SAS’s Vision for AI Adoption in the Middle East at GITEX 2024

Exclusive Interview with Michel Ghorayeb – Managing Director at SAS UAE

1. How is SAS positioning itself as a leader in responsible AI at GITEX 2024?

This year we are showcasing the ways in which we are empowering organizations to navigate AI adoption responsibly. Our solutions focus on AI governance, transparency, and bias reduction, all of which ensure that organizations can innovate with trust. Visitors to our booth are seeing demonstrations of our AI Governance tools, Model Cards, and Trustworthy AI Lifecycle workflow—all designed to help businesses implement AI in a responsible and sustainable way. We’re committed to ensuring AI is a force for good that aligns with regional regulatory requirements and business ethics.

2. What are the key innovations SAS is bringing to GITEX 2024 that can drive digital transformation in the Middle East?

SAS is highlighting innovations such as the Viya Workbench, which provides a flexible, scalable development environment with minimal IT intervention. We’re also showcasing our expanded Generative AI (GenAI) capabilities through SAS Data Maker, which is a synthetic data generator, and a GenAI assistant tailored for industry-specific applications. Our innovations will be demonstrated through real-world use cases that are particularly relevant to sectors like healthcare, banking, and energy— all key areas for growth in the Middle East. Our goal is to drive AI adoption while making it easier for organizations to manage the entire AI lifecycle.

3. How is SAS supporting the growth of AI talent and innovation in the Middle East?

SAS is deeply committed to nurturing AI talent. We have strategic collaborations with universities across the region, offering specialized training programs to develop the next generation of data scientists and AI professionals. Our efforts extend beyond education—we are helping organizations build in-house AI expertise by providing tools and platforms like SAS Viya, accelerating AI lifecycle tasks. Our collaborations are developed in line with regional strategic goals, and we are focusing our efforts in helping to create a skilled workforce capable of leading AI-driven innovation.

4. What role do partnerships play in SAS’s strategy for driving AI adoption in the Middle East?

Our partner network is central to SAS’s success in the Middle East. At GITEX 2024, we are collaborating with a host of leading partners like AlphaData, Data Science, TRA, BlackStone, and Emircom to showcase AI-driven solutions across various industries. These partnerships enable us to expand our reach and deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of different sectors. For example, we are working with Woodpecker on intelligent planning and demand forecasting, and with Sutra to explore GenAI applications in banking. By building upon the strengths of our partners, we can accelerate AI adoption and innovation across the region.

5. What can visitors expect to experience at SAS’s GITEX 2024 booth in terms of AI-driven use cases?

Visitors to our booth will have the opportunity to explore a range of AI-driven use cases, from healthcare and banking to transportation and energy. We’ll be demonstrating how AI can address key challenges, improve operational efficiency, and drive better decision-making. Our AI solutions focus on real-world problems—such as using AI for flood management and operational resilience—while maintaining a strong emphasis on responsible innovation. With our GenAI tools and Viya Workbench on display, attendees can see first-hand how SAS is helping organizations dive into the transformative potential of AI.