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CUTTING THE HEAT
In the wake of digital transformation, companies are running more demanding workloads on their data center infrastructures than ever before. As these infrastructures are stretched to their limits, they must become more efficient in several key areas, including power, storage, and connectivity, to meet the demands of current technologies.
In this context, AI is proving to be a game changer for data center operators. One of the most significant impacts AI is having on data centers is in the domain of predictive maintenance. Data centers rely on numerous components—from servers to cooling systems—that require regular upkeep to avoid unexpected failures. Historically, maintenance schedules were based on fixed intervals, but this reactive approach often leads to errors and unnecessary downtime.
With AI, predictive maintenance becomes much more precise. By analyzing data from sensors and other sources, AI can predict when a specific component is likely to fail. This allows data center operators to perform maintenance exactly when needed, minimizing downtime and maximizing the data center’s efficiency.
Perhaps the most important contribution of AI in the data center space is its role in power and cooling management. As data centers grow, so do their energy demands. The energy consumption of data centers is forecasted to rise exponentially, making energy efficiency a top priority. This is where AI steps in to optimize energy usage by analyzing current and historical energy consumption patterns. AI can then adjust cooling systems, power settings, and other environmental controls to ensure that the data center operates at optimal efficiency.
In this issue of BT, we focus on the critical topic of data center power and cooling innovations. Industry experts share insights on how these advancements are shaping a greener, more sustainable future. Flip through the pages to learn how to reduce your data center’s carbon footprint while enhancing operational efficiency. Enjoy reading.
Jeevan Thankappan jeevan@gecmediagroup.com
“The era of open multi-cloud is here”- Oracle’s Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison, Chairman and CTO of Oracle, heralded the beginning of the open multi-cloud era during his keynote address at the Oracle CloudWorld event in Las Vegas.
“We are entering a new phase where services across different clouds are evolving. Clouds are no longer walled gardens. Customers will now have the freedom to choose and use multiple clouds
In his address, Ellison emphasized AI’s impact on security, noting a rise in ransomware attacks and ransom payments this year. He highlighted the growing threat of cybercriminals locking data and demanding Bitcoin payments, with the situation worsening compared to last year.
Ellison highlighted Oracle’s use of AI to develop systems such as cyber defenders and autonomous robots to combat identity theft and data breaches, noting that AI is actively preventing incidents like credit card theft.
Ellison was joined on stage by the CEO of AWS, Matt Garman, in the wake of the recent announcement that
customers can now access Oracle autonomous database and Exadata database service in AWS.
“We can interconnect the clouds. In some cases, we have interconnected files, but a simple interconnection isn’t always the ideal solution. Just because you want to work on AWS doesn’t automatically mean it’s easy,” said Ellison.
Talking about the partnership with Oracle, Garman, said, “They love AWS for its security, scalability, and the ability to run some of the most efficient workloads. However, they were facing challenges figuring out the payment model and how to fully leverage AWS for their specific use cases.”
NetSuite Announces Innovations to Help Businesses Increase Efficiency and Accelerate Growth
Oracle NetSuite has unveiled new product updates and AI innovations to boost efficiency and growth. The latest enhancements include advanced AI features, a new procurement solution, partner integrations, improved project management, user experience upgrades, new training resources, and an integrated benefits offering.
“We designed NetSuite to be the foundation of business growth, with a platform that can evolve and expand to meet changing needs and a data model that connects a customer’s entire business,” said Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president, Oracle NetSuite.
To help customers gain insights to inform decision-making, identify growth opportunities, and solve business challenges, NetSuite is introducing innovations across the suite. The latest capabilities
Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president, Oracle NetSuite
include:
• AI updates embedded across the suite: Help organizations increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and reach their goals faster. With financial exception management, a new digital assistant in NetSuite SuiteAnalytics, and tools to enhance the quality of AIgenerated content and embed generative AI in NetSuite extensions, customers can gain more value from the suite. To learn more about the latest NetSuite AI updates, please visit: Oracle together”
NetSuite Helps Accelerate Development, Processes, and Insights with New AI Offerings.
• NetSuite SuiteProcurement: Helps organizations streamline indirect procurement processes, control costs, and gain access to preferred pricing and benefits from suppliers, including Amazon Business and Staples Business Advantage. With features to help automate purchasing approvals, order creation, invoicing, and reporting, customers can optimize spending and efficiently buy goods and services needed to support growth. To learn more about NetSuite SuiteProcurement, please visit: NetSuite Introduces SuiteProcurement to Help Customers Reduce the Cost of Doing Business.
Larry Ellison, Chairman and CTO of Oracle
Lenovo Launches Pioneering AI PC Technology at Innovation World 2024
At Lenovo Innovation World 2024 in Berlin, Lenovo unveiled several groundbreaking products. Highlights include the premium ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition with Intel Core Ultra processors, the innovative Auto Twist AI PC, the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, and the new ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 with AMD Ryzen AI processors. Lenovo also introduced the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 with the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor, showcasing their dedication to advanced technology and improved productivity for
Lenovo also announced AI PC Fast Start, a solution designed to help organizations swiftly transition to AI-ready devices, maximizing ROI through AIpowered advisory and simplified deployment. Backed by Lenovo’s award-winning support, these services accelerate AI adoption and ensure seamless implementation.
Lenovo Aims to Lead the AI Devices Era
The relevance of AI PC devices is expected to rise, with over 60% of PCs shipped by 2027 anticipated to be AI-capable1. Lenovo’s AI PCs aim to significantly change user experiences through natural interactions, personalized large language models, and advanced computing architectures, making computing more personal,
productive, and protected. enovo is enhancing its security solutions by integrating SentinelOne’s Singularity™ Platform and AI technology into its ThinkShield cybersecurity portfolio. This collaboration boosts endpoint protection with automated threat detection and response, combining Lenovo’s AI-powered ThinkPad PCs with advanced security capabilities for improved organizational protection.
“Our latest AI PC innovations represent a significant leap forward in making technology more personalized, productive and protected for our customers,” said Tom Butler, Executive Director, WW Commercial Portfolio and Product Management, Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group.
MicroStrategy Integrates AI-Powered Insights to Transform Data-Driven Business Operations
MicroStrategy helps Middle Eastern businesses boost their data strategies and gain a competitive edge using AI. Their platform simplifies and accelerates data analysis, making insights more accessible and actionable. This drives innovation, smart decisionmaking, and sustainable success. When it comes to deploying AI, organizations have traditionally faced significant challenges, ranging from data management and integrity to user skills and adoption. Notably, 65% of senior executives, board directors, and industry experts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) say their organizations do not have the necessary technology infrastructure and architecture to enable strong AI outcomes. Furthermore, approximately
70% of organizations in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) have moderate or limited visibility of data lineage, which affects their digital initiatives and delays the achievement of strategic business objectives.
MicroStrategy AI simplifies adding intelligent capabilities to business tools, boosting productivity and efficiency. Its advanced toolset integrates diverse data sources using a semantic graph for a unified data view. This allows Middle Eastern organizations to use their existing tech stack to quickly build and deploy scalable AIbased applications on-site or in the cloud.
MicroStrategy AI simplifies AI integration with unique features: Auto SQL translates natural language into SQL queries and enterprises.
Emmanuel Brochard, Executive Vice President, International at MicroStrategy.
explains them, Auto Dashboard lets non-technical users create AI-powered dashboards with natural language, and Auto Answers uses generative AI to provide insightful responses to user queries.
“Ensuring that frontline employees have access to trusted data in real-time to make accurate, data-driven decisions rapidly has turned out to be a real challenge for businesses,” said, Emmanuel Brochard, Executive Vice President, International at MicroStrategy.
Oracle and AWS Announce Strategic Partnership
Oracle and Amazon Web Services have launched Oracle Database@ AWS, which enables customers to use Oracle Autonomous Database and Oracle Exadata Database Service within AWS. This offering integrates Oracle Cloud Infrastructure with AWS, simplifying database management, billing, and customer support. It also allows seamless connectivity between Oracle databases and applications on Amazon EC2, AWS Analytics, and AWS AI/ML services
like Amazon Bedrock.
Larry Ellison, Oracle Chairman and CTO, and Matt Garman, AWS CEO, will discuss the partnership on-stage at Oracle CloudWorld on Tuesday, September 10 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.
Oracle Database@AWS offers direct access to Oracle Exadata Database Service and Oracle Autonomous Database on AWS, integrating enterprise data for innovation. It features low latency connectivity between Oracle databases and AWS applications, combining the automation and management of Oracle Autonomous Database with the performance and costeffectiveness of Oracle Exadata, while leveraging AWS’s security,
agility, and sustainability.
“We are seeing huge demand from customers that want to use multiple clouds,” said Larry Ellison, Oracle Chairman and CTO. “To meet this demand and give customers the choice and flexibility they want, Amazon and Oracle are seamlessly connecting AWS services with the very latest Oracle Database technology, including the Oracle Autonomous Database.”
“As far back as 2008, customers could run their Oracle workloads in the cloud, and since then, many of the world’s largest and most security sensitive organizations have chosen to deploy their Oracle software on AWS,” said Matt Garman, CEO at AWS.
Refine presents Fairmont Residences Solara Tower in Downtown Dubai
Refine has announced its appointment as the official representative of the prestigious Fairmont Residences Solara Tower in Downtown Dubai. Prospective investors and residents are welcome to explore this exceptional offplan development and its many offerings as the sales centre officially opens on Tuesday 10 September at Emaar Square Building 6.
The partnership between Refine and Sol Properties with the world-renowned luxury hotel and resort brand Fairmont, underscores Refine’s commitment to elevating the future of real estate in Dubai and enabling investors to experience the unique benefits of branded residence ownership.
Thomas Wan, Managing Partner of Refine, said, “We are honoured to represent such an
iconic project in one of Dubai’s most coveted locations. The Fairmont Residences Solara Tower Dubai exemplifies our vision of redefining urban luxury, offering residents a
blend of nature, elegance, and state-of-the-art amenities. This collaboration further strengthens our portfolio and our mission to bring world-class developments to discerning investors and residents.”
Fairmont Residences Solara Tower represents the pinnacle of urban luxury, combining innovative Japanese design, private gardens in the apartments and Fairmont’s legendary hospitality. Situated just steps away from the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Opera, the Fairmont Solara Tower offers an unparalleled living experience in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Fairmont, a byword for exceptional quality, luxury and hospitality, lends its exclusive marque to the exclusive development by Sol Properties, located in the heart of Dubai.
