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This month’ s cover story, which can be found on page 14, features Bilal Husain,

Executive Director, Information Technology and Digitisation at Cruise Saudi, who explains how a landmark IT transformation is redefining the cruise experience aboard the newly rebranded AROYA.

Insight Enterprise has delivered a largescale Digital Transformation of the vessel, implementing a fully modernised, architectureled IT environment that integrates advanced guest services, mobile applications and personalised digital interactions.

The project replaces legacy systems with a hyper-converged infrastructure supported by technologies from Dell Technologies, Cisco and Microsoft, enabling seamless connectivity, improved performance and enhanced operational efficiency across the ship.

Husain highlights that the transformation marks a departure from traditional cruise IT systems, introducing real-time analytics, advanced virtual desktop infrastructure and a fully integrated digital backbone to support both guest and crew experiences.

Despite an ambitious 11-month timeline, the project was delivered through close collaboration, agile methodologies and parallel deployment strategies, ensuring a fully operational, world-class IT platform.

The AROYA plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’ s Vision 2030 ambitions, using technology to enhance tourism, improve customer engagement and position the Kingdom as a leading global cruise destination.

Looking ahead, Husain confirms that this scalable IT model will serve as a blueprint for future vessels, enabling Cruise Saudi to standardise digital capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving maritime industry.

Elsewhere, we learn how rising AI workloads are driving a sharp increase in global data centre electricity demand, forcing operators to rethink traditional expansion models.

Experts including Walid Issa of NetApp highlight that scaling now depends on efficiency, with technologies such as intelligent storage, automation and hybrid cloud reducing power consumption while maintaining performance.

Jonathan Knepher of Forcepoint emphasises the need for resilience and sustainability, advocating for renewable energy generation, distributed architectures and energy-efficient cooling practices.

Meanwhile, Alfred Manasseh, Co-Founder and COO at Shaffra, stresses that long-term success will rely on optimising computing resources, aligning infrastructure with real demand and leveraging partnerships with telecommunications providers.

Together, the insights show that future data centre growth will depend on smarter, more efficient and distributed strategies that balance performance needs with energy constraints and cost pressures. You can read more starting on page 24. Don’ t forget, you can stay informed with daily news updates on our website, where we bring you the latest insights and developments from the world of business technology. I’ d like to wish you a productive and successful month ahead. Please enjoy this issue and take your time to explore the articles we have prepared for you. See you next time.

Mark Bowen Editorial Director mark. bowen @ intelligentglobalmedia. com

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