In line with its promise to further optimize Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and collaborative work on ecosystems to facilitate the Middle Easts digital transformation, Huawei has declared that Omar Akar will join the leadership team of the Middle East section of its new Cloud and AI Business Group, in the role of Regional Vice President and Managing Director.

With extensive experience in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector within the region, Akar will drive the extension and development of the Cloud and AI Business Group, while adding to the Middle Easts continued digitization actions and AI computing power.

Earlier this year, Huawei launched its new Cloud and AI Business Group in the Middle East Region to concentrate specifically on the most in-demand technologies in todays more connected world. The Business Group adds Huaweis position as a partner of choice in enabling enterprises digital conversion courses, by giving focused products which facilitate cost reduction and increased business efficiency via modern infrastructure solutions. The BU portfolio also offers a next-generation multi-cloud strategy to improve agility via the automation of service delivery. Huawei is also developing a team of local authorities to deliver industry-specific AI solutions that will accelerate digital transformation across various industries in the Middle East region.

Akar brings more than 16 years of expertise to his new role, having served with clients around the region completely his career. His areas of expertise include multi-cloud, new infrastructure, data protection, modern applications, and market intelligence.

Speaking on the appointment, Li Shi, President of Huawei Cloud and AI Business Group in the Middle East, said: With Omars extensive experience, the Huawei Cloud and AI Business Group will improve its optimization method to empower Middle East enterprises in becoming more flexible and automate the delivery of next-generation services. Omars expertise makes him well-positioned to implement our goals while enabling Huawei partners to realize their digital transformation goals.

It is an honour to be part of the leadership team of Huaweis newest business group, said Akar. This is an exciting opportunity to present to the Middle Easts ongoing digitization efforts. By combining Huawei cloud and AI solutions with 5G and next-gen connectivity solutions, we can realize a better-connected world, in which we can deliver complete digital transformation industry use cases. The adoption of Huaweis global programs throughout the region will contribute towards increased ICT competitiveness while supporting communities by developing local ICT talents all of which will give towards a more digitally-enabled society.

Computing power is a foundation of todays digital economy. Data is the core asset, and cloud and AI are the tools of productivity. Building stronger computing power in the Middle East will therefore demand that the ICT industry deliver ubiquitous cloud and pervasive intelligence in the years ahead, Akar added.

According to recent research by Gartner, the global computing market is projected to be worth more than US$2 trillion by 2023. Huawei estimates that in the coming five years, AI computing alone will account for more than 80% of computing power used around the world.