Thomas Wan Managing Partner of Refine
IFZA and Airdog Middle East Launch Program to Enhance Workplace Air Quality
IFZA has teamed up with Airdog Middle East and TPA Air Technology to launch an initiative aimed at improving indoor air quality for its employees. This collaboration makes IFZA the first free zone community in Dubai to implement such a comprehensive air quality enhancement program, setting
a new standard for workplace wellness in the region.
Air pollution is a major health risk, as highlighted by the United Nations. By introducing this initiative, IFZA’s CSR division, IFZA Cares will be actively working towards mitigating these risks to create safer, healthier work environments. Additionally, to reinforce the UAE National Air Quality Agenda 2031, IFZA’s partnership will also focus on forming a general framework for maintaining air quality in the workplace, serving as a model for other free zones and businesses in the UAE.
“Our employees have always been our top priority, and we are
proud to lead this initiative to improve air quality in our offices. This partnership signifies a major step towards addressing the health and wellbeing of our employees,” said, Jochen Knecht, CEO at IFZA.
“We are honoured to partner with IFZA to launch our Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Program, that ensures the safety of indoor air by providing a healthy workplace for IFZA staff. Running the Airdog TPA Air Sanitizer in IFZA premises for over one year now has resulted in a significant and permanent improvement in indoor air quality, meeting the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO,” said, Thomas Schmid, Founder of Airdog Middle East & TPA Air Technology.
Resorts World One commences sailings from Dubai on 1 November
At its press conference in Dubai, supported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Resorts World Cruises announced the launch of Resorts World One in the Gulf.
Starting November 1, 2024, the ship will homeport at DP World’s Mina Port Rashid, offering three weekly departures: a 2-night Sir Bani Yas cruise (Fridays), a 3-night Oman cruise (Sundays), and a 2-night Doha cruise (Wednesdays). Passengers can also combine these itineraries for 4, 5, or 7-night cruises.
Resorts World Cruises, known for its expertise in Asia, will tailor its services to the Gulf markets with Resorts World One. Starting from Dubai, the ship will hold the OIC/SMIIC Halal-Friendly
Cruise Ship certification, offering certified Halal cuisine from UAE suppliers. Muslim guests can enjoy Halal-friendly amenities,
including same-gender services, vegetarian and Jain options, and announcements in English and Arabic. Shisha will also be available onboard.
“These are exciting times for Resorts World Cruises, as we inch closer to the start of our first sailing from Dubai to the Gulf with the Resorts World One on 1 November. The response from the Gulf and from various markets in Asia, including from our travel partners have been very encouraging and
we look forward to welcoming guests aboard soon”, said Mr. Michael Goh, President, Resorts World Cruises.
Saud Mohammed Saeed Hareb, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said, “This strategic partnership with Resorts World Cruises is a testament to our commitment to bring increasingly diverse cruise experiences to our city, underlining Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region.”
Al Masaood Automobiles Celebrates the Global Premiere of the All-New Nissan Patrol in Abu Dhabi
After the thrilling launch of the All-New Nissan Patrol in Abu Dhabi, Irfan Tansel, CEO of Al Masaood Automobiles, praised the model's legacy. He noted that the Nissan Patrol, known as "The Hero of all Terrains," embodies the spirit of Abu Dhabi and its people, proving reliable on both deserts and city streets with its
strength and resilience.
Since its debut, the Nissan Patrol has become a symbol of UAE culture and environment. Its robust performance, combined with luxury and comfort, caters to our customers' needs, making it a cherished family vehicle and a strong performer both on and off the road.
The Nissan Patrol marked a significant milestone, dominating its segment and consistently ranking as the number one SUV in the UAE for many years. This model has contributed enormously to Nissan’s reputation in our region, and has become a go-to choice for Emirati customers who accounted for close to 80 percent of Patrol
purchasers at Al Masaood Automobiles in 2024 alone.
In the past decade, the Nissan Patrol has gained a large following, evidenced by a 58 percent sales increase in Abu Dhabi and rising customer satisfaction. This reflects both its popularity and the trust customers place in Nissan and Al Masaood Automobiles.
We are immensely proud of the role the Nissan Patrol plays in the lives of our customers and how it intertwines with the broader narrative of Abu Dhabi’s growth and development. To us, it is a symbol of the collective spirit of our people and their values, and an icon of rugged durability.
Dubai Sends 90 Tons of Aid to Sudan Following Sheikh Mohammed’s Directives
Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian (DXB-H) has faciliated urgent relief supplies to Chad’s capital, Ndjamena.
In a swift response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, a Boeing 747 cargo flight departed from Al Maktoum International Airport on Saturday, 31st August 9:00 AM carrying 90 metric tons of essential medical supplies, shelter materials, and relief items provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These critical resources are expected to support over 70,000 Sudanese people, alleviating their suffering and safeguarding lives in the region. Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board
Member of Dubai Humanitarian
said: “In these critical moments, the speed of our response can mean the difference between life and death. Our ability to mobilize and deliver aid quickly is a testament to the strong partnerships and unwavering support from the leadership of Dubai. This airlift to Chad highlights our ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities worldwide.
“In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan,
the World Health Organization is delivering 37 MT of lifesaving infusions to treat thousands in need of immediate medical assistance. This charter flight provided by the Dubai Humanitarian is vital to overcoming logistics challenges and represents a tremendous support to WHO’s ongoing health emergency response”, said Robert Blanchard, Emergency Operations Manager, WHO Global Logistics Hub.
Irfan Tansel CEO of Al Masaood Automobiles
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian
Dubai AI Campus and Google Cloud Announce Collaboration to Support Startup Ecosystem
Dubai AI Campus has announced a partnership with Google Cloud to boost the growth of local startups. This collaboration will utilize Google Cloud’s resources and expertise to support and accelerate the development of startups in the region.
The Dubai AI Campus is a dedicated ecosystem for AI and
Web3 innovation providing stateof-the-art physical and digital infrastructure at the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre. The Campus includes R&D facilities, accelerator programmes and collaborative workspaces, to attract, build and scale startups in the region. Under this collaboration, Google Cloud intends to offer mentorship opportunities for selected startups within the Dubai AI Campus, and work with the Campus on programs such as Google Cloud’s Gen AI Startup School. Furthermore, Google for Startups Cloud Program intends to give early-stage startups in the Dubai AI Campus ecosystem access to numerous Google resources designed for early-stage startup founders
to help unlock the potential of Google Cloud, including its latest innovations in AI.
Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Innovation Hub, said, “We are pleased to join forces with Google Cloud to create an optimal ecosystem equipped with resources to enable startups to drive innovation in AI.”
Ziad Jammal, Country Manager for Google Cloud in the UAE, said, “We are thrilled to be working with Dubai AI Campus to empower the vibrant startup ecosystem in Dubai. This is another step towards supporting Dubai’s forwardlooking economic agenda D33 that aims to make Dubai the fastest, safest and most connected city in the world.”
Saudi Arabia to Convene Global Mineral Sector at Fourth Future Minerals Forum in January 2025
Under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia will host the fourth edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), the premier global platform on minerals, from January 14-16, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
The FMF, convened by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, is a unique government-led platform and an inclusive multi-stakeholder conference where the world’s top decision-makers come together to drive action on tough challenges, where minerals are placed at the top of the global agenda as key to development, global prosperity, and the energy transition.
Since 2022, FMF has focused
on fostering collaboration amongst minerals-producing nations, promoting sustainability initiatives to build trust, and creating a resilient supply chain of critical minerals that the world needs. Building on these successes, FMF 2025 will focus on “Delivering Impact,” the theme of the fourth edition.
The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, His Excellency Mr. Bandar
Alkhorayef, disclosed that next year’s FMF is focused on creating and driving investment opportunities in the mining and mineral sector.
Alkhorayef stated that FMF has become a prominent global forum for all stakeholders in the mineral sector, from governments to mining companies, financial institutions, service companies, research centers, and academic institutions.
“The upcoming Ministerial Roundtable will engage participation from 100 countries. This extensive collaboration will include working groups comprising government bodies and 40 organizations, including international organizations, NGOs and trade associations,” the minister added.
Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Innovation Hub and Ziad Jammal, Country Manager for Google Cloud in the UAE
Hospitality Reimagining
After making a remarkable recovery post-pandemic, the GCC hospitality industry is on track for robust growth and transformative changes in the coming years . The sector's expansion, which has seen an influx of global hotel brands and the creation of local players, is driven by a booming tourism industry, and concerted government efforts aimed at economic diversification. A key driver in this evolution is digital transformation, which is enabling hotel operators to offer personalized services, and enhance overall guest experiences.
However, the rapid pace of digital transformation, coupled with rising guest expectations, has made it imperative for the hospitality players in the region to create a distinct identity aligned with operational efficiency for long-term success and proftability. Connectivity and secure network technologies are now crucial for the industry to attract new guests, and boost revenue and efficiency.
This is particularly critical for Premier Inn Middle East, which has recently implemented
a new software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) architecture from HPE Aruba Networking to establish consistent network performance and management across its regional properties.
Premier Inn Middle East, owned by the Emirates Group and leading UK hospitality company, Whitbread, operates 11 hotels across the UAE and Qatar, targeting the value-driven mid-market sector. The chain has plans to expand across the region and is actively seeking locations in Saudi Arabia.
“We’re focused on best value,” says Will Douglas, Information Technology Director, Premier Inn Middle East. “We need a lean, efficient business model because we are developing a hotel-in-a-box capability –embracing a complete cookie-cutter approach to reduce the time and cost needed to have a new hotel operational. With the SD-WAN architecture, internet lines, and cloud services in place, my team can now have a new site operational within two days.”
The adoption of HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN ensures a consistent and high-performing network infrastructure
Premier Inn Middle East delivers exceptional guest and staff experiences from edge to cloud with a secure, agile, and automomous network.
Business Head, UAE and Africa at HPE Aruba Networking
ZEESHAN HADI
WILL DOUGLAS Information Technology Director, Premier Inn Middle East
across Premier Inn’s operations. Guest and administrative accesses are now unified on a single internet line yet remain segmented and can be prioritized according to policy requirements. This approach allows the business to streamline onboarding new sites, strengthen its security posture, and reduce costs associated with MPLS and firewalls.
Douglas says it was one of the easiest business cases he’s ever had to make, as the ROI is less than three years. “With one property in Qatar, we immediately saved $2.500 a month in leased line costs.”
It also enables Premier Inn to manage connectivity for all 11 Middle East hotels from its regional
we are in a position to scale. We answered that we could now support opening ten new hotels next month if needed. HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN is an absolute game-changer,” says Douglas.
The collaboration with HPE Aruba Networking involves deploying CX switches and upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 access points.
