< Previous20 October 2023 GITEX STARS 2023 R enowned for his achievements in developing ground-break- ing products, achieving customer excellence, and delivering robust commercial results, Peng Xiao is the group CEO of G42, is a key global technology and business leader. In his current role, he is responsible for help- ing shape the group's business and product strategies. He also provides strategic oversight for the conglomer- ate's diverse portfolio of operating companies spanning various industry verticals. Xiao’s commitment to advancing technology and education is further evident in his role as a board member of MBZUAI, a pioneering research-based AI university located in Abu Dhabi. Prior to joining G42, he held key leadership positions in the enterprise software industry, including senior executive vice president, chief technology o ƃ cer, as well as the chief information o ƃ cer at MicroStrategy, where he spent a decade collaborating with leading technology ƅ rms. Championing AI for good Abu Dhabi's technology conglomerate that operates globally, G42 champions artiƅ cial intelligence (AI) as a powerful force for good, with almost limitless potential to enhance and improve people’s abilities and lives. Since its establishment, AI research has been foundational to their work and G42 is an active contributor to its advancement, having published hundreds of papers and conducting fundamental and applied research to provide cutting-edge solutions to real- world problems. G42, has made a signiƅ cant stride in the ƅ eld of AI with the introduction of Jais, an open-source Arabic-language AI model. This achievement is the result of a collaborative e Ƃ ort between researchers and engineers from Inception, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artiƅ cial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and Silicon Valley chipmaker Cerebras Systems. Jais, named after the highest mountain in the UAE, boasts an impressive conƅ guration of 13 billion parameters derived from a vast dataset containing both Arabic and English text elements. According to Professor Timothy Baldwin of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artiƅ cial Intelligence, the model's ability to spell out logical steps in code signiƅ cantly enhances its reasoning capabilities. This ground-breaking model underwent deep learning using a customised dataset that includes a staggering 116 billion Arabic tokens, capturing the intricacies and nuances of the Arabic language. Additionally, it incorporates an enor- mous repository of 279 billion English words to help improve its performance across multiple languages. The Jais model was meticulously trained on Cerebras' supercomputer, the Condor Galaxy. However, the UAE's ambitions in the ƅ eld of AI are not limited to this achievement only. G42 has acquired three supercomputer units from Cerebras, with the ƅ rst unit set to be deployed this year and the subsequent units sched- uled for delivery in 2024. Furthermore, in August of the previ- ous year, G42, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Growth Fund (ADG), established a $10 billion fund speciƅ cally targeting technology investments in emerging markets. G42 has also forged strategic alliances with prominent Abu Dhabi entities such as the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, the Mubadala investment fund, as well as Etihad Airways to fully harness the potential of this transformative technology. G42 UAEarabianbusiness.com 21 GITEX STARS 2023 E xecutive vice president and head of HID Global Björn Lidefelt joined ASSA ABLOY in 2005 as a project manager based in Stockholm, Sweden. From there, he held various positions within business development and general management in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. In 2013, he was appointed as the general manager of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions China, followed by the role of chief commercial o ƃ cer at ASSA ABLOY. He was appointed to his current role at HID Global in 2020. He holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering and Industrial Management from Linköping University, Sweden. About HID Global HID Global, the world's leading provider of trusted identity solutions, is passionate about the power of veriƅ ed, trusted identities to help people reach where they need to go and achieve what they want to do. HID technology is widely used across multiple processes, including to open doors, enter countries, access digital networks, verify transactions and track assets, with easy-to-manage solutions like smart cards, mobile IDs, passports and even ƅ ngerprint readers and facial recognition. Along with their partners, they are pioneering the hardware, software and services that allow people to navi- gate the physical and digital worlds with conƅ dence. As safer, more efficient, and sustainable environments are culti- vated, people