Research with 648 SMEs reveals significant opportunity to accelerate digital maturity through outcome-driven digital solutions
Dubai, UAE, July 2026: du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, has announced the launch of du Business’s SME playbook, From Set Up to Set for Growth, developed in collaboration with Huawei UAE. SMEs and startups form the backbone of the UAE’s economy, and the guide is designed to help SMEs get more value from the digital tools they already use, simplifying digital transformation and unlocking sustainable business growth through practical, outcome-driven digital solutions.
The playbook is based on one of the UAE’s most comprehensive SME digital transformation studies, based on face-to-face interviews with 648 SMEs conducted between January and March 2026, spanning all seven emirates and five major industry sectors. The guide combines market insights with actionable guidance across five key areas: strengthening customer engagement, improving productivity, enhancing cash flow, building operational resilience, and adopting artificial intelligence (AI) with confidence.
The research found that while digital adoption is widespread among UAE SMEs, digital maturity remains low. Although 81% of businesses use laptops and desktop computers, 77% rely on point-of-sale systems, and 63% use productivity and collaboration tools, only 8% have reached an advanced level of digital maturity. SMEs continue to face common barriers to digital transformation, with 47% citing setup costs, 45% identifying skills gaps, 37% pointing to subscription costs, and 31% highlighting integration challenges.
Rather than encouraging SMEs to adopt more technology, From Set Up to Set for Growth helps businesses maximise the value of the digital tools they already have. The guide provides practical guidance on strengthening online presence, centralising customer and operational information, streamlining day-to-day operations, improving payment experiences, protecting data, and using low-risk AI applications to save time without adding complexity. Businesses that plan their digital upgrades with the right partner, the guide emphasises, experience fewer disruptions, less downtime, and more confident decision-making.
Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: “Digital transformation is not about adopting more technology; it is about making existing technology work harder for businesses. UAE SMEs have access to digital tools, but many need practical guidance to unlock their full value. Through our partnership with Huawei UAE, we have developed a playbook that helps identify where digital improvements can deliver the greatest impact. From customer engagement and cash flow to resilience and AI, we are providing SMEs and startups with an outcome-driven roadmap they can act on immediately. The playbook reflects du’s commitment to supporting businesses beyond connectivity by providing practical insights, trusted expertise and tailored digital solutions that help SMEs build resilience, improve efficiency and grow with confidence.”
Felix Liu, Managing Director of Huawei Gulf Carrier Business said:” As one of the world’s leading telecom carriers, du in the UAE has taken on the important social responsibility of helping SMEs succeed by delivering better ICT services to fuel their growth. As an ICT solution provider, Huawei supplies high-quality products and solutions that enable du to develop locally tailored SME offerings and drive digital transformation across the UAE market. With a full portfolio of infrastructure, including 5G, optical networks, IP networks, storage, IdeaHub, and cloud, Huawei helps du build a one-stop digital solution for SMEs. This empowers du to offer competitive, value-added services that give SMEs the complete digital capabilities they need to thrive, such as stable connectivity, cloud-based hosting, and intelligent office collaboration.”
The research also highlights the next phase of digital transformation for SMEs and startups. With only 15% of surveyed businesses currently using AI and analytics platforms, the playbook encourages organizations to begin with simple, time-saving applications such as drafting communications, summarizing information and supporting customer interactions.
The launch of the playbook reinforces du’s commitment to helping SMEs and startups simplify digital transformation through practical guidance and tailored digital solutions across connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity and AI. SMEs looking to strengthen their digital capabilities can connect with du Business’s team of SME experts for tailored guidance at du.ae/business.
About du:
du adds life to life with a comprehensive portfolio of mobile, fixed, broadband, entertainment services, and fintech solutions. Through a digital-first approach powered by ultra-reliable fiber and 5G technology, du delivers bespoke solutions leveraging cloud computing, AI-driven analytics, advanced cybersecurity, and IoT integration. As a trusted digital telco enabler spearheading the UAE’s digital transformation, we collaborate with a dynamic partner ecosystem to propel industries and society toward operational excellence, shaping a more connected and digitally advanced future across the region.
About Huawei:
Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have more than 213,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world.
Our Vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks; bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth to provide superior computing power where you need it, when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they’re at home, in the office, or on the go.
