CIO Middle East and IDC hosts the inaugural CIO100 Awards, celebrating the region’s top 100 tech leaders

In a landmark event for the Middle East’s technology sector, Foundry and IDC have officially launched the inaugural CIO100 Middle East Awards in Dubai, spotlighting the region’s most influential and visionary CIOs and tech leaders. The new awards program builds on the success of Foundry’s global recognition platform, expanding the prestigious CIO50 initiative to celebrate the transformational leadership that is driving technology innovation across the region.

The CIO100 Middle East Awards are part of Foundry’s broader global recognition program, which includes regional editions in Australia, New Zealand, ASEAN, India, as well as the long-established CIO100 Awards in the US and UK. The Middle East version of the awards program is designed to honor outstanding technology executives who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, ingenuity, and a clear focus on future-proofing their organizations in an era of rapid digital transformation.

The CIO100 Middle East Awards aim to highlight CIOs who have been instrumental in shaping the digital future of their organizations. As businesses across the region navigate new economic and technological landscapes, the awardees represent the best in leadership, with a clear focus on innovation, sustainability, and the ability to drive significant business growth through technology.

The first edition of the CIO50 Middle East (now CIO100 Awards), launched in 2021 by CIO Middle East, recognized visionary CIOs for their ability to innovate and transform in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. It is now firmly established as the premier recognition platform for technology leaders in the region. This exclusive list includes individuals whose work extends beyond managing IT systems to building future-ready, agile organizations capable of competing in the rapidly evolving global market.

The CIO100 Middle East Awards join a prestigious global network of awards programs, with counterparts in major markets like the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, ASEAN, and India. This interconnected platform ensures that the recognition of transformational CIOs in the Middle East is aligned with global standards, providing a clear benchmark for excellence in the IT leadership community.

The CIO50 Middle East awards not only recognize individual achievement but also highlight the broader role that technology leaders play in shaping industries across the region. These executives are pivotal in driving innovation, spearheading digital transformation initiatives, and helping businesses adapt to new challenges, particularly in a post-pandemic world.

“Through this awards program, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the Middle East’s most forward-thinking CIOs and their remarkable contributions to business success,” said Andrea Benito, editor at CIO Middle East “The CIO50 Middle East is an integral part of a global initiative that underscores the pivotal role technology leaders play in shaping the future of business. We are excited to continue recognizing the top CIOs who are setting the standard for excellence and innovation across the Middle East.”

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the CIO100 Middle East Awards will remain a critical platform for recognizing leaders who not only transform businesses but also serve as role models for the next generation of technology executives. By highlighting their achievements, the awards inspire others in the region to strive for excellence in technology leadership and business innovation.