have the freedom to move, interact and work with conƅ - dence. From mobile IDs to beacons to smart cards, HID’s broad range of iden- tiƅ cation and physical access solutions empower people to manage, measure and maximise the trust they have in a place and in its occupants. HID uses technology like RFID and active low-en- ergy Bluetooth® to securely connect equipment, machines, devices, product inventory and many other physical assets. Utilising the Internet of Things (IoT), they have simpliƅ ed the process of identifying, verifying, tracking, and communicating with objects directly. HID Global recently announced its integration of employee badges into digital wallets, o Ƃ ering convenient and seamless workplace access. This integration of the HID Mobile Access® solution with digital wallets simpli- ƅ es access control to buildings and enhances the user expe- rience. Employees can identify themselves to their employers using their smartphones or smartwatches, eliminating the need for physical cards. Activation of the badge in the digital wallet grants access not only to the workplace but also to enabled corporate applications. This authentication method requires only an NFC-enabled reader. The digital employee ID card also serves various purposes, such as granting access to laptops and workstations, secure printing, accessing restricted areas, using charging stations, and even parking facilities. This mobile employee ID card delivers several advantages for companies, including enhanced security; fric- tionless experience; streamlined security; convenience and uninterrupted access, and protection on lost or stolen devices. In addition, implementing HID Mobile Access with digital wallets eliminates the expenses associated with producing and distributing physical badges, including printing, main- tenance, and replacement costs. Furthermore, integrating employee ID cards into mobile devices aligns with sustaina- bility e Ƃ orts, as the production of physical corporate ID cards and sleeves consumes substantial amounts of plastic. HID GLOBAL USA22 October 2023 GITEX STARS 2023 P eter Oganesean, the managing director of HP Middle East, joined HP in 2005 and since then, he has been working in di Ƃ erent leadership roles out of the UAE. Prior to his current position, Oganesean was appointed as the head of Print-Middle East, KSA, and Turkey from November 2019 to October 2022. This was preceded by his role as the managing director, UAE, and East Africa at HP from October 2018 to October 2019. He also held roles across retail marketing and sales and merchandising in Hewl- ett Packard for three years where he gained a wealth of experience about market trends and customer require- ments within the technology sector. About HP The original Silicon Valley start-up founded in 1939 and rein- vented in 2015, HP is one of the leading printing and personal systems technology companies in the world. Globally, HP boasts operations in 185 countries, with over 28,000 patents. Steered by a ƅ rm belief in the transformative potential of a single thoughtful idea, HP is dedicated to harnessing the power of innovation to make a positive impact on the world. Their diverse product and service portfolio spans personal systems, printers, and cutting-edge 3D printing solutions, all of which play a pivotal role in bringing these innovative ideas to life. A pioneer in the realm of simplifying hybrid working, in 2023, HP launched key products that support a hybrid work- ing environment that span a range of categories, from laptops to desktop PCs and peripherals. Among the notable laptop launches are the HP DragonƆ y G4, HP EliteBook 1040 G10, and HP Elite x360 1040 G10, designed with enhanced video conferencing capabilities to cater to the needs of users operating in hybrid work environments. These laptops intro- duce a multi-camera experience supporting dual video streams and camera switching, allowing users to display both their faces and additional objects or whiteboards simul- taneously. To further enhance user experience, these laptops feature a ‘Be Right Back’ function that enables users to switch their video feed to a still picture without disrupting ongoing meetings when they need a break. Other notable features that enhance the hybrid working experience include ‘Intelligent Hibernate’ and ‘Smart Sense’, both which utilises AI to optimise thermal performance. HP and Cambridge are collaborating to launch the 'HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship,' which invites o ƃ cials from Gulf countries to participate. During this ƅ ve-month fellowship programme, partici- pants will engage in an academy based in Cambridge, UK, supplemented by interactive online study components. Upon completing the programme, fellows will join an alumni network, enabling them to maintain connections, exchange insights, and stay informed about emerging tech- nologies in the