< PreviousTECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP AWARDS 60 EDGE | Saudi Special I n Kuwait’s oil and gas sector, Dr. Shaheela Banu Abdul Majeed has been instrumental in aligning cybersecurity with operational resilience. She is the Information Security & Compliance Offi cer at Kuwait Gulf Oil Company and in her role she has modernised legacy systems by embedding secure-by-design practices and fostering collaboration between IT and OT teams. Under her leadership, Kuwait Gulf Oil Company implemented Microsoft Purview and Azure Network Security Groups to strengthen governance and automate risk mitigation. Her tailored ISO 27001 compliance model improved adoption across complex environments, while employee-focused awareness campaigns built a culture of shared responsibility. These eff orts led to a 45 percent reduction in phishing incidents and a marked rise in regulatory compliance. Recognised among the Middle East’s Top IT Leaders 2025, Dr. Shaheela exemplifi es cybersecurity leadership that blends innovation, empathy, and foresight in a critical-infrastructure setting. CIO OF THE YEAR – ENERGY DR. SHAHEELA BANU ABDUL MAJEED, KUWAIT GULF OIL COMPANY A t the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authorit y, Dr. Fayid Kadambodan has led one of the UAE’s most comprehensive digital transformations. He unifi ed multiple legacy systems into a single, cloud-enabled architecture built on Microsoft Dynamics ERP, enabling faster decision-making and seamless ser vice delivery across Dubai’s economic zones. His approach combined strategy and empathy— addressing organisational resistance through open dialogue, hands-on training, and clear business outcomes. He also strengthened data governance and designed future-ready frameworks that align with Dubai’s wider innovation agenda. The result is an agile, data-driven authority capable of scaling with the city’s growth. His leadership earned him the GCF Government Leadership Excellence Award 2025, recognising his role in reshaping how digital transformation drives public value. CIO OF THE YEAR – GOVERNMENT DR. FAYID KADAMBODAN DUBAI INTEGRATED ECONOMIC ZONES AUTHORITY (DIEZA)TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP AWARDS EDGE | Saudi Special 61 J asim Al Awadi has played a central role in shaping du’s transformation into a digital-fi rst telecom operator. As Chief ICT Offi cer, he has led large-scale initiatives that integrate cloud, cybersecurity, and AI solutions across the enterprise landscape, helping customers accelerate their digital journeys with confi dence. He champions technology that improves the way people and organisations connec t ever y day. His leadership was pivotal in advancing the UAE’s connectivity and AI readiness through projects that merge sustainability, security, and scale. By driving innovation that aligns with national goals such as the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Jasim has helped position du as a trusted technology partner for enterprises and government alike. His work underscores a modern truth: true innovation isn’t about disruption alone — it’s about building infrastructure that endures. TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION LEADER OF THE YEAR JASIM AL AWADI CHIEF ICT OFFICER DU (UAE) I n an industry where precision, timing, and data integrity defi ne success, Ali Hamidaddin has led SILZ’s technology transformation with a clear goal — to make supply chain operations smarter, faster, and more resilient. By digitising core logistics workfl ows and integrating real-time analytics across operations, he has enhanced visibility from warehouse to customer. His leadership in implementing automation and AI-driven forecasting tools has helped SILZ anticipate demand fl uctuations, streamline deliveries, and reduce operational cost s. Beyond technology, Ali’s focus on collaboration and skill development has built a culture of agility and accountability across teams. His approach demonstrates how digital transformation in logistics isn’t just about moving goods faster — it’s about moving entire businesses forward. This is what makes him a standout leader in supply chain innovation today. CIO OF THE YEAR – SUPPLY CHAIN ALI HAMIDADDIN SPECIAL INTEGRATED LOGISTICS ZONE COMPANY - SAUDI ARABIATECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP AWARDS 62 EDGE | Saudi Special H ussain Aljmari is the Chief Information Offi cer at Bahrain Bourse. Through his tenure, he has led a wide-ranging digital transformation that blends innovation with regulatory strength. Under his leadership, the