Sherif Tawfik

Incredible news for the tech ecosystem of the UAE. Microsoft's expansion into Abu Dhabi will not only strengthen the region's innovation capabilities but also shape product roadmaps to the unique needs of the region. Having been part of Microsoft's journey in India, I saw firsthand how Global Development Centers can transform tech landscapes, nurture talent, and foster groundbreaking startups. I’m excited to see how this will influence product strategies and accelerate the already thriving startup ecosystems in the UAE and the wider region.  #Innovation #MicrosoftUAE

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I am thrilled to announce the expansion of our landmark partnership with G42 to bring the latest Microsoft Cloud and AI technologies and skilling initiatives to the UAE and other countries across the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. This collaboration is a true gamechanger that will not only drive economic growth, but also empower emerging markets to leapfrog into the future and drive unprecedented growth.    Our new investment builds on our longstanding collaboration in AI and digital transformation initiatives and will see G42 running its AI applications and services on Microsoft Azure. We will also partner to co-innovate and deliver advanced AI solutions for various industries and markets across the region, providing them with equitable access to services to address important governmental and business concerns while ensuring the highest standards of security and privacy.     Together with G42, we’re embarking on a new chapter of innovation. We’re creating pathways for growth, fostering groundbreaking opportunities, and redefining what’s possible for nations across the region.    The potential is immense, and I’m excited to witness the impact across our markets in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. @G42 @Microsoft #MicrosoftCloud 

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Companies in the #MENA region are embracing the global trend of hybrid multicloud strategies as part of their digital transformation efforts and to enhance their customers' digital experience. That's why we are excited to introduce #Equinix #Fabric in the #UAE. Our software-defined interconnection solution serves as a gateway to a world of on-demand global connectivity. It simplifies the process of adopting cloud services, accelerates time to value, and ensures a higher quality and more secure cloud user experience.

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Today marks a huge step forward in our mission to accelerate #AI innovation and transformation across the region with the expansion of the #Microsoft Engineering Development Center footprint to the #UAE. Our new development center in #AbuDhabi will be a real game-changer, empowering local talent to effectively leverage the latest technologies to create industry-leading solutions that will tackle key challenges faced by communities across the region and globally.   The center will also play a pivotal role in attracting leading tech talent from around to world to advance #innovation in the fields of #ArtificialIntelligence, #cloud and #cybersecurity. And through collaborations with various universities, incubators, and accelerators, the center will contribute to the development of a pool of highly skilled future talent that will be at the forefront of a new wave of innovation and technological excellence. The future for the Middle East’s tech ecosystem looks bright and I look forward to seeing the breakthroughs that will emerge through our next generation of digital talent. @IhabFoudeh @NaimYazbeck   #MicrosoftAI #MicrosoftCloud #TechTalent #AIInnovation 

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#Mindware has officially become a member of the #AWS Partner Network (#APN) as an AWS Distributor, marking a significant step towards promoting the adoption of cloud technology in the Middle East and North Africa (#MENA) region. With this partnership, Mindware is poised to enrich its channel offerings by introducing a comprehensive portfolio of cloud solutions and management services. This strategic move is aimed at providing customers in the region with seamless access to the essential cloud technologies required for their digital transformation journey.  Mindware's expanded portfolio will now feature a wide array of Amazon Web Services (AWS) solutions, spanning generative AI, data analytics, API management, and #machinelearning (ML) services. These offerings are meticulously crafted to enhance business efficiency and drive superior outcomes for enterprises across various industries. By leveraging Mindware's services, businesses will gain the ability to develop cutting-edge applications with unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and reliability. This encompasses a broad spectrum of functionalities, including AI integration, robust compute power, efficient database storage, optimized content delivery, and more. Philippe Jarre Karim Hanafy Vinod Krishnan Wojciech Bajda Madhavi Reddy Antonio Alonso Lopez Vittorio Sanvito

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It was a pleasure to sit down with Matthew Amlot of Arabian Business for a deep dive on how #ArtificialIntelligence is disrupting each and every aspect of the way we live and work at a scale not seen since the creation of the Internet. The #UAE has taken a leadership role in this new AI-powered landscape, leveraging the latest advancements in #AI, including #GenerativeAI, to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and creativity of its workforce in order to drive future innovation and business growth. Our discussion also touched upon the UAE’s commitment to #ResponsibleAI and the need for clear regulations to ensure that the technology is being utilized in a manner that is safe, ethical, and gains the trust of our communities. #Microsoft is proud to be leading this conversation in the UAE and across the region and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the proper guardrails are in place for individuals and organizations to be able to leverage the technology with full confidence on their AI journey.      #MicrosoftUAE #MicrosoftAI #AItransformation

