Data as a tool to create shareholder value

UAE

Tejas Mehta, senior vice-president and general manager for the Middle East and Africa at Qlik, talks to The Energy Year about the importance of robust data analytics for effective decision making and the company’s investment in talent to grow its presence in the Middle East. Qlik is a software company that develops products for data integration, analytics and AI.

What role does Qlik aspire to play in the UAE’s AI and tech scene?
AI is transforming how industries operate. The key to success with AI lies in having data you can trust, understand and act on in real time because good AI depends on good data. At Qlik, we help businesses bridge the gap between data and decision-making through data integration, data quality and analytics.
The UAE is a leader in the adoption of AI, and the energy industry is moving from exploration to execution especially quickly. We are heavily investing in the region and growing our team with support from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. We are expanding into new industries and collaborating with partners such as Redington to scale across the region. Having been in the UAE for 14 years, we are currently focused on helping companies lead in AI.

Are you targeting any sectors specifically?
We do not target companies based on the sector they operate in but based on their vision. The most visionary companies tend to leverage technology more. We tend to be a better fit for those, as they use data as an asset to become more efficient and drive better value for their shareholders.
Where we see the most leverage currently is in the energy industry. However, financial and government institutions also rely on real-time data to provide outstanding services to their customers and to the public. Every industry uses data, so it comes down to how proactive a particular company is in the adoption of AI technologies.
Energy is the most important industry in the region. It is going through a transformation and everything is changing. It is no longer just about production; it is about using intelligent systems to become cleaner and more efficient.
Power companies, for example, generate vast amounts of data that can be used to manage grid stability and efficiency, and they are using AI to predict their maintenance needs. They may be power companies on the surface, but they are becoming data companies under the hood.

How does Qlik differentiate itself from the competition?
Every major tech company is turning into an AI company, but for us, it comes down to targeting real use cases and providing real value to our customers. We are pursuing partnerships to improve our visibility in the region. We collaborate with larger tech companies to build our solutions, and with service partners to deliver them to the market.

What are some of the key projects you are working on in the region?
We are working with one of UAE’s leading utility companies responsible for power and water distribution to enhance grid reliability, optimise energy distribution and drive sustainability. With Qlik, they can better manage their data, identify trends and make smart decisions.
We are also working with a leading energy company in the country to leverage real-time analytics for resource allocation and predictive maintenance. We help them analyse large amounts of operational data to make informed decisions and reduce downtime.

Which GCC countries are leading in AI adoption?
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are the leading AI hubs in the GCC. Digital transformation is at the core of their growth strategies. Oil-based economies seek diversification, and technology applies across all industries. Qatar and Kuwait are also adopting AI rapidly, though at a smaller scale.

How do you see data analytics evolving in the next five years?
In five years, data models will be far more complex, and what seems challenging today will feel simple. As data continues to grow exponentially, businesses may become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and find it more difficult to extract the right insights for critical decisions.
Without the right data in the right place, businesses risk making decisions that hinder growth and innovation. Qlik empowers organisations to strategically manage and leverage their data, ensuring they stay ahead in an AI-driven world and achieve long-term success.

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