As digital transformation accelerates across the Middle East, global tech players are sharpening their regional focus. At the forefront of this strategic shift is Sahil Dhawan, newly appointed president and head of India, Middle East & Africa Business at Tech Mahindra.

With a strong track record in building client-centric strategies, Dhawan now leads the company’s expansion across key growth markets, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, at a time when national visions, sovereign tech, and AI-led transformation are reshaping the technology landscape.

In this exclusive interview, Dhawan outlines his immediate and long-term priorities for the region, explains how Tech Mahindra is aligning with initiatives such as the UAE Digital Government Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, and offers insight into the company’s evolving AI roadmap, local partnerships, and innovation efforts across government, telecom, and BFSI sectors.

You’ve recently taken over as Head of India, Middle East, and Africa Business at Tech Mahindra. What are your immediate and long-term priorities for the Middle East region, particularly the UAE?

In the near term, my focus is on deepening engagement with existing customers, expanding local delivery capabilities, and capturing high-growth opportunities in priority sectors like government, telecom, and BFSI. We are also aligning our solutions more closely with national initiatives such as the UAE Digital Government Strategy and Vision 2031.

In the long term, the objective is to build a sustainable and scalable model for innovation, delivery, and talent development in the region. That means co-investing in local partnerships, advancing digital skills, and driving AI-led transformation in a way that is secure, inclusive, and tailored to regional needs.

How is Tech Mahindra aligning its AI strategy with national visions such as the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and other regional digital agendas?

We take a regional-first approach to AI — aligning closely with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031, particularly its focus on government efficiency, future skills, and sustainable development. Our AI use cases in the region span intelligent automation and citizen engagement to fraud detection and ESG analytics.

We are also committed to responsible AI deployment, ensuring privacy, fairness, and compliance with local data laws. This includes working with academic institutions and ecosystem partners to support AI skill-building and to co-create solutions that are contextually relevant and regionally grounded.

Can you elaborate on your plans to deepen local partnerships in the region, especially with government bodies and large enterprises? Are sovereign tech and public-private collaboration part of that roadmap?

Public-private collaboration is central to our strategy in the region. We are actively partnering with both government entities and large enterprises to co-develop digital solutions that serve national priorities—ranging from public service automation to secure cloud-based platforms.

Sovereign tech is increasingly part of the conversation, particularly in regulated industries. We are building capabilities that support data residency, national cloud requirements, and localised AI development. Our roadmap includes deeper on-ground collaboration with policy makers and ecosystem stakeholders to ensure that innovation aligns with national interests and global standards.

We have been at the forefront of enabling sovereign technology capabilities across the Middle East through impactful public–private collaborations. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, we partnered with a leading government entity to establish a data & AI and cloud Centre of Excellence in Riyadh — aimed at nurturing local talent, accelerating digital transformation, and supporting Vision 2030. Similarly, in Qatar, we collaborated with a prominent telecom provider to enhance its Managed Security Services platform — bolstering the region’s cyber resilience with advanced capabilities like SOC, SIEM, and zero-trust architecture.

These efforts exemplify Tech Mahindra’s commitment to co-creating digital infrastructure that aligns with national priorities and empowers local ecosystems.

What are some of the key use cases where Tech Mahindra is applying AI in the UAE or plans to do so — whether in manufacturing, smart cities, financial services, or public sector transformation?

At Tech Mahindra, we view AI as a journey from vision and experimentation to real-world, safe value delivery. Our role is to walk alongside our customers at every stage of this journey, helping them shape the right strategy, build and deploy models, implement the right tools and processes, and embed AI into their business in a meaningful and responsible way.

We are guided by four core tenets that define the outcomes our customers seek: productivity delivered, transformation delivered, innovation delivered, and assurance delivered. These principles help ensure that AI becomes a powerful engine for operational and strategic value. We have seen tangible results: from enabling a major European telecom operator to reduce effort by 30 per cent and go to market 20 per cent faster to support a leading Saudi oil company in accelerating its digital innovation agenda and supporting a global automotive manufacturer in realising a 26 per cent improvement in delivery velocity and a 38 per cent boost in code coverage. Our focus remains clear — translating AI’s potential into measurable, responsible outcomes.

