26th November
10:00-19:00
Day 1 of TDME 24 will cover a range of topics that impact the digital infrastructure ecosystem in the Middle East. From future-proofing data centres, sustainability, and connectivity to data regulations and inclusivity within the industry, don’t miss these dynamic discussions on the trends and topics affecting the GCC regional market.
Building A Digital Infrastructure Ecosystem
10:00
DOORS OPEN
10:30-10:50
Opening Speech
Welcome Presentation: Henry Sutton (GDCA) and Stijn Grove (Kickstart Europe)
Henry Sutton
Gulf Data Centre Association
Stijn Grove
Kickstart Europe | DDA10:55-11:25
The Middle East expansion: How is digital infrastructure rising in the region and will we cope with demand?
PANEL: The Middle East is poised to become one of the fastest-growing data centre markets globally in the coming years. What are the reasons for this rapid growth within the region? How do we plan to maintain this upward trajectory? And how do we abticipate the industry will cope with this new demand?
11:30-12:00
Establishing the GCC as a global data centre hub: Unpacking the drivers of demand and investment
PANEL: A look at the opportunities and challenges of developing and investing in data centres in the GCC region? What advantages can the GCC offer in comparison to its global counterparts? How have catalysts such as economic free zones, MoUs, and Sovereign Wealth Funds helped change the GCC data centre footprint? What role do they play in bringing global data centre platforms to the GCC?
12:05-12:35
Powering the digital age: Exploring the data centres of tomorrow
PANEL: The future of data centre design, engineering, and infrastructure is changing. With the pressures for higher performance and more energy efficient data centres battling new demands for increased data consumption and AI, how will design and engineering innovation respond?
12:40-13:10
A data sovereignty and regulations deep-dive: What do we need to know?
PANEL: Data centre owners and operators in the GCC must navigate a complex regulatory landscape. At a time when data sovereignty, regulations, and cyber security have never been more prevalent, representatives from GCC law firms will come together to share their findings and insights into the future of data laws across the GCC.
13:10-14:30
Lunch Break
14:30-15:00
Connectivity: Linking the Middle East to the Global Network
PANEL: The GCC is one of the best-connected regions globally. With new subsea cable investment and a regulated telecoms market, how is the GCC leveraging these advantages? What changes can we expect in the region’s connectivity in the near future? And can current networks keep up with the influx of data centres and boom AI development?
15:05-15:35
Closing the talent divide: Are we truly bridging the skills gap?
PANEL: The GCC faces a significant talent shortage. Given the anticipated growth in the data centre market, what measures are governments and industry leaders taking to bridge the skills gap?
15:40-16:10
Navigating the greener path: Are we reaching our sustainability potential?
PANEL: The global data centre industry is under scrutiny over its significant energy usage. As AI, cloud, and data consumption grow, sustainability goals are being challenged - so what is the GCC data centre industry doing to combat its environmental impact?
16:15-16:45
A roundtable talk: Women shaping the data centre landscape
ROUNDTABLE: There are more women in the workplace in the Gulf than ever before, but is it enough? How does the digital infrastructure community fair?