Saudi Arabia has emerged as a standout player in the regional tech ecosystem, distinguished by the unprecedented speed of its digital transformation, according to Andrew Hanna, CEO of ZainTECH, who has witnessed firsthand the Kingdom’s accelerated journey toward technological advancement.
“What makes Saudi Arabia stand out is the speed of its transformation,” Hanna explains during an interview on the sidelines of LEAP 2025 in Riyadh. “Decisions are being made much faster compared to other markets, especially in government and enterprise transformation.”
As the Kingdom races toward its Vision 2030 goals, the transformation extends beyond mere technological adoption. The regulatory landscape is evolving just as rapidly, creating both opportunities and challenges for technology providers. “Regulations around data protection, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are key areas of focus,” Hanna notes, emphasising the importance of staying ahead of these changes.
ZainTECH, which operates across multiple markets including Kuwait, UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, and Sudan, has seen its Saudi Arabian business double year over year. This growth reflects both the market’s potential and the company’s strategic alignment with the Kingdom’s digital ambitions.
However, the path to digital transformation isn’t uniform across all sectors. While some industries have naturally embraced technological evolution, others face significant hurdles. “Industries like construction have been slower to adapt,” Hanna acknowledges. “The development of technology for construction is quite different from tech advancements in sectors like finance or healthcare.”
On the other hand, sectors such as healthcare, education, government services, and banking are seeing rapid progress. Manufacturing, traditionally focused on cost efficiency, is now exploring advanced solutions. “Even a 1-2 per cent efficiency gain in these industries can make a significant impact on the bottom line,” Hanna points out.
In the realm of artificial intelligence, ZainTECH takes a pragmatic approach, focusing on tangible outcomes rather than theoretical possibilities. “For us, AI is not just about hype—it’s about real business impact,” Hanna emphasises. “When I sit with a customer, the discussion is not about AI in theory; it’s about what AI can do for their business. Can it reduce costs? Improve efficiency? Enhance productivity? Generate revenue? Streamline processes?”
This practical approach extends to the company’s view on digital transformation strategies. Rather than advocating for revolutionary changes, Hanna recommends an evolutionary approach. “Many companies put together ambitious digital strategies, but the challenge lies in execution. The desire for a ‘big bang’ transformation often leads to stalled projects. Instead, businesses should take an incremental approach—small, strategic steps that add up over time.”
Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, though awareness and adoption vary significantly across organisations. “Some organisations are already world-class in their approach to cybersecurity, particularly government entities and large enterprises. Others, however, still have a ‘this won’t happen to us’ mentality, which is a risky approach,” Hanna warns.
Looking ahead, Hanna remains optimistic about the region’s future while maintaining a measured perspective. “My only prediction is that change is constant,” he says. “What I do know is that investments, diversification, and economic transformation will continue at an accelerated pace. With 2030 approaching, we will see the realisation of many of these grand visions, setting the stage for the next decade of growth.”
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