Akamai, a leading firm in cybersecurity and cloud computing (NASDAQ: AKAM), has announced the commencement of its Global Akamai Tour in Dubai, selected as a key location in the Middle East for this global event, which is set to take place on October 1, 2025, at the Digital Art Theatre (TODAA). The event will feature an opening address by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government.
This event will bring together a distinguished group of technology leaders, industry experts, and relevant government bodies to explore the future of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. The forum will emphasize innovative ideas and practical strategies to assist organizations in developing secure, autonomous, and scalable AI applications, while also fostering innovation through an infrastructure that prioritizes security.
On this occasion, Dr. Tom Leighton, Co-founder and CEO of Akamai, highlighted that the contribution of artificial intelligence to the Middle Eastern economy is projected to reach approximately $320 billion by 2030, prompting organizations in the region to accelerate their digital transformation efforts. He noted that as AI capabilities evolve, so do the risks associated with cyber threats. Leighton stated that the Global Akamai Tour aims to showcase how organizations can enable innovation in AI while ensuring security, trust, and compliance, expressing his enthusiasm for hosting the event in Dubai, recognized as a hub of innovation in the region.
A Distinguished Lineup of Speakers
The event will focus on the key priorities driving digital transformation in the region with appearances by prominent leaders and decision-makers in cybersecurity, including:
• His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, who will deliver an opening speech on “Enhancing National Resilience in AI and Cybersecurity.”
• Dr. Tom Leighton will present a session titled “Building the Future: Secure Foundations to Accelerate Growth.”
• Jassim Al Awadhi, CEO of ICT at du, will conduct a presentation on “Accelerating Innovation through Cloud Sovereignty and AI in the Digital World.”
Leighton added, “The UAE plays a pivotal role in spearheading digital transformation across the Middle East. With Dubai selected as a regional hub, Akamai reaffirms its commitment to empowering the region by providing the secure and reliable infrastructure needed to harness the potential of AI, cloud computing, and data security, thus accelerating the pace of digital transformation in alignment with the UAE Vision 2031.”
The event’s agenda is designed to cover topics from real-time security protection to AI management and data sovereignty, helping IT leaders implement best practices for safeguarding AI applications and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Participants will gain practical insights from regional studies, as well as information regarding Akamai’s Scrubbing Center in Dubai, a premier facility offering world-class protection against growing cyber threats, located close to user and data sites. The Global Akamai Tour will also provide exclusive networking opportunities for direct engagement with regional leaders shaping the future of AI, cloud services, and cybersecurity.