We have also aided Saudi Arabia’s Special Economic Zone City – built on Unreal, the immersive metaverse experience is designed to attract global customers and high net individuals (HNIs). To experience the next-generation city and engage in various activities and attractions within the digital landscape.

Additionally, for a leading global retail customer undergoing a major merger, we implemented a dedicated vulnerability management and mitigation framework to manage a sudden spike in infrastructure risks. This proactive initiative helped identify and mitigate flaws across code, systems, and endpoints. Through regular patch cycles and continuous monitoring, we achieved an 85% reduction in vulnerabilities by the fourth month, ensuring enhanced data center and network security.

The Middle East and Africa are increasingly being seen not just as consumers of technology but also as contributors to global innovation. How do you view the region’s evolution in this context?

The Middle East and Africa are rapidly emerging as significant contributors to global innovation. What was once primarily a consumption-led story is now a narrative of co-creation and leadership. We are seeing growing local ownership of digital IP, more investment in emerging technologies, and increasing regional participation in shaping technology governance.

Government-led vision, strong investment appetite, and a young, tech-savvy population are key enablers. In countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the pace of execution and openness to experimentation are setting benchmarks. The region is now firmly on the map as a strategic hub for piloting scalable, future-ready digital solutions.

How is Tech Mahindra leveraging its global expertise to address region-specific challenges, such as talent development, regulatory frameworks, and digital sovereignty?

We are leveraging our global experience while adapting to regional priorities. Talent development is a core focus—we are investing in training local professionals in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies, while partnering with academic institutions to strengthen industry-readiness.

On regulatory alignment, we work closely with clients to ensure compliance with local laws around data privacy, AI usage, and cloud deployment. Digital sovereignty is increasingly important, and we are supporting customers with secure, locally hosted architecture that meets national standards. The goal is to enable innovation that respects local context while drawing on global best practices.

One such example is our transformation initiative for a leading refining and petrochemicals company in Saudi Arabia with over 90,000 employees globally.

During their S/4HANA upgrade, we enabled a 30% reduction in effort and timeline by leveraging Tech Mahindra’s proprietary tools. We also delivered enhanced UI design and improved overall operational efficiency.

The UAE and Azerbaijan signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), marking a new chapter in bilateral relations aimed at driving economic growth, diversification, and investment across strategic sectors.

The agreement was signed during an official ceremony witnessed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in what both sides hailed as a significant step forward in their long-standing economic and diplomatic partnership.

In a report published on state news agency, WAM, Sheikh Mohamed said the CEPA reflected the UAE’s commitment to building global development partnerships that contribute to sustainable growth, promote peace and stability, and create opportunities for coming generations.

Signed by UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, the agreement is designed to enhance trade and investment flows, strengthen private sector collaboration, and unlock new opportunities in sectors including renewable energy, tourism, logistics, and construction.

UAE-Azerbaijan CEPA to boost trade and bilateral relations

The UAE-Azerbaijan CEPA is expected to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), streamline supply chains, and foster innovation-led economic cooperation between the two nations.

It builds on a robust bilateral trade relationship, with non-oil trade between the two countries reaching $2.4bn in 2024, a 43 per cent increase year-on-year.

The UAE is currently the leading Arab investor in Azerbaijan, with total investments exceeding $1bn.

UAE’s CEPA programme

The deal is part of the UAE’s broader CEPA agenda, which has become a key pillar of the country’s foreign trade strategy.

With 27 agreements now concluded, the CEPA programme aims to grow the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade to $1.1tn by 2031.

In 2024 alone, the CEPA programme helped drive the UAE’s non-oil trade to a record $816bn, a 14.6 per cent year-on-year increase.