ƅ eld. The programme encompasses three key areas, namely, education technology research, policy, and leadership. The fellowship is currently accepting appli- cations through 13 October 2023, via a competitive admis- sions process. Selected participants from Gulf countries will commence the programme at the end of the year. Scholarships are available to cover the full tuition fees for outstanding applicants. HP INC. UAEarabianbusiness.com 23 GITEX STARS 2023 S teven Yi serves as the president of Huawei Middle East & Central Asia, where he plays a pivotal role in collab- orating with both regional and global ICT ecosystem partners. His mission aligns with Huawei's overarching vision to usher in the era of digital connectivity for every individual, household, and organisation, ultimately contrib- uting to a fully connected and intelligent world. In his role, Yi oversees the company's operations spanning all countries within the region and provides strategic leadership across all of Huawei's business groups. His responsibilities encom- pass guiding the company's strategic direction, nurturing high-level stakeholder relationships, and actively promoting the adoption of Huawei's innovative solutions. With a longstanding career at Huawei, Yi's association with the company dates back to 1998, and he has held various key roles within the organisation. Just some of these key positions include membership on the ICT Infrastructure managing board, membership on the supervisory board, as well as the role of president of Huawei in the MEA region. Throughout his career at Huawei, he has also undertaken signiƅ cant responsibilities, including serving as the deputy chief ƅ nancial o ƃ cer for Huawei in the region, president of the sales and delivery ƅ nance management department, president of Huawei's operations in the Americas, and the general manager of the Huawei Paki- stan representative o ƃ ce. His multi- faceted experience and leadership have contributed significantly to Huawei's global presence and success in the ICT industry. About Huawei Huawei is a Chinese multinational technology company that provides a range of telecommunications equip- ment, consumer electronics, and enterprise solutions. Huawei's portfo- lio includes a range of products and services, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, laptops, and other consumer electronics. The company is also a leading provider of telecommu- nications equipment, including 5G infrastructure, network switches, routers, and optical transmission equipment. The company's enterprise solutions are designed to help businesses and organisations of all sizes improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance their competitiveness. On 17 May 2023, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the manag- ing director and CEO of the DEWA was met by a delegation from Huawei Middle East, led by Yi, in Dubai. The purpose of this visit was to further strengthen the strategic partner- ship between DEWA and Huawei, a collaboration that has yielded signiƅ cant accomplishments in the realm of digital transformation. Over the years, this partnership has facili- tated the exchange of best international solutions, experi- ences, and practices, with a particular focus on innovation, disruptive technologies, smart grids, digital transformation, automation, cloud platforms, AI, data security, and big data management, among other areas of expertise. The collabo- rative e Ƃ orts between DEWA and Huawei are dedicated to the development of cutting-edge technologies and solutions that will enhance e ƃ ciency and sustainability in the elec- tricity and water sectors. This partnership aims to elevate the user experience and provide services that are more e ƃ - cient, secure, and sustainable. Among the future projects in the pipeline for this partnership are initiatives related to big data management, perimeter and ICT infrastructure secu- rity, cyber security, and information security, among others. HUAWEI UAE UAE24 October 2023 GITEX STARS 2023 A global name in cybersecurity and entrepreneur, Eugene Kaspersky is the founder and CEO of Kaspersky. His journey into the realm of cybersecurity began unex- pectedly in 1989 when his own computer fell victim to the 'Cascade' virus. Kaspersky's specialised back- ground in cryptography empowered him to dissect the encrypted virus, comprehend its behaviour, and ulti- mately create a tool to remove it. This initial success ignited his curiosity and passion for computer technology, lead- ing him to investigate more malicious programmes and develop disinfection modules for them. Over time, this collection of antivirus modules evolved into the foundation of Kaspersky's extensive antivirus database, which today stands as one of the most comprehensive in the ƅ eld, safeguard- ing systems against over 500 million malicious programmes. Driven by his dedication to