In this week’s exclusive interview, we sit down with Dr. Abeer S. Al-Humaimeedy, a pioneering leader in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, and the current Vice Dean for Development and Quality at King Saud University’s College of Computer and Information Sciences.

As the founder of the Blockchain and Web3 Lab (Blockh) and a driving force behind several national initiatives, Dr. Abeer shares her insights on the evolving landscape of Web3, her mission to bridge academia and industry, and her vision for empowering communities through technological advancement. Join us as we delve into her journey, recent projects, and the future she envisions for Saudi Arabia’s digital ecosystem.

Adaverse: Can you share what first drew you to the world of technology, and how you became interested in Web3 specifically?

Dr. Abeer: From my earliest days, I’ve always been deeply fascinated by the power of technology to transform our lives, opening doors to endless possibilities. My passion truly ignited when I earned my bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, where I first experienced the excitement of innovation. During my master’s and doctoral studies, I chose to concentrate specifically on emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing, driven by their immense potential to reshape our world.

My journey into Web3 specifically began later, in 2019, when I recognized its transformative power in redefining digital ownership, governance, and trust. Web3 captivated me because it symbolizes more than technological advancement; it represents a profound shift toward decentralization, user empowerment, and transparency. As I delved deeper into blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), I became particularly fascinated by how Web3 technologies could empower individuals, businesses, and communities, giving them greater control over their data, financial resources, and collective decision-making processes.

Adaverse: As the founder of the Blockchain and Web3 Lab at King Saud University, you’re at the forefront of both research and practical application. What are some of the most exciting breakthroughs or use cases you’ve seen emerge from your students or the Saudi academic community?

Dr. Abeer: As the founder of the Blockchain and Web3 Lab at King Saud University, we actively collaborate with our students to explore innovative ideas, examining how blockchain can meaningfully enhance system solutions across various fields and industries, particularly in healthcare, fintech, and digital ownership.

On the research side, we focus on breakthroughs by investigating practical use cases to evaluate how blockchain technology can significantly improve existing services. Additionally, we pursue various approaches to enhance blockchain’s technical and operational models. This involves researching novel algorithms designed explicitly to strengthen blockchain security, bolster decentralization, and address current scalability challenges. A central part of our research involves developing solutions that effectively overcome scalability limitations, without compromising the essential characteristics of blockchain—namely security and decentralization.

Through this integrated approach—combining practical student-led exploration with advanced algorithmic research—we strive to deliver robust, scalable blockchain solutions that offer secure, efficient, and decentralized benefits across diverse sectors.

Adaverse: You’ve advised multiple government bodies on digital transformation and emerging technologies. Given that blockchain has been described as a pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, what insights can you share about the role blockchain plays in this national strategy and its impact on government digital transformation efforts?

Dr. Abeer Al-Humaimeedy: Blockchain technology is a foundational pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, primarily because it aligns closely with the vision’s strategic goals—enhancing government efficiency, transparency, and digital innovation. Within the national digital transformation agenda, blockchain serves as a critical enabler for secure, transparent, and streamlined services, notably in digital identity management, supply chain transparency, and secure financial transactions.

From my experience advising government entities, I’ve observed how Web3 solutions can significantly enhance trust and accountability, reduce bureaucracy, and enable faster decision-making processes. One major impact is the increased transparency in public services, allowing citizens clearer visibility into governmental operations and resource allocation.

Additionally, blockchain supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition toward a digitally empowered society by offering robust infrastructures for decentralized governance and secure digital records management. This is particularly relevant as the country moves rapidly toward cashless transactions and digital-first citizen experiences.

Adaverse: The Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia is bringing together local and global leaders to accelerate blockchain adoption. What do you see as the most important ingredients for building a truly collaborative and sustainable Web3 ecosystem in the Kingdom?

Dr. Abeer Al-Humaimeedy: Building a collaborative and sustainable Web3 ecosystem in Saudi Arabia requires a multifaceted approach that aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia (WASA) plays a pivotal role in this endeavor by focusing on four key pillars: awareness and education, development of standards and best practices, networking and collaboration, and research and development.

