Strengthening Digital Bonds: KRG DIT and Cisco’s Collaborative Visit in Dubai
Dubai, UAE – April 2025
Recently, a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Department of Information Technology (DIT) embarked on a two-day visit to the Cisco Experience Center in Dubai. This visit, sparked by an official invitation from Cisco, aimed to deepen the ongoing collaboration between the two entities and explore emerging digital trends vital for enhancing governance in the region.
A Gathering of Innovation
The delegation included notable figures such as Hiwa Afandi, Head of Department, and Azad Ismail, Chief Technology Officer. Both leaders engaged with Cisco’s senior executives and technical specialists to discuss cutting-edge technologies and vital strategies for enhancing digital governance.
The visit was inaugurated with a warm welcome from Osama Zakaria Eissa, Director & GM for Emerging Gulf & Levant. Rabih Saad, Leader of Solution Engineering, provided an in-depth overview of the Cisco Experience Center, showcasing how innovative technology can be harnessed for public sector development. Keynote addresses from distinguished Cisco executives, including Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director for the Gulf, highlighted significant topics surrounding government collaboration and the transformative power of tech in governance.
Tackling Relevant Topics
The discussions illuminated critical issues facing contemporary governance, focusing on future skills development through the Cisco Networking Academy and the importance of cybersecurity strategies for national security operations centers (SOC). Cisco’s reputation as a leader in cybersecurity was a recurring theme, emphasizing best practices vital for government entities worldwide.
A significant aspect of the dialogue was Cisco’s innovative integration of artificial intelligence across its services. This technology presents numerous applications beneficial to the Kurdistan Region, enhancing intelligent decision-making processes and optimizing operational efficiency.
Building Capacity and Expertise
Cisco leadership praised the expertise and capabilities of the DIT technical staff, recognizing their invaluable contributions. The partnership is built on mutual respect and a shared vision. Cisco reaffirmed its commitment to:
- Delivering tailored capacity-building programs to enhance the skills of DIT personnel.
- Offering direct technical support, acknowledging the contributions and expertise of the DIT team.
These commitments reflect a strategic approach to fostering a capable workforce that is essential for driving digital transformations.
A Vision for Digital Governance
As the DIT forges ahead on its digital transformation journey, it aims to position the Kurdistan Regional Government as a GovTech leader in the Middle East and Gulf region. Through this collaboration, both entities are committed to constructing a secure, AI-driven, and citizen-centric digital government model.
Hiwa Afandi shared insights from the visit on X, stating:
"Cisco continues to be a cornerstone in our digital infrastructure journey. We met with senior directors in the UAE to explore AI-powered observability, predictive cybersecurity, and future tech trends. A visionary partner in shaping tomorrow’s governance."
This statement not only emphasizes the growth of digital capabilities in the region but also highlights the crucial role of international partnerships in achieving visionary governance objectives.
Paving the Way for Future Initiatives
The visit to Cisco’s Experience Center serves as a testament to the growing relationship between the KRG DIT and Cisco. Together, they are paving the way for innovative digital initiatives, aiming to position the Kurdistan Region as a benchmark for excellence and innovation in digital governance.
Through ongoing collaboration and strategic planning, the partnership is set to not only enhance the technical capabilities of government entities but also to foster a culture of innovation that will benefit citizens across the region.
