< Previous30 Vol. 25/10, September 2024 AI How Northern Data Group’s Rosanne Kincaid-Smith is leading the charge in A.I. with sustainability and strong partnerships at its core Racing towards a sustainable A.I. future Northern Data Group is playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around sustainable cloud offerings Kincaid-Smith says Northern Data Group is turbocharging its HPC capacity to remain a key player in the AI space Arabian Business sits down with Rosanne Kincaid-Smith, Chief Oper- ating Officer of Northern Data Group, to discuss the company’s regional strategy and the importance of sustain- ability and partnerships in staying ahead in the fast-evolving AI land- scape. Kincaid-Smith shares insights into how Northern Data is shaping the future of AI while keeping sustainabil- ity and ethical considerations at the forefront of its growth. AI – A catalyst for change As Kincaid-Smith explains: “HPC is the bedrock of Generative AI, and its rapid innovation holds the key to reshaping entire sectors, from healthcare’s digital twinning to AI-driven chatbots like ChatGPT.” Northern Data Group is turbocharging its HPC capacity across Europe and the United States to remain a key player in the AI space. This sense of urgency is echoed across the industry as AI's impact on global economies and societies grows ever larger. At the TIME100 Impact Awards held in Dubai, where Kincaid- Smith delivered a speech, she empha- sised that growth in AI must be both A rtificial intelligence (AI) has become the most trans- formative force in modern society, holding the poten- tial to reshape industries, economies, and our very way of life. In the race to harness the immense power of AI, busi- nesses around the world are grappling with the challenge of keeping pace with rapid advancements, while also ensuring that these innovations are responsible and sustainable. One such company leading the charge is Northern Data Group, a global provider of High-Per- formance Computing (HPC) power, which is crucial for the AI revolution. ABE_2510_30-31_Northern Data Group_13370919.indd 3028/08/2024 18:01arabianbusiness.com 31 AI programme will offer startups access to in-demand NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPU compute power and mentorship from Northern Data’s leadership and industry partners. The initiative under- scores Northern Data’s mission to democratise access to AI technology, fostering a new generation of innovators while keeping sustainability and respon- sibility at its core. “AI continues to present the poten- tial for a profoundly different future, one where technology serves humanity responsibly and ethically,” says Kincaid- Smith. Northern Data Group is at the forefront of providing cutting-edge AI solutions while keeping sustainability in focus, proving that technology and ethics can, and should, go hand in hand. As the company strengthens its posi- tion as a leader in AI innovation, Kincaid-Smith’s commitment to progress and ethical growth remains unwavering. "Our dedication to progress and innovation bravery, combined with a commitment to ethical AI, truly sets Northern Data Group apart on the global stage," she concludes. With this focus on sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to advancing AI respon- sibly, Northern Data Group is well-po- sitioned to lead the AI revolution, setting a high standard for the industry to follow. transfor mative and responsible, describing the path forward as one that must be “brave and innovative, but also conscientious.” Northern Data Group’s strategy reflects this balance. The company’s three integrated platforms focus on data sovereignty, compliance, and clean energy – pillars that Kincaid-Smith says are taken “very seriously” as Northern Data expands its global footprint and drives AI’s universal potential. Partnerships – Key to global expansion AI’s global reach relies heavily on part- nerships, and Northern Data Group is no exception. Kincaid-Smith high- lights the importance of strong rela- tionships with industry leaders like NVIDIA and HPE. As an Elite Partner of NVIDIA, Northern Data Group is at the forefront of the industr y in Europe, being the fir st to deploy NVIDIA’s highly sought-after H100 Tensor Core GPUs on the continent, thanks to its platforms, Taiga Cloud and Ardent Data Centres. Kincaid-Smith underscores the pivotal role of the Middle East in North- ern Data’s global expansion, noting that the region presents significant opportu- nities in renewable energy – an area that aligns closely with the Group’s focus on sustainability. As AI continues to spread to every corner of the world, the Middle East is poised to be a major hub for AI development, reinforced by increasing interest from major players such as Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, who has been in talks with UAE investors such as Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan to further boost AI infrastructure in the region. Sustainability – The core of Northern Data Group’s growth Sustainability is at the heart of North- ern Data Group’s offering, and for good reason. As AI grows, so too does its demand for energy. The Interna- tional Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the AI industry will account for 8 percent of global carbon emissions by 2030, raising concerns about the envi- As demand for AI has grown, so too has its demand for energy ronmental impact of the technology. Kincaid-Smith acknowledges the growing awareness and regulator y efforts to curb this issue, such as the introduction of the Federal Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2024 in the United States. However, Kincaid-Smith believes that true industry-wide accountability is the only way to ensure AI break- throughs are achieved without sacrific- ing the environment. Northern Data Group is taking a leading role in this shift, with its flagship data centre in Boden, Sweden setting the standard for sustainability in the industry. The facil- ity is powered by 100 percent carbon- free energy and boasts an impressive PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) of 1.06, significantly lower than the global industry average of 1.55. “We hope other CSPs (Cloud Service Providers) will follow our lead and make the right decisions on sustainability,” says Kincaid-Smith. Leading the AI revolution responsibly Northern Data Group is not only riding the wave of AI's transformative power but leading it in the right direction. The company’s AI Accelerator Programme, which was recently launched, is designed to support startups on the cutting edge of AI-dr iv en inno v ation. This ABE_2510_30-31_Northern Data Group_13370919.indd 3128/08/2024 18:02the only app you won’t silence this season Install nowarabianbusiness.com 33 Partner Content Reflecting the effectiveness of its strategic focus on growth in local and international markets, the group’s consolidated net profit grew by 17 percent to AED 5.5 billion e& delivers strong H1 2024 performance, consolidated revenue up 6% to AED 28.3 billion H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Chairman, e& e& announced its consolidated financial results for the first half of 2024, reporting consolidated revenues of AED 28.3 billion, a year-over-year (YoY) growth of 6 per cent, demonstrating strong performance across all business verticals. Reflecting the effectiveness of its stra- tegic focus on growth in local and interna- tional markets, the group's consolidated net profit grew by 17 per cent to AED 5.5 billion. Furthermore, consolidated EBITDA reached AED 12.9 billion, result- ing in a healthy EBITDA margin of 46 per cent. e&’s robust financial results are driven by its relentless focus on maintaining its growth momentum with a strong commit- ment to drive innovation while enabling a digital future for customers across its markets. This is further evidenced by the group’s growing subscriber base, with total subscribers reaching 175 million in a signif- icant YoY increase of 6 per cent while the total number of e& UAE subscribers reached 15 million, representing a YoY growth of 5 per cent. Delivering on its promises of maxim- ising value to its shareholders, e&’s Board of Directors approved an interim dividend of 41.5 fils per share for the first half (January to June) of 2024, in accordance with the new dividend policy that was greenlit by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) earlier this year. The newly approved dividends policy stipulates an incremental increase of AED 0.03 per share every year for the fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026. H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Chairman, e&, said: “e& show- cased remarkable resilience and sustained its upward trajectory in the first half of 2024, achieving consolidated net profits of AED 5.5 billion, representing a year- over-year growth of 17 per cent. This robust performance was driven by our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation”. “We are proud of the progress made in the first half of 2024, which was bolstered by our recent acquisitions, partnerships, and strategic expansion of our digital services portfolio. These efforts significantly strengthen e&'s posi- tion as a leader in digital transformation, providing state-of-the-art solutions to our diverse customer base”. Reflecting on e&'s growth trajectory and future prospects despite challenges in some of its markets, H.E. Alzaabi commented, "e& remains committed in delivering top-tier services and advanced technologies with a focus on purpose and value. Our ongoing investments in digital infrastructure and emerging technologies position us as a driving force for innova- tion and growth, making us the preferred partner in advancing the digital economy. With the support and vision of the UAE leadership, we will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the digital land- scape and driving socio-economic progress, thereby reinforcing the UAE's status as a global innovation hub". Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief Exec- utive Officer, e&, said: “e&'s performance in the first half of 2024 highlights our dedication and efforts to foster growth and efficiency while demonstrating resil- ience and adaptability to the various chal- lenges in some of our markets”. “e& achieved impressive results with consolidated revenue increasing by 6 per cent to AED 28.3 billion, and consoli- ABE_2510_33-36_e&_13369555.indd 3328/08/2024 18:0334 Vol. 25/10, September 2024 Partner Content less communication and data exchange. In addition, C&W launched the region’s first Smart Connect (Bandwidth on Demand) service, allowing operators to scale their connectivity requirements on the go with unmatched flexibility and control over bandwidth provisioning. e& joined forces with Telecom Egypt, Indonesia's Telin, and a major unnamed Indian telecom company to develop the ICE IV subsea cable project. This ambi- tious project aims to connect Southeast Asia and India seamlessly to the Middle East. Additionally, e& has expanded its state-of-the-art Tier III SmartHub network to Abu Dhabi. This expansion strengthens the region's entire digital ecosystem by providing advanced infrastructure. e& Carrier & Wholesale continued its ascendancy, winning the ‘Edge Innovation of the Year’ Award at the 2024 Data Centre Solutions (DCS) Awards, followed by ‘Middle East Regional Operator of the Year’ and ‘Best Regional Data Center Operator’ at the Carrier Community Global Awards (CCGA). In addition, e& group won top positions in the MMA MENA Smarties Awards for its innovative solutions in customer and user experience and design. e& UAE e& cemented its leading position in tele- communications and technology, shatter- ing speed records by achieving the world's fastest data transfer rate of 30.5 Gbps on its live 5G network in the UAE. This break- through strengthened the country's repu- tation as a global hub for digital innovation and reinforced e&'s leadership in 5G tech- nology. Setting an industry benchmark in the Middle East, e& UAE announced a network upgrade capability that will deliver speeds of up to 50 Gbps. Powered by the successful completion of the Middle East’s first symmetric 50-Giga- bit-capable Passive Optical Networks (50G-PON) broadband service, e& UAE is set to accelerate the digital experience for households and businesses. Further demonstrating its commit- ment to advancing 5G technology, e& UAE released a comprehensive whitepa- per highlighting the transformative poten- tial of 5G networks in driving progress dated EBITDA rising by 2 per cent year- over-year to AED 12.9 billion. Our success is driven by our relentless pursuit of technological innovation, delivering tangible value to our customers and share- holders. We have embraced advanced and emerging technologies, launching numer- ous AI-driven initiatives and platforms, underscoring our leadership in digital transformation. Strategic partnerships have enhanced our service portfolio, while we continue to expand our global pres- ence through successful acquisitions”. “Looking ahead, I am confident that our dedication to empowering individuals, businesses, and communities through tech- nology will pave the way for growth and create a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Despite the challenges in some markets, we will focus on seizing the oppor- tunities ahead. With the unwavering efforts of our teams, we can accelerate our progress, take bold actions to enhance our value proposition, and expand access to connectivity. We are deeply grateful to our customers and shareholders for their continued support and trust as we explore new avenues and achieve new milestones,” added Dowidar. Key Operational Highlights e& e& was crowned the Fastest Growing Tech Brand and the Most Valuable Brand Port- folio in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), according to the 2024 Brand Finance Global 500 Report in recognition of the group's exceptional performance in increasing the value of its brand portfolio to US$17 billion in 2024, reflecting the confidence of investors and partners in e&, which has also been named the world's Strongest Telecom Brand in the World for 2024 with a score of 89.4 out of 100 on the BSI Index with a leadership rating