
Du graduates a group of Emirati nationals from the second cohort of the 'Digital Talent' programme
Dubai, UAE: du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, today announced the successful completion of the second cohort of its Certified Digital Talent Programme, in line with its commitment to advancing digital transformation and upskilling its workforce with future-focused capabilities to contribute towards the UAE national vision.
Launched in 2024, the initiative is a key pillar of du's mission to drive innovation and equip employees with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The programme focuses on cutting-edge competencies such as AI, data science, creative problem-solving, and innovation excellence, enabling participants to become catalysts for innovation and value creation within the organization.
The initiative is delivered in collaboration with a globally recognized certification partner specializing in professional digital learning. This year's cohort successfully completed the rigorous curriculum, which combines industry-leading certifications, project-based learning, and hands-on applications to solve real-world challenges that align directly with du's strategic priorities.
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du said: "The Certified Digital Talent Programme is a part of our commitment to driving digital transformation and innovation. We aim to solidify our position as a future-forward digital telco by investing in our people and equipping them with advanced capabilities in AI, Data Science, and creativity. This programme is focused on inspiring our teams to think boldly, act innovatively, and deliver tangible results for our customers and stakeholders."
Since its inception, the programme has yielded significant outcomes. Participants reported a 30% increase in engagement during the learning process, while their newfound skills have already contributed to several innovative initiatives within du. As du aspires to lead the digital transformation agenda for the UAE, the participants of the Certified Digital Talent Programme represent an essential investment in building an agile and future-proof workforce. The programme a platform for employees to leverage new technologies and innovative frameworks, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of industry advancements.
About du
du adds life to life with a comprehensive portfolio of mobile, fixed, broadband, entertainment services, and fintech solutions. Through a digital-first approach powered by ultra-reliable fiber and 5G technology, du delivers bespoke solutions leveraging cloud computing, AI-driven analytics, advanced cybersecurity, and IoT integration. As a trusted digital telco enabler spearheading the UAE's digital transformation, we collaborate with a dynamic partner ecosystem to propel industries and society toward operational excellence, shaping a more connected and digitally advanced future across the region.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
13 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Brand apathy on the rise among UAE consumers, especially Gen Z, study shows
Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of UAE's consumers and 61 per cent of the UAE's Gen Z population don't pay attention to the brands they're buying — as long as the product meets their needs, a study showed. New research by SAP Emarsys in association with Deloitte has revealed increasing brand apathy among UAE consumers. According to the study, 67 per cent of all consumers in the UAE have switched to own-label alternatives because they are more affordable. Interestingly, despite this heightened indifference to brands in general, a significant proportion of UAE consumers (68 per cent) still actively advocate for their favourite brands in public. These insights are based on a survey of more than 2,000 UAE consumers and 100 senior marketers at multinational enterprises, which examined shifting attitudes towards consumer products. According to The Global Consumer Products Engagement Report by SAP Emarsys, we have entered the 'Engagement Era,' in which brands must establish a robust data foundation across their entire business in order to thrive. Embracing AI-driven, omnichannel strategies is no longer optional; it is critical for transforming fragmented data into actionable insights, building long-term relationships, and achieving true customer loyalty and lifetime value, experts say. This message resonates in the UAE, where 72 per cent of consumer product marketers say it is becoming harder to engage meaningfully with customers, indicating that the majority are at risk of falling behind in this new engagement-driven landscape. Success in the Engagement Era depends on delivering a personalised omnichannel experience across the entire customer lifecycle, and leading brands in real-time engagement are already putting these strategies into action. 'Today's consumer landscape is shifting faster than ever, and brands must navigate this terrain with agility and insight,' said Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director of SAP UAE. 'The research highlights a clear opportunity: while brand apathy is increasing, so too is the demand for personalised, emotionally resonant experiences. Leveraging technologies such as SAP business AI, brands can go beyond transactional relationships and deliver the kind of real-time, meaningful engagement that cuts through consumer indifference and earns lasting loyalty. This is where marketers can lead the charge; by bridging data and strategy to stay relevant and drive long-term success.' 'Consumers globally aren't just becoming less loyal to brands — they're ignoring them entirely,' said Sara Richter, CMO at SAP Emarsys. 