du, a leading telecom and digital services provider in the UAE, recently partnered with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to host a roundtable titled “Unlock the future of AI, Hybrid Cloud and Networking.” The event, which took place in Dubai, focused on enhancing banking operations, improving customer experience, and ensuring robust data security. Notably, the event featured a fireside chat with Ahmad Al Khallafi from HPE, along with discussions on Multi-Cloud management and AI strategies.

With 90% of UAE financial institutions expressing a strong interest in adopting AI, this exclusive roundtable aimed to revolutionize the banking sector using cutting-edge technological insights tailored for senior decision-makers and technology leaders. The discussion highlighted the transformative power of AI, hybrid cloud strategies, and advanced networking solutions that are essential for driving smarter banking operations.

According to recent statistics, 71% of financial institutions in the UAE have either deployed or enhanced their AI capabilities in the past year, making the country one of the top global adopters of AI in the banking sector. Jasim AlAwadi, Chief ICT Officer at du, emphasized the importance of integrating technologies such as AI and hybrid cloud infrastructure, stating that these are not just trends but prerequisites for a future-ready banking sector. He noted that AI could contribute up to 13.6% of the Middle East’s GDP by 2030, with the UAE playing a leading role.

The agenda also included a comprehensive session led by James Brooks from HPE regarding Multi-Cloud management and HPE’s Private Cloud AI solutions. Husam Osman, Director of ICT Technical Solutions at du, discussed the synergies between du Tech Cloud and HPE’s AI strategy, highlighting their shared value proposition. The event concluded with a customer success story presented by Thomas Cherian, Chief Information Officer of Commercial Bank of Dubai, which reinforced the main themes and inspired innovative ideas among the attendees.

The roundtable attracted senior decision-makers and technology leaders from the banking and financial services sector, all of whom share a vision aligned with du and HPE’s goal of fostering a more efficient, agile, and intelligent financial industry.