SRMG Think convened a high-level roundtable on Digital Transformation in the GCC Economies, hosting Zeine Zeidane, Deputy Director at the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, as keynote speaker.

Zeidane emphasized that “The region has made significant strides. Digitalization is linked to better service delivery, stronger financial inclusion, private sector resilience, and higher economic growth.” Hitham AlQadheeb, Chief Technology Officer at Takamol Holding, joined as a discussant, contributing insights on the region’s digital infrastructure and fintech ecosystem.

Drawing on the IMF’s newly released report, the discussion explored how digitalization is shaping macroeconomic outcomes and driving economic diversification. The report highlights the importance of advancing digitalization across public, financial, and corporate sectors, while balancing innovation opportunities against emerging risks.

The session drew full attendance, with ambassadors, EU diplomats, government officials, and representatives from the local startup ecosystem participating in a dynamic exchange underscoring the depth of interest in the Gulf’s digital transformation.

Nedaa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of SRMG Think, moderated the session.