Saudi Arabia is emerging as a leading force in the regional tech ecosystem, noted for the exceptional speed of its digital transformation, according to Andrew Hanna, CEO of ZainTECH. Hanna, who has observed the Kingdom’s rapid journey toward technological progress, explained the key factors contributing to Saudi Arabia’s standout position in the region.
“What sets Saudi Arabia apart is the speed of its transformation,” Hanna stated in an interview during LEAP 2025 in Riyadh. “Decisions are being made much faster, particularly in government and enterprise sectors, compared to other markets.”
As the Kingdom progresses toward its Vision 2030 goals, its transformation is not limited to technological adoption but extends to regulatory advancements. The rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, particularly in areas like data protection, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, presents both challenges and opportunities for technology providers. Hanna highlighted the importance of staying ahead of these developments to ensure continued growth.
ZainTECH, which operates across markets including Kuwait, UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, and Sudan, has experienced significant growth in Saudi Arabia, with the business doubling year-over-year. This expansion is indicative of the market’s potential and ZainTECH’s alignment with Saudi Arabia’s digital ambitions.
However, Hanna pointed out that digital transformation is not occurring uniformly across all sectors. While industries like finance, healthcare, education, government services, and banking are experiencing rapid technological progress, others, like construction, are lagging behind. Hanna noted that the development of technology in construction differs significantly from advancements in sectors like finance and healthcare.
AI is another critical area for ZainTECH, which adopts a practical approach focused on tangible outcomes. “AI is not about hype; it’s about real business impact,” Hanna explained. “When engaging with customers, the focus is on how AI can solve practical business problems—whether it’s reducing costs, improving efficiency, enhancing productivity, or generating revenue.”
Hanna also emphasized a pragmatic approach to digital transformation, suggesting that businesses adopt incremental steps rather than pursuing a “big bang” transformation. “Many companies develop ambitious digital strategies, but execution is the challenge. Instead of large-scale changes, businesses should take small, strategic steps over time.”
Cybersecurity remains a significant concern, with varying levels of adoption across organizations. Hanna noted that some government entities and large enterprises are already world-class in their cybersecurity efforts, while others still operate with a risky “this won’t happen to us” mentality.
Looking forward, Hanna remains optimistic about the region’s future, though he maintains a balanced outlook. “Change is constant,” he said. “While I don’t know exactly what the future holds, I am confident that investments, diversification, and economic transformation will continue to accelerate. As 2030 approaches, we will see the realization of many of these visionary goals, laying the foundation for the next decade of growth.”
