Latest news with #PDPL
Time Business News
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Beyond Cost: A 5-Step Framework for Risk-Proofing Your Custom Software Project in Dubai
In Dubai's fiercely competitive digital economy, custom software is a strategic imperative — not merely a line item in the IT budget. With enterprise software spend projected to nearly double from USD 3.7 billion in 2024 to USD 7.5 billion by 2030 (13.3% CAGR)1, executives must guard against project overruns, compliance failures, and vendor misalignment. This 5-step framework, grounded in Dubai's Vision 2031 digital mandate and the UAE's PDPL, equips C-suite and IT leaders to de-risk every phase of their custom software journey. 1. Align with Vision 2031 and Digital-By-Design Principles Dubai's 'We the UAE 2031' agenda emphasizes smart government services, AI, and data-driven innovation. Define strategic objectives: Map your software KPIs to national goals—eGovernment transactions, 100% digital service adoption, or AI-enabled citizen insights. Embed 'digital-by-design': Architect modular, API-first solutions that support emerging AI, IoT, and blockchain pilots under Dubai's June 2022 digital mandate. 2. Establish a PDPL-Compliant Data Foundation The UAE's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) enforces privacy-by-design for all personal data processing. Perform Data Mapping and DPIAs: Catalog data flows across modules; conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments for high-risk features. Implement Core Controls: End-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, role-based access, and breach-response workflows with 72-hour notification. Embed Consent & Rights Management: Build UX flows to capture explicit consent and fulfill 'access, correction, erasure' requests within 30 days. 3. Vet Vendors with a 7-Point RFP Scorecard Selecting the right custom software development company in Dubai is pivotal. Use this weighted criteria: Domain Expertise (fintech, healthcare, logistics) Technical Stack Proficiency ( Flutter, AI/ML) Regulatory Track Record (ISO 27001, PDPL/SAMA audits) Proven Case Studies (quantified ROI, time-to-market gains) Cultural Fit (Arizona overlap hours, Arabic/English fluency) Transparent TCO & SLAs (99.9% uptime, 15-min critical-ticket response) Scalability & Exit SLAs (IP escrow, knowledge-transfer guarantees) 4. Pilot with Phased Risk Controls Avoid 'big-bang' rollouts. Implement an iterative pilot for one high-value module: Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Sandbox MVP with end-user testing and security scans. Phase 2 (Weeks 5–12): Expand to 2–3 business units; monitor performance metrics (latency, error rates) and compliance logs. Phase 3 (Months 4–6): Full UAT and stakeholder sign-off, ensuring each sprint delivers measurable business value. 5. Institutionalize Continuous Governance Sustain momentum through robust governance: Quarterly Audits: Reassess technical debt, vulnerability scans, and consent-management effectiveness. KPI Dashboard: Track Burn-Down Rate, Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), and PDPL-compliance incidents. Executive Steering Committee: A cross-functional board reviews vendor performance, budget variances, and roadmap realignment. By weaving Dubai's digital-transformation vision and the UAE PDPL into your project planning, and by rigorously vetting partners, piloting in controlled phases, and governing continuously, you can transform custom software from a cost center into a competitive advantage. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI-powered CXM platform Lucidya raises $30m
Lucidya, a software as a service (SaaS) provider specialising in AI-driven customer experience management (CXM), has completed a $30m Series B funding round. According to the company, this is the largest AI investment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to date. The funding round was led by Saudi venture capital firm Impact46. Aramco's investment arm Wa'ed Ventures, Takamol Ventures, and SparkLabs joined as new investors, while previous backers Rua Growth Fund and ARG also participated. Lucidya was established in 2016 and has been supported by venture capital since 2019. It currently operates in 11 countries, serving industries such as telecommunications, BFSI, hospitality, healthcare, and the public sector. The platform's core feature is an Arabic-language AI engine boasting more than 92% accuracy, providing insights and automating customer interactions. Lucidya aims to capture a portion of the MENA CRM/CX software market, which is projected to reach $9bn by 2030. Lucidya founder and CEO Abdullah Asiri said: 'We bet on AI back in 2016, long before it became a boardroom buzzword. That early conviction is now paying off as we become the trusted, regional AI partner for CX. 'We chose Impact46 to lead this round because they are one of the most proven VCs, with two IPOs in their portfolio. They are the perfect partner to scale Lucidya to a global AI force.' The company plans to use the new investment to expand its AI Agent offering, focusing on automating and personalising customer interactions in support, marketing, sales, and CX, while ensuring compliance with regulations such as PDPL. Impact46 partner Basmah Alsinaidi commented, 'Lucidya is exactly the kind of company we look to back—founders solving real regional challenges with defensible tech and bold ambition. Their mastery of Arabic-first AI and traction with top-tier enterprises mark them as a future category leader.' "AI-powered CXM platform Lucidya raises $30m" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Mid East Info
13-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
One in Every Four New Enterprise Clients in H1 2025 Switched From Global CXM Vendors to Lucidya - Middle East Business News and Information
