From theory to institutional operation, consulting firms share AI and digital sovereignty dossiers at LiB 2026

With the launch of the fifth edition of the LiB 2026 conference in Riyadh, running from 31 August to 3 September, which brings together more than 201,000 visitors, 1,000 speakers, 1,800 technology brands, 600 start-ups and 1,900 investors, a qualitative shift in the conference’s structure has taken shape, led by major global and regional consulting firms. Alongside strategic partnerships with key entities such as STC as a strategic partner, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) as a strategic sponsor, and Humaine as a global AI partner, the consulting houses have taken on the design of specialised tracks to turn Vision 2030 objectives from broad plans into executable frameworks.

The roles were divided among the consulting firms through a precise segmentation of advanced-technology pillars; BWC led the data and AI dossier, Accenture took charge of the generative AI track, and Devoteam was selected as the AI transformation partner. At the same time, EY joined as a knowledge partner, Elm as a business-solutions partner, Site as a secure-technology partner, and Tamkeen Technologies as a digital-transformation partner, alongside NTT Data as a diamond sponsor, IBM Consulting as a gold sponsor, and Deloitte and Tech Mahindra as bronze sponsors.This specialised distribution reflects the consulting sector’s shift from offering general advice to securing direct operational slots in the management of critical-technology tracks.

The statement released by consulting leaders outlines a new phase in dealing with infrastructure and AI; Omar Pols, chief executive officer of Accenture for the Middle East and Africa, explained that the region has moved beyond the theoretical debate on AI sovereignty and has begun practical implementation, emphasizing that sovereignty does not mean complete autonomous independence across all software and hardware layers, but rests on securing AI in the most sensitive points, building appropriate partnerships and establishing leadership accountability to generate sustainable economic value. For his part, Rami Baidis, managing director of NTT Data’s Saudi operations, noted that the focus is on translating national priorities for smart cities and government services into tangible outcomes and field-applicable innovations.

This scenario compels CEOs and chief technology officers in the Gulf, Egypt and the Arab East to recalibrate their contracting standards with consulting houses.The move toward dissecting AI tracks into narrow specialities means that institutions will not deal with a single consulting provider, but will need to align security, data and generative-AI solutions across multiple parties. This requires internal technical teams to raise their readiness in contract governance, ensure clear lines of accountability for outcomes, and control implementation and operational-integration costs so that initiatives translate into direct commercial and service returns rather than draining budgets on theoretical studies disconnected from the actual infrastructure.