Latest news with #SamerAbu-Ltaif
Arab News
06-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Kuwaiti tech authorities partner with Microsoft in digital transformation drive
LONDON: Kuwaiti technology and communications authorities signed a strategic partnership agreement with Microsoft on Wednesday to accelerate the country's digital transformation. The Central Agency for Information Technology and the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority will collaborate with Microsoft to strengthen Kuwait's position as a hub for artificial intelligence in alignment with the country's Vision 2035. Omar Al-Omar, minister of state for communications affairs, said that the partnership with Microsoft represents a significant milestone in leveraging AI technologies to support economic diversification plans. The scheme seeks to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship in Kuwait while preparing the workforce for leadership roles in emerging technologies, Kuwait News Agency reported. It will also create a security platform that uses Microsoft solutions to protect Kuwait's national digital infrastructure from cyber threats. Microsoft will launch a program to enhance digital skills in Kuwait's workforce, focusing on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, KUNA added. Samer Abu-Ltaif, president of Microsoft for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said that the partnership would enhance Kuwait's digital infrastructure and contribute to economic sustainability. He added that Microsoft would collaborate with Kuwaiti technology authorities to enhance cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity in the public sector. Al-Omar said that the government will implement Copilot for Microsoft 365 solutions for its employees, improving efficiency and productivity in government agencies. He said that the government is preparing to launch the Copilot Solutions Center of Excellence along with new data centers to meet growing demand from the Kuwaiti private sector for high-performance computing solutions and access to Microsoft services.
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Microsoft AI tour showcases AI innovations in Oman
Muscat: As part of Microsoft's 60 country global AI Tour, it made astop in Muscat at St Regis Hotel on Thursday, bringing together industry leaders, developers, and government officials to explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping Oman's digital economy. The exclusive event underscored Microsoft's commitment to driving innovation and supporting the sultanate's ambitious Vision 2040 strategy through cutting-edge AI solutions. The high-profile gathering featured keynotes from top Microsoft executives, including Samer Abu-Ltaif, President of Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); Charles Nahas, Regional General Manager for Commercial Solutions, Microsoft Middle East; and Harry Kambanis, Business Group Leader, Business Applications, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Speaking at the event, Ltaif said, 'It is a privilege to be here in Oman, a nation that has long embraced technological progress as a catalyst for economic growth and national advancement. Our presence in the sultanate for over two decades reflects our unwavering commitment to its prosperity. As Oman moves forward with Vision 2040, Microsoft remains dedicated to providing world-class cloud and AI solutions that enable organisations to innovate, ensuring a future of sustainable growth.' Sheikh Saif Hilal al Hosni, Country Manager for Microsoft Oman and Bahrain, highlighted how AI is increasingly being recognised by Omani businesses as a key driver of efficiency and competitiveness. 'At Microsoft, we are leading the way in empowering organizations across all sectors to leverage the latest advancements in AI. Our ongoing collaborations with Omani enterprises reinforce our commitment to equipping them with world-class AI and cloud solutions that will shape the future of Oman's digital economy,' he said. The event also showcased real-world applications of AI through Microsoft's collaborations with leading Omani organisations. The Ministry of Education, for instance, has deployed an advanced AI-powered chatbot for instant access to information and is integrating Microsoft Copilot to enhance teaching and learning methodologies. The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) is leveraging AI to streamline course content creation, while Omantel has adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to optimise operations and strengthen cybersecurity. Similarly, OQ has implemented AI solutions for candidate screening, improving business processes and work efficiency. Ahmed Al Habib, Head of IT – PMO at Oman Housing Bank, shared insights on how the organization has integrated Microsoft 365 Copilot to boost productivity. 'AI is not just a futuristic tool; it is already transforming the way we work. Microsoft's AI solutions have significantly improved our operational efficiency, allowing us to deliver better services to our customers,' he said. The AI Tour in Muscat also celebrated local excellence in AI adoption through the AI Excellence Awards, which recognized organisations that have successfully implemented AI-driven solutions. Honorees included the Ministry of Education, National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Oman Housing Bank, Omantel, OQ SAOC, Renaissance Services SAOC, and UTAS, each acknowledged for their contributions to AI-powered innovation in their respective industries. The event featured deep-dive sessions on Microsoft's flagship AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Agents, which are designed to revolutionize workplace productivity. Discussions also explored Responsible AI practices, reinforcing Microsoft's dedication to ethical and transparent AI development. Attendees experienced firsthand the power of Microsoft Surface AI PCs and Copilot+ PCs, which seamlessly integrate AI-driven functionalities to enhance creativity and efficiency. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Tahawul Tech