Lucidya, the region's leading AI Customer Experience Management (CXM) platform, announced that one in every four new enterprise clients in H1 2025 made the switch from global CXM vendors. This milestone underscores a growing shift toward platforms purpose-built for Arabic-speaking markets and region-specific regulatory needs. Clients cite Lucidya's advanced Arabic natural language processing, deep CX focus, and regional expertise as decisive factors. The platform currently supports over 15 Arabic dialects with 92% sentiment analysis accuracy, significantly outperforming global alternatives. A key driver behind this shift is Lucidya's alignment with local data privacy regulations, including compliance with Saudi Arabia's National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) guidelines and Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). This makes Lucidya the preferred choice for highly regulated sectors such as government, telecom, and finance. 'Arabic AI accuracy and regional CX leadership are driving this exciting market shift,' said Muhannad Al Shaikh, Chief Commercial Officer at Lucidya. 'Clients choose Lucidya because they see measurable results. Our technology understands context, is fully compliant with local and global regulations, and delivers insights that drive real impact.' This momentum follows a series of strategic leadership appointments earlier this year that have strengthened Lucidya's commercial, product, and go-to-market capabilities, further accelerating regional expansion.
Campaign ME
10-06-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Data privacy versus convenience: The delicate digital balance
Globally, data privacy is a hot-button issue. In the UAE, the conversation is newer, but it's gaining momentum, especially as the country positions itself as a digital-first, innovation-led economy. But here's what makes the UAE unique: convenience still rules — for consumers, businesses, and even regulators. The average resident in Dubai is hyper-connected, tech-savvy, and accustomed to seamless digital experiences, from ordering groceries on noon or Talabat, to accessing medical records via the DHA app, or tapping through biometric e-gates at DXB. And yet, in that seamlessness, there's a quiet trade-off. We don't think twice before handing over our email ids at pharmacies or clinics. We link our phone numbers to every transaction. Walk into Carrefour or Home Centre, and most of us give away our mobile numbers for loyalty points or digital receipts. We do it not because we don't value privacy, but because convenience is king. The trade-off is intentional. Most residents aren't asking 'Who has my data?' they're asking 'Will this save me time?' That's not to say privacy isn't a priority here, it's just packaged differently. The UAE has made steady progress in tightening its data laws. The UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), introduced under Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021, is a clear sign that the country is aligning with global standards like the GDPR. It mandates consent, outlines data subject rights, and sets boundaries for cross border data transfers. Free zones like DIFC and ADGM have gone a step further, creating their own data protection regimes, particularly relevant for fintechs, banks, and multinationals operating regionally. And now, the conversation is reaching advertisers and agencies, too. In a market where hyper-personalisation is the holy grail, and programmatic spends are on the rise, marketers must ask: Are we chasing efficiency at the cost of trust? The UAE consumer is evolving. What was once a laissez-faire attitude toward data is shifting. With the rise of digital banking, telemedicine, and smart government services, consumers are becoming more aware, not paranoid, but curious. They want to know: Where is my data stored? Who's using it? Can I say no? The answers will soon matter, both legally and emotionally. So what's next for brands and agencies? The winners in this region will be those who strike a thoughtful balance, who don't just ride the wave of convenience, but lead with clarity, consent, and control. Smart advertising in the UAE isn't just about knowing your audience, it's about earning their trust. In a city like Dubai, where convenience is expected, privacy is about to become a premium experience, and brands would do well to treat it that way. As the UAE advances its digital infrastructure, the era of 'frictionless everything' must evolve to include transparent, respectful data practices. Because tomorrow's consumer won't just expect seamlessness, they'll demand sovereignty over their data, too. By Huzefa Siamwala, Founder – Brand Partnerships and Media Solutions, Hikaya
Campaign ME
09-04-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
How programmatic curation is reshaping MENA's advertising challenges
MENA's digital advertising landscape has reached a pivotal moment. Marketers and buyers must navigate an ecosystem of platforms and channels while contending with evolving privacy regulations, heightened brand safety concerns, and demands for more precise audience engagement. As traditional programmatic approaches show their limitations, programmatic curation is emerging as a strategic solution. One that aligns perfectly with regional regulatory developments like Saudi Arabia's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and the region's rapidly expanding Connected TV (CTV) market. Why programmatic curation has become essential in the MENA region Programmatic curation is reshaping how advertisers in MENA manage their digital inventory, offering greater control over premium placements while seamlessly integrating audience data for more effective targeting. As regional brands prioritise quality and brand safety, curation delivers the transparency and fraud protection essential for building consumer trust, complementing existing programmatic strategies through enhanced precision and relevance. When combined with