Saudi economy is the largest within the GCC and the Kingdom is home to some of the most prominent companies in the region. Moreover, the country's economy is undergoing a transition to keep up with the challenging global macro-economic environment, as well as to meet the government's Vision 2030 strategy. A recent study estimates that Saudi Arabia's ICT Spend is set to grow to SR43.7 billon by 2020 – highlighting the government initiatives to create a sustainable, knowledge-based economy and improve delivery of services in the Kingdom. Nexthink will participate in the 6th edition of the 'Saudi Arabia CIO Summit 2016' taking place on May 4-5, 2016 at the Bay La Sun & Marina Hotel in King Abdullah Economic City. A Government Vertical Partner of the event, Nexthink executives will address major challenges, opportunities, and priorities set to dictate the Saudi ICT investment landscape in the coming 12 months. In addition, Ghassan AlKhalout, Regional Director of Nexthink will speak on the "Citizen Experience: The New Normal for Governments" panel discussion, focusing on the latest developments shaping Saudi Arabia's government sector. This illustrates the growing influence of CIOs within the KSA business landscape as they are fast emerging as the most prominent decision makers. Tasked with shaping their company's future and success, today's CIOs are constantly challenged with the rapid advancements in technology and security issues. AlKhalout said "Nexthink, a provider of real time IT analytics, serves as a key ally for CIOs in developing the business and IT alignment that is critical to success. Nexthink's solution ensures that CIOs are always served with the right tools to track the health of their businesses, and more importantly, implement newer structures that can help meet evolving end-user expectations." "A slow economy presents the perfect opportunity for enterprises, both large and small, to re-evaluate their existing productivity and effectiveness and to align their business strategies accordingly," said Abdulaziz Al-Helayyil, IDC's Regional Director for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. "As such, the most pressing issue for CIOs at this juncture is to educate their organization's board members on the benefits of aligning IT and business objectives whilst trying to balance cost pressures. This issue will be central to the discussions that take place at the Saudi Arabia CIO Summit 2016 as we focus on the theme of enabling transformation in transitional times." — SG
