Dubai-based telecommunications operator du is gearing up to introduce “affordable and accessible” cloud and artificial intelligence services in the UAE by the first half of 2025. Initially targeting government agencies, du aims to provide cost-effective solutions that will reduce the expenses linked with data transfer outside the region, according to the company’s CEO, Fahad Al Hassawi.
This strategic move places du in direct competition with global tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google within the UAE market. Al Hassawi highlighted the significance of this development, noting that it marks the beginning of an era of more affordable, faster, and secure services in the Emirates. Most cloud services currently used in the UAE are provided by US-based companies, and du’s entry is expected to boost confidence and adoption rates locally.
In partnership with Oracle, announced earlier in July, du plans to leverage its new cloud capabilities to support the digital transformation of government operations initially, with plans to expand these services more broadly over time. The company’s approach includes offering tailored multi-cloud solutions, ensuring that businesses pay only for the services they need, thus optimizing their IT spending.
Du’s commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and supporting the UAE’s digital sovereignty is evident as it plans to run these services from its own data centers within the country. This initiative is part of du’s broader vision to evolve from a traditional telecom provider to a comprehensive ICT solutions firm, aligning with the UAE’s ambitious digital transformation goals.
