News
Microsoft announces new head for Middle East Africa
Microsoft today announced the appointment of Samer Abu Ltaif as the president of its Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
Abu Ltaif, who joined Microsoft in 2004, has held many senior roles within the organisation including regional director for enterprise and partner group across MEA. Most recently, he was the Regional General Manager of Microsoft Gulf. During his tenure, he led landmark Microsoft initiatives aimed at empowering governments and citizens through innovation, revolutionizing education, stimulating SME growth and entrepreneurship; all to enhance the region’s global competitiveness and modernization. Abu Ltaif played a key role in growing Microsoft’s presence in the Gulf and developing the company’s ecosystem of over 1,400 channel partners.
His vision for Microsoft in MEA is to contribute to the economic and social development of the region. “MEA has tremendous potential. The rich diversity across the region, combined with the fast-growing youth population and innovative spirit, opens up enormous opportunity,” says Abu Ltaif. “As Microsoft, we have an important role to play, not only through the innovative technology that we bring to market, but also through our presence across the region, our focus on developing local talent, and our deep commitment to the communities in which we operate”.
A key part of Abu Ltaif’s role will be to drive the digital transformation agenda of the region across governments, enterprises, developers and small and medium businesses. His leadership will be instrumental in progressing Microsoft’s commitment to empower people, transform businesses, impact societies and fuel a knowledge economy in MEA.
Abu Ltaif will continue to be based in Dubai, which serves as one of the major hubs for Microsoft in the region.
He takes over the reins from Microsoft Corporate Vice President,
Ali Faramawy, who has headed the region for thirteen years. Faramawy, in turn, takes on a newly announced global role as the head of the Emerging Markets Digital Transformation Organization which has been established within Microsoft.
The new organization will focus primarily on building the capability in emerging markets to drive the adoption of cloud technologies and contribute to sustainable growth. Innovation, agility, strategic partnerships, modern business models and building cloud skills for Microsoft partners, will be the core focus of this team.
Hospitality
UAE’s Mulk International and India’s Ajeenkya DY Patil Group forge a landmark Dh100m partnership to launch the region’s first large-scale virtual hospital
In a landmark collaboration, Mulk International from the UAE and India’s Ajeenkya DY Patil Group have acquired stakes in Mulk Med Healthcare to become equal shareholders and launch what will be the region’s first large-scale virtual hospital of its kind with more than 20,000 doctors on board. Both groups have further pledged an investment to the tune of AED 100 million to revolutionise healthcare in the MENA and Asia-Pacific regions. This strategic partnership is set to redefine healthcare delivery by leveraging virtual solutions to enhance access and provide comprehensive services to millions.
Dr. Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk, Founder & President of Mulk Med Healthcare, emphasized the transformative vision of this collaboration: “Our partnership and shared vision with the DY Patil Group is a major landmark agreement which signifies a shared dedication to rapidly evolving innovation and inclusivity in healthcare.”
The new Initiative introduces Mulk Med Virtual Hospitals ecosystem across the globe, one that has already been implemented in countries like Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea and is in advanced stages of implementation in other territories. The comprehensive healthcare platform is also aided by Mulk Med App and video conferencing system available in 170+ countries currently, offering multiple essential services including 24/7 telehealth with doorstep free delivery of discounted medicines, also facilitating lifesaving smart ambulances, mobile clinics, and round-the-clock home care.
Transforming Healthcare Delivery in the region
According to Dr. Ul Mulk, these innovations are designed to improve healthcare accessibility, providing unmatched convenience for both urban and remote patients. Patients will benefit from virtual 24/7 consultations from over 20,000 doctors on board globally along with more than 500 pharmacies and service providers. Additionally, non-insured patients and UAE visitors can avail huge discounts on laboratory, radiology, hospital admissions and surgeries besides doorstep medicines, wellness, and aesthetics using the newly launched Mulk Medicare Privilege Health Card for the most affordable services that also give users access to longevity & precision medicine centres and genomics labs.
Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Mulk International said: “Our global investments underscore Mulk Group’s long-standing commitment to driving impactful societal change. We are dedicated to fostering partnerships with local communities and governments to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.”
