As GITEX Global 2025 commences in Dubai, the UAE is reaffirming its position as a country that has successfully translated digital ambition into tangible progress. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and cloud computing are now fundamental to business growth, government services, and daily life.
This year’s technology exhibition unfolds as the nation’s innovation landscape rapidly matures, with policy and execution aligning to produce measurable results. Local partnerships have become a decisive factor in this progress, with companies like Redington, a leading technology distributor, playing a significant role. The firm is currently marking 25 years of operation across the Middle East and Africa, a period that has seen its own growth mirror the region’s technological evolution.
From Ambition to Action
The UAE has transitioned from an infrastructure-led economy to one driven by software and AI. “The UAE is no longer a follower in technology; it’s setting the pace,” says Sukhil Nair, President for the UAE at Redington Group. “From AI and cybersecurity to automation and mobility, adoption is accelerating. The focus now is on scaling these technologies responsibly, with trust and security at the core.”
This approach reflects the direction set by the country’s leadership. The UAE was among the first nations to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, signalling its commitment to responsible innovation. National programmes like the AI Centre of Excellence and collaborations with research bodies and global tech firms are helping to build local capabilities.
“Enterprises in the UAE are no longer exploring digital transformation, they’re implementing it,” Nair explains. “Whether it’s a government agency improving citizen services or a logistics startup automating operations, the question is no longer if they should digitise, but how quickly and how securely.”
The Power of Partnership
As customer needs have changed, businesses have shifted from purchasing standalone products to seeking integrated digital ecosystems that deliver clear outcomes. To meet this demand, Redington has reshaped its business to focus on enablement. Through collaborations with Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ventures like AI71, the company is contributing to the UAE’s innovation agenda and fostering local expertise.
“At Redington, our role is to help partners innovate and grow,” Nair says. “We aim to empower them with the tools, platforms, and training to turn opportunity into real progress.”
This strategy is supported by new initiatives including a Software Solutions Group for software, cloud, and cybersecurity, and an SMB Engine to help smaller firms access enterprise-level solutions. “Channel partners are essential to this ecosystem,” Nair adds. “They understand customer challenges on the ground. We see our role as helping them succeed, so the entire network benefits.”
At GITEX Global 2025, where organisations including the Dubai Police will showcase smart innovations, Redington will highlight how its partnerships are driving transformation. The event, which also features international participation such as the Cyprus innovation hub, serves as a key platform for collaboration.
Looking ahead, the next phase of the UAE’s transformation will depend on confidence and cooperation as it deepens its focus on AI governance and digital skills. For Redington, its 25-year milestone represents more than longevity; it signifies the journey of a company that has evolved alongside the UAE’s own digital progress.