"We decided to offer unlimited Wi-Fi across all our hotels. Internet access is a fundamental utility, and for our business guests, a seamless network experience can be a key differentiator," says Douglas.
As a result, guest reviews of Premier Inn Middle East hotels now rate the Wi-Fi between 8.7 and 9.1
The chain has also taken steps to standardize every aspect of its digital infrastructure. Guests familiar with Premier Inn will notice that standardization now extends beyond pillows, artwork, and shower heads to include Wi-Fi access points and gateways.
“As we expanded, we ended up with a mixed estate of network hardware, with various vendors’ equipment in different properties, which over time became unviable. Our long-term vision was to work with one strategic technology partner,” says Douglas.
This move aligns Premier Inn Middle East with Premier Inn UK, the largest hotel brand in the the country, which has collaborated with HPE Aruba Networking for a similar transformation across over
GRAEME KANE
EMEA Director of Hospitality at HPE Aruba Networking
REQUIREMENTS
Streamline hotel operations
Standardize hardware and support
Prioritize critical applications
Segment network traffic
SOLUTION
HPE Aruba Networking
EdgeConnect SD-WAN
HPE Aruba Networking CX
Core and Access Switches
HPE Aruba Networking Wi-Fi 6 Access Points
HPE Aruba Networking
EdgeConnect SD-WAN Orchestrator
OUTCOMES
Reduces network costs and management
Accelerates move to cloud
Establishes a single view of network health across 11 locations
800 properties. Douglas mentions that HPE Aruba Networking's ClearPass and Central are on the roadmap to enhance network security management and provide cloud-native network management.
PremierInnnownotonlyachieves the required standardization but also gains complete visibility across the entire estate. This has clear benefits for support and management efforts, says Douglas, and allows the business to understand the demands being placed on the network.
“Previously, we were working off assumptions and static configurations. Many of those assumptions have since proved to be incorrect. We can now see exactly what’s needed for each property,” he says. “We’re able to prioritize traffic. It’s unheard of for a three-star hotel to run this level of flexibility and fault tolerance.”
This approach enables the business to expedite its transition to cloud applications. By being able to prioritize traffic, Premier Inn ensures that the most critical apps—such as guest reservations— perform optimally. Essentially, Douglas' team is delivering infrastructure-as-a-service to each property, minimizing the need for on-premises hardware and technical expertise. He mentions that the goal is to shut down the last regional data center by 2029.
“We’re in the business of running hotels, not data centers,” Douglas says. “A rock-solid network means we can focus fully on the guest experience.”
Another added benefit for Premier Inn is consistent security. Instead of managing a fragmented perimeter with multiple firewalls from different vendors, HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN allows
Douglas to orchestrate universal security policies and centralized access controls across all traffic and locations. The hub-andspoke model enables Premier Inn to enforce Zero Trust access in all properties while reducing the attack surface. The adoption of a full Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) model and seamless integration with the Secure Service Edge (SSE) platform for cloudbased security will be simplified, thanks to the straightforward design of the EdgeConnect SDWAN architecture.
Looking ahead, Premier Inn expects to leverage its new networking infrastructure to continue innovating in a competitive marketplace.
“In today’s fast-paced and agile hospitality sector, only true innovators can consistently make a mark. Contrary to the popular belief that only luxury hotels invest in advanced technology, Premier Inn, known for offering quality accommodation at affordable rates, is leveraging technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance connectivity, and deliver more services. This strategy has proven successful, as evidenced by their customer satisfaction surveys, which show continuous improvement month after month. This is what makes their approach stand out,” says Zeeshan Hadi, Business Head, UAE and Africa at HPE Aruba Networking.
Graeme Kane, EMEA Director of Hospitality at HPE Aruba Networking, adds: “We greatly value the trust that the Premier Inn team has shown towards HPE Aruba Networking. We’re proud to support them in their efforts to deliver a seamless and enhanced guest experiences from edge to cloud, enable digital transformation to drive new services."
REDEFINING RESILIENCE
Depa Group taps Secureworks to accelerate its cybersecurity transformation journey
ALI KATKHADA
Group CIO of Depa Group
Depa Group is a leading interior solutions provider, delivering projects in the hospitality, commercial, residential, marine yachts, and aircraft sectors across selected countries in the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. Headquartered in the UAE, the Group has executed several iconic projects in the region, including Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Atlantis the Palm, and the Flame Towers in Baku.
Ali Katkhada, Group CIO of Depa Group, who was instrumental in setting up the Group’s IT department in early 2007, explains the company’s cybersecurity journey over the years: “We started with basic measures such as firewalls, network monitoring tools, and antivirus. At the time, security and IT in general were not receiving much attention in industries like ours. IT was seen
as a cost center.”
As the threat landscape evolved, so did Depa's approach. The organization transitioned to more sophisticated solutions, such as intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and security information and event management (SIEM) tools. This evolution, coupled with regular security audits and compliance checks, ensured robust protection and adherence to industry standards.
“Now, we have very comprehensive security policies in place. We have a business continuity and disaster recovery strategy, and incident response plans. Being a publicly listed company has brought a lot of cybersecurity maturity for us. We have many regulatory compliance requirements, so cybersecurity is not optional for us. We also get audited by the Big Four on even the basic things such as change management, incident management, ticketing systems, etc. All of that requires us to build a very mature security environment.”
Ali says that when the company started in 2007, everyone in the region had to build everything themselves because there was no ecosystem of suppliers and vendors who could provide quality services and understood the concept of strategic partnership. “So whether it was labor, catering, or transportation, we used to handle all of that in-house. Similarly, we had an extensive team of security personnel who monitored everything and sent reports to the head of IT. Over time, we realized we had lost our focus. We are a construction company, not an IT company, and we shouldn't stray from our core purpose. Instead of maintaining a large team of
IT experts, we recognized that many companies could do the job better than us. We began partnering with specialized vendors who have more dedicated resources, bettertrained personnel, and higher quality services than we could afford to manage in-house,” he says.
A case in point is Depa’s partnership with Secureworks for MDR services. “We have been lucky we have not had any breaches until now, but that doesn’t mean we will not have one tomorrow. This is why we don’t cut corners when it comes to security investments. We have top-brand firewalls everywhere, even at small
"With a proven track record in managing complex security environments, Secureworks brings extensive local expertise to the table. Their international team pays close attention to our region, meets with us frequently, and listens to our feedback. And that's something you rarely find in other vendors, and it is very important to us."
construction site offices. We educate our employees through regular awareness campaigns. We chose Secureworks as our cybersecurity partner because they provide comprehensive threat intelligence, which is crucial for proactive defense.”
Ali emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and incident response in Depa's cybersecurity strategy. The company chose Secureworks for managed security services after a stringent evaluation process, primarily due to their ability to provide round-the-
clock protection and leverage advanced analytics for threat detection and response. This proactive approach to security, coupled with the ability to share customized executive reports and logs with the C-suite and executives, ensures everyone is aware of the importance of cybersecurity.
Customer care was another factor that tipped the scale in favor of Secureworks. According to Ali, "With a proven track record in managing complex security environments, Secureworks brings extensive local expertise to the table. Their international team pays close attention to our region, meets with us frequently, and listens to our feedback. And that's something you rarely find in other vendors, and it is very important to us."
Ali offers advice to his peers and organizations looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture: “To effectively safeguard against cyber threats, understand your organization's unique risk landscape and identify critical assets; invest in advanced threat intelligence to stay ahead of cyber threats; and partner with experienced providers who have a proven track record and deep expertise.”
He adds that it is equally important to implement continuous monitoring to ensure 24/7 detection and realtime response to incidents, and to focus on employee training and awareness programs to ensure staff is well-trained in recognizing and responding to cyber threats. “You must also conduct regular thirdparty independent audits and updates to keep systems and policies current with the latest security practices and compliance requirements,” he concludes.
BUILDING A DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
Saran B. Paramasivam, Regional Director, Middle East and Africa (MEA), Zoho, discusses the company’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s digital future
WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCED ZOHO CORP'S DECISION TO ESTABLISH DATA CENTRES IN JEDDAH AND RIYADH?
Zoho's investment in Saudi Arabia underscores its strong trust in the nation's digital future and its readiness to thrive within this dynamic landscape. The decision to establish data centres in Saudi Arabia has been a strategic move deeply rooted in our guiding strategy, "transnational localism". It ensures that while we continue to globalise, we manage to localise our offerings to different market needs. We have done this by aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and ensuring compliance with local data sovereignty laws. Zoho is committed to actively contributing to the country's digital transformation, fostering trust among Saudi customers in addition to also enabling them to become privacy-forward and remain compliant.
HOW DO THESE NEW DATA CENTRES ALIGN WITH ZOHO CORP'S GLOBAL STRATEGY?
The establishment of these data centres is a cornerstone in Zoho's broader strategy to expand its market presence, enhance customer satisfaction, and solidify its position as a trusted technology provider. Zoho has maintained steadfast in its commitment to data sovereignty, and privacy remains our guiding principle. Zoho is, in fact, one of the few and first companies to take a strong stance against adjunct surveillance. We have eliminated all third-party trackers from our platform and operate an ad-free model. This unwavering focus on user privacy ensures that data remains under the complete control of its owners, without being exploited for advertising or marketing purposes. That same commitment has naturally led to the establishment of data centres in Saudi Arabia, a step that Zoho was among fre vendors in the market to take. By ensuring data residency within the kingdom, Zoho not only reinforces its dedication to protecting user data, but also aligns with the nation's digital transformation goals. Zoho owns and operates the entire stack-- from
hardware, network, software, and data centres. This, coupled with its in-house innovation division, provide a unique advantage in safeguarding data privacy. This level of control allows for stringent security measures and rapid adaptation to evolving privacy regulations. The data centres in Saudi further solidify Zoho's position as a trusted partner for organisations who prioritise data security and compliance with local regulations.
CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INVESTING SAR500 MILLION IN DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND PARTNERSHIPS IN SAUDI ARABIA?
The SAR 500 million investment in training and Zoho applications is a strategic bet on the future of Saudi business. By empowering local enterprises with cutting-edge digital tools and the skills to harness them, this initiative is laying the groundwork for a more competitive, innovative, and globally integrated economy. This support will accelerate digital transformation, foster a culture of continuous learning, and ultimately drive economic growth. Through the development of a highly skilled workforce, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional leader in technology and business. Zoho's establishment of two data centres in Saudi Arabia will fortify the local digital infrastructure while simultaneously empowering businesses with the requisite tools and knowledge. By cultivating a skilled workforce and fostering a robust digital ecosystem, this positions Saudi Arabia as a prominent player in regional technological advancement
HOW DOES ZOHO CORP ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH SAUDI ARABIA'S PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION LAWS (PDPL) THROUGH ITS NEW DATA CENTERS?
