du, Huawei Launch SME Playbook to Accelerate Digital Transformation in the UAE
du has partnered with Huawei UAE to launch “From Set Up to Set for Growth,” a new playbook designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) maximise the value of their existing digital tools and accelerate their digital transformation journey.
Developed by du Business in collaboration with Huawei UAE, the guide is based on research involving 648 SMEs across all seven emirates and five key industry sectors. Conducted between January and March 2026, the study provides insights into the current state of digital adoption among UAE businesses while offering practical recommendations to improve operational efficiency and business growth.
The playbook focuses on five priority areas: strengthening customer engagement, improving productivity, enhancing cash flow, building operational resilience, and adopting artificial intelligence (AI). According to the research, while digital technology adoption is widespread, relatively few businesses have achieved advanced digital maturity. The study found that 81% of SMEs use laptops or desktop computers, 77% operate point-of-sale systems, and 63% rely on productivity and collaboration tools. However, only 8% of surveyed businesses have reached an advanced stage of digital maturity.
The report also identifies several barriers to digital transformation. Nearly half (47%) of respondents cited implementation costs as the biggest challenge, followed by skills shortages (45%), ongoing subscription expenses (37%), and difficulties integrating different technologies (31%).
Rather than encouraging businesses to adopt more technology, the playbook focuses on helping SMEs make better use of the digital solutions they already have. It provides guidance on improving online customer engagement, centralising business information, streamlining operations, enhancing payment processes, strengthening cybersecurity, and introducing practical AI applications that can improve efficiency without adding complexity.
Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting SMEs beyond connectivity. “Digital transformation is not about adopting more technology; it is about making existing technology work harder for businesses,” Benkirane said. “Many UAE SMEs already have access to digital tools but need practical guidance to unlock their full potential. This playbook provides an actionable roadmap that helps businesses improve customer engagement, strengthen resilience, optimise cash flow, and adopt AI with confidence.”
Felix Liu, Managing Director of Huawei Gulf Carrier Business, said Huawei is supporting du by providing the digital infrastructure needed to deliver comprehensive ICT solutions for SMEs. He noted that Huawei’s portfolio, including 5G, optical and IP networks, cloud services, storage, and intelligent collaboration platforms, enables du to offer integrated digital solutions that help SMEs improve connectivity, cloud hosting, and workplace collaboration.
The study also points to growing opportunities for AI adoption. While only 15% of surveyed businesses currently use AI and analytics platforms, the playbook encourages SMEs to begin with practical applications such as drafting communications, summarising information, and supporting customer interactions as an entry point into AI-driven operations.
