UAE recognised as a global leader in digital transformation industry
The forum highlighted emerging digital strategies and technological advancements vital for public sector institutions to improve their internal processes and end-user services
Technology experts from the UAE’S public and private sectors have underscored at a recent Nextech gathering in at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) the UAE is a recognisd leader in the digital transformation industry, highlighting that forward-looking vision and strong human resources were among the key success factors for its growth and development.
They pointed out the vital role a robust infrastructure plays in the process, and also highlighted the pivotal role of service providers and managed IT services in facilitating the digital transformation journeys of public and private sector enterprises.
The observations were shared by a number of participants who convened for the second edition of the Nextech technology dialogue series organised by Sahab Smart Solutions in partnership with the Sharjah Digital Office. Titled ‘The Future of Information Officers’, this edition was hosted at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) comprised four discussion sessions, which were focused on empowering chief information officers (CIOS) with the knowledge of latest trends and challenges in the ICT sector.
The forum highlighted emerging digital strategies and technological advancements vital for public sector institutions to improve their internal processes and end-user services, in addition to investing in qualified cadre who would handle the entities’ big data analysis to elevate and customise their digital strategies.
Speaking about the significant role of the discussion series, Amin Al Zarouni, CEO of Sahab Smart Solutions, said: “The second edition of NexTech’s discussions covers several vibrant topics in the technology sector ranging from the future of Chief Information Officers (CIOS) and Chief Digital Officers (CDOS), and explores the impact managed IT services can create for enterprises and their ambitions to innovate and excel in the digital front. The event also identified the growing importance of unique tech tools such as the establishment of Digital Excellence Centers as a plaform which IT leaders can benefit from within their digital transformation strategies.”
He added: “The world is progressively becoming digital, and CIOS have become one of the most vital components that help businesses and enterprises navigate forward through some of the complex challenges that arise from this sector. That said, Nextech functioned as a key guide to present the wide range of opportunities which present and future CIOS can benefit from through their mission of establishing digital excellence through transformation projects.”
Duringtheevent,abdelrahimalzarouni,business Development Manager at Sahab Smart Solutions, noted that as the world ushers in the POST-COVID era, enterprises who are eager to lead the digital front and stay ahead of competition and exceed expectations of their stakeholders and customer base, will require the necessary guidance to explore the limitless opportunities the technology map has to offer.
He added that this was one of Sahab’s key principles behind the establishment of the Nextech series, which aims to become the central plaform for knowledge exchange, highlight emerging trends in the digital world, and enable the local community to collectively benefit from the advice shared by participants on ways to overcome challenges.
He also underscored the importance of the partnership with the Digital Sharjah Office in organising this initiative, saying that the discussions offered a unique opportunity to put forth practical recommendations for adopting new digital transformation strategies.
The first discussion session titled, ‘A Digital Centre of Excellence: The New Paradigm of CIO’S’, analysed the benefits of developing a sustainable and strategic digital centre to advance the public sector’s services and operations. At the session, moderated by Ahmed Al Jabahji, Digital Business Manager at Sahab, panellists also offered insights into the new tools and methodologies required to build a successful digital centre.
During the discussion, Feras Juma, IOT and Integration Solutions Manager at Sotware AG, noted that prior to the establishment of a digital centre, institutions must demonstrate a clear vision and timeline of their future direction and services and provide a comprehensive ecosystem of smart solutions. He further emphasised the necessity of having a dedicated team focused on implementing the digital objectives of the institution.
For his part, Hisham Barrania, Senior Solutions Architect at Outsystems, highlighted that a digital centre was essential for every institution to launch initiatives and programmes in a timely manner, and to ensure the capability of overcoming any challenges related to technological transformation.
The second discussion, titled ‘Managed IT Services: A New Tool in the Arsenal of Information Professionals’, was moderated by Mohamad Alameddine, Head of Managed Services at Sahab.
Speaking at the session, Shaikha Al Marzooqi, Information Technology Manager at Sharjah Asset Management, said: “The relationship between service providers and institutions is of strategic importance as it is oten a long-term agreement. The managed services are essential for institutions to carry out their operations seamlessly.”