Zoho Corp has established a robust data privacy framework centred around its Tier IV data centres in Saudi Arabia. These stateof-the-art facilities, adhering to the highest industry standards, provide an unparalleled
CAN YOU DETAIL THE COLLABORATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (MCIT) AND ITS EXPECTED IMPACT ON LOCAL BUSINESSES?
SARAN B. PARAMASIVAM
Regional Director, Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Zoho
level of uptime, redundancy, and availability. By locating data within the country's borders, Zoho ensures direct alignment with Saudi Arabia's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). Additionally, the implementation of stringent security measures, including dedicated cages, biometric access, and compliance with ISO 27001, CSA Star, ISO 27018, and ISO 27017 certifications, reinforces Zoho's commitment to safeguarding customer data. This comprehensive approach underscores the company's dedication to meeting the most stringent data privacy regulations.
Zoho, in partnership with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) in Saudi Arabia, is collaborating to assist local SMEs with digital transformation. The initiative provides eligible small businesses with free access to Zoho's 50+ applications for an entire year, along with training. The programme aims to streamline business processes, improve productivity, and promote growth by utilising Zoho's comprehensive suite of business applications. The anticipated impact includes increased efficiency, better resource management, and accelerated digital adoption among local businesses.
WHAT ROLE DO MONSHA’AT ACADEMY AND THAKAA CENTRE PLAY IN ZOHO CORP’S DIGITAL UPSKILLING INITIATIVES?
Monsha'at Academy and Thakaa Center are important partners in Zoho's digital upskilling initiatives. The Monsha'at Academy provides digital training through online webinars and courses for Zoho applications, helping users fully utilise these tools to grow their businesses. In addition, Thakaa Center organises physical events such as bootcamps and workshops to further support entrepreneurs and SMEs. These initiatives aim to enhance the digital capabilities of Saudi businesses, facilitating a smoother transition to a digitised ecosystem in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH DIGITAL INNOVATION
Rima Manna, Vice President of Network Infrastructure Sales, Middle East & Country Director of UAE at Nokia, discusses the company’s commitment to sustainability and network infrastructure development in the Middle East.
NOKIA HAS EMPHASIZED THAT THERE IS 'NO GREEN WITHOUT DIGITAL.' COULD YOU ELABORATE ON HOW DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS INTEGRAL TO ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY GOALS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, AND WHAT SPECIFIC INITIATIVES NOKIA HAS UNDERTAKEN IN THIS REGARD?
Digital transformation is a fundamental pillar in the strategies of Arab countries aimed at moving towards the future and achieving sustainable development, based on a thriving economy, a vibrant society, and an ambitious nation. Their visions represent ambitious and clear roadmaps for completing numerous projects across various sectors to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. They are characterized by continuous updates in goals and mechanisms, along with flexibility and adaptability.
Our approach to sustainability is built on our company’s purpose – to create technology that helps the world act together. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria represent the sixth pillar of our corporate strategy, where we aim to make it a competitive advantage for Nokia and, consequently, for our customers and partners.
Supporting our customers' sustainability goals, we work with both communication service providers and enterprises on topics ranging from energy and materials efficiency to supply chain transparency, human rights, and community involvement. At COP28, we established the ESG Customer Advisory Council to drive the ESG agenda and initiatives across the Middle East and Africa region.
In recognition of our efforts, we received the e& Sustainability Award in their annual Partner Recognition Event and were also recognized by TIME magazine as one of the top 500 sustainable companies in the world.
NOKIA’S SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY COVERS SEVERAL CRITICAL AREAS, INCLUDING THE ENVIRONMENT, INDUSTRIAL DIGITALIZATION, SECURITY, AND PRIVACY. CAN YOU DISCUSS HOW THESE PILLARS INTERCONNECT
AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF NOKIA’S OVERALL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY?
Nokia’s sustainability strategy aims to ensure we maximize our impact in the ESG areas most significant to our company. It is implemented through our business groups and consists of five focus areas: Environment (climate and circularity), Industrial Digitalization, Security and Privacy, Bridging the Digital Divide, and Responsible Business.
We strive to create value and, where possible, exceed stakeholder requirements and expectations while complying with increasing regulatory requirements. Our current sustainability strategy focuses on where we believe we can have the greatest impact on ESG risks and opportunities. This holistic approach ensures that our efforts in one area, such as reducing emissions through energy-efficient products, support our broader goals in other areas like security, privacy, and digital inclusion.
IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING THE NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY IN THE MIDDLE EAST OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
The network infrastructure industry in the Middle East faces several challenges, including the rapid pace of technological change, the need for significant investment in infrastructure, and the diverse regulatory environments across the region. However, these challenges also present opportunities. The increasing demand for IoT solutions and the region's commitment to smart city projects create a dynamic environment for growth.
The surge in network traffic driven by cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities requires networks designed to handle peak traffic and enable flexible bandwidth allocation. Additionally, there is a significant opportunity to bridge the digital divide, bringing connectivity to underserved areas, which can drive economic
RIMA MANNA
Vice President of Network Infrastructure Sales, Middle East & Country Director of UAE at Nokia
interconnected. Together, these technologies will create smarter, more resilient networks that can adapt to the evolving needs of the region. For instance, our collaboration with The Ocean Cleanup to deploy private wireless connectivity and edge computing for environmental sustainability highlights the critical role of these emerging technologies in creating a sustainable and connected future.
One of Nokia’s goals is to bridge the digital divide. How is Nokia addressing the challenges of digital inclusion in the Middle East, and what impact do you foresee this having on both urban and rural communities in the region?
Women, demonstrates our commitment to investing in women and achieving greater business success through diversity and inclusion.
CAN YOU SHARE SOME OF THE ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND PRACTICES THAT GUIDE NOKIA’S OPERATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, PARTICULARLY IN THE CONTEXT OF NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT?
and social development. Our recent commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, combined with initiatives such as deploying energyefficient network equipment and leveraging AI to optimize network operations, positions us to capitalize on these opportunities while addressing the challenges.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE ROLE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS AI, IOT, AND 5G EVOLVING IN THE NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE LANDSCAPE OF THE MIDDLE EAST?
These emerging technologies are set to revolutionize the network infrastructure landscape in the Middle East. AI will play a crucial role in automating and optimizing network operations, leading to more efficient and reliable services. IoT will drive the demand for robust and scalable network solutions, as more devices and sensors become
Bridging the digital divide is a key priority for Nokia. In the Middle East, we are working on several fronts to enhance digital inclusion. We are partnering with governments and local organizations to deploy affordable and accessible network solutions in underserved areas. Our initiatives include providing connectivity to remote and rural communities, enhancing digital literacy, and supporting the development of local digital ecosystems.
For example, our collaboration with the UN Women's Oasis Centre in Azraq Camp aims to empower marginalized communities, particularly women, with digital skills and opportunities in Jordan. This initiative supports social inclusion and economic empowerment by providing education and resources in a safe environment.
Another notable effort is our "Action for Leadership" program, which promotes gender equality and leadership development within Nokia. This program, highlighted in a feature by UN
Ethical considerations are at the heart of Nokia’s operations. We are committed to conducting our business with integrity and respect for human rights. This commitment includes rigorous supply chain management to prevent exploitation, robust data privacy and security measures, and ensuring our projects meet community needs.
In 2022, we announced an enhanced ESG strategy designed to maximize Nokia’s impact where its technology, solutions, and capabilities combine to address some of the biggest global challenges and create value. Nokia is committed to taking a proactive and values-driven approach in driving responsible business practices both internally and throughout our value chain. We work closely with customers and suppliers to engage on systemic issues related to the environment, mitigate the misuse of technology (such as ensuring the responsible use of AI), and uphold ethics, human rights, and good working conditions.
By integrating these ethical considerations into our operations, we ensure that our network infrastructure development and deployment in the Middle East not only meets technological and business objectives but also contributes positively to the broader community and environment.
GUARDING THE DIGITAL WORLD
Carlos Aguilar Melchor, Chief Scientist, Cybersecurity, SandboxAQ,
on cryptography’s essential role in
cybersecurity
CRYPTOGRAPHY IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED IN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT CYBERSECURITY. CAN YOU PROVIDE AN OVERVIEW OF WHY CRYPTOGRAPHY IS SO CRITICAL AND WHAT ASPECTS OF IT ARE MOST COMMONLY MISUNDERSTOOD OR IGNORED BY ORGANIZATIONS?
Cryptography is critical for several reasons: first it is required to ensure confidentiality through encryption for data in transit (e.g. communications) and data at rest (e.g. files). It is also the basis of integrity through authentication tags, and signatures which ensure that firmware, software, and data in general are what they are supposed to be, and haven't been maliciously altered. It is also the basis for authenticating users, programs, and computer systems when they interact with each other through signatures, and protocols proving the knowledge of secrets (e.g. a password) without leaking them. It is thus an essential part to avoid data theft, tampering, forgery, impersonation, etc. Many industries and jurisdictions have regulations that mandate the use of cryptography to protect sensitive information (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCIDSS). Besides the danger of attacks, failure to implement adequate cryptographic measures can result in fines and legal consequences. Probably the most misunderstood aspect of cryptography is key management. When a nonexpert wants to address a confidentiality issue, for example with a file, the natural answer is "Encrypt it!". But of course this is where questions begin, and those questions are in general about key management. Where will the encryption/ decryption key reside? Who has access to it? How is it protected from unauthorized access? How is it updated to ensure key rotation? Can we guarantee it does not leave a given geographical location (premises, a country, a national cloud, etc.)? How do we recover the data if the key is lost? Can the key be dumped in an unsafe place by the OS, by a backup system, etc?
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE LESSER-KNOWN APPLICATIONS OF CRYPTOGRAPHY THAT ARE ESSENTIAL FOR PROTECTING SENSITIVE INFORMATION IN TODAY’S DIGITAL LANDSCAPE?
Cryptography is everywhere and it goes well
beyond encryption of our communications and files or signature of documents. It is of course the foundation of cryptocurrencies, but also of Digital Rights Managements systems, secure multi-party computation, secure hardware and trusted execution environments (as your credit card, or your Yubikey), firmware, software or operating systems updates, user authentication, etc.
IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF CRYPTOGRAPHY WITHIN ENTERPRISES TODAY? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON VULNERABILITIES THAT MANY ORGANIZATIONS ARE EXPOSED TO, OFTEN WITHOUT THEIR AWARENESS?
