Zain Group's Data Office holds workshop on AI strategies across mobile and ICT industry
Workshop helps accelerate Zain's '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' strategy
AMMAN: Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative ICT and digital lifestyle services operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, concluded a captivating 'Data and AI' three-day workshop, organized by Zain Group Technology's Data Office team in partnership with Cloudera and ZainTECH, Zain's digital enterprise arm, held last week in Amman, Jordan.
A key element of Zain's Group Technology department, the Data Office team has firmly established itself as an AI and Digital Innovation leader by embedding world-class data governance practices and analytics to the heart of Zain's business across the organization.
The Forum represented a unique opportunity for Zain's data-focused talent group-wide to collaboratively discuss and elevate innovation and deployment issues related to digital data and AI capabilities, given the growing importance of these technological advancements across all industries, globally. The intention of the workshop was to accelerate the adoption of data and AI in accordance with Zain's '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' strategy, with a particular emphasis on the 'Customer Delight' and 'Digital Zain' pillars.
Participants interacted with industry experts and thought leaders, gaining valuable insights into current trends and best practices in data and AI implementation that enhance innovation and improve customer experiences throughout Zain's digital ecosystem. This is set to be achieved through the further development of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, and building out digital infrastructure further.
The Datathon winning team.
Mohammad Al-Marshed, Zain Group Chief Technology Officer commented, 'AI's ability to rapidly and accurately analyze massive amounts of data has resulted as the latest driving force in many industries, transforming and increasing efficiency on how tasks are undertaken, and decisions are made. This Forum provided our Data Office focused teams at Group and operations the opportunity to understand the true potential of AI across industries and jointly devise strategies with Cloudera and ZainTECH on how to best deploy and monetize it. Zain is serious on driving innovation, improving customer experience and helping business users make the right decisions.'
The first day of the Forum focused on theoretical and strategic insights, featuring keynotes, industry trends, and platform overviews, notably learnings of Cloudera's latest advanced AI tools and models. The second day involved hands-on collaboration Datathon exercise, with teams working in breakout groups to develop real-world use cases. The third day was dedicated to showcasing outcomes, as teams presented their solutions to industrial challenges to a judging panel, reinforcing the forum's emphasis on practical application, innovation, and cross-regional synergy.
The winning team of the Datathon completed the entire process, from brainstorming a business use case to demonstrating its value and deploying it, incredibly under 48 hours, all while utilizing Cloudera Agent Studio. The occasion also saw Zain Group Strategy executives present the groupwide Data and AI strategy to attendees which forms a key pillar of the company's '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' strategy.
Cloudera is the only truly hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI, and is deployed across all Zain's operations. With 100x more data under management than other cloud-only vendors, Cloudera empowers global enterprises to transform data of all types, on any public or private cloud, into valuable, trusted insights. The company's open data lakehouse delivers scalable and secure data management with portable cloud-native analytics, enabling customers to bring GenAI models to their data while maintaining privacy and ensuring responsible, reliable AI deployments.
Within Zain, AI is being used to optimize network performance, personalize customer experiences, and predict equipment failures before they occur, among other things. This has led to higher service quality, less downtime, and overall cost savings for Zain, contributing to business growth and enhancing competitiveness in an ever-changing market.
Through its strategic partnership with Cloudera, Zain's Data Office in collaboration with ZainTECH, has been able to eliminate data silos and is taking a holistic approach to analysis across the organization. By standardizing a Data Management framework, facilitating data literacy initiatives, and enforcing data stewardship, Zain's Data Office team fosters a data culture throughout the company that effectively drives innovation, business efficiency and utilization of customer-centric services across Zain.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Zain drives digital innovation to power the future of Kuwait's energy sector
Company joined roundtable hosted by KDIPA and The Business Year KUWAIT: Zain participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the global media group The Business Year, in collaboration with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). The event brought together senior leaders from the energy and finance sectors, representatives of global corporations, and international partners to explore the future of digital and sustainable energy in Kuwait. The session featured the participation of KDIPA Director General Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and Zain Kuwait's Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Hamad Al-Marzouq, who highlighted Zain's role as a strategic partner in advancing the digital transformation of Kuwait's vital sectors, particularly the energy sector. During the session, Al-Marzouq stated: 'At Zain, we believe that the future of Kuwait's energy sector is rooted in digital innovation, and that our role as a strategic partner goes beyond providing technical solutions. It is about building genuine partnerships that help enhance operational efficiency and deliver long-term sustainability.' Al-Marzouq highlighted Zain's role in digitally empowering the energy sector. He added: 'By leveraging our advanced network and expertise in artificial intelligence and data analytics, we work closely with leading national energy companies to accelerate digital transformation across various environments, including refineries and large-scale industrial facilities, with a focus on improving safety, enhancing efficiency and supporting environmental objectives.' Al-Marzouq concluded: 'We remain fully committed to supporting the New Kuwait 2035 Vision by empowering vital sectors with advanced technologies and strengthening collaboration across public and private sectors. We are proud to play a role in building a sustainable digital economy that aligns with the nation's aspirations and reinforces Kuwait's position as a regional hub for energy and innovation.' The roundtable, titled Empowering Energy Transformation, focused on the pivotal role of the energy sector in supporting Kuwait's vision to become a thriving regional business hub, with a strong focus on attracting investment. The session also explored the importance of local and international partnerships, recent discoveries, and emerging technological advancements in shaping the future of the sector, and the role of the oil and gas industry in driving the transition toward a low-carbon economy that supports Kuwait's national sustainability goals. Zain continues its long-standing partnership with The Business Year, based in London, to support the hosting of such valuable gatherings, as the company strongly believes in the vital role these platforms play in fostering dialogue, exchanging ideas and enabling innovation across various market sectors. Zain also commends the significant efforts of KDIPA in improving Kuwait's business environment, driving economic diversification, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning Kuwait as an attractive global financial and investment hub. The company reaffirms its commitment to supporting these efforts as a proud representative of the Kuwaiti private sector in contributing to the nation's New Kuwait aspirations. Hamad Al-Marzouq: 'We continue to empower the nation's vital sectors through technology to help build a sustainable digital economy.'
