Experts: The digital infrastructure in the UAE has contributed to the empowerment and success of startups
Sharjah, 1st February, 2017 (WAM) – Experts in the field of technology stressed that building technology companies capable of expanding regionally and globally requires a deep understanding of the differences in digital and cultural environments and investing in people and data before tools, stressing that 80% of the success of artificial intelligence applications is related to business culture and changing work methods, and not to technology alone.
This came during a dialogue session within the activities of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026, which hosted Hamad Al Khayal Al Harthy, Vice President of Information Technology Solutions at Emirates Petroleum Company, and Kevin Gaft, co-founder of Disrupt.com.
Experts pointed out that the UAE, which was ahead of many global markets in developing its regulatory frameworks, provided a flexible and integrated environment that enabled emerging companies to launch advanced business models over the past years and work across markets extending to more than four continents, benefiting from a strong digital infrastructure and legislation formulated in cooperation with the business sector.
Hamad Al-Khayal explained that one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs when expanding globally is the incorrect assumption that all markets have the same level of maturity and digital infrastructure, noting that many entrepreneurs start from advanced environments that rely on integrated digital platforms, as if they are working on a digital highway, and then later discover that many markets suffer from weak infrastructure or limited digital coverage.
Regarding concerns related to the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, Al-Harithi stressed that its goal is not to replace humans, but rather to empower them and raise the value of their roles by automating repetitive, low-value tasks and directing human competencies towards roles that require high human skills, such as communication and building relationships.
He stressed that artificial intelligence goes beyond being a purely technical project to be primarily a business project, explaining that 80% of its success is related to changing mentalities and work methods within institutions, which must be led by management and business sectors, while the role of information technology is limited to technical empowerment.
For his part, Akiv Gaft emphasized that startup companies, despite their lack of the huge resources possessed by large institutions, possess two decisive advantages: culture and speed, explaining that institutional culture has become in the age of artificial intelligence the main advantage capable of protecting companies from competition, especially with easy access to technology.
He explained that “Disrupt.com” succeeded in building four international companies launched from the region whose revenues exceeded $100 million, and achieved two exits, one of which was in favor of a listed American company, stressing that the UAE today represents the new dream of building international companies from day one, due to the capital and talent it provides, a strategic timing location, and an ambitious culture.
He stressed that the UAE has become a global model in partnership between the government and the business sector to formulate policies, which enhances the ability to anticipate the future and create opportunities.
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