'That's a wake-up call for marketers. Without a strong data foundation, it's impossible to deliver the real-time, personalised experiences needed to achieve that all-important 'true' loyalty.' When asked about barriers to effective customer engagement, UAE consumer product marketers cited internal complexity as the biggest challenge, with 31 per cent identifying this as a key issue. Additionally, data continues to pose significant hurdles: 53 per cent of marketers say they are unable to access or use data in real time, and 69 per cent report their organisation's data is too unstructured to use effectively. Similarly, when it comes to predicting future behaviors, only 28 per cent of marketers feel confident in their ability to predict future consumer behavior, and just 30 per cent believe they can effectively segment and analyse their audiences. As global consumer apathy toward brands increases, marketers in the UAE recognise the need to improve fragmented engagement approaches and outdated technologies. According to the report, 65 per cent of UAE marketers say they will need to overhaul their engagement strategies in 2025. Meanwhile, 69 per cent believe personalisation will be a key differentiator in the year ahead, especially important considering that 77 per cent of UAE consumers say they value highly personalised content. Where do brands stand in the Engagement Era? The report also introduces the Customer Engagement Maturity (CEM) score, which ranks consumer product brands on the strength of their customer engagement strategies. This research builds on earlier findings from Bain & Company, which point to a major industry shift toward ERP and SAP S/4HANA. This shift underscores the urgent need for consumer product brands to break down silos, accelerate operations, and engage customers more meaningfully. The CEM Index categorises brands into three maturity levels: Reactive: Still reliant on batch-and-blast marketing, sending the same message to all audiences. Proactive: Using mobile and messaging channels, but still dependent on manual processes. Predictive: Leveraging AI to anticipate needs, deliver real-time, personalised offers, and build long-term relationships. Brands in the 'Predictive' category demonstrate that to truly succeed in the Engagement Era, a robust business AI-infused ERP foundation, supported by a customer engagement platform, is essential. However, many brands still lag behind, with only 34 per cent of consumer product marketers in the UAE currently sharing customer engagement data with a dedicated ERP system. 'For those clinging to outdated strategies, investing in AI-driven, real-time engagement is no longer a luxury. This investment could be the deciding factor in whether a brand achieves its revenue targets in the Engagement Era,' a statement said.


Arabian Business
17 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Almarai to acquire Pure Beverages Industry for $280mn
Saudi Arabia's Almarai Company is acquiring 100 per cent of the shares of Pure Beverages Industry for SAR1.04 billion (US$280 million). Pure Beverages owns popular brands like Ival and Oska and is a leading producer of high-quality bottled drinking water in Saudi Arabia. The company operates state-of-the-art facilities that use innovative production technologies. Almarai, with over 50 years of experience in the region (established 1977), is one of the largest food production and distribution companies in the Middle East, offering fresh dairy, yogurt and cheese, as well as juices, baked goods, poultry, and infant nutrition products. In a filing with Tadawul, Almarai said: 'This strategic acquisition aligns with Almarai's growth strategy to expand its beverage portfolio and enhance its consumer offerings. Almarai is confident that this acquisition will create value for its shareholders.' The acquisition will be financed through the company's internal cash flows and completion is subject to mandatory regulatory approvals. Arab News said that according to the General Authority for Statistics, bottled water was the primary source of drinking water used by households in Saudi Arabia in 2023, with a reliance rate of 57.24 per cent. This was followed by public network water at 23.56 per cent and tanker water at 18.60 per cent.


Arabian Business
17 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Bitcoin.com opens Dubai base at DMCC
Dubai freezone DMCC has announced that has joined the DMCC Crypto Centre. By establishing its first office in the MENA region in Dubai, this move reinforces DMCC's leading position as a global hub for Web3 and blockchain innovation. Located in Uptown Tower, the DMCC Crypto Centre is now home to more than 650 companies operating across every layer of the blockchain and digital asset value chain, including blockchain infrastructure providers, tokenisation platforms, metaverse enablers and major DeFi projects. establishes Dubai base at DMCC By offering a full suite of business services, mentoring, access to capital, targeted accelerator programmes and exclusive ecosystem partnerships with global Web3 leaders, the Crypto Centre has become the largest concentration of crypto businesses in the region. has introduced millions of users to the world of digital assets through its accessible education platform and global news site. Its strategic expansion to the region through the Crypto Centre will see it tap into the emirate's thriving digital economy, while also contributing its global expertise to accelerate the growth of the regional crypto ecosystem. Belal Jassoma, Director of Ecosystems, DMCC, said: 'The DMCC Crypto Centre is designed to bring together the brightest minds and most ambitious blockchain companies to build the future digital economy, right here in Dubai. ' decision to establish its regional headquarters within our community highlights the global pull of the Crypto Centre and the scale of opportunity that Dubai represents today. 'With our continued focus on driving innovation, enabling collaboration and connecting our members to new markets, DMCC remains the partner of choice for Web3 companies looking to thrive.' Corbin Fraser, CEO of said: 'The UAE is leading by example when it comes to pioneering crypto solutions. With clear and progressive regulations, a fast-track licensing process and a genuine appetite for innovation, Dubai has created one of the most welcoming environments in the world for Web3 companies. 'DMCC, in particular, stands out not only for its world-class infrastructure but also for the strength and depth of its crypto ecosystem. 'We are proud to establish our first MENA office here in Dubai and look forward to building strong partnerships across the region from our new home in DMCC.'