(L) Sebastian Shi, CEO of Huawei Cloud UAE and (R) Mohanna Al Mheiri, Chief Operations Officer at Emirates Foundation, speak with Teletimes International in an exclusive interview about the ongoing cooperation between the two entities to support the UAE’s socio-economic development
Q: Can you provide an overview of Huawei’s strategic priorities, particularly concerning cloud technologies in the UAE and how these priorities align with the company’s vision for the regional market?
Sebastian: At the heart of Huawei cloud’s strategy is our commitment to driving digital transformation and enhancing the digital economy within the UAE and the broader region. Our efforts are multifaceted, including significant investment in local infrastructure to make our cutting-edge technology readily accessible. For instance, the recent launch of our cloud services in Saudi Arabia is a testament to our dedication to bringing state-of-the-art technology to the region, ensuring our clients have seamless access. Furthermore, we are actively working to enrich the ecosystem by fostering collaborations, particularly with Chinese partners, to bolster the digital economy’s growth in the UAE. This dual focus on technological advancement and ecosystem enrichment forms the cornerstone of our strategic priorities, guiding our actions for the foreseeable future.
Q: With the advent of 5G technology, how do you see its impact on the cloud market in the UAE and the broader region?
Sebastian: The advent of 5G technology is a game-changer for cloud services thanks to its promise of high-speed connectivity and low latency. In the UAE, where 5G deployment is notably advanced, this technology enhances our ability to provide superior cloud services. It enables swift, reliable access to data and applications hosted in our secure, local data centers. This synergy between 5G and cloud technologies is crucial for delivering exceptional service quality to our clients, making digital resources more accessible and efficient than ever before.
“This synergy between 5G and cloud technologies is crucial for delivering exceptional service quality to our clients, making digital resources more accessible and efficient than ever before.”
Q: From the perspective of telecommunications companies facing the challenge of migrating from legacy systems to cloud infrastructure, how is Huawei supporting this transition?
Sebastian: The transition from legacy systems to cloud-based infrastructures represents a significant evolution for telecommunications companies, necessitating a shift towards more flexible, scalable, and efficient models. Huawei is at the forefront of facilitating this transition, emphasizing the inherent value cloud technologies bring to legacy systems. We leverage AI and big data capabilities, inherent to cloud infrastructures, to demonstrate the tangible benefits of migration. Our comprehensive support extends beyond mere technology provision to include end-to-end migration services, ensuring a smooth transition that not only preserves but enhances value for our clients. By prioritizing value addition and leveraging our global expertise, we aim to make the migration process as beneficial and seamless as possible.
Q: Could you shed some light on Emirates Foundation’s history and its core activities?
Al Mheiri: Emirates Foundation, established over eight decades ago under the vision of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, serves as a pivotal link between the private sector, government, and community for philanthropic efforts. Our mission spans various domains, with a significant emphasis on volunteerism. We manage the UAE’s largest volunteer database, mobilizing resources and manpower to address community needs, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our initiatives are not limited to immediate relief but extend to fostering a culture of contribution and engagement within the community, aiming to transform participants from beneficiaries to active contributors to the UAE’s socio-economic development.
Q: What are the goals of your partnership with Huawei, and how does technology play a role in achieving these objectives?
Al Mheiri: Our collaboration with Huawei is centered around leveraging technology to amplify our community service initiatives. Recognizing Huawei’s global leadership in technological innovation, we aim to integrate their cutting-edge solutions to enhance our operational efficiency and impact. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to utilizing technology for social betterment, focusing on deploying AI and other technological advancements to streamline our processes and achieve more significant, faster outcomes in our community service efforts.
Q: Can you provide more details on the specific projects Huawei and Emirates Foundation are collaborating on?
Al Mheiri: The partnership between Huawei and Emirates Foundation is focused on delivering substantial societal benefits, with a particular emphasis on financial literacy among young people. We aim to leverage Huawei’s advanced technologies, such as the Arabic Language Model and digital human interfaces, to create an engaging and interactive educational experience. This initiative is a prime example of how our collaboration seeks to empower the younger generation with critical financial management skills, enhancing their ability to navigate the complexities of personal finance with confidence and competence.
“The partnership between Huawei and Emirates Foundation is focused on delivering substantial societal benefits, with a particular emphasis on financial literacy among young people.”
Q: Regarding Huawei Cloud’s commitment to sustainability, especially in data center operations, could you elaborate on your initiatives to minimize energy consumption and promote environmental responsibility?
Sebastian: Sustainability is a critical focus for Huawei, particularly in the context of data center operations, which are among the largest consumers of energy in the tech industry. Our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint has led us to innovate and implement energy efficient solutions, such as our pioneering water-cooling technology. This technology, especially effective in the UAE’s harsh climate, significantly enhances our data centers’ energy efficiency, achieving an impressively low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratio. Our efforts in this area underscore our dedication to leveraging advanced technologies to achieve greater energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in our operations.
