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Editor’ s Note
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Intelligent Middle East. This month’ s cover story, which can be found on page 14, features Abdulrahman AlAli, Chief Technology Officer, Qiddiya Investment Company. He tells us how Cisco’ s networking, collaboration and IoT technologies are helping to create a seamless, human-centric workplace experience at Qiddiya Investment Company’ s new headquarters in Riyadh.
The feature explores how smart workplace technologies including Cisco Webex Boards, Room Bars and Desk Pros are enabling easier collaboration, smarter navigation and more connected working environments. AlAli also explains how Cisco’ s Wi-Fi 7 infrastructure, Catalyst switches and IoT-enabled sensors are supporting employee wellbeing, operational efficiency and real-time workplace optimisation.
Mark Bowen Editorial Director
The article highlights how Qiddiya’ s new headquarters reflects the organisation’ s wider‘ power of play’ vision by blending creativity, flexibility and advanced Digital Transformation technologies. It also examines how intelligent systems such as room booking and indoor navigation are improving productivity for both employees and visitors.
Finally, AlAli discusses how the lessons learned from the smart office deployment could help shape future developments across Qiddiya City and redefine the workplace experience in next-generation Smart City environments.
Elsewhere, we learn how organisations across EMEA are rapidly adopting AI agents to automate workflows and improve operational efficiency, but many are struggling to implement the governance and security controls needed to manage them effectively. Matt Ellard, General Manager, EMEA, Okta, explains that while AI agents are increasingly being used to access systems, trigger workflows and support business operations, governance strategies are failing to keep pace with adoption.
According to Okta’ s Businesses at Work report, 91 % of organisations are already using AI agents, yet only 10 % have a well-developed strategy to govern them, despite governance and oversight being identified as a leading security concern.
The article highlights how traditional manual governance processes are no longer suitable for managing autonomous AI systems operating across multiple applications, markets and regulatory environments. Ellard argues that identity has become the foundation for trusted AI adoption, giving organisations visibility into AI agents, controlling their access privileges and enabling monitoring, suspension and auditability where required. You can read more starting on p24.
Don’ t forget, you can stay informed with daily news updates on our website, where we bring you the latest insights and developments from the world of business technology. I’ d like to wish you a productive and successful month ahead. Please enjoy this issue and take your time to explore the articles we have prepared for you. See you next time. www. intelligentcio. com
INTELLIGENT CIO MIDDLE EAST
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