Collaboration Drives Innovation in Applied AI: Accelerating Transformation Across Verticals with Enterprise Connectivity

Abou Moustafa - Head of LE, Government & Key Accounts Segment

Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) is disrupting the telecoms industry. It is only a matter of time until this affects every sector. The organisations that move now to apply AI to their challenges will maximise their efficiency, accelerate innovation, and create competitive advantages.

The impact that Applied AI is having on government and large enterprises across the UAE and the globe is changing the way that companies operate, make decisions, and optimise processes. It has positioned networking as a critical element for any enterprise AI strategy.?

The key to success lies in moving beyond the hype around AI and looking at how it can be applied across verticals, particularly within government and large enterprises. Today, these organisations have to see networking as more than a cloud or communications enabler but instead the mission critical link between data, processing, and AI.

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The Role of Connectivity and Networks in Applied AI

In the era of AI, connectivity and network infrastructure are more critical than ever. Modern AI solutions, especially those in government and large enterprises, rely on fast, secure, and scalable networks to manage vast amounts of data in real time. In this context,?du?has emerged as a leader, providing the necessary backbone for organisations to leverage AI-driven innovation.

du’s recent advancements in 5G, cloud services, and edge computing?are key enablers for enterprises in the UAE to realise the full potential of AI. With 5G, AI applications can function at unprecedented speeds, enabling real-time analytics, predictive modelling, and automation at a scale that was previously impossible. For large organisations, these advancements are crucial, offering secure and ultra-reliable low-latency connections.

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Why Applied AI Needs Advanced Networks

Applied AI is about the practical application of AI in the field and not just in a lab. It focuses on identifying real-world opportunities to deploy AI and have a measurable impact on an organisation. It moves AI from theoretical discussions to delivering solutions and creating use cases for using the technology in specific verticals.

For example,?5G-enabled networks provided by du?allow enterprises to manage AI applications that depend on massive data transfers, such as automated manufacturing systems, AI-driven healthcare diagnostics, and smart city infrastructure. These innovations are particularly important for large enterprises, where even a few milliseconds in response time can make a massive difference in operational efficiency.

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Impact of Applied AI on Enterprises

Applied AI is already changing how government entities and large enterprises across the globe operate, make decisions, and optimise processes. The economic boost that the UAE is seeing, is largely due to the?practical application of AI?in sectors like telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and government services.

AI-powered predictive analytics and generative AI models are driving this movement. When combined with cutting-edge network solutions provided by telcos like?du, these models enable seamless integration of AI tools into enterprise workflows. This facilitates real-time decision-making, optimised resource allocation, and enhanced customer engagement.

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Vision Matters More Than Ever?

Today, the UAE is at the cutting-edge of AI and setting a path for maximising the long-term benefit of the technology. Technological advancement and AI are key drivers in the UAE Vison 2031 , which encourages the adoption of AI-based technologies and use it to create new value for government, citizens, business, and society as a whole.

As part of the UAE National AI Strategy , incentives are being developed to encourage local companies to partner with global AI technology firms and bring them to the UAE. The rise in enterprises relocating here is a unique attraction for skilled workers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

The government is actively supporting the use of AI and introducing strategic policies that will have a positive impact on local digital infrastructure and the entire telco ecosystem. This is a call-to-action for all organisations to explore the opportunity in applied AI and do it now, and organisations that take advantage of the available support will no doubt be ahead of local and global competitors.

The government’s forward-thinking strategies and policies will support the growth of AI and position the UAE as a global leader in AI innovation. They have a vision for an AI-driven future.

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AI is Collaborative by Definition

Defining this future requires strong partnerships and creating a collaborative environment where Applied AI use cases can be explored. AI is collaborative by nature because solutions will always be developed at the meeting point of “artificial” and “human” intelligence. It augments, scales, and optimises human capabilities.

This human element cannot be lost in the mix. We need to work together to develop use cases then business cases for deploying AI-based technologies in government and large enterprise scenarios. We also must be sure that technology and data are being used ethically.

Policies and regulation have to be followed to ensure that every organisation can maximise the value of AI, while safeguarding citizens. This is a particularly important when looking at AI use cases in healthcare, finance, and government.

Today, the UAE is setting up governance frameworks, such as the UAE AI Ethics Guidelines that will help organisations to navigate the ethical implications of AI, and ensure transparent and responsible use of new technologies as they develop.

Harnessing Enterprise Connectivity at its Source

Beyond this, organisations need to work with a trusted partner that understands both the opportunity in AI as well as vertical specific challenges and opportunities. AI is moving far too fast to go it alone. Across the telco ecosystem, we have a tremendous opportunity to collaborate and develop applied AI use cases that transform verticals.

The telecoms market is increasingly helping communications service providers (CSPs) to manage, optimise, and maintain infrastructure and customer support, with the hopes of delivering added value to enterprises and customers in the UAE.

In a time where networking for enterprises is so important, du provides small and large organisations with saleability, reliability, and innovation.