Page 30 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology Partners with e& to Empower
ICV-Certified SMEs

UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced empowering companies and enhancing this collaboration, we aim to empower them
Technology (MoIAT) has signed a their competitiveness by channeling with cutting-edge digital solutions that
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) procurement spending into the national unlock new growth opportunities, enhance
with e& in UAE to strengthen support for economy. By the end of 2024, cumulative competitiveness, and support long-term
ICV-certified small and medium-sized local expenditure through the National ICV success. As a key enabler of the program,
enterprises (SMEs) under the National Program reached AED 347 billion. SMEs this partnership will help incentivize
In-Country Value (ICV) Program, an are central to this growth, and the number companies to obtain certification. It
initiative launched by MoIAT as part of of ICV Program strategic partners has now also exemplifies how public-private
the UAE’s Projects of the 50. Under the reached 35 federal and local government collaboration can create a meaningful
agreement, e& UAE will extend a suite entities and national companies." Esam impact by driving industrial development
of exclusive incentives to more than Mahmoud, Senior Vice President SMB and building local capabilities.” This
7,000 ICV-certified SMEs registered with Sales & Marketing, e& UAE, said: “We are agreement further reinforces e& UAE’s role
MoIAT. These tailored packages include proud to support the Ministry of Industry as a digital enabler for businesses across
preferential rates on internet services, and Advanced Technology in advancing sectors, committed to advancing national
mobile plans, digital payment solutions, the National ICV Program. SMEs are the priorities through impactful collaborations
and Microsoft productivity tools. The aim backbone of the UAE economy, and through and future-focused solutions.
is to accelerate digital transformation
and enhance operational efficiency
among local enterprises. This strategic
partnership reflects a shared commitment
to supporting local industrial growth,
economic resilience, and technological
advancement. Her Excellency Salama Al
Awadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for the
Industrial Development Sector at MoIAT,
said: “The ministry continues to work with
strategic partners to enhance the growth
and competitiveness of the country's
industrial sector. The National ICV
Program is a pillar of the National Strategy
for Industry and Advanced Technology,
alongside the Technology Transformation
Program and the Make it in the Emirates
initiative.” She added: "The program has
delivered tangible economic benefits,

e& Taps Ericsson for 5G Radio Upgrade

Ericsson has signed a three-year deal in the region, including RedCap and Critical Ericsson Gulf at Ericsson Europe, Middle
with e& UAE to upgrade the operator’s 5G Internet of Things. Marwan Bin Shakar, East and Africa, added: “Our partnership
network, marking the first commercial Acting Chief Technology and Information with e& reflects our shared focus on
deployment of the vendor’s RedCap Officer at e& UAE, said: “Our agreement delivering 5G capabilities across the
solution in the Middle East and Africa. In with Ericsson reflects a shared vision for region. This agreement will support e& UAE
a statement, Ericsson said it would supply digital transformation and reinforces our in expanding and modernizing its radio
RAN equipment to extend e&’s coverage commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge access network with the latest Ericsson
and support the launch of 5G Advanced. 5G network that delivers premium services Radio System products and solutions. By
The operator will also work to modernize to both consumers and enterprises. By enabling increased capacity, improved
its network to improve energy efficiency. leveraging Ericsson’s latest technology, energy efficiency, and introducing Ericsson
e& is preparing its network for advanced we are ensuring that our network remains 5G Advanced, we are reinforcing their ability
5G use cases such as AI-driven RAN future-ready, supports innovative 5G to deliver high-performance connectivity
automation and advanced RAN slicing. The Advanced services, and aligns with our and meet evolving customer demands.”
agreement will accelerate the commercial Net Zero pledge through improved energy
rollout of Ericsson’s 5G Advanced features efficiency.” Petra Schirren, President of

30 JUNE-JULY 2025