As regional nations and entities advance their digital transformation strategies in anticipation of the post-oil era, businesses face a multitude of challenges and opportunities. The UAE, specifically, has seen a significant increase in startups and digital enterprises, driven by government efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Among these pioneering startups is Expand My Business (EMB), a company headquartered in Abu Dhabi and supported by the prestigious Abu Dhabi government's ADQ. EMB has established itself as a leader in the region's digital transformation initiatives.
Operated by seasoned professionals from various industries, EMB provides a comprehensive suite of digital and technology services. The company leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), blockchain, and robotic process automation (RPA) to create new opportunities for its clients, fostering ongoing innovation in the global market. Founder and CEO Nishant Behl underscored EMB's dedication to innovation: "Our extensive team of skilled experts and strategic partnerships with cutting-edge technology enable us to advance the frontiers of innovation. We specialize in creating flexible, scalable, and secure digital environments that empower businesses to succeed in their respective markets."
Over the past three years, EMB has successfully completed over 3,500 projects, ranging from $10,000 to $2 million, in more than 20 countries. The company's impact spans from supporting solopreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to collaborating with multinational corporations (MNCs). EMB is now expanding its services to include government entities, marking a significant step in its goal to provide exceptional digital solutions across various sectors. International business head Vibhor Khandelwal emphasized the company's role in the evolving digital landscape: "We are proud to act as a catalyst, enabling businesses to harness the latest technological innovations. Our main focus is on boosting business productivity and achieving profitability goals. We are witnessing a rapid increase in interest from major brands in the GCC for AI and cloud solutions, and we anticipate this trend to accelerate in the coming quarters. We are leading the way in bringing these innovations to market as practical business applications."
The adoption of digital technologies across the MENA region is expected to boost GDP by at least 46 percent over the next 30 years. Countries are investing in digitally inclusive communities by utilizing digital technologies and enhancing government services. The UAE has formed a specialized council to manage AI and blockchain integration within government departments and has introduced regulatory sandboxes to foster innovation in fintech and blockchain technologies. These initiatives highlight the country's commitment to developing a strong digital economy.
End-user spending on security and risk management in the MENA region is projected to reach $2.8 billion in 2023, a 10.4 percent increase from 2022. Security and risk management leaders in MENA are likely to increase spending due to digitalization, hybrid and remote work, and cloud migration. Abu Dhabi has attracted significant investment in its digital ecosystem, with numerous venture capital firms and government-backed funds actively supporting startups and digital initiatives. EMB, backed by ADQ, distinguishes itself with its innovative solutions, ranging from enabling retail stores to go online with omnichannel solutions to assisting large F&B brands in implementing automated operations. The company has served 12 regional industries on complex digitalization projects.
With a roster of major brands in the region already partnering and engaging with EMB—including e&, Al Tayer Holiday, and Europcar—EMB is well-positioned to lead in the thriving tech industry. The company plans to quadruple its investment to $100-200 million over the next two to three years, demonstrating its commitment to driving the region's digital transformation. EMB is a notable addition to the growing list of technology success stories from the region, highlighting its significant role in leading global technology innovation and promoting its widespread adoption. As businesses in the region embrace this digital transition, they continue to play a crucial role in fostering growth and competitiveness in the global market.