24-02-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Microsoft AI Tour showcases groundbreaking AI innovations for Oman
Under the patronage of His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Microsoft's global AI Tour arrived in Muscat recently, bringing together industry leaders, developers, and government officials to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accelerating Oman's digital transformation. The exclusive event spotlighted cutting-edge AI solutions that are enabling organisations across industries to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth. The event featured keynotes by senior Microsoft executives including Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); Charles Nahas, Regional General Manager for Commercial Solutions, Microsoft Middle East; and Harry Kambanis, Business Group Leader, Business Applications, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. In his welcome address, Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), emphasized the pivotal role of AI in shaping Oman's future: 'It is a privilege to be here today in Oman, a nation that has long embraced technological progress as a driver of economic growth and national development. Microsoft's presence in the Sultanate spans over two decades, a testament to our enduring commitment to this nation's growth and prosperity. As Oman advances towards its Vision 2040 aspirations, our mission remains steadfast: to provide world-class cloud and AI solutions that enable Omani organisations to achieve more, fostering a future of sustainable growth and innovation'. Sheikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Country Manager, Microsoft Oman and Bahrain, stated: 'Businesses in Oman are increasingly recognising AI as a critical driver for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. At Microsoft, we are at the forefront of empowering organisations across all industries to effectively leverage the latest advancements in AI to tackle existing challenges and drive real business impact. Our ongoing collaborations with leading Omani organisations reflect our commitment to equipping them with world-class AI and cloud solutions to shape the future of Oman's digital economy'. Al Hosni was joined on the stage by Ahmed Al Habib, Head IT – PMO, Oman Housing Bank, who spotlighted how the organization has adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance productivity and efficiency across the bank's operations. Al Hosni concluded his address by thanking Microsoft's partners supporting the 'Microsoft AI Tour in Muscat' event, especially IITC, Netways, TeKnowledge, Wizard Cyber, Insomea, and Gulf Leaders Circle. He also expressed his hope for continued collaboration in driving AI adoption and innovation within the Sultanate. The AI Tour also highlighted Microsoft's collaborations with key Omani organizations that are leveraging AI to enhance operations and drive innovation: The Ministry of Education leveraged Microsoft AI solutions to deploy an advanced AI-powered chatbot that provides instant access to information. The Ministry is adopting Microsoft Copilot to empower teachers and students to enhance their teaching and learning methods. leveraged Microsoft AI solutions to deploy an advanced AI-powered chatbot that provides instant access to information. The Ministry is adopting Microsoft Copilot to empower teachers and students to enhance their teaching and learning methods. The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) is empowering instructors to easily streamline and create course content with Microsoft Copilot as well as an AI-powered agent in their Learning Management System. is empowering instructors to easily streamline and create course content with Microsoft Copilot as well as an AI-powered agent in their Learning Management System. Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance operations and productivity. Prioritizing security, they chose Microsoft AI-powered Security to protect their environment against cyber threats. adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance operations and productivity. Prioritizing security, they chose Microsoft AI-powered Security to protect their environment against cyber threats. OQ adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, OQ developed AI solutions for candidate screening to support employees, streamlining business and improving work efficiency. The AI Tour in Muscat also celebrated local innovation through the AI Excellence Awards. Recognizing Omani-based organisations that have implemented successful AI solutions, the awards spotlighted the achievements of the Ministry of Education of Oman, National Centre for Statistics and Information of Oman (NCSI), Oman Housing Bank, Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), OQ SAOC, Renaissance Services SAOC, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS). Each organization was acknowledged for their significant contributions to AI deployment, which has led to transformative improvements across their respective sectors. The event also featured in-depth sessions covering Microsoft's flagship AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Agents, designed to revolutionise the workplace and improve productivity. Further discussions delved into Responsible AI practices, underscoring Microsoft's dedication to ethical and transparent AI use. Microsoft experts also showcased the innovative AI capabilities of the Microsoft Surface portfolio. Business leaders and IT professionals experienced firsthand how Surface AI PCs and Microsoft's latest Copilot+ PCs integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Copilot and other AI solutions to drive operational efficiency, productivity, and creativity. The Microsoft AI Tour in Oman underscored the company's unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving digital ecosystem in the country. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, Microsoft remains dedicated to equipping Omani businesses, government entities, and developers with the tools, resources, and expertise needed to harness AI's full potential. The event served as a testament to the transformative power of AI and the limitless possibilities it presents in driving innovation and economic progress across Oman. Image Credit: Microsoft
