< PreviousBIG PICTURE 10 ACN | Summer 2025 Can quantum computing reshape the Middle East’s industries and economy? THE QUANTUM LEAP Quantum computing isn’t just a massive IT breakthrough—it’s a shift as big as the internet itself Quantum computing just took a giant leap forward. Google’s new Willow chip reportedly solves problems in fi ve minutes that would take today’s best supercomputers 10 septillion years to crack. It’s a breakthrough that brings the dream of practical quantum computing closer—but what does this mean for the Middle East? Abu Dhabi is racing to build it s own quantum computer. The UAE’s Quantum Research Centre is on track to produce its fi rst quantum chips this year. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are pouring resources into quantum research and cryptography. Aramco and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) are exploring quantum applications in energy, logistics and fi nance. The region is focused on next-gen computing. Quantum computing could redefine entire industries, from optimising supply chains, accelerating discovery and designing products. But with these advancements come risks— quantum-powered decryption could render today’s security obsolete. Governments and enterprises must future-proof their digital infrastructure before quantum computers reach widespread use. The Middle East’s AI, cybersecurity and fintech sectors will benefit the most, provided the region invests in talent, as well as research and strategic partnerships. With global powers racing toward quantum supremacy, the region has the chance to position itself as a key player in the quantum revolution. ACN_March2025_10-11_Big Picture_13583612.indd 10ACN_March2025_10-11_Big Picture_13583612.indd 1003/06/2025 20:1403/06/2025 20:14BIG PICTURE ACN | Summer 2025 11 ACN_March2025_10-11_Big Picture_13583612.indd 11ACN_March2025_10-11_Big Picture_13583612.indd 1103/06/2025 20:1503/06/2025 20:15NEWS 12 ACN | Summer 2025 $32 BILLION The value of the acquisition of Wiz Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has announced it will buy fast-growing start-up Wiz for $32 billion in an all-cash transaction. Once the acquisition is completed, the cloud security platform headquartered in New York is set to join Google Cloud. This acquisition represents an investment by Google Cloud to accelerate two large and growing trends in the AI era: improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds (multi-cloud). “Security is a fundamental priority for CEOs and government leaders around the world, but the landscape is changing,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said during an investors call. “The pace and impact of breaches are accelerating. AI brings new risks, but also new opportunities. Together, we believe [Wiz] and Google Cloud can accelerate the ability of organisations to improve their security.” Wiz delivers an easy-to-use security platform that connects to all major clouds and code environments to help prevent cybersecurity incidents. By incorporating its off ering into Google Cloud, the latter is expected to improve its security operations and boost the adoption of multi-cloud security, in addition to increasing the team’s effi ciency. Wiz Co-Founder & CEO Assaf Rappaport said, “Wiz and Google Cloud are fully committed to continue supporting and protecting customers across all major clouds, helping keep them safe and secure wherever they operate. This is an exciting moment for our company, but an even more important one for customers and partners, as this acquisition will bolster our mission to improve security and prevent breaches by providing additional resources and deep AI expertise.” Wiz’s products will continue to work and be available across all major clouds, including Amazon Web Services, as well as Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud platforms, and will be off ered to customers through an array of partner security solutions. Alphabet was in talks with Wiz since 2024, when it off ered $23 billion to buy the fi ntech fi rm. The current agreement is subject to customary closing conditions, like regulatory approvals. GOOGLE’S ALPHABET ANNOUNCES LARGEST-EVER ACQUISITION The company has agreed to buy fast-growing startup Wiz to boost its cybersecurity and cloud computing capabilitiesNEWS ACN | Summer 2025 13 4,400 The average monthly calls a call centre handles UAE telecom operator du has announced its partnership with Microsoft, which aims to provide enhanced call centre operations through advanced AI technologies. The AI Call Centre Transformation project is set to use Microsoft’s generative AI and cloud services to provide highly personalised customer experiences. The new service will also leverage real-time call insights, post-call analytics and automated voicebot support, ensuring full compliance with data privacy regulations. The collaboration will also address challenges, such as stringent national data privacy regulations, by utilising hybrid cloud technologies. These technologies will provide the scale and innovation of the cloud while maintaining compliance with