Most enterprises recognize the importance of cryptography, but its implementation, maintenance and management are often inconsistent. Cryptography is isolated, siloed, and partially managed, only in main domain. In most companies, cryptography is not just used by the frontline webservers with keys provisioned and managed by the KMS. It is everywhere, hidden in silos, inside the binary code of applications, in the source code of small scripts, in dozens of authentication systems, etc. and there is no global visibility nor control over what is happening.
Given this, it is unsurprising that vulnerabilities and misconfigurations arise: outdated keys and certificates, long forgotten insecure algorithms, never rotated keys, replicated authentication material etc
HOW DO THESE VULNERABILITIES ARISE, AND WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL CONSEQUENCES FOR ORGANIZATIONS THAT FAIL TO ADDRESS THEM EFFECTIVELY?
The consequences for organizations that fail to address these issues are severe, ranging from data breaches and leaked customer data or IP, to business continuity issues. Both sort of issues can result in significant financial losses and reputational damage. Beyond that, data breaches, can lead to fines in the context of GDPR (up to 20 million dollars or 4% of annual global turnover) or HIPAA. A notable example is Uber which was fined $148 million for failing to disclose a 2016 data breach that exposed the
CARLOS AGUILAR MELCHOR
Chief Scientist, Cybersecurity, SandboxAQ
management; use modern solutions for secret storage and non-human identities; and use HSMs for critical operations.
Of course this is a lot, and several of these tasks hinge on having good observability of your cryptography (through inventory tools). Many of these can be unified, so that they are done once, together with DevOps and potentially external help, and then cryptography can be used as a service by the rest of the company.
QUANTUM COMPUTING IS OFTEN CITED AS A POTENTIAL DISRUPTOR TO CURRENT CRYPTOGRAPHIC METHODS. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW QUANTUM COMPUTERS COULD AMPLIFY THE CRYPTOGRAPHY THREATS WE FACE TODAY?
the immediate focus is often on the threat quantum computers pose to existing cryptographic systems, the shift can usher in a new era of innovation, streamlining how cryptography is managed, deployed, and used in ways that are more robust, efficient, and adaptable. Indeed, many of the methods we use today are rooted in practices that were developed decades ago, and the rise of quantum computing gives us a chance to rethink and modernize the field of cryptography from the ground up.
The evolution of cryptography in response to quantum computing will:
personal information of millions of users, due in part to weak encryption practices.
GIVEN THE SIGNIFICANT CRYPTOGRAPHY THREATS THAT ENTERPRISES FACE, WHAT BEST PRACTICES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR ORGANIZATIONS TO SECURE THEIR SYSTEMS AND DATA?
Maybe the first advice I would give is the same I gave to my students in the university. Never implement or use custom cryptography. Then there are quite a few important things: use strong cryptographic algorithms and key lengths (following NIST recommendations, and incorporating post-quantum cryptography as soon as possible); implement strong key management practices (specially key rotation, and strong key derivation); encrypt data in transit (e.g with TLS) and at rest (with full disk encryption and data security tools); automate certificate
Quantum computing presents a serious and imminent threat to current cryptographic systems, particularly in the realm of key exchange protocols and digital signatures. Basically, all the algorithms used today for these tasks (which are based on RSA or Elliptic Curve assumptions) can be broken by a reasonable large and stable quantum computer. Such a computer does not exist today, but many entities, the NSA included, think that it could be feasible as soon as in the 2030s.
AS WE LOOK TOWARD THE FUTURE, HOW DO YOU SEE THE FIELD OF CRYPTOGRAPHY EVOLVING IN RESPONSE TO THE ADVANCEMENTS IN QUANTUM COMPUTING?
The evolution of cryptography in response to quantum computing represents a transformative opportunity rather than merely a burden. Companies that will just change the algorithms used, and not do a transformative improvement, will miss a once in a lifetime opportunity. While
• encourage flexibility and adaptability through crypto-agility and automated management;
• drive the adoption of postquantum cryptographic algorithms that enhance security across a broader threat landscape;
• create opportunities to make cryptography smarter, more efficient, and futureproof.
We already see the first changes — the US government has switched its initial position which was purely on the adoption of post quantum algorithms, and mentions very explicitly, and in length, the importance of inventories. And not just manual inventories, they strongly insist on the importance of having ongoing automated inventories maintained. We also see significant interest arising for crypto-agility. Searching for this keyword today leads to a thousand fold increase in the number of matches compared to 2022.
INNOVATING BANKING
Chris Shayan, Head of AI, Backbase, on how the company is using AI to revolutionize digital banking
HOW IS BACKBASE INTEGRATING AI INTO ITS DIGITAL BANKING PLATFORM?
Backbase is leveraging AI to enhance various aspects of our Engagement Banking Platform, with a strong focus on accelerating customer lifetime value. By fueling a growth engine, Backbase is helping banks to win primary banking relationships with their customers.
Key areas of AI integration include:
• Customer Segmentation: Utilising AI to segment customers based on their behaviour, preferences, and demographics, enabling personalised offers and recommendations.
• Journey Orchestration: Employing AI to optimise customer journeys across different channels, ensuring a seamless and consistent experience.
• Intelligent Chatbots: Implementing AIpowered chatbots to provide 24/7 customer support and answer common queries.
• Predictive Analytics: Using AI to forecast customer behaviour, identify trends, and anticipate future needs.
By integrating AI into these areas, we aim to enable banks on 4 key drivers of customer lifetime value:
• Acquire. We empower banks to capture highquality loyal customers. By optimising digital marketing efforts and streamlining the onboarding process, financial institutions can drive significant growth. These include Intelligent and Secure Data Integrations with social networks in order to have a better lookalike targeting and increasing CLV right at acquisition.
• Activate. The digital banking landscape presents unique challenges. Acquiring customers online is easier than ever, but driving deeper engagement and loyalty is more complex. By delivering exceptional digital experiences and personalised interactions — for example, by offering conversational banking integrated with a clear journey planner — we can overcome these hurdles and foster customer loyalty in a digital world.
• Enhance. By leveraging our platform's capabilities and combining AI-powered insights with human touchpoints, banks can capitalise on every digital touchpoint to deepen customer connections, drive product adoption, and increase revenue and share of wallet. Through personalised interactions and timely offers, banks can stand out in a crowded market and build lasting customer loyalty.
• Retain. We provide the platform to proactively identify and address customer needs. By leveraging advanced analytics, banks can detect early warning signs of customer disengagement and intervene with timely and relevant interactions. Our platform empowers banks to create seamless customer experiences across all channels, ensuring consistency and resolution of issues at every touchpoint.
HOW IS AI TRANSFORMING THE TRADITIONAL BANKING SECTOR, AND WHAT ARE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGES YOU’VE OBSERVED SO FAR?
The application of AI to customer service is already well documented — Emirates NBD announced EVA, touted as the region's first intelligent voice-based chatbot, as far back as 2016. And while AI uses cases for customer facing functions like this continue to evolve and become ever more effective, perhaps the greatest changes are in backend functions where it is helping reduce operational costs and increase productivity.
Imagine you're a loan officer at a busy bank. Sifting through mountains of paperwork to verify income and credit history can take forever. That's where AI steps in. Think of it as a super-powered assistant. AI can analyse documents in seconds, pulling out key information and flagging potential issues. This frees you up to focus on what matters most — talking to customers and making loan decisions. The result? Faster loan approvals, happier customers, and less time wasted on paperwork. But AI isn't just about simplifying loans Remember all those repetitive tasks like data
CHRIS SHAYAN Head of AI, Backbase
entry and report generation? AI can automate those too. Think of it as a tireless robot worker who never gets tired or makes mistakes. This frees up employees to focus on more strategic work, like analysing trends or developing new products. For banks, this translates to increased productivity and cost savings, which means more resources available to serve customers better.
WHICH AREAS OF BANKING ARE EXPERIENCING THE GREATEST IMPACT FROM AI ADOPTION, AND WHY?
AI assistants have the potential to go far beyond mere support functions, to largely shaping the customer journey. Imagine getting a friendly reminder from your bank app that your credit card is about to expire. This isn't just any notification, it's an AI-powered virtual assistant, proactively reaching out to offer help. In just a few taps within the app, such a virtual assistant can answer customer questions about new card options, guide them through the renewal process, and even help them set up Apple Pay for contactless payments. This is just one example of how AI chatbots and virtual assistants are revolutionising customer service in the financial sector. By leveraging AI, these tools can identify critical moments in a customer's journey, like an expiring card, and offer personalised, real-time support. This not only saves customers time and frustration, but also fosters a more convenient and engaging banking experience. Most importantly, it gives banks the opportunity to very naturally grow their relationships with customers, empowering them with additional services and
thereby increasing customer lifetime value (CLV).
IN WHAT WAYS IS AI ENHANCING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IN BANKING, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF PERSONALIZATION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE?
Continuing from my previous response, AI makes it possible to provide every single customer with a knowledgeable, capable, and friendly financial advisor, quietly offering helpful suggestions throughout their banking journey. This is something that would otherwise be impossible with human relationship managers alone due to economies of scale. However, it is exactly what embedded Large Language Models (LLMs), like those being developed by Backbase, aim to do. These advanced programs, which can understand and generate human-like text, are designed to enhance customer experiences by recognizing key moments where a little personalised guidance can make a big difference.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EMERGING AI TRENDS IN DIGITAL BANKING THAT BACKBASE IS EXPLORING OR PLANNING TO IMPLEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
We are acutely aware of the untapped potential in the Middle East wealth management sector as presently, spare for ultra-wealthy customers, many potential customers who could benefit greatly from wealth management services are overlooked due to the traditional model being unable to scale effectively. With AI, Backbase seeks to bridge this gap, enabling banks to expand their customer base while delivering value to every wealth segment — from retail through to HNIs.
DRIVING FINANCIAL INCLUSION
In an exclusive interview, Mo Ibrahim, Co-Founder of Maly, sheds light on the journey of launching the first AI-powered financial wellness platform in the Middle East and Africa.
CAN YOU INTRODUCE MALY TO US?
Maly launched in UAE in 2023 out of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and is the first AI-powered financial wellness platform in the Middle East and Africa. with the Maly app, we’re on a mission to empower individuals across the region to develop healthier relationships with money and further improve financial inclusion.
HOW DO YOU SEE MALY EVOLVING IN THE COMING YEARS?
