Page 68 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2020

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

Other integral projects in the banking sector include the launch of a
digital invoicing solution for SMEs with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
and the development of the UAE Trade Connect (UTC) platform
along with eight banks safeguarding the banking industry from
potential fraud losses through advanced detection tools, allowing
them to extend additional financing to their corporate clients.

Etisalat Digital is also actively working on several interesting
projects and has engaged with industry experts as well as acquired
digital assets and platforms including data centres, cloud, digital
and mobile payment, Internet of Things, big data and analytics
engines. By providing platforms to its customers, Etisalat Digital
enables businesses to get access to several technologies through
a service model, instead of having to invest in the whole platform.

Etisalat Digital brings its unique value by combining the scale,
strength and robust network with the agility, skills and platforms
of a digital player. The business unit have access to global skills
and expertise, state-of-the-art digital assets such as data centers,
cloud, cybersecurity, M2M and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms,
analytics, big data engines and digital payment gateways. This is
in addition to 24x7 Cloud, Security and IoT Command and Control
Centers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for fully managed solutions and
proactive monitoring.

One of the key objectives of the business unit Etisalat Digital is
giving young companies a platform to engage with our experts,
have access to our robust network and utilise our digital
technologies to build viable products and new revenue streams.
Etisalat Digital’s partnership with Dubai Future Accelerators, the like AI and robotics. Selected start-ups get the chance to be on
world’s largest government supported accelerator, pair’s top board in the Etisalat Scaleups program where they were given
start-ups with the Dubai government entities allowing them to access to Etisalat Digital resources and experts, office space, and
build, test and deploy solutions for 21st-century challenges. support to deliver pilot projects to effectively demonstrate the
value and potential of the partnership and technology.

Etisalat joined the programme in its second round and have
launched several challenges focusing on futuristic technologies Another significant project for Etisalat Digital was the two-year
Scale Abu Dhabi (AD) programme with Abu Dhabi Digital Authority
(ADDA) to help drive the emirate’s digital transformation. Over
this period, a design-led methodology and process will be
empowered by the Etisalat Digital co-creation lab to develop
innovative solutions as well as a hub to source global innovation
to the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It will also enable ADDA with access
to cutting-edge technology platforms such as IoT, blockchain,
big data, video analytics and cloud. A co-branded space will be
provided for ADDA to become a leading hub of innovation and
creativity in the region.

With nurturing innovation as one of the key goals for Etisalat
Digital, it introduced its own programme called ‘Future Now’ to
collaborate with startups, IoT developers, government entities,
enterprises, and their end-users. Future Now has four key pillars:
Scale-ups program, a Co-creation Lab, an IoT partner ecosystem
and an Innovation Center.

68 JUNE-JULY 2020