Awareness and education are fundamental to fostering a deep understanding of blockchain technology among stakeholders. By organizing workshops, seminars, and conferences, WASA aims to inform businesses and individuals about the potential of Web3 technologies. Establishing standards and best practices ensures secure and efficient implementations, promoting trust and reliability within the ecosystem.

Networking and collaboration provide platforms for companies and professionals to exchange ideas and form partnerships, driving innovation and growth. Research and development initiatives are crucial for technological advancements, enabling the exploration of new use cases and applications of blockchain technology.

As a non-profit organization, WASA operates independently to promote innovation rather than individual companies or entities, ensuring a neutral ground for blockchain growth and integration within the Kingdom. This collaborative approach is essential for creating a robust and sustainable Web3 ecosystem that supports Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation goals.

Adaverse: You’re a strong advocate for tech literacy and inclusion, especially through your #I_speak_tech platform. How do you see the role of education evolving as AI and blockchain become more integrated into daily life and work in Saudi Arabia?

Dr. Abeer Al-Humaimeedy: As AI and blockchain become increasingly integrated into daily life and work in Saudi Arabia, education must evolve rapidly to ensure everyone can participate and thrive in this tech-driven era. With my initiative, #I_speak_tech, I’ve seen the transformative power of accessible, inclusive tech literacy.

The role of education will expand beyond traditional teaching methods, emphasizing practical skills, digital fluency, and continuous learning. Educational curricula will need to include foundational knowledge in AI, blockchain, and digital ethics from early stages, enabling learners to navigate and leverage these technologies responsibly and effectively.

Ultimately, education’s evolution is not merely about technology—it’s about empowering individuals, ensuring inclusivity, and fostering a digitally savvy society prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Adaverse: With your expertise spanning AI, blockchain, and cloud, where do you see the most promising intersections between these technologies? Are there specific sectors in Saudi Arabia that you think are especially poised to benefit?

Dr. Abeer Al-Humaimeedy: The most promising intersections between AI, blockchain, and cloud computing lie in their combined ability to enhance trust, efficiency, and scalability simultaneously. AI excels at generating insights and automation, blockchain ensures security, transparency, and decentralization, and cloud provides the robust infrastructure needed for scalability.

In Saudi Arabia specifically, sectors like healthcare, fintech, supply chain management, and smart governance stand to gain significantly from this convergence. For instance, healthcare can leverage blockchain for secure patient data management, AI for predictive health analytics, and cloud for large-scale data storage. In fintech, combining these technologies can streamline transactions, improve fraud detection, and facilitate transparent digital banking.

Similarly, supply chains become more transparent and efficient when AI-driven predictive analytics meet blockchain-based traceability solutions, underpinned by cloud infrastructure. Lastly, smart governance can utilize blockchain for secure public records, AI for service automation, and cloud for scalable digital government platforms—transforming public services and citizen engagement.

Together, these intersections promise transformative growth, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in tech-driven innovation and digital excellence.

Adaverse: You’ve received numerous awards for your leadership and innovation. When you reflect on your journey so far, what lessons or values have guided you through the challenges of driving digital change, and what advice would you offer to the next generation of Saudi tech leaders?

Dr. Abeer Al-Humaimeedy: Reflecting on my journey, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that true digital transformation is not just about adopting technology—it’s about fostering a mindset of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Leading change, especially in emerging fields like AI and blockchain, comes with challenges—from skepticism and resistance to navigating uncharted territory. What guided me through these moments was a strong belief in collaboration, inclusion, and purpose-driven innovation.

Throughout my work, I’ve seen how impactful it is to create spaces where diverse voices, especially women and youth, are empowered to lead and innovate.

To the next generation of Saudi tech leaders, my advice is: stay curious, build with integrity, and don’t be afraid to take bold steps into the unknown. Saudi Arabia is undergoing a historic digital shift, and there is space—and need—for visionary thinkers who combine technical skill with social impact. Embrace challenges as opportunities, invest in your learning, and remember that leadership in tech is about enabling others, not just advancing yourself.