Maly has a very ambitious roadmap, both on product and geo expansion fronts. We plan to solidify our presence in the UAE and launch in Saudi Arabia, with plans to further expand our across the wider Middle East and Africa. The goal is to become a holistic digital solution for all things related to financial wellbeing by offering a complete suite of tools – from budgeting and saving to debt management, financial security, and investment options.
Our commitment to democratise access to financial services across the region, is powered by our talented in-house team’s dedication to improving and elevating our AI platform, offering personalised advice and assistance, and guiding our customers on their financial wellbeing journey.
We envision a future where everyone, regardless of background or experience, can manage their money effectively with the help of Maly’s usercentric AI platform.
HOW DO YOU ENVISION MALY AI ENHANCING PEOPLE'S FINANCIAL WELLNESS AND FINANCIAL LITERACY?
We aim to enhance financial wellness and literacy in the MENA region through personalised financial guidance, educational resources, and advanced money management budgeting tools. By leveraging AI and machine learning, Maly provides tailored financial assistance advice based on consumers’ spending patterns, income, and goals. Our latest innovation, MalyGPT , analyses and helps users’ spending habits, income, and financial goals to provide data-driven recommendations and referrals, thus empowering our customers to make informed financial decisions and take control of their finances. This data-driven approach can be a real game-changer for financial services in the region.
MO IBRAHIM
Co-Founder of Maly
It’s all about simplifying money management, with tools such as Automated Savings, Multi-Card and MalyGPT to take the burden and complexity out of financial planning. By automating tasks and providing clear insights, Maly not only helps customers achieve their financial goals with greater ease, but also educates and instils healthy financial habits. This focus on financial literacy empowers users to manage their finances effectively and avoid common pitfalls such as excessive debt or irresponsible investments.
WHAT SETS MALY APART FROM OTHER FINANCIAL APPS IN TERMS OF UTILITY AND USABILITY?
The UAE is one of the most robust financial players in the GCC, with multiple players present in the market. However, Maly stands out as our ethos is to always focus on the user experience and innovation. Our success is driven by a bold vision and made possible by a dedicated in-house team of talented Developers, AI Engineers and Data Scientists, all working together with the Growth team to propel our platform and apps into the next generation of financial services.
I am proud to say that the performance of our platform has been nothing but exceptional since the start, because Maly has closed the gap that has existed in the market. With new innovative features launched, solid traction in UAE and strict adherence to the highest security and safety measures for our customers and users, I strongly believe Maly will continue to expand not just geographically but its platform options and users as well.
THE ROAD TO DIGITAL EXCELLENCE
The "Middle East IT Industry Foresight 2024 - Hospitality" report from CaaS Research delves into the digital transformation reshaping the hospitality sector across the Middle East.
As technologies like AI, digital marketing, and data analytics become integral to maintaining competitiveness and driving sustainable growth, the hospitality industry must embrace these advancements to stay ahead.
This report underscores the necessity of fostering a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous learning. By strategically integrating advanced technologies, hospitality businesses can enhance guest experiences, optimize operations, and unlock new revenue streams. The report provides a roadmap for industry stakeholders to navigate this digital evolution and fully leverage IT’s potential.
ENHANCING GUEST EXPERIENCE THROUGH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
In the modern hospitality landscape, guests expect more than just comfort—they demand seamless, personalized experiences from booking to checkout. This section of the report explores how the hospitality industry is integrating advanced technological solutions to meet these growing expectations and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
Key technologies such as mobile apps for booking and services, self-service kiosks for check-ins, IoT devices for room customization, and AI-powered chatbots for guest assistance are gaining momentum. Seamless system integration is critical to ensure a smooth service delivery process that enhances guest satisfaction. The report recommends further investment in these technologies, expanding mobile app functionalities to offer personalized recommendations, and leveraging AI for advanced feedback analysis. By adopting these strategies, hospitality businesses can deliver more personalized, efficient, and engaging experiences to their guests.
REVENUE MANAGEMENT AND ANALYTICS
The landscape of revenue management in hospitality is undergoing a significant
transformation with the adoption of AIdriven solutions and data analytics. This section discusses the various tools used to optimize pricing strategies, including revenue management software, predictive analytics, and dynamic pricing models. The role of partnerships with online travel agencies (OTAs) and channel management systems in managing distribution and direct bookings is also highlighted.
The report emphasizes the importance of embracing data analytics to gain deeper insights into customer behavior, enhancing direct booking capabilities, and investing in advanced revenue management technologies. By frequently analyzing revenue data and adapting strategies accordingly, hospitality businesses can improve pricing accuracy, optimize revenue, and boost financial performance.
OPERATIONAL
EFFICIENCY AND MANAGEMENT
Achieving operational efficiency is vital for the success of the hospitality sector, and technology is playing an increasingly critical role. This section assesses the adoption of cloud-based solutions, IT system integration, IoT devices, AI, machine learning (ML), and cybersecurity measures within the industry.
The report identifies varying levels of technology adoption and provides recommendations for further enhancement. Increasing the use of cloud-based solutions offers flexibility and scalability, while integrating IT systems across departments ensures seamless operations.
Expanding IoT implementation can improve resource management by providing real-time data on energy consumption and other metrics. Additionally, AI and ML can be adopted for predictive maintenance to reduce downtime and extend the life of critical assets. Strengthening cybersecurity measures is crucial for protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
MARKETING AND GUEST ENGAGEMENT
Integrating technology into marketing and guest engagement strategies is essential for the long-term success of hospitality businesses. This section outlines the current and future use of social media, digital marketing technologies, personalized marketing, and VR/AR in shaping guest experiences.
The report highlights the importance of tracking marketing campaign effectiveness and
emphasizes how technology can enhance guest engagement. Recommendations include expanding digital marketing efforts to leverage usergenerated content, increasing the use of AI and ML for personalized interactions, embracing VR/AR for immersive guest experiences, and improving analytics to gain better insights. Fostering a technology-forward culture within organizations will also be critical for creating personalized, engaging, and seamless guest
experiences that drive loyalty and revenue growth.
FUTURE OUTLOOK: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR
The forecast section of the report examines the future trajectory of the hospitality industry in the Middle East, driven by ongoing technological advancements. It predicts that technologies such as digital marketing, AI, VR/AR, and advanced analytics will continue to shape guest experiences,
with early adopters gaining a competitive edge by offering differentiated services.
The report stresses the need for a cultural shift within hospitality organizations to embrace innovation and flexibility. By integrating these technologies, businesses can expect significant improvements in operational efficiency, security, and competitiveness. This digital evolution will redefine guest interactions, operational processes, and overall business strategies,
positioning early adopters as leaders in the hospitality sector.
CONCLUSION: PREPARING FOR A TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION
The Middle East's hospitality industry is on the cusp of a technological transformation, with cloud-based solutions, IT system integration, IoT, AI, ML, and enhanced cybersecurity measures playing a pivotal role. This shift not only improves operational efficiency and guest satisfaction but also redefines
what it means to be a leader in the sector.
The report concludes that the strategic adoption of these technologies will shape the future landscape of the hospitality industry, offering significant opportunities for growth and innovation. By taking a proactive approach to digital transformation, the industry can build a resilient, forward-thinking environment ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
BUILDING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
Vibhu Kapoor, Regional Vice President - Middle East, Africa & India, Epicor, wites how AIpowered FP&A is the CFO’s ally in the race for enhanced operational efficiency.
If success in the business world of the 2020s has been characterised by one thing, it is almost certainly resilience. Organisations have had to go from one disruption to the next and so the minds of many have been dedicated, over the past few years, to mitigating the symptoms of unforeseen future crises.
And when it comes to seeing round macroeconomic corners, it is almost always the CFO who is cast into the limelight. But how shall we equip them for the challenge? Looking back over the past half decade, what tool could have made any difference to our preparedness and our ability to bob and weave with the times? On matters of global consequence, no business has a pandemic detector, but artificial intelligence can and does perform wonders for the finance unit in almost all other areas — for accuracy, for speed, and for the strategic insights needed to weather the next emergency.
The CFO and their team are the guardians of fiscal responsibility for the entire organisation. Their role has expanded over the years, from accountants and cashflow managers to longterm business strategists. As they fulfil their new responsibilities, AI could be a powerful ally, but the CFO mindset is not predisposed to embracing change when the embracing comes with a price tag.
THE PERFECT MATCH
A 2023 global report by KPMG concluded that “near-term opportunities [for AI] in finance include automated forecasting, anomaly detection, contract and claim management, integrated reporting, and underwriting”. One analyst predicted finance will become “generative-AI dependent” within “a few years” and said, “forecasting accuracy will improve by 80%, financial close will be 15 times faster, and 90% of transaction processes will be automated”.
A 2024 study by IBM showed the UAE to be a global frontrunner in AI adoption, with 65% of the country’s IT professionals reporting an increase in adoption over the previous two
years. GCC neighbours Saudi Arabia and Qatar both have their national AI programs and are making excellent progress. If CFOs board this train, they will benefit from exactly the kinds of insights that are now expected of them. And the finance function’s daily task list is a roster of prime automation targets. However, even finance leaders who accept that AI would be a benefit to their department’s operational efficiency may still have concerns about budgets, as well as how core legacy systems and spreadsheets will fit into the new tech mix. FP&A’s new role as business advisor requires adoption of new technology. This is inescapable, and when we look at what current teams currently do, we find those that prioritise insight generation over data preparation benefit greatly. Recent global analysis by Accenture suggests AI-equipped FP&A teams can see up to 80% reductions in planning time, as much as 95% improvements in forecasting accuracy, and a weekly saving of some 12 labour hours. But if the FP&A team wants to reap these benefits, they must design their AI adoption carefully, allowing for requirements around skills, data, business processes, and, of course, the AI tools themselves.
DUE DILIGENCE
The guiding principle for CFOs should be that while AI and finance were made for each other, all tech procurement calls upon its implementers to proceed with care. Data entry and reconciliation are repetitive and timeconsuming and ripe for automation. But to ensure the expected benefits of “less effort”, “faster turnaround”, and “more accuracy” are delivered, integration of the technology must capture the intricacies of all the spreadsheets and core systems the FP&A team relied on prior to AI adoption. The same is true of the digitalisation of AP processing, expenses categorisation, and other reporting tasks.
The good news is that once the basics are nailed down, AI can shine in other areas. Reporting can be enriched with a fraction of the human input that would otherwise be required. This agility
VIBHU KAPOOR
Regional Vice PresidentMiddle East, Africa & India, Epicor
feeds into regulatory compliance, which is a significant stressor for regional businesses. Machinelearning’s pattern-recognition capabilities allow the automatic flagging of shortfalls in real time, allowing the enterprise to reduce risk and build market trust.