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I am absolutely thrilled to share the next chapter in the #UAE innovation journey with the arrival of #Microsoft’s Engineering Development Center to #AbuDhabi. This is a momentous occasion as the center will not only support the development of local talent to accelerate #digitaltransformation across the region, but also attract leading tech talent from around the world to collaborate in the fields of #AI, #cloud, and #cybersecurity. Together, the engineering teams will create cutting-edge solutions that will help organizations across the region and globally to overcome pressing challenges and deliver lasting impact.     The center is testament to Microsoft’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s aspirations to establish itself as a global hub of tech #innovation and talent. The announcement follows a series of recent investments that we have made into the country to that effect in collaboration with #G42. They include the establishment of an AI research center in Abu Dhabi focused on developing best practices in the field of #ResponsibleAI and the expansion of our AI for Good Lab to Abu Dhabi, another major first for the region. It will be exciting to see the incredible advancements that the addition of our new Engineering Development Center will bring not only to the UAE and Middle East region, but to the global technology landscape.  @SamerAbu-Ltaif @AmrKamel @IhabFoudeh    #MicrosoftUAE #MicrosoftAI #Microsoftinnovation #MicrosoftCloud #TechTalent #AIInnovation #Talentdevelopment #AIforgood 

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These valuable lessons underscore the crucial role of adaptation and innovation in response to rapid technological advancements in the business landscape. Embracing technology, effective change management, and fostering continuous innovation are key to thriving in a dynamic market. Resisting change without justification can have negative consequences, highlighting the importance of clear communication, strategic partnerships, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. Investing in technology not only enhances competitiveness but also streamlines processes and reduces operational costs. Leaders who embrace flexibility and prioritize innovation are better equipped to navigate technological shifts and drive organizational success. #Adaptation #Innovation #Technology #BusinessTransformation

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As His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, meets with Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, here's an opportunity to summarize the key technology and UAE announcements made since early 2024. ## Microsoft's Strategic Partnership with G42 - AI: Microsoft invested $1.5 bn in UAE-based AI firm G42 with plans to bring AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. - Cloud: G42 will run its AI applications and services on Microsoft Azure, delivering advanced AI solutions to global public sector clients (Sovereign Cloud) and large enterprises via Khazna Data Centers, a JV company between G42 and e&. - Responsible AI Initiatives: 2 new research centers will be established in Abu Dhabi: an AI for Good Research Lab and a Responsible AI Centre. - Developer Support: a $1 bn fund will be established for developers, boosting AI skills. ## Cisco's Role in Enhancing Collaboration - Cisco announced a new Point of Presence (PoP) for cloud-delivered security services (Secure Service Edge) in the UAE aiming to enhance cyber protection for high-capacity users, infrastructure, and investments against cyber threats. - Microsoft and Cisco have strengthened their partnership, allowing for seamless interoperability between Microsoft Teams and Cisco’s Webex platform, enabling users to switch between Teams and Webex without rebooting or reconfiguration while maintaining access to features from both systems. The collaboration between these tech giants aligns perfectly with the UAE's digital transformation strategy, collectively reinforcing the UAE's position as a global tech and AI and cybersecurity hub in the UAE and broader region, empowering local organizations with cutting-edge AI capabilities and flexible security services. This Microsoft-G42 partnership was achieved despite intense scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers due to G42's previous connections with China, demonstrating the UAE's strong determination to advance its digital transformation strategy and solidify its position as a global tech hub, even in the face of geopolitical challenges. #MicrosoftInUAE #CiscoInUAE #G42 #e& #AbuDhabi #UAE #AIInnovation #DigitalTransformation #Cybersecurity #ResponsibleAI #AIForGood

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Why #Generative_AI Couldn’t #Transform the #Middle_East #Governments and #enterprises are betting on #generative_AI to #drive_innovation, #but #issues like #regulatory_compliance, #talent_shortages, and #costs are proving #significant_obstacles, explore the barriers and #strategies for #overcoming_them. https://lnkd.in/g_vkq82C

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It's been one year since Google Cloud launched our data region in Saudi Arabia, bringing innovation and scalability to the region. To celebrate this major milestone, we invite you to the Google Cloud Summit Saudi Arabia to get together with the cloud community to experience the new way to cloud → https://lnkd.in/d2_MzSiA With all the breakthroughs in AI, you don’t want to miss this Summit — your gateway to the future of cloud computing. #GoogleCloudSummitSaudiArabia #GoogelCloudSaudi