national data privacy regulations. With these solutions, the telecom operator aims to improve first call resolution (FCR) rates and reduce average handling time (AHT). The automated voicebot will reduce the volume of calls to the contact centre and optimise the usage of human agents by handling routine enquiries and providing intelligent responses. Diego Camberos, Chief Customer and Channels Offi cer at du, said, “Through our collaboration with Microsoft, we’re setting new standards in customer service and operational efficiency. Leveraging the state-of-the-art AI tools from Microsoft enables us to anticipate and exceed our customers’ expectations in every interaction. “Together, we’re crafting a future where technology serves as a bridge to more meaningful, effi cient and personalised customer engagements.” Moreover, Microsoft Vice President of Telco, Media and Gaming, Silvia Candiani added, “We are pleased to collaborate with du to bring innovative AI solutions to their call centre operations. This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering businesses with cutting-edge technologies that drive operational excellence and customer-centric innovation.” In addition, the telecommunications operator said the learnings from the solution being run for one of the largest data centres in the UAE will also help more government and commercial contact centres in the country transform their customer experiences. MICROSOFT, DU TEAM UP ON AI CALL CENTRE OPERATIONS The partnership is said to enable real-time analytics, automation, data privacy compliance and workforce upskilling NEWS 14 ACN | Summer 2025 190 Countries that can get the convenient transit eSIM Listen up, travellers. du has introduced a travel eSIM specifi cally for transit passenger s at UA E airpor t s . Traveling can be stressful and hectic, especiall y wit h mult i - s top journeys and worr ying about keeping updated with the latest news and staying in contact with loved ones and colleagues. If you are travelling, du is making it easier to stay fully connected at airports across the Emirates. Transit travellers can get a free du eSIM then purchase a data bundle according to their needs. The intention is to simplify global connectivity with customisable data bundles for the millions of transit travellers passing through UAE airports. Whether you’re stopping over in Dubai for a couple of hours, or you have a day in Abu Dhabi before continuing on your journey, you can stay fully connected with the new travel eSIM. Best of all, you’re online in just a few quick steps. The service enables seamless internet access across more than 190 countries, enabling passengers to stay connected without the hassle of purchasing local SIM cards for super-short stays. The eSIM card is also free to activate. To get connected upon arrival in the United Arab Emirates, travellers can connect to the free WiFi networks across UAE airports then scan the dedicated du transit travel QR codes in the transit sections of the airports. They will be directed to the packages. After you pick your package, the eSIM will be emailed to you. du Chief Commercial Of ficer Karim Benkirane said, “Our Travel eSIM ensures that transit travellers can look forward to seamless connectivity. It’s about connectivity and our mission to make travellers happier and their lives simpler. The eSIM off ers a completely seamless telco experience for the transit passengers to use the service at their fi nal destination.” DU LAUNCHES TRAVEL ESIM FOR UAE AIRPORT TRANSIT PASSENGERS Stay fully connected while on the move with a package that suits your needsNEWS ACN | Summer 2025 15 18 Hours of battery life before you need to charge The latest MacBook Air is here and, as always, there are plenty of upgraded features to get excited about . Apple’s latest computer includes a new 12MP Center Stage camera and a M4 chip with extremely fast performance, a design built for Apple Intelligence which provides up to 18 hours of battery life, the company said. The MacBook is available in four colours: midnight, silver, starlight and a striking new sky blue design. With the addition of the metallic light blue, this is the most colourways a MacBook has ever been available in. All the colour options, including the new sk y blue, come with a colour-matched MagSafe charge cable. Moreover, the 12MP Center Stage camera has improved video quality. The Center Stage feature automatically keeps users centred in the frame—even if they’re moving around. This means that anyone conducting a presentation will be happy to hear the design supports Desk View, which simultaneously displays the user and a top-down view of their desk, making video calls and meetings more dynamic. The latest MacBook also retains fan-favourite features such as the durable aluminium unibody enclosure. The design is less than 0.5 inches thin or just over one centimetre. Users can also enjoy Touch ID security and a backlit Magic Keyboard that now has a full-height function row. As mentioned, the new MacBook Air has a M4 chip that features fast Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The