As VP for the MEA region, what drove Splunk’s decision to participate in GITEX 2024, and what are your key objectives for engaging with the market at this event?
Splunk’s decision to participate in GITEX 2024 is driven by the significance of this event as a premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovation across the Middle East. The region is rapidly evolving into a global technology hub, with countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading ambitious digital transformation initiatives. GITEX gives us a unique opportunity to engage directly with customers, partners, and industry leaders, demonstrating how Splunk’s AI-driven solutions can enhance digital resilience and security for organisations in the region.
Our key objectives are to showcase our AI-enabled cybersecurity and observability solutions, which are tailored to meet the challenges of modern businesses. We aim to help organisations in the Middle East strengthen their digital infrastructure, manage complex data environments, and improve operational efficiency. This year, we’re particularly focused on how AI and machine learning can help companies proactively manage cybersecurity threats and streamline their observability strategies, empowering them to innovate with confidence.
In your view, how are the UAE and Saudi Arabia shaping the adoption of AI, cloud computing, and data analytics in the Middle East, and what role is Splunk playing in this transformation?
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are spearheading the region’s digital transformation, making significant investments in AI, cloud computing, and data analytics. Both countries are not only adopting new technologies but also laying the foundation for a robust digital economy. Their commitment to innovation is driving rapid growth in these sectors, and as they lead the charge, other nations in the region are following suit.
Splunk plays a pivotal role in this transformation by providing advanced AI and machine learning solutions that help organisations harness the full potential of their data. We enable businesses to derive actionable insights from real-time data, improve their cybersecurity posture, and streamline operations. Additionally, our partnerships with key local entities aligns with our commitment to upskilling talent and supporting the region’s growing digital ecosystem.
How critical is the Middle East to Splunk’s growth under your leadership, and what strategic expansions are you focusing on to further tap into this market?
The Middle East is an essential part of Splunk’s global growth strategy, we are focused on expanding our presence and capabilities in the region. The region’s rapid adoption of AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity solutions presents a significant growth opportunity for us, and we are committed to supporting local organisations as they navigate this digital transformation journey.
One of the key expansions we are working on is the launch of Splunk Cloud on AWS Middle East (UAE) quite soon. This localised cloud infrastructure will provide businesses with reduced latency, enhanced data security, and compliance with local regulations—crucial factors for organisations looking to accelerate their cloud adoption. We are also expanding our partnerships with government bodies and educational institutions to help address the cybersecurity skills gap and ensure that local talent is well-equipped to support the region’s digital future.
How are Splunk’s AI and machine learning solutions improving cybersecurity, observability, and digital resilience for businesses across the Middle East?
AI and machine learning are transforming the way organisations approach cybersecurity and observability, and Splunk is at the forefront of this transformation. Our AI-driven solutions enable businesses to detect, predict, and prevent cyber threats in real time, helping them stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated attacks. By automating threat detection and incident response, we allow organisations to reduce downtime and mitigate risks before they impact critical operations.
In terms of observability, Splunk’s platform provides comprehensive, real-time visibility into multi-cloud and hybrid environments, enabling businesses to monitor performance, detect anomalies, and address issues proactively. This helps organisations not only maintain operational efficiency but also build a more resilient digital infrastructure. By combining cybersecurity and observability into a unified platform, Splunk empowers businesses to operate securely and efficiently in today’s complex digital landscape.