exchange launched its AI Readiness 2025 Strategy, created an AI Excellence Team, and embedded governance frameworks to build a data-driven culture. He oversaw the migration of core systems to the cloud, introduced SD-WAN for secure remote connectivity, and directed the development of a dedicated Anti-Money Laundering platform with real-time monitoring. His push for workfl ow automation delivered a fully digital invoice and processing system, while the modernised mobile app improved trading access and user engagement. By aligning technology with business goals, Hussain has strengthened Bahrain Bourse’s agility, compliance, and investor confi dence—cementing its position as a digital- fi rst fi nancial marketplace. His work refl ects a simple goal: modern markets built on digital confi dence. CIO OF THE YEAR – BFSI HUSSAIN ALJAMRI BAHRAIN BOURSE W hen Core42 was formed in October 2023, it brought together several of G42’s leading AI and cloud entities under one name — and one mission: to build the backbone of the UAE’s AI ecosystem. Led by Kiril Evtimov, the company turned what could have been a complex integration into a story of focus and momentum. Over the past year, Core42 has emerged as a trusted partner for governments and enterprises alike — launching the UAE’s fi rst Sovereign Public Cloud, empowering over 50 organisations to innovate securely while keeping full control of their data. Globally, it’s expanding fast, from an AI data centre in France to Europe’s largest AI compute facility in Italy. By uniting technology, sovereignty, and purpose, Core42 isn’t just powering AI — it’s helping defi ne the digital future the UAE leads on the world stage. By pairing deep technical strength with a people- centred culture, it’s powering enterprises. VISIONARY TECHNOLOGY LEADER OF THE YEAR CORE42ONLINE EDGE | July 2025 63 Mohannad Abuissa, Managing Director of Solutions Engineering and CTO at Cisco for META, Romania and CIS, underscores that the widening gap in AI readiness carries signifi cant consequences for organisations seeking to lead in the AI-driven economy. He emphasises the need for secure, intelligent, and scalable network infrastructure – “AI superhighways” capable of handling distributed workloads across core, cloud, and edge environments – ensuring high performance, resilience, and cyber-secure growth as AI adoption accelerates. HOW SECURE, MODERN NETWORKS CAN MAKE AI WORK FOR YOU ONLINE Read the op-ed online at itp.net EDGE | Saudi Special 63 Edge_EDGE_SAP_KSA Special Edition_Nov2025_63_Online 2_13759633.indd 6306/11/2025 17:20REVIEW 64 EDGE | Saudi Special 727 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque BMW’s new M5 Touring debuts with a hybrid powertrain targeting drivers who demand both performance and utility BMW M5 TOURING: HYBRID M PERFORMANCE B MW’s new M5 Touring blends high output with plugin hybrid effi ciency and extensive digital integration. This is the fi rst time the M5 Touring arrives with an electrifi ed powertrain that is paired to a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8, making it one of the most powerful M5 wagons BMW has ever built. This new hybrid power system marks BMW’s continued commitment to expanding its M Hybrid lineup, off ering high-performance vehicles that comply with tighter global emissions standards. HYBRID SYSTEM & RANGE The M5 Touring is powered by a 4.4-litre twin- turbocharged V8 engine, which produces 585 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. Paired with the electric motor, the system churns out 727 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque in total. All that power is put to use through an eight- speed M Steptronic transmission that uses a unique pre-gearing stage that increases its torque eff ectiveness at lower speeds. Words & Photography by Aurelius Coutinho The M5 Touring can drive fully electric at speeds up to 140 km/h. And has an electric-only range of between 61 to 67 km. DRIVETRAIN & PERFORMANCE The M5 Touring uses BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel drive system. Drivers can toggle between 4WD, a Edge_EDGE_SAP_KSA Special Edition_Nov2025_64-65_Car Review_13758669.indd 6406/11/2025 17:21REVIEW EDGE | Saudi Special 65 It can drive fully electric at speeds up to 140 km/h, and has an electric-only range of between 61 - 67 km more dynamic 4WD sport confi guration, or rear- wheel drive with the stability control deactivated. Yes, it can still drift like the old M5. The Active M Diff erential distributes torque precisely across the rear axle, helping improve traction during high-speed