Arab Times
16-06-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait highlights quality and innovation at Arab Government Excellence Award workshop
KUWAIT CITY, June 16: Kuwait reaffirmed its strong commitment to promoting excellence in government performance and enhancing public service efficiency during the opening of the introductory workshop for the fourth edition of the Arab Government Excellence Award, held Monday. Speaking to KUNA, Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative Development at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Mohammad Al-Ahmad emphasized Kuwait's dedication to adopting excellence as a key tool for institutional development, improving service delivery, and embedding quality standards across government agencies. The workshop marked the launch of the latest edition of the Arab Government Excellence Award — a collaborative initiative between the Arab League and the United Arab Emirates government — held under the patronage of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. 'The award is designed to inspire excellence and leadership in government work across the Arab world by recognizing outstanding institutional and individual achievements,' said Al-Ahmad. 'Kuwait, through its participation, aims to make significant strides in institutional performance, which will enhance the quality of services provided to citizens and support institutions in addressing future challenges.' Also speaking at the event, Advisor to the Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Program, Fahad Al-Suwaidi, noted that the award is open to all Arab countries. He highlighted its mission to foster a culture of institutional excellence, promote visionary leadership, and encourage the adoption of excellence in public administration. 'The award not only aims to improve performance and ensure continuous development in Arab government institutions, but also serves as a regional platform for sharing best practices and successful government experiences,' Al-Suwaidi explained. He added that the vision of the award centers on supporting Arab governments in their pursuit of excellence and international competitiveness through collaboration and knowledge exchange. The goal, he said, is to ultimately serve societies more effectively. Al-Suwaidi further stated that the program seeks to expand participation across the Arab region, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries often presenting some of the most distinguished projects. He stressed that the award's recognition of excellence underscores the importance of innovation and quality in public service. Winners will be honored in a major ceremony held at the League of Arab States headquarters, celebrating achievements in improving government performance, raising the standard of living, and strengthening the global competitiveness of Arab nations.
Kuwait Times
16-06-2025
- Kuwait Times
Zain renews its culture of giving with blood donation drive
Zain officials are seen with the Central Blood Bank team. KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing, Zain organized a blood donation drive for its employees at the company's headquarters in Shuwaikh. The initiative was held in collaboration with the Central Blood Bank and aligned with World Blood Donor Day, observed globally on June 14. This annual initiative reinforces Zain's strong partnership with the Ministry of Health and its affiliated institutions, reflecting a shared goal to support Kuwait's national healthcare system. By helping maintain a strategic supply of blood and its components, Zain contributes to the country's medical readiness and underscores the vital role of private-public collaboration in advancing national priorities, particularly in health. Zain employees donate blood during the company's blood donation drive. The campaign saw strong participation from Zain employees and management, who came together in a spirit of unity and responsibility. The drive was supervised by the Central Blood Bank's medical team, which ensured adherence to all health and safety protocols. Through such engagement, Zain continues to foster a culture of giving and social contribution within the workplace. In addition to its humanitarian impact, the campaign highlighted the personal health benefits of regular blood donation. By promoting awareness around these benefits, Zain encourages employees to embrace healthy, community-focused habits and reinforces the company's belief in individual responsibility as a driver of collective impact. Zain considers this initiative a core part of its integrated corporate sustainability strategy, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is one of many efforts through which the company brings its brand promise of a Wonderful World to life, through action, impact, and meaningful partnerships that enhance quality of life in Kuwait. World Blood Donor Day was launched in 2004 by the World Health Organization and its international partners to raise awareness of the need for safe, regular blood donations and to honor voluntary donors whose contributions save lives every day.
