Menu
Accelerating MENA’s Next Generation
Government with Data
- Dubai Creek Resort, Park Hyatt, United Arab Emirates
- 26th – 27th February 2024
Collocated with
Event Overview
As the economies in MENA are increasingly undergoing digital transformation, governments across the region continue to expand their investments in data management, governance, and protection. Dubai’s government services hit 99.5% digitization rate in 2023. Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation has skyrocketed in recent years, with the Kingdom digitalizing more than 6,000 government services, representing 97% of total government services in 2022. (The National Transformation Program (NTP) report).
These advancements highlight the critical role of data and the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G deployments, AI, IoT, cloud computing, and analytics to achieve MENA’s digital transformation goals.
In this exciting and disruptive era, the Data-Driven Government Conference acts as a crucial platform annually bringing together key stakeholders from ministries, government and public sector to facilitate collaboration, illuminate significant obstacles including real-time data management, data breaches, data accuracy issues, incompatibility among solutions, the constraints of traditional systems and other main issues collectively impeding the region’s swift economic development and exchange insights on leveraging data-driven innovations to drive societal transformation and position the Middle East economy as an economic powerhouse globally.
‘Another characteristic of mature digital governments is that they are data-driven, leveraging their national data assets to generate insights that improve decision making and develop advanced analytics and artificial intelligence use cases.’ – In ‘The Journey to Digital Government 5.0 Part 1 Publication’ by PwC
Market Drivers
Global smart government market was valued at $21.9 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $124.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 19.4% from 2022 to 2031.
United Arab Emirates data center market size was valued at USD 1.25 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 1.91 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.34% (Arizton Advisory and Intelligence).
Oman data center market size was previously valued at $286 million and is expected to reach $470.8 million by 2027 , growing at a CAGR of 11.42% during 2021–2027 (Arizton Advisory and Intelligence).
MENA data center market is projected to reach a value of $7.94 billion by 2028 from $4.86 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 8.53% from 2023-2028 (Research and Markets).
Saudi Arabia data Center market is anticipated to grow at a rapid pace of 13.5% during 2024-2028 (Research and Markets)
Bahrain data center market size was valued at USD 166.4 million in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 305.9 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 10.68% (Arizton Advisory and Intelligence).
Event in Numbers
0
+
Decision Makers
0
+
Expert Speakers
0
+
Countries Participating
0
+
Interactive Panel Discussions
0
+
Industry Case Studies
Event Features
Bigger and Better
The 4th Data-Driven Government Conference is set to exceed expectations, featuring an extended two-day program. This edition will be larger in scale, incorporating evidence-based case studies, interactive panel discussions led by esteemed C-level executives from diverse regions and industries, keynote presentations delivered by influential stakeholders and technical experts, and engaging fireside chats. The event's primary focus will revolve around showcasing crucial advancements and offering practical solutions to address the challenges currently confronting the MENA region.
Diverse Speaker Lineup
By bringing together the brightest minds from various countries in the region, the conference offers a kaleidoscope of insights. It will include a broad spectrum of perspectives of thought leaders, innovators, technical experts from government, public administrations, and data utilization experts providing a well-rounded view of the subject matter.
Groundbreaking Solutions and State-of-the-Art Technologies
The Data-Driven Government Conference, hosting more than 30 Exhibitors and Sponsors, will serve as a showcase for the latest and most innovative products in the field of data. It will be a testament to the cutting-edge advancements in the industry.
Networking
Extensive opportunities spread across two days to establish new partnerships and reconnect with your peers across the region.
Meet the team
Advisory Board Members
Ahmed Said
Advisor of Economic and Statistical affairs to the Minister at Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Executive Director National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
Egypt
Ali Abdulla Alsadadi
Chief of Information Technology
Ministry of Oil and Environment
Bahrain
Fatmah Alabdouli
Director of Data Management & Statistics
Ministry of Energy
& Infrastructure
UAE
Noora Alawi
Senior Director - Smart City
Dubai Integrated Economic
Zone Authority
Eng. Ali Abuzinjal
Director of IT
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Authority
Mohammad J Sear
Digital Government & Public Sector Consulting Leader - Middle East, Africa, India
EY
Speakers
Ahmed Said
Advisor of Economic and Statistical affairs to the Minister at Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Executive Director National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
Egypt
Ali Abdulla Alsadadi
Chief of Information Technology
Ministry of Oil and Environment
Bahrain
Fatmah Alabdouli
Director of Data Management & Statistics
Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure
UAE
Stuart Brown
Chief Data Officer
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Salwa Abdulla
Director - Government Projects and Programs
Federal Authority for Government Human Resources
Dr. Shada Al Ghazali
Acting Director of Public Health Information Department
Department of Health
Abu Dhabi
Muhammed Alsami
Director - Data Governance and Compliance
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority
Saudi Arabia
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi
Director - Digital Transformation - Cyber Security - Artificial Intelligence Expert
Government of Abu Dhabi, UAE
Noora Alawi
Senior Director - Smart City
Dubai Integrated Economic
Zone Authority
Dr. Mohammed Khalfan Aldaheri
Director of Strategic Affairs Office
Authority of Social contribution
Ma'an
Eng. Ali Abuzinjal
Director of IT
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Authority
Walid Lotfy
Acting Head of Data & Economic Intelligence Section
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Mohammad J Sear
Digital Government & Public Sector Consulting Leader - Middle East, Africa, India
EY
AGENDA
08:00 – 09:00
REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING
09:00 – 09:05
Welcome Message by GM Events
09:05 – 09:15
Opening Remarks by Conference Chairperson
09:15 – 09:30
Opening Keynote Address: Next Generation Government Enabled by Data
09:30 – 10:10
Regional Panel: The Intersection of 5G and Data to Build the Most Connected Countries
- Exploring how the synergy between 5G technology and data-driven initiatives is revolutionizing connectivity within countries, fostering unprecedented levels of data exchange, robust data analytics, and driving the evolution of smart cities.
