Microsoft to maintain high investment strategy in the Middle East region
Generative AI is seen as becoming mainstream in the region
Ahmed Dandachi, Chief Commercial Business Officer at Microsoft UAE, in an interview at GITEX Global 2023, talks about generative AI, sheds light on the significance of the Middle East to Microsoft’s strategic investments and how GITEX plays a pivotal role in showcasing cutting-edge technology and facilitating crucial partnerships.
Additionally, Dandachi explores how customer needs are evolving in response to rapidly advancing technology and how Microsoft’s R&D process stays at the forefront of innovation, particularly addressing the unique localisation requirements of the Middle East region.
Excerpts from the interview:
From Microsoft’s perspective, how important is the Middle East region, and why?
The Middle East has always been a key region for Microsoft. We have been in the region for three decades, steadily growing and investing in the region. Five years ago, we invested significantly in data centres, including in the UAE, Qatar, South Africa, and soon in Saudi Arabia.
Given its energy, oil, and gas sectors, the Middle East region is crucial for our business, and we need to maintain a high level of investment and momentum.
What is Microsoft showcasing at GITEX Global 2023?
It is all about generative AI. It is about imagining AI in everything we do and everything that customers do. Our showcase is to present the government digital assistant called Mai.
Mai will assist UAE residents with government services by responding to questions, providing insights, and guiding customers through various government processes, such as bill payments or visa renewals. Mai is a powerful AI assistant designed to drive efficiency across all government services.
Will this generative AI technology be rolled out to the rest of the GCC region, like Saudi Arabia?
Yes, that is the plan. The UAE government is already rolling it out, and other governments in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman will also implement the same AI technology to enhance their services.
Why is it important for Microsoft to exhibit at GITEX every year?
GITEX is a no-brainer for us. It is the main event we have been investing in for two decades. It is where innovative technologies are showcased and a reference point for staying updated on the latest technological and innovation trends.
GITEX also facilitates connections with technology vendors and partners, making it the place where all the industry players come together.
How are your customers’ needs evolving as technology advances?
Post-Covid, digital transformation has become a necessity rather than an option. Moving to the cloud and accelerating digitalisation is vital.
Customers need to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and innovation. Time to market has become more critical than ever.
How does Microsoft conceptualise new products and solutions?
We prioritise the voice of the customer in our R&D. We collect feedback from customers and involve our engineering teams to ensure their feedback is integrated into our product roadmap. This process has been ongoing for years, keeping us aligned with our customers’ evolving needs.
Are there any specific needs of customers in the Middle East region that differ from the rest of the world?
Localisation is crucial. Supporting the Arabic language is a top priority. We ensure that all our products launched in the Middle East region support Arabic and other relevant languages and dialects.
With the rise of AI and chatbots, language support has become essential, and we are actively working on meeting these requirements for the Middle East.
Image: Ahmed Dandachi at the Microsoft stand at GITEX Global 2023. Image: Arnold Pinto