laptop also has MagSafe charging and two Thunderbolt ports. Another exciting thing about this launch is the price point. The new laptop has a lower starting price of AED3,999 for the 13-inch laptop, which rises to AED4,999 when it comes to the 15-inch model. The new MacBook is also built for Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that helps you write and get tasks done faster and easier. APPLE LAUNCHES CHEAPER MACBOOK IN NEW COLOUR The highly anticipated product has a slew of exciting features, including longer battery lifeNEWS 16 ACN | April 2025 The consolidation of the brand from punched cards to a multinational technology company Punched cards used to “programme” cloth-making machinery and looms Herman Hollerith invents machine-readable punched cards, inspired by railway tickets Hollerith’s punched cards are used in the US Census, completing it ahead of schedule and under budget Hollerith’s success with the Census led him to establish the Tabulating Machine Company and laid the foundation for what would later become IBM THE BIRTH OF IBM Late 18th & Early 19th Century Late 1880s: 1890 1896 TIMELINE 16 ACN | Summer 2025NEWS ACN | April 2025 17 Financier Charles Flint merged four companies—Bundy Manufacturing Company, Tabulating Machine Company, International Time Recording Company and the Computing Scale Company of America—into the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) CTR expanded internationally and the Canadian subsidiary was renamed International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Thomas J. Watson Sr. (General Manager at CTR) offi cially rebranded the company as International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) to refl ect its broader aspirations IBM consolidated its subsidiaries, unifying operations under the IBM brand, marking the fi rst appearance of IBM-labelled products 1911 1917 1924 1933 Thomas J. Watson Sr. TIMELINE ACN | Summer 2025 17REPORT 18 ACN | Summer 2025 Why data streaming is the backbone of AI transformation STREAMING FOR SCALE Confl uent released fi ndings from its fourth annual Data Streaming Report, which surveyed 4,175 IT leaders across 12 countries, including the UAE. The results make it clear that data streaming platforms (DSPs) are no longer optional; they are critical to AI success and broader business transformation. Looking specifically at respondents from the EMEA region, a majority of IT leaders plan to increase investments in DSPs in 2025. “From powering agentic AI to enabling real-time fraud detection, data streaming platforms are quickly becoming the fuel for modern enterprises,” said Rey Perez, Chief Customer Offi cer at Confl uent. “They are uniquely positioned to address today’s most pressing data challenges while enabling innovations that drive businesses into the future.” Across the EMEA region, organisations are embracing AI-powered capabilities at an accelerating pace. Over half of IT leaders surveyed say they have already established the use of chatbots, copilots, and AI assistants in their operations. AI-enhanced security tools are also gaining traction, with 34 per cent reporting active deployment, alongside those who are using AI to improve IT operations. “In the Middle East, we’re seeing a shift from AI experimentation to AI at scale,” said Fred Crehan, Area Vice President Growth Markets at Confl uent. “Governments and private enterprises alike are racing to adopt intelligent systems— but AI without timely, trustworthy data will always fall short. Data streaming platforms are fi lling this gap, making AI adoption not only faster but signifi cantly more eff ective.” Behind the scenes of the region’s AI initiatives, one key enabler stands out: real-time, reliable access to high-quality data. In fact, nearly three out of four of EMEA respondents say data streaming technology is one of the most important enablers of their ability to harness enterprise data for AI. ACN_March2025_18-19_Report_AI_13621770.indd 18ACN_March2025_18-19_Report_AI_13621770.indd 1803/06/2025 20:1803/06/2025 20:18REPORT ACN | Summer 2025 19 THE STATS IN BRIEF Data streaming is directly driving product and service innovation, according to EMEA IT leaders IT leaders agree that data streaming platforms are critical for feeding AI systems with real-time, contextual, and trustworthy data Data streaming is considered one of the most important enablers for AI IT leaders plan to increase their investment in data streaming platforms in 2025 Nearly half of the organisations have achieved 5x ROI or more on their data streaming platform investments Organisations have reduced costs and risks by adopting data streaming technologies Over half of IT leaders report established use of chatbots, copilots, and AI assistants within their organisations Data streaming platforms have directly contributed to revenue generation and overall business growth IT leaders view leveraging enterprise data as a core business imperative 87%85%73% 86% 42% 83% 53% 83% 77% ACN_March2025_18-19_Report_AI_13621770.indd 19ACN_March2025_18-19_Report_AI_13621770.indd 1903/06/2025 20:1803/06/2025 20:18Next >