Under its annual theme “Global. Regional. Digital,” the 17th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit successfully concluded its two-day gathering with the participation of a broad range of professionals, including telecom operators, telecom vendors, industry regulators, government officials, content providers, cybersecurity experts and consultants, among other attendees.
The Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit once again made history as one of the most anticipated and largest ICT events in the industry, with the continued presence of thousands of distinguished guests across the ICT industry, as well as the support of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and 2023’s esteemed lineup of sponsors, namely e&, du, Huawei, Netcracker, PMP Strategy, AALTO HAPS, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Bayobab, Beyond ONE, PCCW Global | Console Connect, NEC, Nokia, Salam, Verizon, Fortinet, Digital DEWA | InfraX, MYCOM OSI, Reailize, Related, SCIT Group | SkyFive Arabia, SES, Sofrecom, Vodafone Oman, Centrigent Consulting, Telcovas, Telecom Egypt, ZTE and EXA Infrastructure.
From December 6-7, 2023, the huge conference hall and demo exhibition area were fully packed with attendees, fulfilling the event’s goal of providing informative sessions and delivering an extensive platform for brand promotion and networking.
Conference Hall
Demo AreaCommenting on the success of the event, Toni Eid, Founder of Telecom Review and CEO of Trace Media International, said, “A heartfelt thank you to all participants, distinguished speakers, and partners for their unwavering support for the huge success of the 17th Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit. The two days have been filled of excitement, networking and knowledge sharing. We look ahead with anticipation to the continued evolution of industry discourse and innovative advancements, and we will be ready to craft another chapter in ICT leadership excellence. Join us next year for another groundbreaking 18th edition!”
Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit
This year’s summit was bigger than ever, raising the bar higher with distinctive and top-notch speakers, all thanks to the participation of the most influential figures in the ICT industry from all over the world, representing the Middle East, Africa, North America and Asia Pacific regions, among other locations.
Opening the floor for the 17th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, Toni Eid addressed the audience with a welcome note.
During the first day, Eng. Saif Bin Ghelaita, Executive Director - Technology, Development Affairs Department at TDRA graced the attendees with his presence and delivered the official opening keynote. Three fireside chats took place to discuss the journey from being a telco to techco, how to compete in the future telco market, and tech's new horizon in a digital transformation journey.
Pioneered by the ICT Leaders’ Panel, other exclusive panels were arranged on day one to cover the topics of generative AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
As part of the 17th Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit’s closing agenda for the first day, Telecom Review Group expressed their appreciation to all sponsors through a special certificate ceremony.
During the second day, the official opening keynote was given by Eng. Mohammed Al Khamis, Director Development Department, TDRA, and three fireside chats took place to discuss du’s role as a technology player, the future of wholesale business, and optimizing techco operations using AI.
Exclusive panels conducted during day two include the second session of the ICT Leaders’ Panel, and topics on wholesale, infrastructure deployment, Women in ICT, and artificial intelligence. Celebrating the first year of 5G-Advanced in the Middle East, a special panel and initiation ceremony was also held, along with a signing ceremony between the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).
Middle East Joins Hands in the First Year of 5G-Advanced
ATU-IARU Signing Ceremony
Over the course of 2023’s Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, impressive keynote speeches were also delivered by notable individuals across the ICT industry. Among the list were:
- Andrew Feinberg, Chairman and CEO, Netcracker Technology;
- Mikko Lavanti, SVP Mobile Networks MEA, Nokia;
- Tang Zhentian, President of Huawei MECA, Marketing & Solution Sales Department;
- Yasser Alsaied, VP IoT, AWS;
- Karim Benkirane, CCO, du;
- Samer Halawi, CEO, AALTO HAPS;
- Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General, ITU;
- Kayahara Masayuki – General Manager, Service Provider Solutions Department, NEC;
- Marwan Bin Shakar, SVP, Access Network Development, etisalat by e&;
- Mohammed Aliyu, Chief FibreCo Officer, Bayobab; and
- Saleem Al Blooshi, Chief Technology Officer, du
Telecom Review Excellence Awards
One of the highlights and most exciting part of the 17th Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit was the annual Telecom Review Excellence Awards ceremony, which honored leading ICT brands and leaders for their achievements throughout the year and was followed by the annual gala dinner.
Jeff Seal, Chief of the Awards Committee, Managing Partner and Editor-in-Chief, Telecom Review North America, said, “In 2023, the Telecom Review Excellence Awards set a new benchmark, attracting significant industry interest with a record-breaking global nomination. To accommodate this, we introduced more distinct awards on a global and regional scale. These awards remain the industry standard for peer recognition, thanks to the thorough deliberation by our esteemed panel of global experts. Congratulations to all winners, and we look forward to another celebration of excellence next year!"
This year, the Excellence Awards and Leaders’ Merit Awards were split into global and regional categories. The full list of award winners can be viewed here.
On December 5, prior to the 17th Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) CxO meeting was also hosted by Telecom Review, with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), du and TELUS as co-hosts.