Dubai played host to the third edition of Envision 2025, du Tech’s flagship technology forum, spotlighting artificial intelligence, robotics, cloud, and advanced computing as catalysts of the UAE’s digital transformation. Themed “AI progress begins when leaders and technology align,” the event convened policymakers, global tech executives, and innovators to map the nation’s AI-powered future.
Opening the forum, du CEO Fahad Al Hassawi emphasized Dubai’s position among the world’s top five cities for AI adoption, surpassing even San Francisco. “Technology without leadership is merely code, and leadership without technology is just ambition. But when they come together — that’s when magic happens,” he said. He stressed AI’s projected $320 billion contribution to the UAE’s GDP by 2030, describing it as both a national opportunity and a legacy for future generations.
The event showcased five core technology pillars underpinning du’s vision:
- Generative AI applications
- Sovereign cloud infrastructure
- Advanced robotics for Industry 4.0
- GPU-as-a-Service and Mining-as-a-Service for high-performance computing
- National hyperscaler cloud solutions
These technologies were positioned as practical enablers for healthcare, education, manufacturing, smart cities, and utilities. Industry leaders including Randi Zuckerberg, Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, Huawei, Dell, Fortinet, Nokia, and Equinix contributed insights on partnerships driving innovation.
du’s Chief ICT Officer Jasim Al Awadi described the initiative as a catalyst for building smarter, more sustainable communities in line with UAE leadership’s vision. Al Hassawi closed by calling participants “ambassadors for change,” reminding them of the UAE’s tradition of transformation — from turning sand into cities to now shaping the digital age with algorithms and intelligence.
The forum reinforced du’s role as more than a telecom operator, positioning the company as a key digital enabler in advancing the UAE’s AI-driven economy.