But the ultimate shiny object in the AI basket is predictive analytics. This brings us back to the goal of peering around
macroeconomic corners. Of course, this requires vast amounts of data, but the potential deliverables are extremely attractive — future trends, looming risks, sustainability, and more. And these are no mere cookie-cutter insights. They can be personalised to the unique needs of an organisation’s stakeholders — custom dashboards for executives, detailed reports for investors, and so on.
FUTUREPROOF
When the time comes to grow the business, the finance department must, itself, be scalable and adaptable. AI solutions are eminently scalable, which means finance and FP&A teams can carry their new capabilities with them on the journey without the need for large infrastructure investments. And AI also adapts to any new regulatory requirements that emerge due to growth. Meanwhile, following the initial procurement expenditure, the finance department will start to see that long-term benefits outweigh costs. AI is a huge cost-saver in the longer term because it reduces errors and optimises resource allocation. And it frees up innovative labour to be free to innovate. Additionally, AI-powered insights set the organisation on a path to fresh revenue streams.
Finance leaders from across the Gulf are bound to know that AI is the shrewd choice. Navigating the digital economy without AI is like going for a jog without running shoes. It may be technically possible, but the desired results will be out of reach. AI is the right shoe for the run… and necessary if you hope to win the race.
THE CASE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Omar Akar, Regional VP for CEE & META, Pure Storage, lists out five reasons why sustainability should be a top priority for Middle East businesses.
Amid the ongoing battle against climate change, the Middle East has recently come into global focus; partially spurred on by the COP27 summit being held in Egypt and COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. But the focus is about more than playing host to world leaders. It concerns the traction being achieved by the region’s regulators and enterprises on their journeys to net zero. More broadly, the progress being made covers the gamut of ESG (environment, social, and governance).
A 2023 study by PwC showed more than 60% of Middle East businesses were in favor of increasing time spent on addressing ESG. Published ahead of COP28, the report mentioned risk management, compliance, and the circular economy as top priorities for the year ahead. At the time of the survey, one third of regional companies employed a Chief Sustainability Officer. A more recent PwC report from June this year noted the transition “from ambition to action”. Now, 75% of respondents are expecting stricter ESG regulations.
For those that have yet to join the regional movement towards sustainable practices, here are five reasons why it should be a top priority.
FRAMEWORKS TELL A STORY
The pace of change can seem slow and cumbersome as there are so many paths from which to choose and many different methodologies to follow. Start with measurement – Scope 1, 2 and 3 –to understand an organization’s individual starting point. Once there’s understanding of the situation, look at external frameworks to help reduce emissions and map progress.
The UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, for example, not only includes the goal to reduce the country’s emissions but to increase its GDP by as much as 5% and its exports by some US$6.8 billion. The benefits of sustainability are included in the government’s literature. Other guidelines from other nations can also offer a way forward. There are the GRI and SASB reporting frameworks as well as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Some are designed
to help investors when assessing the impact that companies have on society and the environment, but they also guide organizations when they make purchasing decisions.
CUSTOMERS WANT WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT
ESG is no longer a box-ticking exercise; it has become a business-level criterion for selecting suppliers. A few years ago, customers were not asking for information on how sustainable technology was or what vendors and suppliers can do to help them meet their sustainability goals. However, now Pure Storage sees green credentials incorporated into every RFP response. It is not just for show. It is a key part of how decisions are being made. Global companies are telling technology suppliers that they have to adhere to certain standards and demonstrate accurate figures for reduced energy use or they will not be considered.
Additionally, technology channel partners are developing their own practices dedicated to sustainability. The winners are going to be the ones who have developed expertise, know how to identify technology that is truly green, and can advise customers on the best path. Flash technology for data storage is one such area. Some flash solutions are engineered to be up to 85% more energy-efficient and take up less space in data centers as well as requiring less power to run and cool. E-waste is a further consideration. Organizations should select suppliers who can significantly reduce the volume and regularity of devices sent to landfill.
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS
There will be a wave of new companies springing up to cater for a growing demand in the market to support sustainability strategies. Accordingly, the organizations that have been delivering more sustainable solutions for years will reap the benefits in terms of customer satisfaction and reducing both their and their customer’s carbon use. Some calculations predict as many as 4.3 million new jobs and US$2 trillion in economic growth for the Middle East in sustainable construction alone. We can only imagine the potential prosperity of any industry following
OMAR AKAR
Regional VP for CEE & META, Pure Storage
that example.
Remember, customers are asking for this. ESG goals, emissions targets, and adherence to national and international standards are all being added to RFPs. Those companies who cannot prove they are taking strides to reduce their carbon emissions will be financial losers as they are being excluded from deals already. Businesses need to start approaching ESG issues from all angles. Without leaning too much on an old business trope, this is the time for out-of-the-box thinking.
THE MORAL IMPERATIVE
The evidence is there – the planet has exceeded 1.5 degrees of global warming across an
entire year. For the sake of future generations and a healthy planet, more must be done to manage and reduce emissions and energy consumption. If not, global warming will quickly become a more expensive problem with thousands, if not millions, of people displaced. Governments across the region are closely monitoring false claims. And while the UAE has yet to issue any decrees on greenwashing (the corporate practice of exaggerating environmental achievements), some legal experts believe the country’s strict laws on false advertising may cover inaccurate statements on sustainability.
GET TALENT
The workforce of the future does not wish to work for companies only out for profit. How an organization approaches and enacts sustainability is drawing more attention. Especially for those of the younger generation. Employees and future team members are important stakeholders who should not be overlooked when it comes to making decisions based on sustainability criteria, or the social responsibility and corporate governance aspects of ESG.
STEP LIVELY
That sustainability is an economic benefit rather than just an ethical option is no longer a matter for debate. The boosts to the bottom line, to trade, and to economic growth have been recognized by private companies and governments throughout the Middle East. For them, the next steps are clear – more of the same. For those still sitting in neutral, the next steps are the first in a journey towards untold profitability and brand goodwill.
SMART HIRING STRATEGIES FOR AI TALENT
Sid Bhatia, Regional VP & General Manager, Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Dataiku, on the dos and don’ts of onboarding and retaining AI skills.
Just when businesses thought they understood all the angles of artificial intelligence (AI) — what it could do, how to implement it, its business impacts, and its ethical and compliance implications — along came generative AI (Gen AI). Even an Everyday AI business, where the organization has matured to the point where data and AI have become part of its culture, would have been taken aback by the capabilities on display. One projection for the Arab Gulf region puts the overall economic impact of Gen AI at some US$23.5 billion per year by 2030, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE taking the majority, at US$12.2 billion and US$5.3 billion, respectively.
However, when it comes to attracting and retaining critical AI talent, Gen AI does not force a return to the drawing board. As long as an organization remembers to align hiring targets with business needs and takes steps to cater to the expectations of different AI talent groups (especially expectations of upskilling and professional development), it should be able to maintain its Everyday AI culture.
The AI professional is not a single category with a single approach to attraction and retention. Different roles call for different considerations throughout the employee lifecycle. When hiring an analyst, for example, their skill set would be so broad as to necessitate a thorough assessment of their understanding of the business and its specific needs. When hiring a data scientist, their predilection towards examination, curiosity and problem solving presents a challenge in presenting enough challenges to attract and retain them. Leaders, architects, and engineers have their own unique recruitment and engagement hurdles too. The road to Everyday AI is a twisty one. Many bends are talent-acquisition issues, so let’s examine the trail as a series of dos and don’ts.
DO PURSUE BALANCE
Data scientists are gems of talent but without
enough data architects to ensure the right database architecture, the organization will not be able to efficiently deploy, enhance, and scale machine-learning models. A lack of business impact can lead to low morale and resultant attrition in talent. Likewise, if data leaders are in short supply, things like communication, strategy, and prioritization can fall by the wayside. This can lead to silos and missed opportunities for model reuse. Get the balance right, however, and you can build a slick innovation factory staffed by productive and satisfied employees.
DO HIRE A DIVERSE WORKFORCE
Discussions about AI in the region often swerve towards responsible AI. It has long been argued that the best guarantor of ethical systems is a diverse team. The Everyday AI enterprise understands that a diverse workforce, split among teams that do not collaborate, is a waste. Diversity can only add value when as many viewpoints as possible are allowed to coexist in each project. This extends to collaboration between skill levels. Restricting data and AI operations to only the most specialized roles will prevent scalability, sustainability, and democratization. So be sure to mix different abilities and backgrounds. And appoint strong leaders who can get the most out of these disparate profiles to infuse the entire organization with an AI culture that can deliver unbiased, responsible, transparent systems. This is the kind of organization to which young AI talent will flock.
DON’T FLY BLINDFOLDED
Before recruiting, you should know what your expectations of the new hire will be. What projects will await them? From where will the data come? What business goals do those projects address — entire operational chunks like the supply chain or a production line, or smaller tasks like new reporting or self-service features? The answers to these questions will help you with the job description and the questions you ask in
SID BHATIA
Regional VP & General Manager, Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Dataiku interviews.
DON’T CHASE UNICORNS
The truth is it takes a village to form an AI team. Trying to locate a one-person band with every required skill is unrealistic (unless you are Google, Facebook, or Microsoft) and unnecessary. It is also counterproductive because if you were able to find such a person, they would quickly become irreplaceable, which would represent a threat to the AI function. Instead, concentrate on what skills you need in order to fulfil your specific business goals. If you can define a business problem that you wish to solve, present it during interviews and ask candidates how they would design the project. Never forget the skills spectrum. While you do not want a unicorn, you do want each recruited AI professional to exhibit multiple abilities. Data scientists, for example,
must have good communication skills and a sound knowledge of the business and statistical methods.
NEXT STEPS
Success in AI recruitment requires strict mapping of job descriptions (which include technical and soft skills) to business needs. Data teams are eclectic groups of different abilities and backgrounds. While this is true anywhere in the world, it is especially true of the GCC. All enterprises want to build a scalable and sustainable AI strategy. But they must balance their ambitions of future growth with the realities of acquiring and upskilling a talented team. As Gen AI increases its hold on the regional business community, new strategies will emerge, but these initiatives call for a rethink of responsible AI, compliance, and sustainability. It has never been more important to look at how AI fits into your business and how this relates to recruitment needs. Data science, machine learning, and AI platforms must be implemented in a way that makes sense to the business. But without the right people — those who understand the technical side of solutions but also understand the business and can communicate and collaborate effectively — it will be next to impossible to integrate these powerful capabilities in a way that will add long-lasting value. And it will be similarly problematic to build an inclusive and sustainable AI and data-democratization culture. Collaborative, Everyday AI enterprises emerge through everyday consideration of all things AI, and that includes the dos and don’ts of recruitment laid out above.
