I don't predict
the future of AI.
I build it.
30+ years building the future — from Dubai's first eGovernment to NEOM's Cognitive City to the next generation of AI enterprises. Advisor. Speaker. Builder.
"Life is all about making an impact, keeping a great legacy, and being a force for good."
What Yousef brings to your stage
How AI agents are redefining enterprises and governments — and what leaders must do now.
Building future cities that learn, adapt, and serve — from NEOM to the next generation of smart government.
Lessons from 30 years leading transformation across six continents — what works, what fails, and why.
What every board needs to know about AI — governance, risk, opportunity, and the questions they should be asking their CTO.
The executive who builds the future
before others see it.
Yousef Khalili is a globally recognised AI and digital transformation leader with over 30 years of experience driving technological change at the highest levels — from governments to global enterprises to the world's most ambitious megaprojects.
His career spans the full arc of the digital revolution: he was one of the first founding employees of Dubai's eGovernment — the world's reference model for smart government services. He built Cisco's $2.7B digital transformation business across the Middle East and Africa. He designed the Cognitive City vision for NEOM, the world's first AI-native urban operating system.
Today, as CEO MEA & Global Chief Transformation Officer at Quant AI Inc., Yousef leads the next wave — building Agentic AI solutions and cognitive infrastructure for governments and enterprises around the world.
Holding an Executive MBA from INSEAD (GEMBA 2014) and a BSc in Business Administration from the University of Jordan, Yousef combines rigorous strategic thinking with a deep passion for human-centred technology.
Three decades.
One mission.
On a mission to transform key industries globally and within the MEA region through Agentic AI technologies. Named a Gamechanger in AI by Inc. Arabia, and landed major AI transformation deals in signature government and enterprise accounts within the first year.
Managed all global sales, pre-sales, partnerships and operations across the full portfolio. Built the Professional Services Unit from scratch, hired 50+ top smart city resources, and closed a SAR 1B+ landmark deal with a major telecom provider.
Led the Smart Dubai digital transformation project across 40+ government departments. Won the UAE Federal Data Policy engagement for the Prime Minister's Office, and delivered end-to-end smart city transformations across the UAE, KSA, Jordan and Kuwait.
Owned a $2.7B commercial enterprise segment business line, growing 11% YoY and recognised as the fastest growing segment in Cisco's EMEA region. Also served as Operations Director MEA and Sales Manager MEA during this tenure.
Fulfilled dual role of overall marketing across all segments within the Middle East, and took ownership of the SMB segment sales through a marketing-led closed-loop call centre operation.
Launched the first eGovernment initiative in the Arab world, achieving 6th rank globally. Designed the www.dubai.ae government portal from scratch and helped conceptualise ePay — the Dubai government payment gateway now handling $3B+ in transactions.
"At TONOMUS, we are working on digital twins in the metaverse to build NEOM before NEOM, reducing risk, cost and time while increasing efficiency."
25+ published features
in global media.
From Riyadh to Barcelona.
The global stage.
Hear it from
the source.
Yousef Khalili embodies the kind of visionary leadership that bridges the gap between technological innovation and human impact. His ability to translate complex AI and digital transformation concepts into actionable strategies has made him an indispensable voice in the global conversation about the future of smart cities and organisations.
Let's build
something extraordinary.
Available for keynote speaking, strategic partnerships, and collaborations. Particularly interested in AI, cognitive infrastructure, and large-scale digital transformation.