ServiceNow’s CEO, Bill McDermott, has commended the innovative spirit of Saudi Arabia, spotlighting the nation’s ambitious technological initiatives. Speaking at the LEAP 24 conference, McDermott highlighted the country’s swift digital evolution and vision to become a leader in the regional digital landscape.
McDermott’s conversation with Asharq Al-Awsat during the LEAP 24 event revealed his admiration for the 230,000 young Saudi participants eagerly contributing to the digital economy. This fervor is attributed to the nurturing environment created by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his team.
Capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s Tech Boom
McDermott elaborates on ServiceNow’s reasons for investing in the Saudi market, citing the Kingdom’s burgeoning market and tech innovation as harbingers of significant advancement. The US-based tech firm secured several agreements at LEAP 24, including a collaboration with Riyadh’s Garage project to bolster startup growth.
ServiceNow’s commitment extends to educating Saudi youth on its software, offering employment to graduates, and opening new job avenues. The company is also setting up a new regional office in Riyadh, with plans to invest $500 million and launch a data center to facilitate the Kingdom’s technological progression.
Embracing the AI Revolution
McDermott sees the advent of artificial intelligence as a milestone, comparable to the impact of the iPhone. ServiceNow, recognized for its prowess in digital workflow management, is integrating AI to further digital transformation in the industry.
At this pivotal juncture for AI, ServiceNow is poised to merge cloud computing, digital metamorphosis, and cutting-edge AI to redefine the market.
ServiceNow’s Vision for Saudi Arabia
With a Saudi presence since 2011, ServiceNow has been involved in various initiatives, particularly notable collaborations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has worked on transforming business processes with the Ministry of Justice and enhancing employee services with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
McDermott’s aspiration is to position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the industry by focusing on youth training, business innovation, and AI development, which he believes will significantly enhance services and user experiences.
Saudi Arabia’s Global Tech Leadership
Addressing Saudi Arabia’s potential in the global tech scene, McDermott confidently asserts that the Kingdom is set to be a global tech leader, not just a participant. With challenges present, ServiceNow’s AI platform aims to streamline workflows and enrich user experiences in innovative ways.
McDermott emphasizes the importance of maintaining human control over technology, ensuring that AI serves humanity, and not the other way around. He points to the burgeoning tech job market as evidence that technological advancements can coexist with human employment.
Advancing Gender Equality and Diversity
McDermott concludes by applauding Saudi Arabia’s progress, particularly in women’s rights, an area where ServiceNow is committed to maintaining a gender-balanced workforce. He stresses that promoting diversity and inclusion is key to achieving success, an area where Saudi Arabia excels, even compared to Silicon Valley.
Encouraging Saudi talent to seize current opportunities, McDermott invites them to join ServiceNow, which is partnering with the Saudi Digital Academy to train a new generation in the tech industry.