Officials said the CEPA would enhance market access and trade flows with high-growth economies representing over a quarter of the world’s population.

Imagine booking your next Emirates flight using cryptocurrency. That future is now within reach, as the airline teamed up with leading digital assets platform Crypto.com to explore accepting crypto payments across its services.

Under a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed this week, Emirates and Crypto.com will work together to integrate Crypto.com Pay into the airline’s payment systems — a move expected to roll out in 2025.

The partnership marks a significant step for both brands, and for Dubai’s broader ambitions to become a global hub for fintech and digital innovation.

The signing took place in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, alongside Michael Doersam, Emirates’ chief financial and group services Officer.

The agreement was formalised by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and CCO, and Mohammed Al Hakim, president of Crypto.com’s UAE operations.

“Partnering with Crypto.com to integrate cryptocurrency into our digital payments system reflects Emirates’ commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences,” said Kazim. “It’s in line with Dubai’s vision to be at the forefront of financial innovation, while giving our customers more flexibility in how they transact with us.”

Read: Emirates soars to further success: CCO Adnan Kazim on its growth and global reach

Crypto gets further mainstream

For Crypto.com, it’s another high-profile collaboration that brings cryptocurrency further into the mainstream.

“This partnership brings real momentum to the digital asset industry,” said Eric Anziani, president and COO of Crypto.com. “Working with a global brand like Emirates allows us to expand crypto’s everyday use cases and offer innovative finance solutions for customers in the region.”

The two companies will also explore joint marketing campaigns to build awareness and encourage travellers to consider crypto as a payment option.

The move follows a growing trend in Dubai, where a wave of companies — from real estate developers to telecoms — are already accepting cryptocurrency. With supportive regulations and a rapidly growing digital economy, the UAE is positioning itself as a trailblazer in the global crypto space.

So if you’ve been watching crypto from the sidelines, your next Emirates booking might just give you a reason to join the digital currency club.

Dubai Municipality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Parkin Company PJSC, the largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services in Dubai, to enhance operational efficiency and service quality across the emirate’s public parking infrastructure.

Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, and Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, Chairman of Parkin’s Board of Directors, attended the signing ceremony. The MoU was signed by Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, and Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, a Dubai Media Office report conveyed.

Read-Dubai: New variable parking fee near event zones starts today

Framework for smarter parking solutions

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between both parties in several key areas, including developing planning and regulatory standards, streamlining permit procedures, and enabling data exchange to support service optimisation. The MoU further authorises Parkin to manage selected free public parking facilities owned by Dubai Municipality, expanding the company’s growing portfolio of smart-parking solutions.

Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “This MoU aligns with our efforts to develop integrated infrastructure that meets Dubai’s aspirations for a smart and sustainable future. Through this collaboration, we aim to improve the quality and efficiency of public services, enhance the customer experience, and support Dubai’s strategic vision for sustainable urban mobility.”

Driving innovation and urban development

The agreement includes exploring opportunities for investment in and development of multi-storey parking structures, managing regulated facilities, and delivering value-added parking services at major events. The scope also includes developing unified criteria for using private plots as public parking areas and identifying innovative mobility solutions, including smart access and payment systems.

Commenting on the collaborative nature of the MoU, Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, said: “This partnership with Dubai Municipality reflects Parkin’s commitment to advancing the emirate’s vision for a smarter and more sustainable future. Leveraging our extensive expertise in managing public parking, and in alignment with the Municipality’s long-term urban planning goals, we are developing integrated infrastructure to enhance urban mobility and support the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.”

The MoU highlights both organisations’ roles in driving Dubai’s transformation into a leading global city through effective public-private collaboration, as set out under the principles of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. It aims to support the creation of modern urban infrastructure that meets the evolving demand for smarter parking solutions.

Parkin announces Variable Parking Tariff Policy in Dubai

In March, Parkin Company PJSC announced an update regarding the Variable Parking Tariff Policy.

