ADDED, SAP sign MoU to accelerate digital transformation in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SAP to accelerate digital transformation.

Both parties will explore collaboration opportunities to enhance industry innovation and digital transformation, develop advanced business models and foster local digital competencies, primarily through supporting startups and small business enterprises (SMEs), official news agency WAM reported.

In terms of the MoU, ADDED intends to leverage SAP’s UAE cloud offering while enabling the latter to accelerate regional expansion as an authorised cloud services provider. Both entities also aim to co-work to develop emerging talent by training UAE nationals through in-country, global and virtual programmes on technology, business, and behavioural skills. They also intent to support potential employees through a new SAP-designed platform that will bridge the gap between supply and demand for full-time and freelance opportunities.

The support extended to SMEs and startups as part of the MoU will be delivered through ‘SAP.io’ and ‘Grow by SAP’ initiatives. In addition, both parties are exploring the feasibility of establishing a regional innovation centre in Abu Dhabi to support public and private sector entities and services.

ADDED and SAP have also stated their intention to explore and launch Industry 4.0 initiatives within Abu Dhabi, where the latter aims to create a Point of View (POV) document to propose mutually beneficial strategic initiatives. The document will focus on the main pillars of the Abu Dhabi’s strategy, including healthcare, education, economy, defense, security, and government efficiency, a statement said.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of ADDED, said, “This is a large-scale partnership covering various sectors and fields we focus on, and it will see ADDED and SAP bringing together the best they can offer. Abu Dhabi has nurtured a supportive ecosystem that presents growth opportunities to all; we believe this collaboration will help us in accelerating success journey and achieving our objectives.

“Innovation and talent development are among our top priorities as we are focusing on knowledge and innovation-based economic sectors. We believe that training and upskilling our talents will support in finding innovative solutions to current and future challenges. To this end, our collaboration with SAP is focusing on training UAE youth to equip them with soft and hard skills that are necessary for future.”

Sergio Maccotta, senior vice president, Middle East South, SAP, added: “Our partnership with ADDED is a key enabler of SAP’s wider support for Abu Dhabi’s public sector and economy. By being an authorised provider, we aim to equip Abu Dhabi entities with the integrated strategy, solutions, and services to accelerate their digitalisation through the cloud, innovation, and wider adoption of Industry 4.0.”

Saudi’s Alpha Pharma also recently inked a partnership with SAP to enable its digital transformation as part of a wider business strategy.

Read: Saudi’s Alpha Pharma and SAP sign deal for digital transformation partnership

Earlier this year, SAP appointed Emmanuel Raptopoulos as the new president of its EMEA South region. This comprises Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Read: SAP names Emmanuel Raptopoulos regional president of EMEA South