centres Operations
Ezditek
Ahasain Taj
Director of Design and Planning International
Khazna Data Centers
Andrew Rampton
Industry Transformation Leader
Procore
Hussein Sheikh Saleh
Chief Data Center and ACI Architect
solutions by stc
Mohamed Mohie El Din
Electrical Section Manager
Dar International for Engineering Consultancy
13.20
Presentation: Transforming Data Center O&M through Smart Technology
Rizwan Mohammed
Head of Data Center Operations
ENGIE Solutions
David Jones
FMA Operations Manager
ENGIE Solutions
13.30
Panel: From build once to build to scale: Modular, mobile and prefabrication for NextGen data centres
The old “build once” approach to data centres can’t keep up with the fast-changing demands of cloud, AI, and high-density workloads. Today’s operators need facilities that scale quickly, adapt easily, and deliver capacity faster—without losing reliability or efficiency. This session looks at the move to “build to scale” models, using modular design, prefabrication, and new construction methods to support phased growth and speed. Experts will share how these strategies cut delivery time, boost quality, and create more resilient, sustainable data centres.
Led by:
Rob Jones
Partner
b2b Connect
In conversation with:
Abdulaziz Mohammed Al-Sabek
Program Director, SAHAYEB Data Park & Co-Founder
MASC Engineering
Deepak Mani
Partner, Project Infinity Solutions - subsidiary of
Image Grafix
Mostafa Kandil
Head of Division
Innovo Tech
Mohamad Awwad
Regional Manager
Group AMANA
Shahenda Shokry
Head of Digital Delivery/VDC Implementation
Orascom Construction
14.10
Lunch and networking
15.00
Fireside talk: Navigating Saudi regulations for secure data centres
This session explores the evolving regulatory landscape shaping data centres in the Kingdom. We'll examine key legal frameworks, compliance challenges, and their impact on providers, cloud services, and operations. Our discussion will provide insight into the obstacles and opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment, helping stakeholders strategically align their operations in a rapidly advancing digital era.
Led by:
Mohamed Elgendi
Principal Director - Cloud Transformation Leader
KPMG Saudi Arabia
In conversation with:
Amjad Hafez
Chief Executive Officer
NourNet
15.10
Panel: Hyperscale vs. edge data centres: Finding the balance
As data demands grow, hyperscale and edge data centres play vital roles in shaping digital infrastructure. Hyperscale facilities provide massive scalability for cloud and AI, while edge centres enable low-latency computing for IoT and smart cities. This discussion will explore their benefits, challenges, and how businesses can optimise performance by integrating both models in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Led by:
Gaurav Mathur
Chief AI and Data Center Officer
JLL
In conversation with:
Abdullah Alfahaid
Group CIO & Chief Shared Services Officer
Ajlan & Bros Holding Group
Ahmad Al Malla
Data Center Principal
Integrated Dawiyat
Khaled A. Ibrahim
Chief Architect Leader - Data Centers Enablement
solutions by stc
Muneer Al-Rawas
Senior Account Director - Cloud, Data & AI
ZainTECH
15.40
Presentation: Digital twin standards for data centres: Benchmarking maturity & integration
Explore a standardised framework to measure data centre digital twin sophistication - from physical-digital convergence and predictive performance to lifecycle integration and real-time synchronisation. See how benchmarking maturity can accelerate operational efficiency and technology adoption in mission-critical facilities.
Kendall Wilson
Digital Twin Expert
UAE
15.50
Panel: Cybersecurity in Cloud environments
With the Cloud expected to meet stringent mandates set by Saudi regulators, this discussion will examine how providers ensure compliance to securely host government bodies and other high-security entities. Discussion topics include robust security frameworks, risk management strategies, and the debate on whether data centres are inherently critical or if their importance varies by usage. The discussion will offer actionable ways to enhance security and ensure resilient data centre operations in today’s interconnected digital landscape.
Led by:
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khurram
Professor of Cybersecurity
King Saud University
In conversation with:
Abdulrahman Almazroua
Director Cybersecurity
Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH)
Maaz Khan
Head of Information Security
MyFatoorah
Muhammad Shahbaz
Cybersecurity Advisor
Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia
Salwa Alessa
Chief Information Security & Quality Governance
DETASAD
16.20
Presentation: Optimising IT infrastructure and direct liquid cooling for AI data centres
An insight into designing AI Data Centres with direct liquid cooling, exploring the benefits and challenges of its implementation, including direct-to-chip cooling solutions. The talk will also discuss how liquid cooling can improve AI system performance, reduce energy consumption, and increase compute density.
Zaher Al Saied Ali
Country Manager
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Rittal
16.30
Presentation: Smart actuation for efficient data centre cooling
The session will shed some light on the importance of efficient cooling within data centres, importance of data visibility at operator level, predictive maintenance feature and how smart actuation helps optimise cooling process and offers provision for energy saving.
Ahmad Marzouk
Regional Technical Manager
Crane
16.40
Panel: Balancing sustainability and energy for low carbon data centres
In today’s digital landscape, data centres face surging energy demands that challenge both operational efficiency and green targets. This panel explores how to blend conventional power sources with clean energy to meet client sustainability expectations whilst also ensuring energy reliability. We will ask if the scale of new data centres means it has become unrealistic to expect them to be 100% renewable energy, and therefore what options are available for different sized facilities through hyperscale.
Led by:
Edmar Cabra
Regional Sustainability Head
Black & White Engineering
In conversation with:
Ali Al Thaiban
Head of Data Centres
Saudi Payments
Mohammed Al-Shiekh
Chief Technology Officer
DEMA Energy
Mohammed Dighriri
General Director of Environmental Data Modeling and Analysis
National Center for Environmental Compliance
Samira Nikzad
Project Development Director