ABU DHABI: Transformation is key in the new normal with a focus on innovation by building new capabilities and tools that are digitally enabled and are sustainable, said Hatem Bamatraf, Chief Technology Officer, Etisalat International, during the Telecoms World Middle East & Carriers World Middle East 2020.
“Etisalat has always thrived and continuously invested in building an advanced network and introducing new services to meet the growing requirements of customers especially in today’s new normal. We are the cusp of this metamorphosis where we are able to deliver uninterrupted services to our customers, provide solutions in an age of social distancing and remote working to enable faster decision making for businesses, minimise human interactions and increase the pace of automation. Thanks to the UAE vision in positioning the country as one of the most competitive nations globally despite the headwinds posed by today’s extraordinary times we continue to realise our digital goals to meet the distinctive needs of all customers,” said Bamatraf.
Bamatraf was a key panelist in the opening CEO keynote panel on ‘Embracing tech transformation in today’s new normal society’.
The two-day conference taking place virtually from 13th to 14th October is among the biggest and most influential telecom events in the region, focusing on the strategies, technologies and big ideas that will be essential for telecoms companies in 2020.
Etisalat chief executives participated in panel discussions and live interactive sessions moderated by global and regional experts in the region. Ali Amiri, Group Chief Carrier and Wholesale Officer, Etisalat, took part in an insightful panel discussion on ‘Opportunities await the Middle East: capitalising on the geographical advantage of the region and exploring the opportunities that lie ahead.
A multitude of topics were discussed such as exploring the barriers to connectivity; adapting digital mentality and utilising and benefiting from OTTs; improving connectivity and overcoming obstacles in the region; accessing emerging markets in the Middle East for global and regional carriers; and outlining the necessity to keep on top of technological innovation to compete in the region.
Shafika Houcine, Group Director – Digital Channels, Etisalat, participated in a panel on ‘Capitalising on AI: surviving the transition’.
On the event’s second day, Sidheeque Machingal, Senior Director of Carrier & Wholesale Planning, Etisalat, will take part in a fireside chat on ‘Global connectivity: the data race of subsea carriers and big internet giants’, focusing on how subsea cables are impacting the data centre and ecosystems. Topics of discussion include the expected opportunity of security services for carriers; industry collaboration and the next steps; preparing for denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, making carriers vulnerable for attack; and analysing physical security for critical assets.
Meanwhile, Jose L Lopez Villen, Director of Open Innovation and IoT Partnership Programs, will present ‘Corporate and Startups: Models to Collaborate in the Open Innovation System’.
