As the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, collecting and utilizing data has become more important than ever before. Data is helping policymakers and businesses make key decisions related to reopening, while mitigating supply chain disruptions and contributing to important research. In a Business Council webinar today, leading executives from the tech industry provided insight on the many applications of big data, cloud technology, and artificial intelligence in the pandemic era. A full video can be found here.

Clockwise from Top Left: Leila Serhan, Head of Public Sector for Microsoft U.A.E.; Ahmad Alkhallafi, Managing Director of the U.A.E. for HPE; Bashar Kilani, Territory Executive-Middle East at IBM; Selim Edde, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations at Google, MENA; Danny Sebright, President at the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council; and Mohammed Al-Jallad, CTO and Director for Middle East and Africa at HPE.

The Business Council’s President, Danny Sebright, kicked off the webinar by introducing the keynote speaker, Ahmad Alkhallafi, Managing Director of the U.A.E. for HPE. Mr. Alkhallafi, a leading Emirati executive, discussed the U.A.E.’s collaboration with tech companies like HPE to optimize the use of big data through edge-to-platform strategies. Elaborating on best practices for data management, Mr. Alkhallafi provided insight into the ways in which governments and public sector entities can most effectively tap into the power of big data.

Conversation continued with a panel discussion featuring distinguished technology executives Selim Edde, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations at Google, MENA; Mohammed Al-Jallad, CTO and Director for Middle East and Africa at HPE; Bashar Kilani, Territory Executive-Middle East at IBM; and Leila Serhan, Head of Public Sector for Microsoft U.A.E.

In a question and answer-style session, panelists discussed the ways in which the pandemic is introducing new applications of big data, how companies are making use of centralized data, and how this data can be monetized. Conversation also focused on the uses and risks associated with artificial intelligence, and the future of cloud technology. Panelists touched on data privacy issues as well. The panel concluded with discussion of the advantages of doing business in the U.A.E. for major technology companies.

This webinar came as part of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s Back to Business Webinar Series.