In the Middle East, and especially in Saudi Arabia, the digital transformation journey is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. As organizations strive to realize the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, the focus is shifting from technology for technology’s sake to technology that delivers meaningful, human-centered outcomes. At the forefront of this movement is Publicis Sapient, a global leader in digital business transformation, renowned for its ability to blend advanced AI with deep experience design expertise to create value for both customers and employees.
Publicis Sapient’s commitment to the Middle East is embodied by the appointment of Ashwaq Al Shathri as Country Managing Director for Saudi Arabia. Based in Riyadh, Ashwaq leads teams that deliver transformation across government, health, and private sectors, leveraging the company’s SPEED framework—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI. Her leadership ensures that every engagement is rooted in local context, cultural understanding, and a relentless drive for innovation.
Globally, Publicis Sapient’s experience practice is guided by visionaries such as Co-Chief Experience Officers Abby Godee and Jennifer Kilian, and SVP of Experience AI Growth, Mahin M. Samadani. Together, they champion a philosophy where AI is not just a tool for automation, but a catalyst for reimagining how people interact with organizations—keeping humans in the loop to drive innovation, efficiency, and emotional connection at scale.
At the heart of Publicis Sapient’s approach is the SPEED model:
Publicis Sapient’s impact in the Middle East is already visible through its work with leading organizations such as Omantel, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and Miral, as well as its consulting on smart city initiatives. The company’s expertise in AI-driven solutions is helping clients automate compliance, personalize customer experiences, and streamline operations. For example, Publicis Sapient’s collaboration with AWS has enabled the development of enterprise-ready AI/ML platforms that accelerate legacy modernization, optimize payment systems, and enable seamless cloud migrations—all while ensuring compliance with local regulations and global best practices.
In the context of smart cities, Publicis Sapient is helping governments and private sector partners integrate financial services, health, and citizen engagement platforms into broader digital ecosystems. These initiatives are not only modernizing infrastructure but also creating new, citizen-centric experiences that support sustainable growth and societal well-being.
Publicis Sapient’s work with government entities in Saudi Arabia is focused on creating digital platforms that enhance citizen engagement, streamline service delivery, and support the realization of Vision 2030. By embedding AI and data-driven insights into public services, the company is helping governments deliver more responsive, accessible, and personalized experiences to citizens.
In the health sector, Publicis Sapient applies its human-centered design and AI expertise to improve patient journeys, optimize healthcare operations, and drive innovation in digital health services. The company’s experience leaders have a track record of leading initiatives that improve patient experience and drive innovation, ensuring that technology serves both clinical outcomes and human needs.
The financial sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid modernization, with regulatory support for innovation and a push for cashless payments and fintech integration. Publicis Sapient’s AI-powered solutions are helping banks and financial institutions automate compliance, personalize customer interactions, and build flexible, data-centric ecosystems. The company’s proven methodologies are delivering tangible results, from core banking modernization to the launch of new digital products, often in a matter of months.
What sets Publicis Sapient apart is its unwavering focus on people. Whether transforming the customer journey or reimagining the employee experience, the company’s approach is grounded in empathy, design thinking, and a deep understanding of local culture. By combining global best practices with local insight, Publicis Sapient ensures that every transformation delivers not just technological advancement, but real, measurable value for individuals and communities.
As Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East continue to pursue ambitious digital transformation agendas, Publicis Sapient stands as a committed partner—investing in local talent, scaling its SPEED capabilities, and delivering measurable impact. The company’s leadership, both local and global, is dedicated to helping organizations navigate the complexities of AI adoption, workforce transformation, and digital experience innovation.
In this new era, where AI and human-centered design converge, Publicis Sapient is not just shaping the future of technology—it is shaping the future of how people live, work, and connect in the Middle East.
Ready to accelerate your organization’s experience transformation? Connect with Publicis Sapient to discover how AI and human-centered design can drive meaningful outcomes for your customers and employees in Saudi Arabia and beyond.