defensive technologies, Kaspersky embarked on a mission in 1990 to assemble a team of like-minded researchers to create the AVP Toolkit Pro antivirus programme. Within four years, the University of Hamburg recognised this programme as the most e Ƃ ective antivirus software globally. With a vision to combine their antivirus programming success and entrepreneurial spirit, Kaspersky and his colleagues founded their independent company ‘Kaspersky’ in 1997. He helmed the company's anti- virus research and, in 2007, assumed the role of CEO. He actively shares his expertise by delivering lectures on cyber- security at universities worldwide and giving keynote speeches at leading conferences and industry events. About Kaspersky Today, Kaspersky is considered one of the fastest-growing IT security vendors on a global scale, operating in nearly 200 countries and territories. The company boasts a workforce of more than 4,000 professionals and IT security specialists across 34 regional o ƃ ces in over 30 countries. Its cyberse- curity technologies provide protection for over 400 million users worldwide. Kaspersky recently inaugurated its ƅ rst Transparency Centre in the Middle East, located in KSA. This initiative aligns with Kaspersky's global transparency e Ƃ orts, aimed at foster- ing trust and ensuring the integrity of its solutions and processes. The centre offers various services, including insights into the company's transparency practices and source code review. Riyadh, KSA, was chosen as the location for this facility to align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 which aims to enhance the Kingdom's stature as a technology and inno- vation hub, leading to the transformation of the country into an attractive destination for global companies to establish their regional headquarters in Riyadh. This centre joins a network of 10 Transparency Centres across Europe, APAC, North and Latin America, and the Middle East. Kaspersky has plans to expand this network further, with additional facilities slated for the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Paciƅ c region by mid-2024. This expansion is part of Kaspersky's commit- ment to its Global Transparency Initiative. Launched in 2017, the initiative aims to open the ‘black box’ of technology by educating stakeholders on Kaspersky products, while also engaging with the broader community in validating and veri- fying the trustworthiness of Kaspersky’s products, internal processes, and business operations. KASPERSKY UAEarabianbusiness.com 25 GITEX STARS 2023 J ames Lee, serving as the president of the MEA region for LG Electronics (LG), a renowned name in cutting-edge technology, is steadfast in his commitment to driving growth through a consumer-centric approach. LG aims to position itself as a premium brand in both the B2B and B2C sectors under his leadership. With a rich background in marketing and sales at LG Electronics, Lee has played a pivotal role in the organisation's growth across various business units and markets. He ƅ rmly believes in a threefold approach to achieving growth, which entails prioritising customer focus, strengthening the premium brand identity, and embracing smart technology. About LG Electronics LG Electronics stands as a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics, with its presence extending to almost every corner of the world. With a diverse international work- force exceeding 75,000 dedicated professionals, LG operates as a driving force across industries. In the ƅ scal year 2020, the four distinct arms of LG include Home Appliance & Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Vehicle Component Solutions, and Business Solutions. LG's extensive product portfolio encompasses a wide array of consumer and commercial o Ƃ er- ings, including state-of-the-art televisions, home appliances that redeƅ ne convenience, innovative air solutions, high-quality monitors, service robots automating tasks, and automotive components enhancing driving experiences. Notably, LG's premium brands, LG SIGNATURE and the intelligent LG ThinQ, have become household names worldwide, symbol- ising quality, innovation, and techno- logical advancement. In August 2023, LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its 2022-2023 Sustainability Report, o Ƃ ering a detailed account of its accomplishments and strategies across six key areas. These strategic tasks have been meticulously designed to align with LG's Better Life for All ESG vision and are shared with customers and stakeholders worldwide. LG's sustainability focus centres on two major areas which includes the '3Cs' for the planet; carbon neutrality, circularity, and clean technology, and the '3Ds' for people, which encompass design for all, creating decent workplaces, and promoting diversity and inclusion. In the current year, LG's global sites reported a total global emissions ƅ gure of 