Over time, e& (previously Etisalat Group) has evolved from a traditional telecom provider into a technology powerhouse. In a conversation with edge/ Salvador, Anglada, CEO of e& enterprise, talks about the company’s strategic shift towards cloud computing, AI, and digital services, shedding light on how these advancements are shaping the future of enterprise solutions in the region.
He discusses e& enterprise’s expansion into new technological domains, its approach to leveraging cloud and AI for business growth, and its vision for the future. Salvador will also address questions about the sustainability of AI advancements and the importance of zero bureaucracy in driving digital transformation.
You have mentioned that e& has transformed and expanded its scope beyond telecom to include technology, cloud, and AI. Why is this shift happening now?
The shift is happening because we’ve recognised the immense growth and value being generated through innovation. Traditionally, we’ve been focused on telecom, but we’ve realised that the world of technology offers numerous opportunities for us to leverage our expertise and build additional value.
The transition from telco to tech company allows us to use our established connectivity capabilities to enter and thrive in new areas like FinTech, content, and digital services.
In the B2C space, we see a lot of potential in combining our extensive customer base with new services. This includes leveraging our telecom infrastructure to offer innovative solutions beyond mere connectivity.
In the B2B space, our journey began about a decade ago when we started building app services on top of our connectivity offerings. By considering the data we have from our customers, we’ve gradually built and offered digital services catering to the enterprise sector. This has allowed us to position ourselves as a transformational player capable of driving significant value in the digital economy.
When you talk about enterprise specifically, what are your plans for cloud and technology? How do you want to expand in the region?
Our strategy for the enterprise sector is built on our internal success, providing services on top of our connectivity offerings. Initially, we focused on using digital platforms and technologies to enhance our telecom services. This approach proved highly successful, leading to faster growth than anticipated. Recognising the importance of focus, we decided to carve out these units into separate entities, allowing us to dedicate more resources and attention to these areas.
We’ve also made significant acquisitions to bolster our cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, data, and AI capabilities. These acquisitions have enhanced our service offerings and positioned us as a formidable player in the digital transformation space. Our approach to cloud and technology is holistic, aiming to integrate these services seamlessly with our existing offerings to provide comprehensive solutions to our enterprise customers.
Regionally, we see immense potential beyond the UAE. We have already expanded our operations to Saudi Arabia and other neighbouring countries. We aim to become a regional leader in digital transformation, offering cutting-edge solutions across the Middle East. By leveraging our technological capabilities and deep understanding of the local markets, we aim to drive significant growth and provide unparalleled value to our customers.
Q3: The focus on AI and Generative AI (GenAI) is prominent. Are you concerned it might just be a fad or a bubble?
Salvador: I don’t believe AI is a fad or a bubble. Instead, I see it as a transformative technology that will reshape various sectors. While widespread adoption might take longer than some expect, its impact will be profound and enduring. AI is not a new concept; it has been around for a while in the form of machine learning and predictive analytics. We’ve been utilizing these technologies to create algorithms and derive insights from data for over a decade.
Generative AI (GenAI) is new and truly revolutionary. Unlike traditional AI, which primarily focuses on analysing data and making predictions, GenAI is about creating content. This includes generating text, images, videos, and other forms of media using advanced language models. Generating content autonomously opens up new possibilities and applications across various industries.
GenAI will enhance existing applications, automate processes, and significantly accelerate outputs. While the adoption speed will vary depending on the organization and its readiness for change, the technology’s potential is undisputed. Implementing AI and GenAI requires a shift in mindset and processes, which takes time. However, the benefits are substantial, and organizations that embrace these technologies will gain a competitive edge.
Q4: This event focuses on zero bureaucracy, especially in the Middle East, where digital transformation is already progressing. Why is there still a need to emphasize zero bureaucracy?
Salvador: Zero bureaucracy represents a further step in the digital transformation journey. While digitalization has been occurring across government entities in the Middle East, the focus has often been solely on technology rather than reengineering the underlying processes. To truly realize the benefits of digital transformation, it’s essential to look beyond technology and focus on simplifying and optimizing the processes themselves.
Zero bureaucracy involves connecting the dots, streamlining operations, and adopting a human-centred approach. It’s about rethinking how things are done, removing unnecessary steps, and making processes more efficient and user-friendly. We can create more effective and seamless government services by focusing on process reengineering and design thinking.
As a digital transformation player, we are uniquely positioned to assist governments in this endeavour. We have the technological capabilities and methodology to support process reengineering and simplification. By partnering with governments, we can help them achieve their goals of zero bureaucracy and deliver better services to their citizens.
Q5: What can we expect shortly from e& regarding enterprise solutions?
Salvador: The future is bright for e& as we drive digital transformation. We are only at the beginning of this journey, and new technologies are continually emerging that will further accelerate our progress. The new world of data and AI presents exciting opportunities, and we are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.
We have the right people, technologies, and presence in key regional markets. Our strategy is to leverage these strengths to drive growth and expand our footprint. We aim to transition from a UAE-centric company to a regional powerhouse and, eventually, a global player in digital transformation.
Our focus will remain on delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our enterprise customers. This includes enhancing our cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, data, and AI offerings and continuously exploring new areas where we can add value. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and maintaining a customer-centric approach, we are confident in our ability to achieve our vision and drive significant growth in the years to come.