The initiative is also set to redefine emergency response with lifesaving smart ambulances and will extend services to underserved communities through mobile clinics. For travellers, both in & out bound comprehensive tourist healthcare insurance will provide peace of mind with robust medical coverage, while cutting-edge ICU Pods, Mulk Vital signs devices and kiosks with advanced AI enhanced technology incorporated to continuously monitor patients with chronic diseases will optimise recovery, and enhance hospital efficiency.
Dr. Ajeenkya Patil, Chairman of DY Patil Group, highlighted the initiative’s significance: “We intent to facilitate medical tourism strong demand in India from Africa & other regions in our newly build world class Hospitals care in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Together, we aim to deliver a transformative, patient-centric healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and quality.”
“Innovation is key to solving the world’s healthcare challenges and Mulk Med Healthcare is rightly poised to embark on the global expansion to bring affordability and top notch equitable healthcare facilities to one and all. Mulk Medicare comprehensive hybrid model of digital and onsite healthcare innovative solutions not only address immediate medical needs but also lay the foundation for a sustainable, scalable future in healthcare,” added Dr. Shafi Ul Mulk.
Financial
Fujairah Digital Government and Torry Harris Business Solutions sign MoU to support digital transformation initiatives
Torry Harris Business Solutions Private Limited (THBS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fujairah Digital Government to accelerate the Emirate’s digital transformation efforts. This agreement underscores the collaboration in digital transformation in Fujairah, leveraging the latest technologies and innovations in alignment with the emirate’s vision to enhance government services and better serve its citizens.
The MoU was officially signed by Sheikh Engineer Mohammed bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Director General of Fujairah Digital Government, and Shivdayal Charan, Director and Legal Representative of Torry Harris Business Solutions, in a move to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in digital governance and best practices, aligning with the UAE’s vision to become a global leader in delivering digital government services.
Rabih Nasr, Vice President of Torry Harris Business Solutions in the Middle East, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We are honored to work alongside Fujairah Digital Government to achieve their strategic goals of enhancing digital services and citizen engagement. This MoU reflects our long-standing commitment to the UAE, where we have been operating since 2002, and demonstrates our shared vision of empowering government entities to better serve their citizens through integrated and seamless digital platforms.”
News
UAE National Day: Women Choice applauds UAE’s diversity, leadership efforts
As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prepares to celebrate its 53rd National Day, Women Choice proudly reaffirms its dedication to championing diversity, equality, and leadership across all sectors. In recognition of the UAE’s remarkable progress toward gender parity and inclusivity, Women Choice celebrates the pivotal role of women leaders in building a brighter, more equitable future.
With a strong presence in the region, Women Choice has hosted and participated in over 100 events across seven countries, half of which took place in the UAE. This milestone underscores the organization’s impactful efforts in promoting diversity and leadership, reflecting its alignment with the UAE’s vision of empowering women.
The UAE’s dedication to empowering women is evident, with women constituting 66% of public sector workers and 50% of the UAE Federal National Council (FNC) members being women – one of the highest representations globally. Women Choice echoes this spirit, advocating for inclusive leadership and equal opportunities in workplaces, education, and entrepreneurship.
Nezha Alaoui, Founder and CEO of Women Choice, reflects on the UAE’s achievements:
“As we celebrate the UAE’s National Day, we also honor its remarkable progress in diversity and equality. Women Choice stands aligned with this vision, empowering women to lead, innovate, and inspire. True leadership flourishes when opportunities are inclusive and diverse perspectives are embraced.”
Women Choice’s initiatives are grounded in actionable steps to drive change, including leadership training programs, mentoring opportunities, and advocacy campaigns. Ahead of National Day, Women Choice calls on organizations and individuals to strengthen their commitment to building a more inclusive society.
- The UAE ranked 1st in the Arab world for gender equality (World Economic Forum, 2023).
- Women contribute to 23.5% of the UAE’s GDP, a testament to their economic leadership.
- Female participation in STEM fields has risen to 37%, demonstrating progress in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Through its global platform, Women Choice continues to spotlight stories of women leaders and changemakers, inspiring the next generation to break barriers and contribute to a more inclusive future.
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