SYNERGY UNLEASHED

NASIR AL NABHANI, CEO OF SOLUTIONS+, EXPLAINS HOW THE COMPANY IS EMPOWERING ORGANISATIONS WITH STRATEGIC SHARED SERVICES

Can you tell us about the significance of the new brand name?

The new brand name represents the company’s client-centric approach of proactively providing customizable solutions. The new brand is based on a ramping up of in-house capacities with a focus on driving value for its partners by providing worldclass business performance solutions. Solutions+ is also broadening its service offerings to serve as a trusted partner for an expanded client base. The first step in that direction is the company’s expansion into the sports and entertainment space. The ownership of Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC) has been transferred to Solutions+. The company is also setting up a sustainability practice. The policy framework for this will be shared soon.

The company is investing in tools and technology to increase process automation and digitize the end-to-end client experience. As a newly rebranded entity, the company will aim to grow, upskill, and empower its workforce, continue to focus on Emiratization and building local capabilities as a national champion. Our people are our strength, and we recognize that we will only be successful in fulfilling our ambition by going the extra mile for our clients.

Are you now targeting non-Mubadala companies?

Under our new strategic direction, we will be broadening our client portfolio. We started this last year and to date, our client portfolio is now 75% Mubadala and 25% nonMubadala companies. We will be looking to increase the share of non-Mubadala business streams and generate greater returns for the company and its shareholders.

Can you share with us your domain expertise?

Solutions+ is a strategic shared services company specializing in providing comprehensive support functions across various areas within organizations. Our expertise includes:

• Finance and Accounting: We offer a wide range of financial management services, such as bookkeeping, accounts payable/ receivable, payroll processing, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial analysis.

• Human Resources: Our services cover all aspects of human resource management, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee benefits administration, performance management, training and development, and employee relations.

• IT Services: We provide comprehensive IT support, including helpdesk services, software development, system administration, network management, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure management.

• Procurement and Supply Chain: Our expertise extends to strategic sourcing, vendor management, procurement process optimization, contract management, supplier relationship management, and logistics.

• Facilities Management: We specialize in managing a company’s physical infrastructure and facilities, including building maintenance, space planning and utilization, asset management, energy and sustainability initiatives, vendor management, health and safety, and space renovation and construction. In these areas, Solutions+ offers tailored solutions to enhance operational efficiency and support the diverse needs of our clients.

What is the market opportunity for shared services?

The market opportunity for shared services lies in its potential to support the building of a knowledge-based economy, enabling a shift away from oil dependency. As per a 2019 study done by Deloitte, shared services spending in 2023 was predicted to hit $6.8 billion.

More recent studies and reports show that key shared services pillars primed to support building a knowledge-based economy are the adoption of cloud computing and the growing use of artificial intelligence. The adoption of cloud technology by the public is expected to add $ 181 billion in economic value to the UAE over the next decade, according to a report. That is equal to 2.5% of the economy. A near 1% increase in cloud adoption by UAE-based organisations will result in a 0.21% or $854.7 million average addition to GDP growth. Artificial Intelligence in the financial sector alone is expected to inject AED 103 billion into the UAE’s economy by 2035.

Are you focusing on AI and ML?

Recent studies reveal that artificial intelligence has the potential to deliver upto $150 billion of real value in GCC countries, representing a tremendous market opportunity.

On our part, we are currently focused on building our artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. These are aimed at supporting our clients with increasing their adoption of these innovative technologies that allow organizations to optimize costs and increase efficiencies. One project which stands out is the implementation of a data mesh platform for a client. Being a decentralized approach that enables domain teams to perform cross-domain data analysis on their own, the platform uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to elaborate the data, supporting the stakeholders in the decisionmaking process.