Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
With the advancement of digital transformation in the UAE, emerging technologies such as AI, low-code platforms, IoT, and innovative payment solutions are driving the nation's sustainability and economic objectives, according to industry leaders.
Speaking to Aletihad, industry leaders from various sectors highlighted the UAE's focus on economic diversification, and its conducive environment for innovation.
Ebru Kılıç Eker, Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Türkiye at Software AG, a multinational software corporation, discussed the importance of Process Intelligence solutions in Abu Dhabi's digital transformation.
"The demand for Process Intelligence solutions is high across several sectors, driven by the country's focus on economic diversification, digital transformation, sustainability, and operational efficiency. The key sectors with significant demand are government and public sector, financial services and banking, healthcare, energy and utilities, education, and logistics," Eker said.
She highlighted the importance of improving customer experiences by streamlining operations and enabling real-time decision-making, enhancing efficiency and transparency, indicating the importance of continuing to invest in AI-driven innovation.
"By enabling businesses to integrate sustainability into their operations through process intelligence tools," it will contribute to Abu Dhabi's sustainability targets and the broader UAE Vision 2030, according to Eker.
Moreover, Moussalam Dalati, General Manager for MEA & France at Liferay, a leading provider of All-in-One Digital Experience Platform (DXP), discussed how low-code platforms, such as Microsoft PowerApps, are reshaping digital experiences.
"Low-code platforms play a transformative role in digital experiences by enabling faster development, customisation, and innovation. With their adaptability to cloud environments and seamless integration with AI and ML capabilities, these platforms empower businesses to deliver highly personalised and intelligent digital experiences," he said.
Dalati also pointed out the significant role of AI-driven personalisation in shaping digital experiences, stating: "By 2025, 75% of enterprises will use AI-driven personalisation for better customer experiences."
He further discussed how low-code platforms in Abu Dhabi are accelerating digital transformation and enabling innovation across sectors like finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.
"Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as one of the top global destinations for smart living, with a focus on sectors like healthcare, global sports, retail, and manufacturing," he added.
Furthermore, Nasri Nassereddine, VP of Cumulocity IoT, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, discussed how IoT is transforming smart city solutions and citizen services.
"The deployment of IoT in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has made significant strides, particularly in countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These nations are leading the way with innovative smart city initiatives such as air quality monitoring, asset tracking, logistics monitoring, structural health monitoring, water metering, palm tree weevil detection, street lighting, smart parking, waste management, water storage tank monitoring, and swimming pool monitoring," he said.
According to Nassereddine, the growth of IoT in the region is primarily driven by government-led smart city initiatives like Dubai Smart City and Saudi Arabia's NEOM, and the deployment of 5G networks.
Nassereddine predicted rapid IoT growth in the region, driven by 5G expansion and smart city initiatives, while noting challenges like integration, security, costs, and scalability, advising companies to use flexible platforms and invest in cybersecurity.
"The integration of AI and machine learning with IoT will enable smarter analytics and decision-making. As IoT devices proliferate, cybersecurity will become a critical focus to protect data and infrastructure," he added.
Sailesh Malhotra, General Manager GCC at Geidea Payment LLC, discussed the trends shaping digital payments in the region as part of the ongoing digital transformation.
"Key trends include the rise of digital wallets, open banking, and mobile payments. Customers increasingly expect faster, secure, and personalised payment experiences, which are accelerated by 5G, AI, and IoT integration. Another trend is the shift towards super apps, combining multiple financial services on a single platform," Malhotra said.
He noted that governments are also promoting cashless economies, creating more regulatory support for fintech innovations.
Moving to the role of AI's in payment solutions, he said that AI enhances the efficiency and security of payment systems by providing real-time fraud detection and personalised customer experiences.
"Machine learning algorithms monitor transaction patterns, quickly identifying potential risks. AI also helps businesses by analysing customer data to offer personalised recommendations, improving engagement."