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Today, we are making another strategic commitment to the UAE. G42’s continued trust in Microsoft is a testament to our shared commitment to propel the UAE’s digital economy forward and an important step in enhancing the country’s position as a global AI hub. Together, we’ve already made significant strides by empowering the UAE public sector and regulated industries through our sovereign cloud offering and expanding Azure services via Khazna Data Centers. Now, our strengthened partnership aims to bring unprecedented technological capabilities to the country and the wider region, advancing the vision for a knowledge-based smart society.    In addition, we’re working together to foster a skilled and diverse AI workforce and drive innovation and competitiveness through the investment of $1 billion in a fund for developers. And, by entering into the Intergovernmental Assurance Agreement and gaining representation on G42’s Board of Directors, we jointly pledge to uphold U.S. and international trade, security, responsible AI, and business integrity laws and regulations.    I am thrilled to see what lies ahead as we embark on this transformative journey together. I know that our partnership will continue to be a driving force behind the UAE's technological advancement and economic growth.  #MicrosoftCloud 

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We are moving from the world of plus AI to AI first. Companies that have adopted an #AI first mentality will be the winners of this next era. I sat down with Ossama El Samadoni from GBM and our clients Mohamed Abdel Hamid Abdel-Razek from Mashreq and Himanshu Shrivastava from Al-Futtaim to discuss the latest AI insights in the region and the ingredients to a successful AI adoption journey. Hosted by Sally Mousa سالي موسى from Forbes Middle East, the #podcast sheds light on the importance of partnerships between technology providers, regulators, and users in successfully deploying AI. It is our privilege to partner with clients like Mashreq Bank and Al Futtaim, adopting the latest IBM technologies and utilizing our consulting expertise to help transform businesses. #watsonx #genAI #hybridcloud https://lnkd.in/dkwnmVrW

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The surge in IT spending expected in the MENA region this year reflects a strategic shift towards leveraging technology's transformative power to drive innovation and economic growth. Substantial investments in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and cutting-edge technologies such as AI and IoT will likely drive the bulk of this growth. These initiatives are not only enhancing operational efficiencies but also enabling organisations to create personalised customer experiences and gain actionable insights from data analytics. #MENA #IT #DigitalTransformation

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🔝Where does the🕌Middle East stand in the global 🦾AI funding race❓ The #UAE and 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of attracting more #capital to power their #AI ambitions 🕌Middle East #investment funds have the potential to become global players in the booming #artificialintelligence space, given their vigorous push in the advanced #technology sector, according to experts. International investors are particularly taking notice as the region targets untapped markets, clarifies government policies to create advanced tech-friendly environments and integrate AI into all aspects of the private and public sector, industry experts say. Consultancy PwC had estimated the region’s future slice of the world’s AI market at 2 per cent – $320 billion – by 2030. Yet this was predicted about six years ago, before the region attracted billions and sealed partnerships with major western tech leaders such as #Oracle and #Amazon. Most recently, in April, Microsoft entered a $1.5 investment and #partnership with the UAE’s leading AI entity G42. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront, as the Arab world's two biggest economies that have focused on diverting away from oil and gas reliance, in pursuit of being recognised as global hubs for tech entrepreneurship and innovation. Global corporations seeking to tap into the region’s anticipated future influence are acting on the offerings. “Compared to global counterparts, Middle Eastern AI funds are still nascent … [but] the growth is expected to be significant,” Mohammed Soliman, director of the strategic technologies and cybersecurity programme at the Washington-based Middle East Institute think tank, told The National. He said that “the region offers a compelling case for AI investors”, as “governments are actively supporting AI development through funds and initiatives”. This is shifting the gaze of global tech heads who are looking to connect to the Middle East and further, said Mr Soliman. Read More…

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Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, speaks about our collaboration with Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), in light of the recent Google Cloud office opening. Kurian highlighted the significance of Google Cloud’s strategic alliance with the Government of Kuwait, which aims to support the digitization of government services, digitally transforming businesses and contributing to the upskilling of national talent and fostering a vibrant tech and startup ecosystem. 🤝 🇰🇼 Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eggnWU3f #CloudForKuwait

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Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, speaks about our collaboration with Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), in light of the recent Google Cloud office opening. Kurian highlighted the significance of Google Cloud’s strategic alliance with the Government of Kuwait, which aims to support the digitization of government services, digitally transforming businesses and contributing to the upskilling of national talent and fostering a vibrant tech and startup ecosystem. 🤝 🇰🇼 Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dx3tAmrj #CloudForKuwait

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Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, speaks about our collaboration with Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), in light of the recent Google Cloud office opening. Kurian highlighted the significance of Google Cloud’s strategic alliance with the Government of Kuwait, which aims to support the digitization of government services, digitally transforming businesses and contributing to the upskilling of national talent and fostering a vibrant tech and startup ecosystem. 🤝 🇰🇼 Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dx3tAmrj #CloudForKuwait

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