News

IDC To Explore Future Of Saudi Digital Economy At CIO Summit

The event will take place at the Fairmont Riyadh on September 13-14 and bring together IT and telecom leaders, digital pioneers, and industry thought leaders.

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2023

Joanna Melki

idc to explore future of saudi digital economy at cio summit

Spurred by an influx of foreign investment and a $7 trillion development plan for Saudi Arabia’s giga projects, ICT spending in the Kingdom is set to top $34.5 billion this year. The government sector will be the country’s largest IT spender in 2023, with the budget for AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and data analytics exceeding $574 million.

These issues will sit at the heart of this year’s IDC Saudi Arabia CIO Summit, taking place at the Fairmont Riyadh on September 13-14. Under the theme of “Enabling the Digital Economy’s Leaders”, the event will bring together IT and telecom leaders, digital pioneers, regulators, and industry thought leaders. A panel of expert speakers will discuss the current state of the Saudi digital economy, assessing its impact on citizens, customers, and employees while outlining best practices and strategies to drive future success.

“To harness the full potential and widespread benefits of the digital economy, governments and businesses must implement strategies to measure and cultivate it,” said Jyoti Lalchandani, IDC’s group vice president and regional managing director for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. “Creating regulatory environments and nurturing talent will be critical to success. Today, technology plays an ever-increasing role in enabling, measuring, and reporting on sustainability initiatives and diversity and inclusion drives, with government and business leaders prioritizing these issues on their digital agendas”.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi Hospital To Use Cutting-Edge Robot For Complex Surgeries

IDC chief research officer, Meredith Whalen, will open the summit with a keynote titled “Strategies for the CIO and Enterprise Innovation”, where she will highlight IDC’s latest research on the move toward industry ecosystem innovation and tech decentralization.

“CIOs are no longer just technology leaders,” says Whalen. “They are strategic partners who have a critical role to play in driving enterprise-wide growth, and it is important that they fully understand what needs to be done now and in the future to create an environment for long-term sustainable innovation. The IDC Saudi Arabia CIO Summit is the perfect place for CIOs to learn from their peers, network with industry leaders, and get the insights they need to succeed in the digital age”.

News

Yabi Introduces AI Financial Coach For Smarter Money Moves

The app provides real-time, personalized financial guidance, helping UAE residents manage money smarter, reduce debt, and build wealth effortlessly.

Published

10 hours ago

February 22, 2025

Nour Nasir

Yabi

Imagine having 24/7 access to an expert financial advisor — someone who understands your spending habits, helps you save more effectively, and offers guidance for every financial decision. That’s the vision behind Yabi’s revamped platform, an AI-driven finance app designed to transform personal finance management in the UAE.

Unlike traditional budgeting tools, Yabi acts as an always-available AI advisor, analyzing your unique spending patterns and offering real-time, tailored financial advice. Whether you’re making everyday purchases, planning a big trip, or saving for a major milestone, Yabi keeps you on track and helps you make informed financial choices.

Rakhil Fernando, CEO of Yabi, explains the mission behind the platform: “Financial literacy is not optional — it’s essential. But most financial tools today feel outdated and overly complex. Yabi is here to change that by offering AI-powered financial coaching that’s smart, simple, and accessible to everyone in the UAE”.

Here are some of the updated app’s new features:

AI-Powered Financial Coach: A 24/7 digital advisor providing real-time financial guidance based on your spending habits and available in multiple languages.
Live Insights: Connect your bank accounts for a detailed breakdown of your expenses.
Tailored Budgeting: Yabi creates a budget that fits with your actual spending habits rather than generic financial advice.
Interactive Financial Education: Learn the essentials of saving, investing, and credit management through engaging content integrated into the AI experience.
Automated Expense Tracking: Receive instant alerts on overspending, identify hidden charges, and cut unnecessary subscriptions with ease.
Credit Score & Financial Health Monitoring: Get free credit score checks and AI-driven recommendations to enhance your financial standing.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Finally, Yabi is also gearing up to introduce its own debit card and a suite of financial products, making it easier to save, spend, and invest within a single platform.

Want to try Yabi for yourself? You can download the app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.