Reimagining our Region - March Issue

A round-up of our latest news, insights, and industry reports on hot topics from the region.

We head into a packed month of March! From showcasing cutting-edge technology at LEAP and celebrating International Women's Day, to exploring the priorities of CEOs in KSA and venturing into the realms of space technology and e-mobility.

Read more from our highlights below.

LEAP 2024 in Riyadh

Returning to Riyadh for the fourth edition of LEAP , the premier tech gathering, our team and Strategy& colleagues proudly took the stage as Platinum sponsors, underscoring our dedication to fostering technological growth in KSA and #Vision2030.

This year's LEAP offered an unparalleled platform to exhibit and explore the forefront of technology and AI, diving into the revolutionary #GenAI, cloud advancements, public safety breakthroughs, space tech, and beyond. We were proud to stand alongside our alliances— Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, AWS, Google, Adobe, Sitecore, and OutSystems—each playing a crucial role in demonstrating the transformative power of technology.

Our active participation included hosting over 60 sessions, engaging in meaningful dialogues with clients, and captivating attendees with some of the most innovative VR experiences available. Our presence was amplified by a larger, bolder, and more dynamic booth than ever before, designed to transport visitors into the future of tech. #leapwithpwc #humanled #techpowered

Learn more about our participation at LEAP here, and stay tuned for more coverage and content

Navigating space technology - A booster for Saudi Arabia’s digital economy

The intertwining of technology and space industries has significantly shaped our modern world, particularly since the latter half of the 20th century. This synergy has led to the creation of a SpaceTech framework, illustrating how space exploration and technological advancements can jointly propel innovation and economic growth across regions. With the democratisation and commercialisation of space, alongside more affordable manufacturing processes, SpaceTech has emerged as a potent source of progress, challenging the notion that space exploration and digital technologies should be viewed in isolation.

The GCC countries have notably embraced ambitious initiatives in both the space and technology sectors, showcasing significant advancements and independent space programs. Efforts to modernise and localise manufacturing and services, coupled with strategic regulatory reforms, are accelerating sectoral transformations. Landmark achievements, such as Saudi Arabia sending the first Arab woman to the International Space Station (ISS) and the UAE's successful Mars mission, underline the region's commitment to establishing itself as a leader in space exploration. These milestones, along with Oman's plans for the Middle East's first spaceport, highlight the GCC's forward-looking stance in global space endeavors.

Explore more from our report launched during LEAP 2024, here.

Is GenAI a game changer for the e-mobility ecosystem?

The automotive industry is currently undergoing a significant revolution, driven by advancements in technology. The rise of electric mobility and digitalisation has reshaped the sector dramatically over the past decade, positioning software and electric vehicles (EVs) as the most valuable areas by 2030. Artificial Intelligence (AI), a crucial part of this digital shift, has long been integrated into the industry through autonomous driving, predictive services, and personalised in-car features.

The potential of #GenAI to further revolutionise the electric mobility sector is immense. With its advanced capabilities, GenAI holds the promise to create predictive models, tailor bespoke services, and enhance efficiency throughout the automotive value chain.

Read more from our latest report.

Celebrating International Women’s Day with our case for diversity series:

Navigating the path back: Women returners in MENA

Women in MENA have achieved remarkable progress in the last few decades. This progress results from the rapid economic and social transformation in the region, particularly in the #GCC countries, where national development strategies and policies have been instrumental in integrating women into the workforce. 

Having to balance their professional and personal roles, women often take career breaks over the course of their lives. By leveraging the talent pool of experienced women who are eager to return to work, companies can not only enhance the quality and diversity of skills and perspectives in the workplace, but also effectively address the scarcity of women in senior leadership roles.

Our report highlights the experiences of women and the challenges they faced. It draws on insights collected from focus groups and a survey of around 1,200 women across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Oman, as well as interviews with CEOs leading the workforce in the MENA region.

Read more from our report launched on occasion of #IWD here.

27th Annual CEO Survey: Saudi Arabia findings

Future forward CEOs are driving change with tech innovation and climate action in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's leaders are rallying behind #Vision2030 with an unprecedented level of optimism for business growth, showing a strong commitment to expanding their strategies to include climate mitigation efforts. This enthusiasm is part of the Kingdom's broader transformative journey, aiming for substantial economic development and business innovation, as revealed by the optimism and confidence among CEOs in our 27th Annual CEO survey.

The nation is currently witnessing the launch of Giga projects and major technological transformations, signaling a move towards sustainability and innovation. Saudi business leaders are pushing for agility and resilience, preparing to navigate through challenges like geopolitical tensions and economic fluctuations.

In an effort to stay ahead, these leaders are leveraging emerging technologies such as #GenAI, which promises to bolster their competitive edge significantly. Additionally, there's a growing acknowledgment of the importance of environmental sustainability, with efforts being made towards achieving #NetZero goals, enhancing energy efficiency, and introducing climate-friendly products and services.

This proactive approach underscores a strategic pivot in the Saudi business landscape, where technological advancement and climate resilience are becoming integral to corporate strategy. This alignment with Vision 2030's ambitious objectives showcases a future-oriented mindset among Saudi Arabia's leadership, aiming to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for the kingdom. Read from our findings here.

Interested in more content from PwC Middle East? Explore our website and keep checking our page for our monthly newsletter.

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