- Discussing the role of this integration in fortifying countries' resilience against challenges such as emergencies, natural disasters, and pandemics by enabling proactive decision-making, rapid response mechanisms, and the creation of adaptive infrastructures.
- Examining how IoT devices leverage 5G connectivity facilitating the proliferation of data streams and providing real time data for various applications.
10:10 – 10:25
Keynote Presentation Session
(Reserved for Premium Sponsor)
10:25 – 11:00
Panel Discussion: Building Resilient and Interconnected Government Services by Breaking Down Siloed Systems and Modernizing IT Infrastructure and Applications
- Examining challenges posed by siloed systems within government sector such as isolated and disconnected data, compartmentalized operations, system inefficiencies and a lack of synergy between departments.
- Exploring effective strategies for breaking down siloes through the integration of systems and databases to enable seamless data sharing.
- Adopting agile development methodologies for government applications to meet evolving needs and security standards.
- Utilizing cloud computing, virtualization, and other modern technologies to enhance scalability, flexibility, and efficiency.
- Establishing interoperability standards and frameworks for IT systems adhering to common standards to facilitate seamless communication and data exchange between different government systems and services.
11:00 – 11:45
VIP Exhibition Tour & Networking Coffee Break
11:45 – 12:05
Fireside Chat: Low-code/No-code Automation - Is it Worth the Hype?
- Utilizing low-code/no-code platforms to facilitate user connection to various data sources, such as databases, APIs, third-party applications, and simplify the creation of applications that rely on diverse datasets.
- Exploring how rapid application development can streamline bureaucratic and government processes and improve service delivery by enhancing agility and enabling quick adaptation to changing regulations, policies, and citizen needs.
- Facilitating citizen engagement transparency initiatives by deploying user-friendly applications that provide easy access to relevant information and services
12:05 – 12:50
Industry Innovation Session
- Industry Insight 1
- Industry Insight 2
- Industry Insight 3
12:50 – 13:05
Case Study: Supercharging e-Public Services with Super Apps
13:05 – 13:40
Panel Discussion: Cyberstorm Alert - Combatting the Wave of Increased Data Breach Risks and Cyberattacks Brought About by Government Digitalization
- Exploring the unique risks associated with the extensive use of digital platforms, data repositories, and interconnected systems in government operations.
- Delving into the best strategies to safeguard digital initiatives and citizen data from the growing risks of data breaches and cyberattacks.
- Discussing the role of information sharing and collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners, and cybersecurity organizations in creating a collective national defense against cyberattacks and enhancing situational awareness.
13:40 – 14:00
Fireside Chat: Cloud Maturity Model - Which Stage of Transformation is the Region at?
- Gauging the region's cloud maturity and identifying areas for improvement in managing data effectively in a cloud environment.
- Evaluating the scalability of cloud data storage and processing solutions especially for data cleaning, validation, and enrichment to handle growing volumes of data.
- Implementing data-driven decision-making processes and assessing the integration of advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence capabilities to provide actionable information from cloud-stored data.
14:00
Closing Remarks by Conference Chairperson, Networking Lunch and End of Day 1
08:30 – 09:30
REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING
09:30 – 09:40
Opening Remarks by Conference Chairperson
09:40 – 10:10
Panel Discussion: The Role of Data Quality in Open Government and Open Data Initiatives
- The importance of accurate, timely, and accessible data in building the foundation for successful open government and open data initiatives fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement and how data quality influences decision-making processes for policymakers relying on open government data.
