Huawei Enterprise’s Middle East head on how the regional tech landscape is set to evolve

What has been the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the regional tech landscape?
The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered accelerated digital transformation throughout the region, across all industries. Rapid adoption of new technologies has been necessary for many businesses to stay connected as seamlessly as possible during the restrictions of the pandemic’s lockdowns. ICT has become not only a crucial tool for combatting the virus, but also an
engine for economic recovery. This year has brought to light the absolute necessity of technology’s role in society, for individuals, corporates and governments, and as such there is increased interest in building ICT capacity in all respects.

While the pandemic-led crisis has accelerated the pace of digital transformation, are providers able to cope with the need?
Speaking in terms of Huawei’s capabilities, absolutely. We have an extensive portfolio of products and numerous experts who can create customised solutions based on the unique requirements of anyone, from small to large enterprises or government entities. The value-added benefits of digital transformation are more prominent now than ever before, and we are eagerly stepping up and working with industry customers and partners to maintain stable network operations, accelerate digital transformation, and support efforts to reopen local economies.

In your opinion, what are the main challenges to digital transformation?
Understanding and expertise in digitalisation and transitioning from legacy systems to digitalised infrastructure are often common challenges. However, these challenges can be overcome. As more enterprises and government entities recognise the need for digital transformation – especially in the region, where the governments are very proactive in pushing for an intelligent, connected society – they are appointing leaders with a digital mindset to spearhead the journey. This is increasing both the understanding and the acceptance of digitalisation.

They are also turning to experts for advice and consultancy, as well as for products and solutions. In terms of transitioning from legacy systems to digitalised infrastructure, smart and innovative technology solutions are extremely flexible as well as scalable, and there are many possible scenarios that can be created to meet a variety of user requirements, allowing
integration of ICT with core scenarios.

For Huawei Enterprise, how has business been in the region so far this year?
2020 has been an extraordinary year, witnessing explosive growth in technologies together with reforms in different industries. We believe the tremendous potential of digital transformation is to be unleashed on the basis of synergy across five tech domains, in which connectivity, cloud, AI, computing, and applications develop in ways never seen before.

This will empower industries to become more efficient as they progress in the fourth industrial revolution, while also enabling governments to become more accessible and deploy more streamlined operations.

Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future? Are you looking at further expansion?
Moving forward, Huawei will focus on applying ICT technologies to industries and providing scenario specific solutions along with its partners to help enterprises grow their businesses and help governments achieve their strategic goals of boosting domestic industry, benefiting their constituents, and improving overall governance.

Our ultimate goal is to build an open and sound industry ecosystem that will benefit all stakeholders and create new value for all industries.