92.7 million tons for direct (scope 1) and indirect (scope 2) greenhouse gases (GHG), marking a signiƅ cant reduction of 22 million tons compared to the previous year. Notably, LG's South Korean business sites recently received Zero Waste to Landƅ ll (ZWTL) veriƅ cation. LG Electronics has recently launched a new video campaign titled ‘Life’s Good When You Get More Love,’ a campaign that aims to establish a connection between the LG family and its customers by showcasing everyday family moments at home. The web series consists of 10 short videos created in a modern sitcom style and featuring a teaser video. Each episode portrays families using various LG products, ranging from entertainment devices to appliances and elec- tronics. This initiative aligns with LG's recent shift in brand direction and visual identity, backed by an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences, a focus on human-centred innovation, and a commitment to spreading warmth and smiles. LG ELECTRONICS UAE26 October 2023 GITEX STARS 2023 A s the division president, Khalid Elgibali is instrumental in leading Mastercard's dynamic operations throughout the MENA region. In this role, he oversees the establishment of new partnerships, spearheads growth and innovation tailored to meet the unique needs of the regional market as well as upholds Mastercard's unwavering commitment to investing in the area. Elgibali's strategic direction involves diversifying revenue streams and nurturing strategic alliances within both the public and private sectors. His overarching goals encom- pass advancing ƅ nancial inclusion and driving payments innovation through Mastercard's multi-rail strategy. Since joining the company in 2016, he has signiƅ cantly contributed to solidifying Mastercard's position as a technology leader and a trusted payments advisor to governments. This has helped to enable the successful execution of national-level programmes aligned with long- term visions and digital agendas. Recent key achievements The past year has witnessed numerous milestones in Master- card's partnerships and dedication to innovation. One is the inauguration of Mastercard's Global Centre for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology in Dubai. This initiative, in collaboration with the UAE government, aims to bolster AI capabilities and read- iness within the region. Building upon the success of Digital Country Partnerships spanning three continents, Mastercard launched the world's ƅ rst Digital City Partnership with Dubai. This innovative endeavour harnesses Mastercard's multi-rail payments network and data-driven digital commerce technol- ogy to address critical priorities outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda. In the transportation sector, Mastercard has joined forces with the Greater Amman Municipality and Network Interna- tional to introduce Jordan's inaugural transit payment ecosys- tem, powered by Mastercard Payment Gateway Services. In Egypt, Mastercard is partnering with the Administrative Capital for Urban Development to create an e ƃ cient digital infrastructure, paving the way for the New Administrative Capi- tal to become Egypt's ƅ rst cashless city. Within the realm of e-sports and gaming, Mastercard is fostering innovation through augmented reality experiences, NFTs, and loyalty solu- tions for fans. This collaboration extends to the Saudi Esports Federation, and Mastercard is a sponsor of Gamers8, the world's largest gaming and esports festival held annually in KSA. To champion ƅ ntech innovation, the company has partnered with Bahrain-based Inƅ nios Financial Services to launch the ƅ rst Mastercard Wholesale Programme in the region, aimed at digit- ising B2B payments between travel buyers and suppliers. Furthermore, Mastercard is actively engaging its entire ecosystem in initiatives that encourage the adoption of climate- and environment-friendly practices. As part of its commitment to empowering consumers to choose a sustainable future, Mastercard is leading the charge in producing payment cards made from one hundred percent recycled plastics, with all newly produced plastic payment cards set to meet this sustainability standard starting from 1 January 2028. Additionally, the company has initiated the Priceless Planet Coalition, an ambitious collec- tive e Ƃ ort that unites corporate sustainability endeavours to combat the global climate crisis by restoring 100 million trees over the next ƅ ve years. This initiative has garnered the support of over 100 members worldwide who share in Mastercard's philosophy of doing well by doing good. MASTERCARD UAEarabianbusiness.com 27 GITEX STARS 2023 I n February 2023, Samer Abu-Ltaif was appointed as the corporate vice president and president of Microsoft MEA. He assumes a crucial role in shaping the company's strat- egy and bolstering its position as an industry pioneer commit- ted to