- Explore solutions and best practices for addressing issues such as data accuracy, completeness, and timeliness to maintain data quality
- Gaining insights into the combination of robust data governance and quality assurance frameworks within open government initiatives and how these frameworks contribute to the ongoing monitoring and improvement of data quality.
10:10 – 10:25
Keynote Presentation
(Reserved for Premium Sponsor)
10:25 - 10:45
Fireside Chat: Web 3.0, Data Sovereignty, and the Evolving Landscape of Data Ownership
- The fundamental concepts of Web 3.0 and the shift towards decentralized architectures and distributed ledger technologies like blockchain impacting data ownership and control.
- Addressing the challenges associated with transitioning to a Web 3.0 model of data ownership, including interoperability, scalability, and legal considerations.
- Discussing how regulatory frameworks are adapting to the changing landscape, balancing the need for innovation with the protection of individual rights in a decentralized data ecosystem.
10:45 – 11:00
Keynote Presentation: Metaverse-Infused Digital Government: A Look into the Future
11:00 – 11:45
VIP Exhibition Tour & Networking Coffee Break
11:45 – 12:20
Panel Discussion: Elevating the Potential of Smart Cities with Robust Data Management Capabilities
- Understanding how data-driven performance management enables governments to gain actionable insights by evaluating the performance of initiatives, implemented technology, and infrastructure.
- Emphasizing the pivotal role of citizen data in smart city operations underscores the imperative to prioritize data protection, fostering trust and ensuring compliance with privacy standards and legal requirements.
- Defining KPIs, open data initiatives, transparency, robust governance frameworks and interoperability to mitigate challenges faced for maximized efficiency, public satisfaction, and eco-friendly outlook.
12:20 – 13:05
Industry Innovation Session
- Industry Insight 1
- Industry Insight 2
- Industry Insight 3
13:05 – 13:25
Fireside Chat: Reimagining Citizen Interaction with Generative AI
- Exploring how generative AI analyzes historical interactions to tailor responses, anticipate citizen needs, and improve overall service delivery reshaping the way citizens access information and engage with public services.
- Diverse data sources integration challenges and solutions to enable generative AI and provide dynamic and up-to-date responses to citizen queries.
- The importance of robust data governance frameworks in ensuring the quality and integrity of data used by generative AI in provided services.
13:25 – 14:00
Panel Discussion: Unveiling the Hidden Value - Exploring Dark Data and Breaking Down Data Silos
- Discussing the potential value hidden within dark data and the best strategies for identification, governance and dark data integration into broader analytics initiatives.
- Overcoming the obstacles organizations face, such as data fragmentation, lack of metadata, and the need for specialized tools for identifying and managing dark data within their existing data silos.
- Identifying how organizations can ensure compliance with regulations, maintain data quality, and address privacy concerns when unlocking and sharing previously underutilized data.
14:00
Closing Remarks by Conference Chairperson, Networking Lunch and End of Conference
Who should Attend?
Sectors:
- Ministries and Government Administrations
- Public Entities and Critical Infrastructure
- BFSI
- Healthcare
- Education
Chief Officers, Vice Presidents, Directors, Heads, and Managers of:
- Data
- Digital Transformation
- Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Analytics
- Data Management
- Data Privacy
- Business Intelligence
- Cybersecurity/Information Security
- Automation
- Cloud
- IoT
- Strategy
Sponsors and Partners
Who should Sponsor?
Vendors and solutions providers for:
- Infrastructure
- AI and ML
- Data Hosting and Storage
- Cybersecurity/Information Security
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Data Management
- Open Platforms
- Data Advanced Analytics
- Business Intelligence
- Managed Services
- Metaverse
- Digital Twins
Why Sponsor?
Get in Front of Your Target Market
Get the chance to network and build relationships with key stakeholders involved in the digitalization of government services across MENA and get insight into their plans to invest in new technologies and spot opportunities.
Increase Your Competitiveness
Learn about the challenges faced by the region’s industry experts and identify how you can provide them with customised solutions to help them overcome them.
Generate Strong Leads
Learn about the future of data-driven government and public services and influence decision makers and stand a chance of being shortlisted for upcoming projects.
Partnership Message
If you have a product or service that will be valuable to the region’s Government and Public Sectors, please contact us on partnerships@gmevents.ae to find out more about sponsorship packages and opportunities
Register Now
Paid delegate passes can only be secured after the payment is processed via a credit card. Please note that only completing the registration form will not secure a delegate pass for this event. If you do not have access to a credit card and wish to register through other payment methods, or wish for a member of our team to contact you and answer your questions before completing your registration process, please send us an email at partnerships@gmevents.ae with your details and the name of the event and we will contact you as soon as received.
Once you have completed the registration and payment process, please do check your spam/junk folder in case our system generated confirmations are not delivered to your inbox.
