du and Huawei Launch SME Playbook to Accelerate Digital Transformation Across the UAE
du, the UAE's telecom and digital services provider, has partnered with Huawei UAE to launch a new digital transformation guide aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) maximize the value of their existing technology and drive sustainable business growth.
Titled "From Set Up to Set for Growth," the playbook is designed to provide practical, outcome-driven strategies that help SMEs improve operational efficiency, strengthen customer engagement and adopt digital technologies with greater confidence.
Guide Backed by Nationwide SME Research
The playbook is based on one of the UAE's most comprehensive studies on SME digital transformation, involving 648 face-to-face interviews conducted between January and March 2026.
The research covered businesses across all seven emirates and five major industry sectors, offering insights into the current state of digital adoption and the challenges companies face as they modernize their operations.
The guide focuses on five key areas:
- Enhancing customer engagement
- Improving productivity
- Strengthening cash flow management
- Building operational resilience
- Adopting artificial intelligence (AI)
Digital Adoption High, But Maturity Remains Low
According to the research, while digital tools are widely used among UAE SMEs, overall digital maturity remains relatively low.
The findings revealed that:
- 81% of SMEs use laptops and desktop computers
- 77% rely on point-of-sale (POS) systems
- 63% use productivity and collaboration tools
- Only 8% have reached an advanced level of digital maturity
Businesses also identified several obstacles slowing digital transformation, including:
- 47% cited setup costs
- 45% pointed to skills shortages
- 37% highlighted subscription costs
- 31% identified system integration challenges
Helping Businesses Maximize Existing Technology
Rather than encouraging companies to invest in additional technology, the playbook focuses on helping SMEs make better use of the digital tools they already have.
It provides practical recommendations on improving online visibility, centralizing customer and operational data, streamlining business processes, enhancing payment experiences, strengthening cybersecurity and introducing low-risk AI applications that improve productivity without adding unnecessary complexity.
The guide also emphasizes that partnering with experienced technology providers can help businesses implement digital upgrades with fewer disruptions and greater confidence.
Supporting Business Growth
Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said many SMEs already have access to digital technologies but require practical guidance to unlock their full potential.
He said the playbook offers an outcome-focused roadmap covering customer engagement, cash flow, operational resilience and AI adoption, reinforcing du's commitment to supporting businesses beyond connectivity through tailored digital solutions and expert guidance.
Huawei Highlights Integrated Digital Solutions
Felix Liu, Managing Director of Huawei Gulf Carrier Business, said Huawei is supporting du by providing a broad portfolio of digital infrastructure, including 5G, optical networks, IP networking, cloud services, storage solutions, and IdeaHub collaboration technology.
He said the collaboration enables du to offer SMEs integrated digital services such as reliable connectivity, cloud hosting and intelligent workplace collaboration tools that support long-term business growth.
Encouraging Practical AI Adoption
The research also highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence among SMEs.
Currently, only 15% of surveyed businesses use AI and analytics platforms. The playbook recommends that organizations begin with simple AI applications such as drafting business communications, summarizing information and supporting customer interactions before expanding to more advanced use cases.
Strengthening the UAE's SME Ecosystem
The launch of the playbook reinforces du's strategy of helping SMEs and startups simplify digital transformation through practical guidance and integrated solutions across connectivity, cloud computing, cybersecurity and AI.
By combining research-driven insights with actionable recommendations, the initiative aims to help UAE businesses improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and accelerate long-term digital growth.
