Ashok Kumar, President of Dubai Computer Group (DCG), aims to lead Dubai’s IT trade in 2025 by fostering collaboration, addressing challenges like market saturation and AI integration, and supporting SMEs through strategic programs and partnerships.
What is your vision for DCG for 2025, and how do you plan to strengthen DCG’s role in the IT and computer trade sector in Dubai and the UAE?
The vision for DCG in 2025 is to firmly establish the organization as the leading platform for IT trade advocacy, collaboration, and innovation throughout Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. To achieve this, DCG will focus on strengthening partnerships with government entities, global technology leaders, and local IT businesses. This collaborative approach aims to create a sustainable, competitive, and future-ready ecosystem. Key areas of focus will include business enablement, knowledge-sharing initiatives, regulatory advocacy, and digital transformation programs, all designed to drive growth within the IT and computer trade sector.
What are the key challenges facing IT traders and entrepreneurs in Dubai, and how does DCG plan to address them in the coming year?
IT traders and entrepreneurs in Dubai face several significant challenges, including market saturation and pricing pressures from global competitors, complexities in regulatory compliance related to import/export and taxation, and the need to constantly adapt to shifting technology trends. To address these challenges, DCG plans to launch structured programs that will provide members with essential market insights, training opportunities, and direct dialogues with policymakers. Additionally, DCG will work closely with government bodies to ensure that policies are aligned with the goals of business growth and sustainability.
How does DCG intend to support small and medium-sized IT businesses in navigating evolving market trends, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes?
Recognizing that SMEs form the backbone of Dubai’s IT ecosystem, DCG is committed to providing them with the necessary resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy support. This support will be delivered through the establishment of an SME Business Acceleration Program, offering mentorship and strategic guidance; the creation of supply chain task forces to help members source more effectively and improve operational efficiencies; the hosting of regulatory workshops to ensure members stay ahead of compliance and policy changes; and the facilitation of financing and investment support to help SMEs scale sustainably.
With the rise of AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity concerns, what initiatives will DCG take to help its members stay competitive and future-ready?
The rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity presents both opportunities and challenges. To ensure its members stay ahead, DCG will launch industry-focused knowledge-sharing sessions with technology experts, introduce AI and cybersecurity upskilling programs, collaborate with global technology leaders to provide members access to the latest advancements, and support the digital transformation of traditional IT businesses, enabling them to expand beyond hardware trading into value-added solutions.
How will DCG work with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to create better business opportunities, foster innovation, and enhance investor confidence in the IT sector?
A: DCG will work closely with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to create an enabling business environment. This collaboration will include policy advocacy to ensure IT traders have a voice in regulatory matters, investment attraction initiatives to showcase Dubai as a hub for global IT investments, technology incubation programs to encourage innovation and local entrepreneurship, and joint business networking events to connect members with investors and potential business partners.
What steps will DCG take to promote collaboration between local IT businesses and global technology companies to drive digital transformation in the UAE?
DCG will play a key role in bridging local IT businesses with global technology players. This will be achieved by organizing international trade delegations to allow members to explore global partnerships, facilitating joint ventures and reseller programs with multinational tech firms, hosting exclusive technology summits to bring together local businesses and global innovators, and encouraging knowledge transfer and skill development to ensure local businesses remain competitive in the digital era.
What are your priorities for DCG in 2025, and how will you measure the success of your term in leading the organization?
The priorities for DCG in 2025 will center around growth, advocacy, and digital transformation. Key focus areas include strengthening member engagement through targeted initiatives, expanding partnerships with global technology firms and government bodies, enhancing business opportunities for members through new market access and investment programs, and driving innovation and knowledge-sharing to equip businesses with future-ready skills. Success will be measured through tangible outcomes, including increased business opportunities and partnerships for DCG members, growth in SME participation and enablement programs, greater industry representation in policy-making, and enhanced visibility and recognition of Dubai as a thriving IT hub. Through these efforts, DCG aims to position itself as the ultimate enabler of growth for the IT sector in Dubai and the UAE.
