The global technology group e& and Swedish telecom giant Ericsson have successfully concluded the first edition of Excelerate&, a year-long program designed to shape the UAE’s next generation of telecom leaders.
Launched in 2024, Excelerate& brought together some of e&’s top young Emirati professionals, offering a mix of technical training, leadership development, and international exposure. The program concluded with an educational trip to Ericsson’s headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden.
During their visit, participants engaged with executives, researchers and designers at Ericsson’s Experience Center. They explored live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies, including AI-driven networks and 5G advancements, while also networking with global telecom leaders.
The initiative underscores e&’s wider commitment to preparing the UAE’s digital workforce. By combining monthly developmental workshops with international exposure, Excelerate& provided participants with in-depth knowledge of 5G architecture, cloud technology, data networks and telecom APIs.
Group sessions also emphasized strategic thinking and business acumen, reflecting the growing need for future leaders who can navigate both technological and commercial dimensions of the fast-changing telecom industry.
Mr. Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, said the program is part of the company’s mission to empower national talent and align with the UAE’s Centennial 2071 vision. “Our Emirati youth are the foundation of the country’s digital future. By investing in their development, we are preparing leaders who can shape the next wave of connectivity and innovation,” he noted.
Ericsson, which has maintained a strong presence in the Middle East for decades, reiterated its long-standing support for developing local talent. By co-creating Excelerate&, the company contributed expertise in areas such as 5G deployment, cloud systems and data-driven network design. The partnership also reflects Ericsson’s ongoing commitment to talent development across the region.
Participants described the program as transformative, noting that the exposure to global best practices and networking with international experts provided invaluable insights into the future of telecom.
As the UAE continues to position itself as a hub for digital innovation, initiatives such as Excelerate& are expected to play a crucial role in nurturing a skilled workforce. Both e& and Ericsson confirmed that future editions of the program are being planned, aimed at expanding participation and further accelerating the capabilities of Emirati talent.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural Excelerate& highlights the importance of cross-industry collaboration in building knowledge economies. For the participants, it marks the beginning of a journey to not only advance their careers but also contribute to the UAE’s global ambitions in technology and telecommunications.
