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Fortinet to Focus on Digital Transformation with Advanced Security at GITEX 2024

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Alain Penel, the Vice President for Middle East, Turkey and CIS at Fortinet, says the company’s regional strategy has always been to prioritise deeper alignment with customer needs

Tell us about your participation in GITEX 2024. Which products and solutions will you showcase at the event?
We’re excited about our participation at GITEX. We’ll have booths in two key locations and will showcase how our advanced security solutions are empowering digital transformation across the region.

Our booth in the high-traffic Telco Hall spans 200 sqm. It will showcase a variety of technologies, including our Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and Security Operations (SecOps) solutions, which are specifically designed to support today’s hybrid workforce. We’ll also be present in the Cyber Valley Hall, where we’ll focus on operational technology (OT) security with live demos that illustrate real-world use cases in critical sectors like utilities and transportation. These demonstrations are not only about showcasing technology but also about reflecting our commitment to addressing unique cybersecurity challenges while supporting the region’s ambitions for smart cities and resilient infrastructure.

How has the regional tech landscape evolved in the past couple of years?
The technology landscape in the Middle East is evolving at an incredible pace. It’s exciting to see how digital transformation is being accelerated by government-led initiatives and the rapid adoption of AI and 5G technologies.

Organisations are increasingly moving towards cloud environments and merging IT with OT, which highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures. We’re also witnessing increased collaboration across various sectors which drives innovation, particularly with investments in AI-enhanced solutions for securing critical infrastructure and IoT networks. At Fortinet, we’ve been responding to this surge in demand by expanding our capabilities and strengthening partnerships throughout the region. This ensures we can provide the security and scalability needed to support this digital evolution.

What are your expectations from the event this year?
We expect to see a lot of momentum around collaboration, consolidation, knowledge sharing, and showcasing innovative technologies that align with regional initiatives like smart cities. Our goal is to engage meaningfully with customers and partners to discuss the evolving challenges in cybersecurity, especially with the rise of AI and new technology deployments.

We believe these discussions will create opportunities for us to demonstrate how our tailored solutions can not only secure digital transformation but also align with the goals of local businesses and governments. GITEX is such a powerful platform for visibility and collaboration, and we’re eager to make a real impact.

What will be your theme of participation at GITEX 2024?
Our overarching theme revolves around empowering digital transformation with advanced security. We want to showcase our commitment to securing every facet of a business’s digital journey—from cloud environments to OT and hybrid workforces. By highlighting our technologies like Unified SASE and OT demo kits, we’re aligning ourselves with the region’s aspirations for smarter, safer cities and protecting critical infrastructure.

Do you plan to run any online engagements such as webinars and offline engagements such as tech talks, demos, keynotes, and so on, alongside GITEX 2024?
Yes. GITEX is more than just our physical presence; we’re amplifying our engagement through planned on-site technical briefings, live demos, and panel sessions focused on how AI and advanced cybersecurity solutions can support digital transformation across sectors. Melih Kirkgoz, Senior Director Systems Engineering for Fortinet International Emerging at the Office of the CTO is a panelist in a session titled “CISO Outlook – Most Brutal AI-Powered Ransomware Attacks Predicted in 2024 & Beyond,” which will be held at Hall 24, Cyber Stage, alongside other prominent panelists from Interpol, the City of Los Angeles, and Paramount Global.

How have your regional strategies changed in recent months?
Our regional strategy has always been to prioritize deeper alignment with customer needs. With the rapid adoption of new technologies and an increased focus on IoT security, we’ve tailored our approach to offer more personalized solutions specific to different sectors. This includes expanding our presence in key markets and deploying localized support teams to ensure we meet customer needs effectively.

By enhancing our partner ecosystem, we’re committed to providing on-the-ground expertise that helps customers navigate complex cybersecurity challenges while confidently pursuing their digital transformation goals. Ultimately, we aim to deliver solutions and services that not only address emerging threats but also empower customer innovation and secure growth.

How do your regional strategies align with regional development initiatives run by various governments?
Aligning our strategies with government initiatives is essential for driving impactful results. In key markets like the UAE and KSA, AI adoption plays a crucial role in transforming economies and enhancing citizen services. For example, the UAE’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 aims to position itself as a leader in AI across various sectors such as healthcare and transportation.

Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes becoming a hub for digital innovation through AI adoption plans. At Fortinet, we are committed to supporting these key programs and by leveraging our solutions, we not only provide cybersecurity but also contribute to regional growth by addressing security challenges head-on, helping create a safer, smarter future for all.

Prarthana Mary

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