fostering the region's capabilities in harnessing disruptive technologies. He is instrumental in contributing to economic development, sustainability, and ultimately creating a lasting impact on society. A signiƅ cant aspect of Abu-Ltaif's responsibilities is to unlock the region's potential through strategic partnerships with governments and enterprises of all sizes. These collabo- rations aim to reimagine their economies and digital transfor- mation agendas. His leadership is pivotal in advancing Micro- soft's overarching mission to empower individuals and organisations, drive business transformation, redeƅ ne educa- tion, and foster a knowledge-based economy to enhance the region's global competitiveness. As a visionary leader, Abu-Ltaif leads a culturally diverse, inclusive, and dynamic team in one of the world's fastest-grow- ing markets. Microsoft's MEA-based team spans across 40 offices in 79 countries across three continents. Through substantial investments, initiatives, and partnerships estab- lished throughout the region, he passionately advocates that governments, academia, and businesses can not only address pressing challenges across various aspects of society but also reinvent them- selves for the future while maintaining competitiveness. Abu-Ltaif's journey with Microsoft began in 2004, where he was appointed across various senior roles within the organisation, including regional director for Enterprise and Partner Group in MEA. He also served as the regional general manager of Micro- soft Gulf. Prior to joining Microsoft, he worked as the regional general manager for the Financial Solutions Group at NCR in a career that spanned 14 years. His journey with NCR began as a fresh grad- uate hire after completing his computer science studies at the American Univer- sity of Beirut in Lebanon. Strategic collaboration On 5 September 2023, G42 and Microsoft announced the commencement of the next phase of their ongoing strategic collaboration. They unveiled a multifaceted plan aimed at providing sovereign cloud o Ƃ erings, co-innovating, delivering advanced AI capabilities, and expanding the existing data centre infrastructure in the UAE. Microsoft's sovereign cloud o Ƃ ering is set to empower the UAE public sector and regulated indus- tries. It will o Ƃ er new platform capabilities designed to secure sensitive data, provide access to the latest cloud and AI features available on Azure public cloud, and facilitate compliance with local privacy and regulatory requirements. This collaboration will also be directed towards the development of cutting-edge, AI-enabled industry-speciƅ c solutions. These solutions will target sectors such as health and life sciences, energy, sustain- ability, and national projects of significance. Notably, this includes support for the COP28 conference scheduled to be held in the UAE this year. In addition to setting new benchmarks for security and innovation in public sector cloud computing, both G42 and Microsoft aim to empower the broader technology ecosystem which will be achieved by introducing new in-coun- try services, expanding go-to-market opportunities for part- ners, as well as unlocking substantial value for Microsoft's part- ner ecosystem. MICROSOFT UAE28 October 2023 GITEX STARS 2023 N ick Redshaw, a highly seasoned technology expert, assumed the role of senior vice presi- dent for Oracle Technology Cloud Middle East and Africa (MEA) in Febru- ary 2022. In this capacity, he leads Oracle's rapidly expanding cloud busi- ness in the MEA region and collabo- rates closely with Oracle's customers to facilitate and accelerate their digital transformation initiatives. Redshaw brings a wealth of experience to Oracle, having spent over 35 years at IBM in various sales and executive roles, with a focus on emerging markets and business growth in diverse regions. His most recent posi- tion at IBM was as the vice president of Server Sales for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Committed to digital transformation Oracle offers integrated suites of applications along with secure, auton- omous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. The company is committed to supporting digital transformation and inno- vation in the Middle East by investing in cloud infrastructure and services. Oracle has made substantial investments to enable organisations of all sizes in the region to achieve their strategic objectives through digital transformation. