du, commercially rebranded from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has successfully concluded the second edition of its Envision ICT event, held under the patronage of Digital Dubai.
With a concerted focus on unleashing the potential of AI, 5G, cloud computing, data centers, and the evolution of smart cities, Envision 2024 catalyzed conversations about the UAE’s future digital economy and how different sectors can contribute to achieving national goals and initiatives.
Under the theme "Gathering Leaders for Progress with AI-Driven Digitalization," the event embarked on an exploratory journey led by luminaries such as H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, outlining Digital Dubai's mission towards establishing a world-leading, AI-driven cityscape. Complementing this vision were in-depth perspectives from du's own leadership, CEO, Fahad Al Hassawi, and CICTO, Jasim Al Awadi, who explored how to maximize cloud investments with actionable insights. The discourse was facilitated by Research Analyst, Achilles Drettas.
Read More: du’s ‘Envision’ 2024: Elevating AI-Driven Digital Transformation in the UAE
AI: An Architect of the Future
Al Hassawi said, "Envision 2024 embarked on a journey to not just imagine but architect a future where technology serves as the backbone of economic prosperity, ethical innovation, and societal advancement. Our discussions have charted a course towards digital sovereignty and AI-driven excellence as well as aligned us closer to the UAE leadership's visionary goals. As we look ahead, let the insights and collaborations sparked here fuel our relentless pursuit of a digitally empowered tomorrow.”
“Digital transformation is a journey that has been at the heart of Dubai and the United Arab’s immense growth over the past few decades. This transformation does not happen overnight and it has been the result of our visionary leaders and strategic planning, most importantly, the cooperation between the federal and local government and the private sectors,” noted Al Mansoori.
This year, du demonstrated its forward-looking commitment to fostering a cutting-edge ICT sector by facilitating strategic partnerships with major tech giants, including Oracle, Huawei, IBM, Dell Technologies, Nokia, Fortinet, Vast Data, and Equinix. These collaborations were highlighted by thought leadership from visionary leaders, underscoring the event's theme of exploration and maximization of technological advancements for societal progression, and highlighting the partnership between du and Oracle with Oracle Alloy, marking a significant leap in enhancing cloud and AI capabilities embedded within the framework of digital sovereignty and innovation.
“With all the AI requirements that we are witnessing, providing a hyperscaler-type cloud offering is becoming key for our clients. The traditional way of providing infrastructure is not scalable anymore. Cloud sovereignty with scalability, enabled by the ecosystem of applications, will be crucial going forward,” opined Al Awadi.
Latest News: Innovation Takes Center Stage du Hosts Exclusive Launch Event for iPhone 16
Collaborative AI and the Future of 6G Networks
Envision 2024 covered the implications and potential of collaborative AI and the future of 6G networks and provided a pragmatic lens through which businesses could visualize AI as a catalyst for unparalleled productivity and innovation.
Sessions and panels were dedicated to unravelling the AI-driven future of data centers, workforce transformation attributable to AI, and the indispensable role of automation in scaling digital business growth. The event represents a tangible step towards aligning with the UAE's strategic visions.
Additionally, panel discussions examined digital transformation in an AI-first world, stressing the crucial balance between innovation, data privacy, and the ethical deployment of AI. Panellists emphasized the ethical considerations pivotal in navigating the future of AI and digital sovereignty.
The event defined benchmarks for technological use across diverse sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, education, smart cities, and agriculture, and underscored the creation of a roadmap for advancement through technological innovation.
Past Coverage: Envision 2023: ‘Enabling Future Makers for a Sustainable World With Technology’