As previously communicated by the company, the Variable Parking Tariff Policy was scheduled to take effect in Dubai on 4th April 2025, a WAM report said.

Introduced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the new policy applied peak and off-peak tariffs across 100 per cent of the public parking portfolio and approximately 35 per cent of developer spaces. The tariff structure was based on the type of parking facility—Standard or Premium Parking—and whether the service was used during peak or off-peak hours.

Premium Parking was defined as parking facilities located in high-demand, densely populated areas, often adjacent to or near public transport infrastructure. These zones were clearly marked with dedicated signage and displayed tariff information. Additional details were made available on the Parkin website, mobile app, and social media channels.

Updated parking designations and tariffs

Following further discussions between Parkin and the RTA, approximately 40 per cent of the company’s public parking portfolio was designated as Premium Parking—an increase from the previously communicated 35 per cent. The remainder of the public parking spaces were categorised as Standard Parking.

As of year-end 2024, the company operated 3,200 parking spaces across six Multi-Storey Car Parks (MSCPs).

The MSCP parking tariff remained unchanged at Dhs5 per hour, charged around the clock, 365 days a year.

However, customers parking for more than eight hours within any 24-hour period were subject to a maximum fee of Dhs40.

Extension to developer spaces and event tariffs

Also as of year-end 2024, Parkin’s private developer portfolio consisted of 19,200 spaces. Following discussions with the RTA, it was anticipated that approximately 35 per cent of this portfolio—up from a previously expected 0 per cent—would be subject to the variable tariff.

In line with the public parking portfolio, the Variable Parking Tariff Policy was also set to apply to developer parking spaces from April 4, 2025. A breakdown of applicable tariffs for developer spaces was provided in the appendix.

To manage increased vehicle volumes during major events, a special tariff of Dhs25 per hour was to be applied from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm in the area surrounding the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). This event tariff was applicable to approximately 200 spaces.

du, a telecom and digital services provider in the UAE, has renewed its strategic partnership with Huawei to accelerate Emiratisation and equip local talent with advanced technological capabilities. The renewed collaboration aims to foster innovation, support the UAE’s national strategies, and reinforce du’s leadership in the digital and telecommunications sectors.

The two companies will continue building on a longstanding relationship focused on ICT infrastructure and network development. The renewed agreement will place a strong emphasis on upskilling du employees, including future leaders, in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, 5G, and cloud computing. These efforts are designed to align with du’s ongoing digital transformation and support the development of a future-ready workforce.

Fahad Al Hassawi, chief executive officer at du, said: “Huawei and du share a commitment to supporting the UAE’s national Emiratisation strategy, and we are proud to build on this long-standing relationship. Through this renewed partnership, we will nurture a competitive and future-ready talent pipeline empowered by world-class digital skills while continuously driving technological excellence within our company and across the region.”

Training plan

Under the scope of the Joint Annual Training Plan (ATP), du and Huawei will implement a wide range of training activities, including Specialist Programs, Executive Leadership Programs, and ICT knowledge-sharing webinars. These initiatives are expected to enhance technical capabilities across all employee levels, driving innovation and enabling more agile responses to evolving industry challenges.

David Tao, chief executive officer at Huawei UAE, said: “We are honored to work closely with du to promote Emiratisation and help shape the future of digital innovation in the UAE. Through tailored training programs and skills development workshops, our partnership will empower du employees to master cutting-edge technologies in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, and beyond, contributing to the UAE’s advanced-tech ecosystem.”

Since 2021, du and Huawei have collaborated on key initiatives such as the Huawei Internship Development Program, which has introduced graduate trainees to core digital technologies including 5G and cloud. The strategic ICT Talent Development Programs introduced in 2022 further demonstrate both companies’ commitment to attracting and developing UAE nationals in the tech sector.

Read: Tashkent turns tech hub as Huawei accelerates ME&CA’s digital future

Looking ahead, the partnership is expected to play a central role in shaping the next generation of telecom services, while reinforcing the UAE’s ambition to become a global innovation hub.