supply path optimisation and contextual targeting – particularly with emphasis on Arabic-language content and cultural sensitivity – programmatic curation creates a stronger foundation for digital advertising success in the MENA region. Finally, curation is the most effective way to run a programmatic campaign across multiple countries, ensuring both quality and efficiency. For instance, tourism brands in MENA looking to target European and Asian markets can leverage curation to build high-quality, brand-safe marketplaces tailored to each region. By selecting premium publishers, vetted inventory, and relevant audience segments, they can ensure their ads appear in the most impactful environments while maintaining control over transparency and performance. Unlike open-market buying, which can be fragmented and riskier for a brand with stringent guidelines, curation allows them to streamline their strategy, access top-tier inventory with ease, and launch campaigns in new markets quickly maximising reach, relevance, and return on investment. Enhancing addressability in a privacy-first world Curation's most valuable contribution is how it enhances addressability in an increasingly privacy-conscious marketplace. While global markets have transitioned to first-party data strategies, many MENA publishers are still in the early stages of adoption. Curation bridges this gap through collaborative partnerships where publishers and advertisers can create tailored audience segments within premium environments without relying on third-party identifiers. This approach benefits both sides. Publishers see stronger revenue through fair CPMs and guaranteed deals, while advertisers gain access to high-quality inventory with precise targeting. In a multilingual market where audiences engage with content in Arabic, English, and increasingly South Asian languages, curation ensures advertisements maintain contextual relevance to target audiences. The result is dynamic pricing models that reflect true audience value, building a more efficient ecosystem focused on quality rather than volume. The potential of CTV in MENA Curation solutions play a key role in CTV, which is rapidly emerging as the next frontier in programmatic advertising. While CTV offers unique inventory opportunities and access to rich audience segments, its diversity across multiple platforms and publishers adds a layer of complexity. Curation helps bring clarity to this fragmented space by refining inventory selection and ensuring precise audience targeting. With centralised data activation and consistent measurement, curation streamlines cross-platform campaign execution, preserving inventory quality while enabling seamless scaling across markets. This ensures campaign effectiveness at every level of activation. For example, a luxury automotive brand looking to engage high-net-worth consumers in MENA can leverage curation to access premium CTV inventory across different local Video on Demand services, focusing on drama and documentary genres where affluent, culturally engaged viewers are most active. This approach ensures ads appear in high-quality, brand-suitable environments that resonate with the target audience. Maximising success through implementation Successful curation strategies strike a balance between revenue optimisation and performance management. In MENA, where many premium publishers still rely heavily on direct deals, curation presents an opportunity to shift more revenue into programmatic without sacrificing pricing control. Publishers can protect inventory value while driving optimal yield by layering curated marketplaces with high-CPM direct deals, PMPs, programmatic guaranteed campaigns, and strategic preferred deals backed by supply path optimisation (SPO). With SPO gaining traction in MENA, advertisers are increasingly focused on cost efficiency and reducing unnecessary ad tech fees. Strategic sell-side technology integrations and secure data partnerships enhance programmatic capabilities, ensuring precise audience targeting at scale while maintaining control over media quality. For buyers, tracking key performance metrics – such as viewability, brand safety, return on ad spend (ROAS), and cross-platform attribution – is essential to maximising curation's effectiveness. These insights enable continuous optimisation, helping publishers refine their approach and unlock stronger results. A combination of strategic implementation and rigorous measurement ensures that curation delivers both performance and protection while preserving the value of premium inventory. The future of programmatic curation in MENA As programmatic advertising matures, curation provides the structure needed to navigate MENA's shifting regulatory landscape while adapting to new channels. With data privacy laws tightening across the region – though at different speeds in each market – curation offers a way to maintain targeting precision without compromising compliance. Looking ahead, AI-driven optimisation, deeper integration with first-party data, and enhanced cross-channel capabilities will further elevate curation's role in programmatic strategy. As these innovations take shape, curation will remain essential for balancing performance with control, ensuring advertisers and publishers can drive meaningful outcomes in an evolving digital ecosystem. For marketers navigating MENA's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the time to act is now. Curation aligns the interests of advertisers, publishers, and audiences by prioritising quality, relevance, and brand safety – critical factors in a region where premium inventory and audience trust are key. Businesses that embrace curation's strategic potential will be better positioned to run privacy-compliant, highly targeted campaigns that drive meaningful engagement and measurable results in MENA. By Amélie Grenier-Bolay, Country Manager, Italy and MENA, PubMatic
