Get All Access for $5/mo

UAE Digital Execs Come Together For IBM-Powered Digital Leaders Session Professionals discuss the digital challenges they face across industries, and how they can help support and move forward a digital agenda in the Emirates.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

IBM
The Digital Leaders gathering at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai

Some of the UAE's most prominent figures in the country's digital space came together in January in Dubai's Alserkal Avenue for a close-knit gathering powered by IBM, which saw these professionals discuss the digital challenges they face across industries, and how they can help support and move forward a digital agenda in the Emirates.

Led by J. J. De La Torre, Digital Transformation Leader for the Middle East and Africa at IBM, the invite-only breakfast session for the UAE's "Digital Leaders" saw representatives from sectors like telecom, banking, media, etc. come together and engage in conversations on furthering digital adoption in the country.

The Digital Leaders gathering at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai
Source: IBM

The event had attendees from both the corporate and startup spacesthese included Stacy Holland, Vice President – Digital Experience, du, Pedro S. Cardoso, Head of Multichannel and CRM, Emirates NBD, Wissam Younane, CEO, BNC Publishing, Philip Bahoshy, founder, MAGNiTT and Aby Sam Thomas, Editor in Chief, Entrepreneur Middle East, among others.

Commenting on the gathering, Bahoshy said, "MAGNiTT looks to bring together startups and stakeholders from across the ecosystem. Connectivity and discussion is key to that proposition. As its founder, I believe more collaboration and cooperation is needed across the MENA region to help support startups. Efforts like this are great in creating those links and connections, which previously wouldn't have taken place."

The Digital Leaders gathering at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai
Source: IBM

As the organizer of the event, De La Torre said he was very happy with the turnout for the inaugural Digital Leaders session, and was looking forward to more editions of the same in the future. "We are pleased to have enabled this Digital Leaders gathering," De La Torre said. "This is the first time something like this has been done in the Emirates, and we are keen on supporting the country's digital agenda."

Related: IBM's Juan Jose De La Torre On The Need For MENA Businesses To Embrace Digital Transformation

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Starting a Business

What's Your Entrepreneurial Personality Type?

Anyone can start a business! The secret is picking a venture that fits your entrepreneurial personality. Here's how to determine yours.

Business News

Another '30 Under 30' Recipient Was Arrested For Fraud—And She's Not the Only One. Here Are 6 Other Former Honorees Who Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law

From promising prodigies to notorious felons, these are the most infamous former "30 Under 30" honorees who went from celebrated entrepreneurs to convicted criminals.

Business News

Barbara Corcoran Says the Best Entrepreneurs Are Good at This One Thing

Real estate entrepreneur and investor Barbara Corcoran says a few key traits prove effective when starting a business. Here's her top pick.

Growth Strategies

GymNation to Accelerate Expansion Following the Opening of Its 20th Location

"The GCC fitness market is growing at 15-20% a year, and we have invested in our company infrastructure to grow at pace and capitalize on what we feel is a generational opportunity to open 100 gyms across the region in the next 3-5 years."

Marketing

Five Things A Marketing Manager Needs To Operate To The Best Of Their Capabilities

As a marketing manager, achieving success in your role requires a combination of both tangible resources and intangible qualities.