of AAA. e& was also named a Great Place to Work® by the Great Place to Work Institute in recognition of the company’s efforts to foster a positive, supportive, and engaging work environment for its employees. e& and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) joined forces to build the world's largest private 5G network for the energy sector. This groundbreaking initiative will revolutionise the industry by Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO, e& enabling blazing-fast data transfer and connectivity across ADNOC's 11,000-square-kilometre operation. This powerful network will empower ADNOC's AI solutions to access remote onshore and offshore sites, driving significant technical advancements and innovation. e& and Vodafone joined forces to empower other regional and international operators to adapt to the evolving voice landscape with cross-border managed voice solutions. The group also signed an agreement with Dell Technologies to drive 5G innovation through Dell’s Open Tele- com Ecosystem Lab (OTEL) and another with Huawei to build green and energy-ef- ficient networks. In a major move for the telecom industry, e& and its partners in the Global Telco AI Alliance formed a joint venture in H1 2024. This venture aims to develop cutting-edge Large Language Models (LLMs) specifically designed to revolutionise customer service through advanced AI solutions. e& Carrier & Wholesale (C&W) has made advancements in accelerating the growth of connectivity with milestone agreements in the subsea cable space with 2Africa subsea cable, the most extensive subsea cable system landing in the UAE to date, making a huge leap forward in posi- tioning the UAE as a global hub for digital connectivity and providing advanced digi- tal infrastructure that supports economic development and innovation. A collaboration with Ooredoo will introduce the Gulf Gateway Cable (GGC-1), connecting data centres in Abu Dhabi and Doha while facilitating seam- ABE_2510_33-36_e&_13369555.indd 3428/08/2024 18:03arabianbusiness.com 35 Partner Content across various sectors and providing the advanced infrastructure needed for the UAE's prosperous digital future. e& continued to play an integral stra- tegic part in the UAE’s global leadership in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) penetra- tion, cementing the country’s top position with a penetration rate of 99.3 per cent. e& UAE remains squarely focused on realising the nation's connectivity ambi- tions, enabling homes and businesses to benefit from the latest high-speed internet services, enhancing productivity, and enriching the customer experience. Championing innovation, e& UAE partnered with Corning Incorporated to bring cutting-edge Fibre-to-the-Yacht (FTTY) services to the water’s edge at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration e&’s strong H1 2024 performance, enables a digital future across its business verticals and markets utilises Corning's advanced fibre optic cables to deliver high-speed internet connectivity to all yachts docked there. e& UAE also collaborated with Nokia to bring Multi-Access Edge Slicing, a first for its network, and also broadened its partnership with Oracle to fuel AI advancements, deploying NVIDIA H100 GPU clusters within e& UAE’s Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Dedicated Region, located at its data centres. e& UAE set a new benchmark as the first company outside North America to deploy Microsoft’s Azure Operator Nexus and Azure Operator 5G Core solutions. Continuing its efforts to elevate customer experiences using custom Generative AI (GenAI), e& UAE partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS). In a strategic move to enhance global connectivity, e& UAE became the first operator to join Yahsat’s Direct-to-Device (D2D) ecosystem, which brings satellite coverage to standard smartphones. Spearheading advancements in aerial mobility and autonomous systems across the country, e& UAE announced a part- nership with Multi Level Group (MLG) to drive innovation in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and drone development, as well as inte- grated solutions utilising its leading 5G network and digital expertise. The part- nership was revealed in live demonstra- tions of eVTOL aircraft and drones powered by e& UAE’s 5G network. Demonstrating its commitment to delivering outstanding customer service, e& UAE continued to drive innovation, expanding its market reach and opening the second AI-powered autonomous tele- com store, ‘EASE,’ in Dubai Mall. The self-service telecom store is designed with cutting-edge technology to help customers seamlessly purchase products and services. e& UAE has successfully imple- mented AI-driven solutions to enhance customer