Vijay Jaswal, chief technology officer for APJ, ME&A, at IFS, reflects on the growing significance of AI and digital transformation in the Middle East as GITEX Global 2024 approaches. The region is experiencing a profound digital revolution, driven by substantial investments across sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, and retail. With the UAE’s Vision 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the impetus for digital transformation has never been stronger. Companies are now harnessing key technologies like AI, cloud migration, and data-driven strategies to accelerate this shift. These investments are not merely enhancing operational efficiency but also positioning businesses as leaders in an increasingly digital-centric future.
Ranjith Kaippada, managing director at Cloud Box Technologies, observes that the pandemic has significantly heightened businesses’ appreciation for digital transformation. "We’re witnessing a surge in demand for AI integration, cloud migration, and advanced cybersecurity solutions," he notes. "The advantages are evident—greater efficiency, cost reduction, and the ability to operate on a global scale. Traditional IT infrastructures are struggling to keep pace with this rapid evolution. Enterprises seek seamless operations, enhanced customer experiences, and business continuity, all of which are attainable through digital technologies." Kaippada highlights that finance, healthcare, and retail are spearheading this digital charge. "At Cloud Box Technologies, we’ve seen a marked increase in spending across these sectors. Our mission is to guide them in deploying cutting-edge solutions that not only address immediate needs but also future-proof their operations."
Burcak Soydan, managing executive for the Middle East at NTT DATA, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the growing focus on vertical-specific innovations. "In addition to our existing solutions, we’re intensifying our efforts in key sectors like financial services, energy and utilities, transportation, and healthcare. We are assisting our clients in transitioning to the future by offering bespoke digital solutions that tackle industry-specific challenges." Soydan underscores the transformative impact of Generative AI (GenAI) in optimizing internal workflows and client interactions. "Internally, we use GenAI to automate repetitive tasks and expedite knowledge sharing, which has drastically improved our efficiency and delivery times. For our clients, GenAI has emerged as a game-changer in generating business insights and automating complex processes."
AI is increasingly recognized as a catalyst for change across industries. "Emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain are pivotal to contemporary sustainability efforts," explains Vijay Jaswal. "AI optimizes energy consumption by managing and predicting energy needs in real time. IoT is crucial for monitoring and reducing waste by providing precise data on resource usage, and blockchain ensures transparency in supply chains." Jaswal asserts that these technologies enable data-driven decision-making, streamline operations, and promote eco-friendly practices, particularly in sectors prioritizing sustainability. "The integration of these technologies allows businesses to grow without escalating energy consumption, which is essential in today’s environmentally conscious landscape."
Government-led initiatives are significantly propelling the digital transformation agenda in the Middle East. Karthik Anandarao, chief technical evangelist at ManageEngine, emphasizes the role of regional initiatives like the UAE’s Vision 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. "These visions have been instrumental in driving the digital transformation we are witnessing today. Organizations are not just investing in technology; they are aligning their digital strategies with these national goals." Anandarao adds that cloud adoption is at the vanguard of this transformation. "More and more organizations are transitioning from traditional on-prem IT solutions to cloud-based models. This shift is enabling businesses to be more agile and responsive to market demands, with AI and machine learning (ML) playing a critical role in this transition." The regional digital transformation journey is ongoing, with companies focusing on upskilling their workforce to manage emergent technologies like AI and ML. "At ManageEngine, we’re dedicated to helping organizations not only adopt these technologies but also optimize their use. Data-driven decisions are becoming the linchpin of corporate strategy, and we provide comprehensive IT management solutions to meet this need."
As sustainability takes center stage for businesses worldwide, AI is proving instrumental in fostering eco-friendly practices. "AI optimizes operations to reduce energy consumption and waste while enhancing efficiency," explains Jaswal. "This not only supports sustainability efforts but also boosts productivity, creating a win-win scenario for companies." At the core of this transformation is a region-wide shift toward smarter, more sustainable business models, driven by AI and other advanced technologies. As GITEX Global 2024 showcases these advancements, it’s clear that the Middle East is leading the charge in the digital transformation era.
