Trade Fairs International, organiser of Cairo ICT – The International Technology Exhibition and Conference for the Middle East & Africa, has appointed Dr Nidal Abou Zaki, Founder and Managing Director of Orient Planet Group, as Secretary General of the inaugural MEA AI Awards 2026. The awards will honour leading companies and individuals whose contributions are advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications across the region.
The awards will take place alongside the third edition of AIDC² – AI, Data Centers & Cloud, which forms part of the 30th edition of Cairo ICT. The event will run from November 7 to 10, 2026, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) in New Cairo, under the theme “AI in Action” and the patronage of Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ossama Kamal: We Honour Companies and Individuals Turning AI into a Strategic Advantage
Ossama Kamal, Chairman of Trade Fairs International, said: “For the past three decades, Cairo ICT has served as a regional platform for analysing technological shifts and anticipating future trends. Building upon this, we are introducing the MEA AI Awards 2026 as part of the third edition of the AIDC² exhibition and conference.
“The awards are designed to recognise companies and individuals transforming AI technologies into a strategic advantage for organisations and markets, contributing to the creation of a brand-new regional economy.”
He added: “The appointment of Dr Nidal Abou Zaki as Secretary General of the awards highlights his extensive regional experience and professional standing. We recognise that the value of any award is closely linked to the credibility of its evaluation and selection process.
“The MEA AI Awards reflect the credibility of the broader platform through which they are presented, providing winners with a distinction valued both within the region and beyond.”
Dr Nidal Abou Zaki: Evidence and Results Should Drive Recognition of AI Contributions
Dr Nidal Abou Zaki expressed his gratitude to Trade Fairs International for entrusting him with this responsibility for the inaugural edition of the awards.
He said: “Over the past two years, the region has witnessed significant developments in artificial intelligence, particularly in infrastructure and investment across the GCC countries. This momentum is also fuelling the startup sector in Egypt and the Levant, while promising opportunities continue to emerge across Africa.
“Now more than ever, there is a need to recognise the talent and contributions driving these transformations, based on evidence, results and merit.”
He added: “I will work with the judging panel to review nominations and select winners across 30 awards in 11 distinct categories. The selection process will follow established evaluation criteria and a transparent approach that respects nominees’ time and recognises their efforts.
“I encourage companies and individuals contributing to the development of the regional AI landscape to participate and submit their nominations.”
Dr Abou Zaki to Oversee Nominations, Evaluation and Selection
As Secretary General of the awards, Dr Abou Zaki will lead the awards secretariat and oversee the entire process, from receiving nominations and conducting evaluations to selecting winners and announcing the results.
He will also work closely with the judging panel to review entries and select winners in accordance with the approved criteria, reinforcing transparency and ensuring that merit remains central to the selection process.
The inaugural edition aims to recognise companies and individuals that have contributed to advancing the regional AI landscape in recent years.
Organisations and individuals from Egypt, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the Levant and Africa are eligible to participate. The official website, www.meaaawards.ai, provides details on award categories, evaluation criteria and participation requirements.
Cairo ICT 2026 to Spotlight AI Innovation Across the Middle East and Africa
The launch of the awards further strengthens AIDC² – AI, Data Centers & Cloud as a regional platform bringing together expertise, markets and talent while connecting discussions on artificial intelligence with practical applications and tangible economic and institutional value.
The conference will convene decision-makers, industry leaders, founders, investors and policymakers from Egypt, the GCC, the Levant and Africa to explore how AI can support development, improve institutional performance and strengthen the competitiveness of regional economies.
The third edition of AIDC² will take place under the umbrella of the 30th edition of Cairo ICT, from November 7 to 10, 2026, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo, under the theme “AI in Action”.
MEA AI Awards Ceremony to Take Place in Cairo in November
The MEA AI Awards ceremony will be held in Cairo as part of the 30th edition of Cairo ICT.
The awards are supported by a network of media and strategic partners, including Forbes Middle East as Media Partner, Middle East AI News as AI News Partner, and Galal & Karawi Management Consulting (G&K) as AI Strategy Partner.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to showcasing successful AI applications, recognising contributions with measurable impact and strengthening collaboration among companies, institutions and talent across the region.
