UAE telecom provider du has launched a digital transformation playbook for small and medium-sized businesses in partnership with Huawei UAE, outlining ways to improve cash flow, payment experiences and operational resilience.
Titled From Set Up to Set for Growth, the guide is based on face-to-face interviews with 648 SMEs across all seven emirates and five major sectors. The research was conducted between January and March 2026.
According to the study, basic technology adoption is widespread, but only 8% of surveyed businesses have reached advanced digital maturity. Point-of-sale systems are used by 77% of respondents, while 81% use computers and 63% use basic productivity tools.
The main barriers to deeper digital integration were setup costs, cited by 47% of respondents, followed by skills gaps at 45%, subscription costs at 37% and technology integration challenges at 31%.
Rather than prioritising new software purchases, the playbook advises SMEs to get more value from their existing tools. Its recommendations include centralising customer data, improving digital payment processes, protecting financial information and starting with low-risk AI applications.
Only 15% of surveyed SMEs currently use AI and analytics platforms. The guide suggests beginning with practical tasks such as summarising information and drafting communications.
Huawei is providing infrastructure and solutions covering 5G, cloud and IP networks to support du’s SME digital offerings.
Source: Fintech News UAE