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, Oracle Corp has announced plans to invest $1.5 billion in KSA over the coming years and this substantial investment is part of Oracle's strategy to expand its cloud presence in the Kingdom and establish its third public cloud region in Riyadh, KSA. The growing demand for cloud computing services has driven tech giants like Oracle to establish data centres globally, enabling faster data transfer and enhancing cloud capabil- ities. Oracle has secured contracts for giga projects like NEOM, a futuristic mega city and economic zone along the Red Sea coast. Riyadh Cloud Region, Oracle's upcoming complex, will further strengthen the company's presence in the region. Oracle currently operates 41 commercial and government cloud regions in 22 countries on ƅ ve continents. The company's cloud services, and license support reve- nue have seen substantial growth, accounting for over 70 percent of total sales. In December, Oracle reported an 18 percent annual increase in its second-quarter revenue for the 2023 ƅ scal year, reaching approximately $12.3 billion. This growth is indicative of Oracle's commitment to provid- ing cloud services and supporting digital transformation initiatives worldwide. Fostering inclusivity and gender parity, in the UAE, Oracle has introduced a career programme known as GenO, which o Ƃ ers recent graduates from diverse academic back- grounds the opportunity to gain exposure to various facets of their business, including sales, customer support, solution engineering, consulting, ƅ nance, and more. It empowers them to advance within their chosen division and has achieved success in the UAE and KSA. Furthermore, address- ing the underrepresentation of women in the technology sector has been a priority. To tackle the issue of gender disparity, Oracle has announced its collaboration with Inja- zat and other partners to establish innovation centres in Abu Dhabi. These centres will focus on equipping individuals with the necessary skills, certiƅ cations, and training on their technologies and building blocks; a realm that Oracle is deeply committed to. ORACLE UAEarabianbusiness.com 29 GITEX STARS 2023 I n April 2022, Joe Kawkabani assumed the role of CEO at OSN Group. He previously served as a board member and contributed signiƅ cantly to OSN's vision and strat- egy. With a successful track record spanning two decades, he excels in managing investments across diverse MEA region industries. His prior roles include CEO at Ango- la-based IT ƅ rm CPC Africa, CIO at Franklin Templeton MENA, and co-founder and managing director at Portuguese loan management specialist Algebra Capital where he had served as a board member and helped shape the company's vision and strategy. Prior to his current role, Kawkabani held the position of group chief investment officer at KIPCO, OSN's parent company. With over two decades of experience, he has excelled in managing investments across various industries in the Middle East and Africa. About OSN Group Dubai-based pay-TV and streaming service provider, OSN, launched its rebranded OSN+ streaming service in March 2022 and continues to be a leading source for top Hollywood scripted content in 22 territories across the Middle East and North Africa. In March 2023, OSN extended its partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery through a new multi-year licensing agreement and retained rights to Paramount+ shows and a selection of Sky Studios and Peacock Originals produced by NBC Universal. Additionally, OSN expanded its exclusive partnership with ITV Studios in the UK. While OSN remains a key player in the Hollywood content space, they have also ventured into producing high-quality Arabic originals, includ- ing the Arabic adaptation of NBCUni- versal’s legal drama ‘Suits.’ At present, OSN Group o Ƃ ers two main products: OSN+, a dedicated streaming service, and a new box that eliminates the need for satellite dishes and cables. The new OSNtv box, which was made available from 1 June 2023, o Ƃ ers exclusive live TV channels, streaming from various apps, and entertainment options through a single android device. This fully dishless solution can be easily used by households in the region, with or without a dish. OSNtv users will enjoy improved features, including instant rewind, pause, and restart for live TV, along with an advanced TV guide. The platform integrates OSN's streaming service, OSN+, providing users with access to content on the go or on additional devices at home. Furthermore, the product has enhanced the platform's visual and user interface design (UX/UI) to make it more user-friendly, encouraging users to discover new content. We've also introduced new curated channels featuring premium and exclusive content from Hollywood and beyond, o Ƃ ering an unmatched entertain- ment experience. As part of OSN’s evolution, the company has introduced three brand-new channels to enhance content enjoyment and discovery for its audiences. OSNtv One which caters to a broad demographic with a diverse content range, while OSNtv Show- case Classics offers timeless HBO favourites like Game of Thrones and The Sopranos. OSNtv Now, an integrated channel combining OSN W and OSN Living, appeals to a younger audi- ence with fast-paced reality shows and edgy dramas. OSN GROUP UAENext >