cornering and uneven road surfaces. CHASSIS & DRIVING DYNAMICS The M5 Touring gets a fully adaptive suspension, with electronically controlled dampers and M specifi c tuning throughout. A double wishbone front axle and fi ve-link rear provide improved precision and load control. Integral Active Steering is included as standard, improving agility at lower speeds and stability at higher ones. The steering ratio also adapts depending on drive mode and road conditions. M Compound brakes come standard, with an optional carbon ceramic disc option. The car rides on staggered M Specifi cation alloy wheels, with 20-inch rims at the front and 21-inch rims at the rear. INTERIOR & TECH The M5 Touring runs BMW’s iDrive 8.5 operating system, integrated into the curved display layout. The system responds to both voice and touch commands. Driving information, navigation and vehicle data are displayed through BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional. The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The eSIM capabilities enable drivers to link the vehicle to mobile data plans. The My BMW app allows remote access to charging, navigation and climate functions. The M5 Touring has a usable boot space which is 500 litres with the rear seats up and it can be expanded to 1,630-litres with the seats folded. FINAL VERDICT The BMW M5 Touring is practical despite its track-capable engineering. It delivers a high- performance driving experience and easily gobbles kilometres in long-distance journeys. Yes, at 2,550kg, it is heavier than any previous generations of M5, but BMW has managed the physics extremely well for a car of this size and weight. I didn’t want to believe it till I drove it. Edge_EDGE_SAP_KSA Special Edition_Nov2025_64-65_Car Review_13758669.indd 6506/11/2025 17:21VINTAGE TECH 66 EDGE | Saudi Special T here is a certain satisfaction in hearing music travel through a cable. Before spatial audio, active noise-cancellation and algorithm-curated playlists, sound came threaded through white wires, tangled in backpacks and tucked into the corner of every pocket. Today, wired earphones — once written off as tech relics are reappearing as a cultural badge. And the wave driving them? A full-blown Y2K renaissance led by Gen-Z. What is the Y2K nostalgia? The reboot of early-2000s culture is everywhere: low-rise denim, point-and-shoot cameras, blown-out fl ash aesthetics, grainy fi lters, woolly knitwear, and playlists dominated by 2000s R&B and indie. Wired earphones fi t naturally in that trend wave. They signal intention: a desire for simplicity, authenticity, and a calmer relationship with technology. For a generation that grew up inside hyper-connected digital worlds, the cable represents friction by choice, its a reminder that not everything needs to sync, pair or update before it works. There is also a practicality to it. Wired audio off ers a direct signal path — no Bluetooth compression, no lag, no distortion when multiple devices fi ght for a connection. Vocals feel cleaner, instruments sit closer, and bass doesn’t get muddied by wireless interference. More importantly, there is comfort in knowing nothing will suddenly cut out mid-call because a battery slipped into single digits. No charging case, no “low power” alerts, no overnight battery anxiety. Plug in, press play, move on. In an era where the average person manages multiple devices, the absence of battery management feels liberating. Sustainability adds another layer. Wired earphones typically last longer, rely on fewer components, and avoid the disposable-battery cycle associated with many wireless models. They are repairable, rarely end up as single-use devices and don’t feed the fast-upgrade rhythm of wireless gear. In a climate where tech waste is under growing scrutiny, that matters. Then, there is infl uence. Celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo and Emma Chamberlain have been spotted wearing wired earphones, normalising, even glamorising — the look. On TikTok, creators call this return to analogue-adjacent habits “anti-aesthetic tech”: a quiet counter-culture to the glossy perfection of premium wireless devices. It feels real. It feels intentional. It feels like a tiny act of taking control back. The wave of wired earphones is a reminder of balance. In a world rushing toward seamless everything, sometimes the simplest technology cuts through the noise — and in doing so, helps us hear more clearly. PLUGGED-IN ON PURPOSE Wired Earphones and the Y2K Sound Revival Words by Pavneet KaurGo for more A global technology groupNext >