Observer
23-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
AI can accentuate Oman's developmental plans
Incorporating Oman's developmental plans through the five-year plans as well as the vision 2040 with Artificial Intelligence can accentuate the speed of bringing in results and contributing to the society, according to AI specialists. AI can vehemently contribute to the industrial and business growth thus give a fillip to the economy which will thrive on the growth plans of the country, according to the industry leaders who attended the groundbreaking Microsoft Global AI Tour held under the auspices of Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion on Thursday. Leaders of Artificial Intelligence were explicit on the innovations driving transformation and growth across the Sultanate of Oman at the AI Tour which brought together industry leaders, developers, and government officials to explore the transformative potential of AI in accelerating Oman's digital transformation. A plethora of cutting-edge AI solutions that are enabling organisations across industries to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth were on display. Speaking to the Observer, Sheikh Saif Hilal al Hosni, Country Manager, Microsoft Oman and Bahrain said that businesses in Oman are increasingly recognising AI as a critical driver for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage and the results are quite evident. 'We are at the forefront of empowering organisations across all industries to effectively leverage the latest advancements in AI to tackle existing challenges and drive real business impact and our ongoing collaborations with leading Omani organisations reflect our commitment to equipping them with world-class AI and cloud solutions to shape the future of Oman's digital economy,' Al Hosni said. 'Oman has long embraced technological progress as a driver of economic growth and national development. As Oman advances towards its Vision 2040 aspirations, Omani organizations are poised to achieve more, fostering a future of sustainable growth and innovation,' said Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), who emphasised the pivotal role of AI in shaping Oman's future. Some of the key Omani organisations that have collaborated with Microsoft that are leveraging AI to enhance operations and drive innovation include the Ministry of Education, The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) who have used Microsoft AI-powered Security to protect their environment against cyber threats, besides OQ to enhance productivity and efficiency and National Centre for Statistics and Information of Oman (NCSI), Oman Housing Bank, Renaissance Services SAOC, which have succesfully deployed AI resulting in transformative improvements across their respective sectors. The event featured keynotes by senior Microsoft executives including Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Charles Nahas, Regional General Manager for Commercial Solutions, Microsoft Middle East, and Harry Kambanis, Business Group Leader, Business Applications, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. As AI continues to revolutionise industries, Omani businesses, government entities, and developers are equipping themselves with the necessary AI tools, resources, and expertise and continue to harness AI's full potential and the climate is befitting for a digital ecosystem in the country, according to the AI experts.
Times of Oman
21-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Microsoft AI Tour showcases groundbreaking AI innovations driving transformation and growth across Oman
Muscat: The highly anticipated event showcased groundbreaking AI applications transforming industries across Oman and is testament to Microsoft's unwavering commitment to supporting the nation's ambitious digital transformation journey 20 February 2025; Muscat, Oman – Microsoft's global AI Tour arrived in Muscat today, bringing together industry leaders, developers, and government officials to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accelerating Oman's digital transformation. The exclusive event spotlighted cutting-edge AI solutions that are enabling organizations across industries to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth. The event featured keynotes by senior Microsoft executives including Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); Charles Nahas, Regional General Manager for Commercial Solutions, Microsoft Middle East; and Harry Kambanis, Business Group Leader, Business Applications, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. In his welcome address, Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), emphasized the pivotal role of AI in shaping Oman's future: 'It is a privilege to be here today in Oman, a nation that has long embraced technological progress as a driver of economic growth and national development. Microsoft's presence in the Sultanate spans over two decades, a testament to our enduring commitment to this nation's growth and prosperity. As Oman advances towards its Vision 2040 aspirations, our mission remains steadfast: to provide world-class