Alaa Bawab, the General Manager of Lenovo Infrastructure Group, META, says Lenovo’s “AI for All” strategy aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s government AI initiatives in several key ways
Tell us about your participation in GITEX 2024. Which products and solutions will you showcase at the event?
GITEX 2024 is a key event for us at Lenovo. This year we will follow the theme of Smarter AI for All, where we will talk about the future of innovation, AI adoption and how we bring AI to data for not just organizations but also to empower everyday life.
During the event, we will showcase our expansive and comprehensive AI portfolio that will not only help unlock real business outcomes but also drive the transformation of the workplace with digital solutions. We will also unveil a range of new hardware and software solutions that are designed to help customers more rapidly achieve outcomes from AI, enabled by our portfolio of AI services.
How has the regional tech landscape evolved in the past couple of years?
The Middle East has seen rapid changes in the technology landscape over the past couple of years. The rapid adoption of AI and automation, especially for data analysis, customer service and decision making have enabled efficiency and productivity, while a growing trend in digital transformation with many organizations investing in new initiatives. This includes implementation of AI, machine learning, big data analytics and even cloud computing. At Lenovo we strive to bring Smarter AI for all, an umbrella under which our products and services come under. Here at GITEX, we showcase these technologies, a strong testament to our position as an industry leader.
What are your expectations from the event this year?
Every year, GITEX is a key event for networking. While we aim to showcase our products and services, GITEX is a key event where we interact directly with customers and partners, both existing and potential ones. Historically, events such as GITEX provide a strong platform for rekindling existing businesses and even closing new ones, which is our main goal here.
What will be your theme of participation at GITEX 2024?
This theme embodies the impending wave of innovation, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), and our strategic approach to harnessing AI in data utilization. Our focus is not solely on how these advancements can benefit organizations but also on how they can be integrated into daily life to empower individuals. We envision a future where AI becomes an accessible and integral part of everyone’s lives, driving efficiency, convenience, and growth on both personal and professional levels.
How have your regional strategies changed in recent months?
Local partnerships play a key role in our regional strategies. Along with introducing new products and services to our local customers, we also partner with local entities to empower these solutions further. A great example is our partnership with Al Hathboor Bikal.ai, which enables us to provide public and private sector customers with cutting-edge high-performance cloud computing systems, which in turn will support digital transformation projects in the UAE.
How do your regional strategies align with regional development initiatives run by various governments?
Lenovo’s “AI for All” strategy aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s government AI initiatives in several key ways. Lenovo is dedicated to making AI accessible to everyone, from individuals to large enterprises, which mirrors the UAE’s objective to integrate AI across various sectors and embed it into everyday life, as outlined in their National AI Strategy 2031. Additionally, Lenovo emphasizes partnerships with industry leaders such as NVIDIA and AMD to drive AI innovation, similar to the UAE government’s promotion of collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate AI adoption.
Lenovo’s AI solutions are also designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable, aligning with the UAE’s focus on sustainable development and efficient resource use. Both Lenovo and the UAE government prioritise the development of AI talent. Lenovo’s initiatives include skilling programs and educational partnerships, while the UAE aims to attract and train talent for future AI roles. Furthermore, Lenovo is committed to responsible AI innovation, which aligns with the UAE’s emphasis on strong governance and ethical AI practices. These synergies highlight a shared vision of leveraging AI to drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
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