The Gulf Magazine
InnovationFriday, 23 January 20263 min

Mohannad AlKalash: Orchestrating Digital Transformation Across METAP

Huzaifa Shoukat
Reporting by Huzaifa Shoukat
Mohannad AlKalash: Orchestrating Digital Transformation Across METAP
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Mohannad AlKalash is a powerhouse in the global technology sector, currently serving as the Vice President for the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Pakistan (METAP) at Zoom
Communications
, Inc.. Since joining the executive leadership team in 2024, he has been the primary architect behind Zoom’s rapid expansion and infrastructure integration across these diverse markets. Based in Riyadh, AlKalash leverages over 22 years of experience in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud services to deliver happiness through world-class digital applications.

Strategic Infrastructure and National Alliances

Under the leadership of AlKalash, Zoom has moved far beyond being a simple meeting tool to becoming a foundational element of national digital infrastructure. A defining milestone was the announcement of a $75 million investment and the launch of a dedicated local data center in Saudi Arabia. This facility ensures that government and enterprise data remains within national borders, meeting the highest standards of data residency and security compliance.

His strategic influence is further evidenced by a Master Service Agreement with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and its subsidiaries, as well as the successful deployment of Saudi Aramco’s Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) project. By partnering with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), AlKalash has ensured that Zoom’s AI Companion is powered locally, providing Saudi businesses with cutting-edge tools that are both high-performing and regulatory-compliant.

Redefining Public Services Through Digital Innovation

The impact of AlKalash’s vision extends across the METAP region, particularly in the sectors of healthcare and education. In Egypt, he has spearheaded initiatives with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to lead digital healthcare education. These programs utilize Zoom’s platform to enable telemedicine and hybrid learning, ensuring that essential services reach remote populations with unprecedented efficiency.

Throughout his career, AlKalash has remained Customer Centric, focusing on creating success stories that solve real-world problems. His ability to build and scale new teams has been a catalyst for Zoom’s regional growth, transforming the METAP territory into a high-performing ecosystem aligned with global strategic goals.

The CyberX Legacy: A Mission for Digital Safety

While driving corporate growth, AlKalash remains deeply committed to societal resilience as the Founder and Board Member of CyberX. This multinational cybersecurity awareness platform was born from his relentless passion for empowering individuals and businesses with the knowledge to navigate an interconnected world safely. CyberX has revolutionized cybersecurity education in the region, promoting digital safety as a fundamental right.

His expertise in the security domain is extensive, rooted in his early career as an Information Security Engineer and SOC Analyst. From penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to implementing complex monitoring solutions like ArcSight ESM, AlKalash’s technical foundation is what allows him to lead today’s technology giants with absolute precision.

A Foundation of Academic and Global Leadership

AlKalash’s executive path is anchored by prestigious academic credentials. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Manchester and recently completed a specialized course in Leadership Communication with Impact at INSEAD. His technical roots were established at Applied Science University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Network Systems.


He continues to shape the future of the industry by serving on the Advisory Boards for Communications and Networks Engineering at both Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University and Prince Sultan University. Through these roles, he mentors the next generation of technologists, ensuring that the legacy of innovation and digital safety continues to thrive across the METAP region

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