At the World Governments Summit 2025 (WGS) in Dubai, e& Group CEO Hatem Dowidar called for urgent action to address the global digital divide, which still leaves 2.5 billion people disconnected.
Speaking during the plenary session on 12th February, Dowidar emphasized that connectivity is essential for progress and urged global collaboration to accelerate access to technology.
As the Technology Partner of the summit, e& is playing a key role in discussions on how technology can transform government operations and improve citizen engagement. Dowidar joined Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle and Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani in a panel titled "Can We Innovate Our Way to a More Connected World?" In his remarks, he stressed that connecting people not only drives business growth but also unlocks opportunities across sectors such as fintech, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, benefiting society as a whole.
Dowidar also addressed the AI divide, noting that while only 20 percent of the global population speaks English, 70 percent of AI learning today is based on English. He advocated for regulatory frameworks that promote innovation and collaboration, ensuring that AI and connectivity are inclusive.
Alongside Dowidar, senior executives from e& are engaging in various sessions at WGS 2025, sharing insights on digital transformation, AI, and governance. Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, will discuss the future of digital transformation, while Khalid Murshed, CEO of e& enterprise, will explore AI’s impact on cybersecurity.
e&’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering global digital collaboration, championing technology’s role in shaping the future of governance and creating resilient economies.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