POWERING THE FUTURE
Innovations in data center power and cooling
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes deeply integrated into operations across the Middle East, one critical issue continues to rise to the forefront: data center power and cooling. Data centers play a crucial role in storing, processing, and distributing vast amounts of data efficiently, yet maintaining optimal conditions for these operations is highly dependent on effective cooling systems.
Without proper cooling measures, data centers run the risk of overheating, which can lead to costly downtimes and equipment failures. As these centers scale up and adopt more advanced technologies like AI and high-performance computing (HPC), the need for innovative cooling and power solutions becomes even more pressing.
“Data centre cooling is an essential process that must be executed at the proper intervals to avoid overheating that can cause hot spots, leading to downtime and equipment failure. We offer products for necessary cooling, power protection, and IT equipment racks. These products include UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), security and environmental appliances, filters and harmonic conditioners, and much more. AI algorithms optimise energy efficiency by allocating computing resources based on current demands, significantly reducing
energy waste,” says Mouna Essa-Egh, Vice President MEA, Secure Power, Schneider Electric.
By 2025, it is anticipated that many data centres in the Middle East will deploy advanced robots equipped with AI and machine learning capabilities, enhancing operational efficiency by approximately 30 percent.
She identifies three key trends in the industry: the growing adoption of renewable energy for data centers driven by sustainability and cost goals, a shift towards liquid cooling solutions for improved energy efficiency and reduced costs, and the potential impact of quantum computing technologies on data center infrastructure and operations with unprecedented processing capabilities.
Mahmoud Abdelmoneim, Sales Director for Middle East, Turkey & Central Asia at Vertiv, says emerging trends in data center power and cooling technologies are being influenced by the growing adoption of advanced technologies such as generative AI and highdensity computing, along with a simultaneous emphasis on energy efficiency, sustainability, and scalability.
“Liquid cooling technology is one of the trends we’re currently seeing. It includes methods like direct-to-chip cooling, which delivers coolant directly to heat-generating components such as central processing
Mahmoud Abdelmoneim, Sales Director for Middle East, Turkey & Central Asia at Vertiv
units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs), offering significantly better cooling efficiency than traditional air-cooling systems.”
Data center operators are evaluating liquid cooling technologies to increase energy efficiency as processing-intensive computing applications grow.
According to the Dell’Oro Group, the liquid cooling market revenue approach $2B by 2027 with a 60% CAGR for the years 2020 to 2027, as organizations adopt more cloud services, use artificial intelligence (AI) to power advanced analytics and automated decision making and enable blockchain and cryptocurrency applications.
According to Mahmoud, another trend that is upcoming to optimize the power consumption of data centers is high-capacity uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) systems that can help manage the AI load demands of data centers, serving as a robust backbone for the entire power train. As workloads rise, data center operators also experience challenges from increased power fluctuations due to the spike in energy demand. This
Qasem Noureddin, Managing Director, Eaton Middle East
drives them to innovate their data center power to support High-performance computing (HPC) workloads efficiently.
WHAT CHALLENGES ARE DATA CENTERS FACING WITH RESPECT TO POWER AND COOLING AS THEY SCALE UP?
Qasem Noureddin, Managing Director, Eaton Middle East, says scaling up presents multiple challenges for data centers, including increased power densities and the need for more efficient cooling solutions. “our modular data center solutions are specifically designed to address these challenges, offering flexibility and scalability without requiring significant infrastructure overhauls. These solutions ensure that data centers can easily adjust their power and cooling configurations to accommodate higher server densities and increased computational loads. Eaton’s advanced power management tools help optimize energy distribution, while their modular cooling systems are engineered to handle increased thermal output, maintaining efficient operation even as the data center grows.”
Mouna says power and cooling represent the single biggest challenge for data
Mouna Essa-Ergh, Vice President MEA, Secure Power, Scheider Electric
centres as they scale up. Data centres must focus on optimising power usage and enhancing cooling efficiency. Implementing advanced cooling systems, such as liquid cooling solutions, can significantly reduce energy consumption in data centres compared to traditional air-based cooling methods. Additionally, the adoption of energy-efficient hardware, such as servers equipped with low-power processors, can result in significant energy savings.
Scalability remains a problem for data centres with the demand for data storage and processing continuing to surge. According to Grand View Research, the global data centre market size was valued at $195 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% from 2023 to 2030.
“To accommodate this growth, data centres must embrace modular and scalable designs. The use of prefabricated modules allows for rapid deployment and expansion, reducing the time and cost associated with infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, advancements in software-defined networking (SDN) and virtualisation
technologies enable data centres to scale their resources dynamically based on demand, ensuring efficient resource utilization,” she adds.
WHAT STRATEGIES SHOULD DATA CENTERS EMPLOY TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE POWER CONSUMPTION?
According to a report published by the International Energy Agency in 2022, “data centres and data transmission networks accounted for around 0.9% of energy-related GHG emissions (or 0.6% of total GHG emissions). Since 2010, emissions have grown only modestly despite rapidly growing demand for digital services, thanks to energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy purchases by information and communications technology (ICT) companies, and broader decarbonisation of electricity grids in many regions. However, to get on track with the Net Zero Scenario, emissions must halve by 2030.
To improve energy efficiency and reduce power consumption, data centers should employ a combination of key strategies. Vertiv recommends efficient cooling systems to deliver the more efficient and effective cooling of high-density IT racks. Maximizing the data center liquid cooling implementation — in terms of the percent of the IT load cooled by liquid — delivers the highest efficiency. With direct-to-chip cooling, it isn’t possible to cool the entire load with liquid, but approximately 75% of the load can be effectively cooled by direct-to-chip liquid cooling. Liquid cooling can enable higher chilled water, supply air, and secondary inlet temperatures
that maximize the efficiency of facility infrastructure.
Another crucial thing to add to the liquid cooling technology is the utilization of waste heat. service providers can customize and commission thermal unit software to strike the optimal balance between data center cooling efficiency and heat reuse.
HOW ARE DATA CENTERS UTILIZING AI OR MACHINE LEARNING TO OPTIMIZE COOLING SYSTEMS?
The introduction of AI has had a significant impact on optimising cooling systems in large data centres, leading to a reduction in energy consumption. With the help of real-time data analysis, AI can achieve precise cooling by targeting hot spots through adjustments to chilled water flow and fan speeds. This approach is more efficient than the traditional one-size-fitsall approach to cooling systems.
According to a whitepaper released by Schneider Electric, implementing AI in cooling systems can result in a considerable reduction of up to 50% in energy consumption, which leads to significant cost savings and a smaller environmental impact. As the technology continues to evolve, further advancements in data center thermal management are expected, which will represent a significant step forward in energy conservation efforts within the sector.
Mahmoud from Vertiv says data centers are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance their cooling systems and boost overall energy efficiency.AI and ML algorithms analyze extensive data from sensors and other sources to identify patterns, predict
trends, and make informed decisions for optimizing cooling performance.
Qasem from Eaton says the company’s Brightlayer platform integrates AI-driven analytics to continuously monitor and adjust cooling settings based on real-time data. This proactive approach helps predict cooling requirements, adjust settings dynamically, and optimize energy usage. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, data centers can identify patterns and inefficiencies in their cooling processes, enabling them to make smarter decisions that reduce energy consumption and enhance operational efficiency.
In the Middle East, traditional cooling methods are being reevaluated as the region faces unique challenges such as high temperatures and water scarcity. Innovations like Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT Advisor Cooling Optimise use AI to continuously adjust airflow and stabilise server inlet temperatures, balancing the need for cooling with minimal energy use.
“The AI in these systems monitors various parameters, including temperature, humidity, and equipment performance, to make realtime adjustments that improve efficiency. This capability not only helps in reducing energy consumption but also extends the life of the hardware by avoiding overheating and potential damage. Furthermore, such AI optimisations contribute to lowering operational costs and enhancing the sustainability of the data centres, aligning with broader environmental goals,” says Mouna.
Chris De Vere EMEA Managed Service Provider (MSP) Leader
Nutanix Appoints Chris De Vere as EMEA MSP Leader
Nutanix has appointed Chris De Vere as its new EMEA Managed Service Provider (MSP) Leader. Chris will lead Nutanix’ team of MSP Sales and Business Development Managers, some of whom are already with the company and will move into Chris’ team, others will be recruited as part of approved headcount investments for FY25.
The appointment is part of Nutanix’ consolidation of its MSP sales efforts and resources in EMEA following its EMEA Channel organisation. The changes will support accelerated development of Service Provider opportunities with Account Executives as well as better handling of ecosystem requirements for the MSP Channel, such as developing Nutanix’ Service Provider Aggregator ecosystem.
“I feel in good company and I am very happy to be here,” commented Chris. “I look forward to building an MSP team and practice that will not only deliver incremental success to Nutanix, but also inspire innovative thinking and partnerships.”
NTT DATA Appoints Rami Beidas as Country General Manager for Saudi Arabia
NTT DATA has appointed Rami Beidas, as Country General Manager for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Rami’s appointment strengthens NTT DATA’s Middle East and Africa operations and focuses on driving growth, innovation and customer experience across the Kingdom. The company’s regional focus will include building a strong foundation and accelerating growth through a diverse portfolio, providing advanced solutions across Applications, Network Integration, Cybersecurity (OT & IT), Cloud, Edge Computing, AI, and IoT.
As the country head, Rami will be responsible for steering the strategic direction and expanding NTT DATA’s footprint in Saudi Arabia. His responsibilities will include driving sales, strengthening and introducing new products and service offerings, and improving customer experiences. He will also play a key role in strengthening collaborative relationships with NTT DATA partners in the region.
Davis Chief Financial Officer, Equitativa
Equitativa names new CFO
Equitativa Limited has appointed Michael Davis as Chief Financial Officer. Davis is a Senior Banker with more than 15 years of management experience across eight countries and five continents. After a successful career with HSBC in various markets, he worked as Global Head of wholesale banking for Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and most recently as Group Head of Corporate Banking for Bank ABC in Bahrain.
Commenting on the appointment, Thierry Delvaux, CEO of Equitativa, said: “We are excited to welcome Mike to Equitativa’s leadership team, and are confident that his considerable technical and people management skills will provide an excellent complement as we continue our journey of growth. We have a clear strategy to strengthen our financial position and return more value to stakeholders, and his focus on customers and operational efficiencies will ensure its effective execution.”
Mitchael
Rami Beidas Country General Manager for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
TRENDING SO CIAL
