2026 Middle East CIO Community Inner Circle

CIOMiddle East CIO CommunityMiddle East CIO Programs

Collaborate with your peers

Join Middle East's top CIOs for an intimate networking dinner and facilitated discussion on key business challenges. Enjoy a relaxed evening of dinner and drinks with your peers to share best practices, make new connections and build professional relationships.

Join your peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CIOs today:

Real-World AI Success Stories

Governance Frameworks for Secure AI Adoption

Aligning AI Security with Business Priorities

Governing Body Co-Chairs

Wissam Al Adany

ADES Group
Group CIO

Saud Al Dhawyani

Emirates NBD
Chief Platforms Officer

Agenda

26 October 2026

17:30 - 18:30 Executive Networking Reception

18:30 - 19:30 Discussion Topics

Securing AI in Practice — Use Cases, Governance, and Business Alignment

Artificial Intelligence has shifted from a theoretical risk to an operational reality for technology and security leaders. It’s now embedded in core business processes and security programs, influencing every strategic conversation. Organisations are deploying AI to automate workflows, strengthen threat detection, and accelerate compliance—creating both opportunity and accountability for CIOs and CISOs.
To ensure secure and successful adoption, leaders need more than technology—they need a strategic framework grounded in real-world experience. AI investments must not only mitigate risk but also advance business objectives, drive revenue growth, and align with enterprise priorities.

19:30 - 20:00 Networking Break

20:00 - 21:30 Summary Discussion & Dinner

21:30 - 22:30 Social Hour

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Apply to participate in the Middle East CIO Community Inner Circle.

Gartner facilitates exclusive, C-level communities by personally qualifying and understanding the priorities, challenges and interests of each member.

Our selective approach maintains the high quality of the network and ensures top-level discussions with peers from the world’s leading organizations.

Each application will be reviewed, and once your participation is confirmed, you will have access to year-round community programs.

Community Member Criteria

To ensure peer connections and conversations at the highest level, members must meet the following criteria:

- C-level or senior most executive for respective function

- Organization revenue of $500M+

Exceptions are considered.

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Location

Venue

Atlantis, The Palm

Your Community Sponsors

Global Thought Leader

Key Sponsor

Community Programme Manager

For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.

Michabelle Fahed

Community Programme Manager

+971 58 634 0248

michabelle.fahed@gartner.com