Zain Group, a leading provider of ICT and digital lifestyle services across the Middle East and Africa, recently concluded a dynamic three-day ‘Data and AI’ workshop in Amman, Jordan. Organized by Zain Group Technology’s Data Office team in collaboration with Cloudera and ZainTECH, Zain’s digital enterprise arm, the workshop focused on harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive digital transformation and enhance customer experiences.
As a central part of Zain’s Group Technology department, the Data Office team has positioned itself as a leader in AI and digital innovation, embedding world-class data governance and analytics into Zain’s operations. The workshop offered a unique opportunity for Zain’s data-focused teams across the organization to collaborate, discuss, and elevate digital data and AI strategies, aligning with the growing importance of these technologies across industries globally.
The primary aim of the workshop was to accelerate the adoption of AI and data analytics in line with Zain’s ‘4WARD-Progress with Purpose’ strategy, with a special focus on the ‘Customer Delight’ and ‘Digital Zain’ pillars. Participants engaged with industry experts and thought leaders, gaining valuable insights into current AI trends and best practices. These discussions are expected to enhance innovation and improve customer experiences by leveraging AI and emerging technologies to expand Zain’s digital infrastructure.
Mohammad Al-Marshed, Chief Technology Officer at Zain Group, emphasized AI’s ability to process massive data sets quickly and accurately, transforming industries and improving decision-making. He highlighted that the forum gave Zain’s teams the opportunity to explore AI’s potential across industries and to develop strategies with Cloudera and ZainTECH on how to deploy and monetize AI effectively.
The workshop’s first day was dedicated to theoretical and strategic insights, featuring keynotes, industry trends, and overviews of Cloudera’s advanced AI tools. The second day saw participants engage in a Datathon exercise, working in breakout groups to develop real-world use cases. On the final day, teams presented their solutions to a judging panel, reinforcing the focus on practical application and cross-regional collaboration.
The winning Datathon team successfully completed their project, from brainstorming a business use case to deploying it, all within 48 hours using Cloudera Agent Studio. The event also provided Zain’s Strategy executives the platform to present the group’s Data and AI strategy, an integral part of the company’s ‘4WARD-Progress with Purpose’ vision.
Cloudera, a leader in hybrid data, analytics, and AI platforms, plays a critical role in Zain’s operations, providing the foundation for managing vast amounts of data. The company’s platform enables global enterprises to transform all types of data into valuable insights while ensuring privacy and responsible AI deployment.
AI has already proven valuable within Zain, optimizing network performance, personalizing customer experiences, and predicting equipment failures, which has led to improved service quality, reduced downtime, and cost savings. Through its partnership with Cloudera, Zain has successfully eliminated data silos, fostering a culture of data-driven innovation and efficiency across the company.
By standardizing a Data Management framework and implementing data literacy initiatives, Zain’s Data Office team is driving business efficiency and customer-centric services, advancing Zain’s position as a leader in the digital telecommunications space.
