Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 78 | Page 16

NEWS

Google Cloud brings top CIOs together at Qatar Leaders Forum

Ghassan Kosta , Qatar Country Manager , Google Cloud businesses , and also highlighted the modernday solutions that help businesses understand their data , consumer behaviour and solve their biggest challenges using AI .

Google Cloud hosted the second edition of the Qatar Leaders Forum , a flagship event that brings together CIOs and CTOs from Qatar ’ s public and private sector to discuss how businesses can build a Digital Transformation strategy enabled by technologies that leverage AI and machine learning and foster a culture of innovation .

During the forum , speakers from Google Cloud shared expertise on the path to Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) and Machine Learning for
Ghassan Kosta , Qatar Country Manager , Google Cloud , said : “ Since Google Cloud has established a presence in Qatar , we have been working closely with our partners and customers to drive the conversation on Digital Transformation , and share our expertise to support businesses locally . The Qatar Leaders Forum is becoming synonymous with bringing industry leaders together to discuss the latest tech trends , which will have a big impact on Qatar ’ s transformation as a digital economy in the coming years . This edition of the forum focuses on showcasing how AI and machine learning can help businesses become more efficient , and we look forward to discussing more Google Cloud differentiators in the upcoming editions of the event .”

Selfdrive car rental tech platform launches its super app in Qatar and Bahrain

Selfdrive , the region ’ s largest car rental tech platform is expanding its geographical footprint by launching in Qatar and Bahrain after Oman .

The move comes following the app ’ s growing popularity and success that will now cater to the needs of individual customers , business executives , visitors and corporates in Qatar and Bahrain markets , making it the first Super app to be launched in the region .
The company aims to acquire 50 to 65 % of the digital rental market share in these markets with seamless customer experience and range of product offerings through the App . Selfdrive offers BD10 or QR100 flat discount to its customers on their first booking as part of the launch offer .
“ Our expansion into Bahrain and Qatar is testament to our growing popularity and success , and an indicator of the changing
Soham Shah , CEO , Selfdrive
landscape of the automotive rental market in the region and beyond . We plan to add further new markets in the Middle East and are actively looking at other regions globally as business goes from strength to strength ,” said Soham Shah , CEO , Selfdrive .
When it comes to user experience , Selfdrive employs Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) technology to customise the experience of every user depending on their preference of vehicle . Brands on offer include Nissan , Infiniti , Renault , Chevrolet , Hyundai , Geely , Toyota , Mitsubishi and Kia among others .
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