experience, resulting in over 30 per cent fewer technical calls and a 40 per cent reduction in technician visits. Demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility and digital inclusion, e& launched an AI-powered browser extension called "Wider Web" to support an autism-friendly browsing experience. The free-to-use browser extension empow- ers autistic users and caters for their needs by offering a customisable, sensory-friendly web-browsing experience. e& life e& life, the business pillar of e& that enriches people’s digital lives, continued to embrace its vision of simplifying its services, releasing the updated version of the e& money app, which became the UAE's number one fintech app in terms of monthly active users. e& money 2.0 now boasts full Arabic language support, making it accessible to a wider audience. evision, the media and entertainment streaming arm of e& life, continued to enhance and develop its content library to meet the diverse requirements of MENA ABE_2510_33-36_e&_13369555.indd 3528/08/2024 18:0336 Vol. 25/10, September 2024 Partner Content audiences. In the first half of 2024, evision recorded significant growth, surpassing 5.5 million subscribers. STARZ ON, its ad-supported streaming platform in the Middle East and North Africa, has been a key driver of growth. The STARZ ON free experience was enhanced with a diverse range of content, including sports, Arabic and Turkish programming with Noor Play, and Manda- rin and Korean programming with iQIYI. The strategic partnership with Noor Play also extends to cover a diverse range of premium content across Starzplay, eLife, SwitchTV and other e& platforms To cater to the sub-continent audience, evision secured exclusive rights to the ICC Cricket World Cup and acquired exclusive rights to exciting Hotstar (Disney Star), Zee, and Viacom 18 content. evision further solidi- fied its entertainment offerings by signing multi-year deals with major studios includ- ing Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM. These deals bring the latest block- busters, renowned classics, and family favourites from both cinema and television to Starzplay, eLife and Switch TV. e& enterprise e& enterprise remains a powerhouse for digital transformation in the private and public sectors. Its innovative tech solutions and enhanced digital services continue to empower businesses across industries to achieve their goals and accelerate growth. e& enterprise marked a significant step towards regional digital transformation leadership. It expanded its global footprint by acquiring GlassHouse, a leading Turkish provider of managed cloud, business conti- nuity, and SAP infrastructure services. This strategic move grants e& enterprise entry into the pivotal Turkish market, positioning it for significant growth and expansion. In the first half of 2024, e& enterprise signed two landmark collaboration agree- ments with Burjeel Holdings, including the launch of a pioneering telemedicine services project and an MoU to transform delivery models and redefine healthcare in the UAE and beyond. This strategic collaboration represents a transformative approach to healthcare that prioritises accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability across the region. e& international e& international marked a significant step forward in its global expansion during the first half of 2024. Uzbekistan's Perfectum joined e& international's Partner Market Programme in a strategic move designed to accelerate digital transformation within the country's telecommunications sector. The programme offers Perfectum access to e& international's extensive expertise and cutting-edge solutions. By leveraging this partnership, Perfectum can fuel business growth, drive innovation across industries, and play a key role in Uzbekistan's digital future. PTCL launched a new combined UPTCL app that covers PTCL, Ufone, and Flash Fibre in one app. The app is the first platform of its kind in Pakistan that serves as a single digital channel for wireless and fixed line customers to manage their connections, profiles, payments, and more. e& Egypt launched e& Neo, in conjunction with Mashreq Bank , the first digital banking services in Egypt. e& Egypt received the “Business Excellence Award - Egypt 2024”, earning special recognition for outstanding Culture and People Prac- tices. Onic, e&’s digital brand in Pakistan, secured a double victory at the Pakistan Digital Awards, clinching Best Mobile App and Digital Ambassador of the Year. Etis- alat Afghanistan acquired 15 MHz of spec- trum in the 1800 and 2600 bands, holding the largest spectrum in the market. e& capital e& capital, the investment arm of e&, has become a major player in the Middle East- ern venture capital (VC) ecosystem. It