cloud and AI solutions that enable Omani organizations to achieve more, fostering a future of sustainable growth and innovation.' Sheikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Country Manager, Microsoft Oman and Bahrain, stated: 'Businesses in Oman are increasingly recognizing AI as a critical driver for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. At Microsoft, we are at the forefront of empowering organizations across all industries to effectively leverage the latest advancements in AI to tackle existing challenges and drive real business impact. Our ongoing collaborations with leading Omani organizations reflect our commitment to equipping them with world-class AI and cloud solutions to shape the future of Oman's digital economy.' Al Hosni was joined on the stage by Ahmed Al Habib, Head IT – PMO, Oman Housing Bank, who spotlighted how the organization has adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance productivity and efficiency across the bank's operations. Al Hosni concluded his address by thanking Microsoft's partners supporting the 'Microsoft AI Tour in Muscat' event, especially IITC, Netways, TeKnowledge, Wizard Cyber, Insomea, and Gulf Leaders Circle. He also expressed his hope for continued collaboration in driving AI adoption and innovation within the Sultanate. Gulf Leaders Circle, the exclusive media partner for the Microsoft AI Tour Oman, had the privilege of interviewing key industry leaders driving transformation through Microsoft AI. Netways – Oussama Dannawi, Regional Sales Manager at Netways, emphasized the pivotal role of data, stating that Microsoft's AI tools enable Netways to convert raw data into actionable insights. This transformation enhances operations and elevates customer service. IITC (OHI Group) – Oussam Henein, Managing Director of IITC, highlighted OHI Group's 40-year partnership with Microsoft. OHI has an academy dedicated to training over 500 individuals in Microsoft Copilot skills, fostering new business opportunities for both Microsoft and OHI. TeKnowledge – Mahmood Lockhat, Chief Technology Officer, noted that within the tech-managed services sector, TeKnowledge is among the top five global partners supporting Microsoft customers. With a team of approximately 4,000 engineers, the company leverages Copilot to deliver greater value and innovative solutions efficiently. UTAS (University of Technology and Applied Sciences) – Dr. Huda Al-Shuaily, Vice Chancellor for Electronic Systems and Student Services, and Faiza Al Jabri, IT Manager of the Education, Technology, and Infrastructure Department, discussed UTAS's collaboration with Microsoft. The partnership is enhancing platform development, operational efficiency, and infrastructure scalability. Microsoft Copilot has facilitated the creation of an AI-powered vending zone and streamlined 24/7 online application processes while ensuring security, privacy, identity protection, and resource scalability. The AI Tour also highlighted Microsoft's collaborations with key Omani organizations that are leveraging AI to enhance operations and drive innovation: ● The Ministry of Education leveraged Microsoft AI solutions to deploy an advanced AI-powered chatbot that provides instant access to information. The Ministry is adopting Microsoft Copilot to empower teachers and students to enhance their teaching and learning methods. ● The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) is empowering instructors to easily streamline and create course content with Microsoft Copilot as well as an AI-powered agent in their Learning Management System. ● Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance operations and productivity. Prioritizing security, they chose Microsoft AI-powered Security to protect their environment against cyber threats. ● OQ adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, OQ developed AI solutions for candidate screening to support employees, streamlining business and improving work efficiency. The AI Tour in Muscat also celebrated local innovation through the AI Excellence Awards. Recognizing Omani-based organizations that have implemented successful AI solutions, the awards spotlighted the achievements of the Ministry of Education of Oman, National Centre for Statistics and Information of Oman (NCSI), Oman Housing Bank, Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), OQ SAOC, Renaissance Services SAOC, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS). Each organization was acknowledged for their significant contributions to AI deployment, which has led to transformative improvements across their respective sectors. The event also featured in-depth sessions covering Microsoft's flagship AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Agents, designed to revolutionize the workplace and improve productivity. Further discussions delved into Responsible AI practices, underscoring Microsoft's dedication to ethical and transparent AI use. Microsoft experts also showcased the innovative AI capabilities of the Microsoft Surface portfolio. Business leaders and IT professionals experienced firsthand how Surface AI PCs and Microsoft's latest Copilot+ PCs integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Copilot and other AI solutions to drive operational efficiency, productivity, and creativity. The Microsoft AI Tour in Oman underscored the company's unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving digital ecosystem in the country. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, Microsoft remains dedicated to equipping Omani businesses, government entities, and developers with the tools, resources, and expertise needed to harness AI's full potential. The event served as a testament to the transformative power of AI and the limitless possibilities it presents in driving innovation and economic progress across Oman.
