Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director of Cisco Saudi Arabia, emphasizes the Kingdom’s pivotal role in Cisco’s Middle East strategy. At Black Hat MEA, Cisco highlights advanced security innovations while supporting Vision 2030 through investments in local talent, infrastructure, and strategic collaborations.
What is the significance of the Saudi Arabian market to Cisco’s business in the Middle East?
The Saudi market is a key focus for Cisco, with the ICT sector valued at over $40.9 billion, and the Kingdom is ranked in the top positions in global ICT indicators. Saudi Arabia has always been important to us and for over 25 years, Cisco has been deeply involved in the Kingdom’s digital journey, leveraging initiatives like the Country Digital Acceleration program and Cisco Networking Academy to bridge the digital divide and support economic development. Our activities align with Vision 2030 objectives, reinforcing our commitment to the growing Saudi market.
What will Cisco be presenting at Black Hat MEA this year?
We are excited to showcase our latest innovations under the theme “Innovating a New Era of Security.” We will present advanced security solutions that enable customers to be digitally resilient and address the rising trends in identity-based and ransomware attacks, emphasizing our commitment to helping organizations strengthen their defences. Visitors will be able to experience interactive demonstrations and expert insights at our booth.
What is your roadmap for the Saudi market?
Cisco’s roadmap focuses on supporting the Kingdom’s digital transformation initiatives. Our strategy involves investing in local talent, cementing our presence through local data centers serving our local and regional customers, and collaborating with government and private sectors. We continue to evolve our plans and investments in Saudi to remain relevant to the market’s dynamics and expectations. By aligning with Vision 2030, we aim to drive innovation and foster sustainable growth in the Kingdom’s tech landscape.
What growth is Cisco aiming for in Saudi Arabia over the next 12-24 months, and how does participating in Black Hat MEA support these objectives?
Together with our global and regional leadership, we are working closely with our partners in the Kingdom to bring the power of the network together with industry-leading security, observability and collaboration to our customers to support their digital journeys. Participating in events like LEAP and Black Hat MEA allows us to engage with key stakeholders, share our tech and business insights on evolving trends, and showcase our advanced solutions, which are essential for meeting our business relevance and growth objectives in Saudi Arabia.