has invested nearly US$ 150 million in startups that are shaping the future of technology in the MENA region and the world. e& capital’s investments cut across various exciting technology-led industries, includ- ing AI, SaaS, edtech, healthtech, telecom- munications, and entertainment, strategi- cally complementing the group's wide range of services. Key investments include Ikigai, an AI platform developed from MiT research that delivers highly accurate fore- casts and time series predictions; Airalo, the global leader in travel eSIMs; and Trayd- stream, a platform digitising and automat- ing the trade finance industry globally. Pioneering a new approach to digital payments, e& enterprise forged a strategic partnership with Fils. This partnership establishes a sustainable digital payments model, empowering companies to provide customers with greater transparency. Companies can now share the carbon footprint associated with each transaction, along with the option to offset emissions through reliable methods. With Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (ADSSA), e& enterprise devel- oped the "House Visits and Interviews Management System." marking a signifi- cant milestone in ADSSA's digital trans- formation journey. The system stream- lines social workers' field visits, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and impact of social support services for low-income families in Abu Dhabi. e& enterprise continues to champion digital innovation in the region. Through a strategic partnership with SAS, it brings cutting-edge AI solutions and advanced data analytics to businesses in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This partnership empowers companies across various sectors to lever- age the power of AI and data for opera- tional improvements and informed deci- sion-making. e& enterprise also signed an agreement with Dubai Public Prosecution (DPP) to develop the world's first central digital system for remote investigation and litigation, streamlining the justice system and enhancing its efficiency and speed. e& enterprise has joined forces with Payit, the leading e-wallet from First Abu Dhabi Bank, to streamline digital payment processes for businesses across the UAE. This strategic partnership leverages e& enterprise's Payment as a Service (PaaS) platform to increase customer satisfaction and boost digital payment adoption rates. Demonstrating its commitment to innovation, e& enterprise unveiled haifin, the new brand identity for its leading blockchain-based trade finance platform. Previously known as UAE Trade Connect, haifin simplifies and facilitates trade across the MENA region. haifin welcomed three new members to its consortium which included two banks and one fintech, including Sharjah Islamic Bank which became the 14th bank to join the platform. ABE_2510_33-36_e&_13369555.indd 3628/08/2024 18:0338 Vol. 25/10, September 2024 Transport ABE_2510_38-41_Transport_Lucid_13352299.indd 3828/08/2024 18:32arabianbusiness.com39 Transport Faisal Sultan on Lucid's Jeddah jump, SUV debut, and more WORDS BY SHARON BENJAMIN & KATE-LYNNE WOLMARANS POWERING TOMORROW’S DRIVE Becoming a global hub for electric vehi- cles (EVs). And leading the charge is Lucid Motors, a company that’s already making waves in the luxury EV market. In a conversation with Arabian Busi- ness, Faisal Sultan, Vice President and Managing Director of Lucid Middle East, offers insights into how Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the fore- front of this electric revolution. The numbers alone are staggering – a target of 500,000 EVs produced annually by 2030, backed by a $50bn investment in the automotive sector over the next decade. “Saudi Arabia will absolutely become a global automotive hub,” Sultan states with conviction. This isn’t just optimism – this is a plan in action. The kingdom’s investments are about much more than building cars; they’re about building a new kind of economy, one that’s aligned with the future of global transportation. Lucid’s strategic play in Saudi Arabia Lucid Motors, a California-based luxury EV manufacturer, is at the centre of this transformation. The company’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is more than just a business venture – it’s a part- Saudi Arabia is no stranger to bold moves. This is a country that has long understood the value of investing in its future, leveraging its vast resources to transform its economy. Now, with Vision 2030 as the guiding star, the kingdom is making a strategic pivot – one that might surprise those still viewing it through the lens of oil and gas. The latest focus? Faisal Sultan, Vice President and Managing Director of Lucid Middle East ABE_2510_38-41_Transport_Lucid_13352299.indd 3928/08/2024 18:32Next >