SAUDI ARABIA - Telecoms & IT
Senior Vice President, SAP Middle East & North Africa region
Bio
Ahmed Jaber Al-Faifi joined SAP from Zain KSA, where he held the positions of COO and CTO. He spent more than six years with Ericsson, including a stint as the head of new accounts and business development. In addition, he worked as the mobile licensing manager for Saudi Arabia’s Communication and IT Commission. Al-Faifi started his career at the Saudi Ministry of Defense and Aviation (MODA), where he spent almost six years. He holds an MSc in telecommunications engineering from KAAU University at Jeddah, a mobile technology diploma from Ericsson, and BSc in electronics engineering (VLSI) from King Saud University at Riyadh.
SAP is driving economic regeneration in Saudi Arabia by focusing on three key areas: AI, technical execution, and business innovation. First, we are harnessing the potential of AI to enhance our operations and services. SAP has made significant investments in AI, positioning us as the fastest-growing player in this field. Our proprietary AI model, Joule, is fully integrated into SAP solutions, embedding AI seamlessly into business processes. Joule also features conversational AI, enabling customers to interact with our systems for guidance and feedback. Second, we emphasize technical execution through our local platform, ensuring that AI is implemented effectively. We have introduced AI Hub, a comprehensive platform that consolidates AI tools from Microsoft, Google, and other providers, making it easier for businesses to access the right solutions tailored to their needs. This platform also helps maintain data cleanliness, which is critical for reliable AI outcomes. We prioritize using accurate, real transaction data—such as revenue, expenses, and salaries—to ensure that our AI delivers trustworthy results. Third, we are expanding the SAP Business Network and Innovation Center, fostering business growth and innovation in the Kingdom. Our Innovation Center, launched earlier in 2024, is already working on several successful cases with our customers, encouraging creative thinking and innovation.
We have been proactive in ensuring that AI operates ethically and respects data privacy. One major concern with AI is that it should not be used for fraudulent activities or unauthorized transactions. To manage AI ethically, we leverage our Business Launch Platform, which integrates with Microsoft, Google, and IBM. This platform ensures that AI applications function independently of core data sources, preserving data integrity and ethical standards. Data privacy is another critical area of focus. We ensure that personal and sensitive data remains secure and is not misused by AI systems. Our collaboration with Microsoft has led to the development of Joule Copilot, a tool that adheres to strict data privacy and ethics guidelines. Joule Copilot utilizes data from SAP systems, not from the internet, ensuring that businesses receive accurate and secure responses without compromising data security.
To further our AI initiatives, we are introducing a business technology platform (BTP) that is hosted locally and has been live since July. This platform is designed to support AI scenarios while complying with local regulations that mandate data residency within the country. The platform will undergo testing in September, with a formal announcement to follow. Our goal is to provide a secure and compliant AI infrastructure that empowers businesses to innovate and think creatively while ensuring data security and adherence to local laws. Starting in September, this technology will be available for local use, reinforcing our commitment to secure and ethical AI management within Saudi Arabia.
Our focus is on expanding the SAP Business Network, a major investment in technology, particularly in AI and BTP, to support business innovation and freedom. The SAP Business Network is the largest trading network globally, surpassing Alibaba, Amazon, and eBay combined, with USD5 trillion in trade in 2022. Previously hosted in the US, this network will now be localized to ensure data privacy and secure end-to-end processes. Our goal is to integrate local suppliers, enabling them to trade both locally and globally. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as announced by the Crown Prince and Minister of Transportation, which aims to position the country as a logistics hub for the Middle East and Africa. By connecting buyers, sellers, and shipping companies, the network will cover the entire logistics cycle, supporting the country’s economic growth and logistical capabilities. Starting in 1Q2025, the network will be hosted locally, crucial for enhancing Saudi Arabia’s economy and logistics infrastructure. ✖
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SAUDI ARABIA - Tourism
Interview
Director, UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East