NTT DATA appoints Hani Nofal as Regional Head for Technology Solutions, Middle East and Africa
In this strategic leadership role, Nofal will drive NTT DATA's Technology Solutions growth in the MEA region, collaborating with local teams to define and implement a growth strategy aligned with global objectives.
"We are thrilled to welcome Hani to the NTT DATA family," said Alan Turnley-Jones, CEO of NTT DATA for Middle East and Africa. "His exceptional leadership in building high-performance teams, extensive expertise in digital, security, cloud, and networking solutions, and impressive track record in business transformation make him the ideal person to drive our Technology Solutions business forward across the region."
With over 27 years of experience, Nofal is a seasoned technology executive and thought leader with a distinguished background in the information technology industry. Prior to joining NTT DATA, he held executive roles across both global and regional technology organizations. Most recently, he launched and led Advance Solutions Corp.'s operations across EMEA. He also held senior leadership roles at Gulf Business Machines (GBM), including General Manager – Head of Technology and Board Member of Coordinates ME, where he shaped technology strategy, drove innovation, and built strategic alliances. His leadership and vision contributed significantly to the company's growth and success. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Cisco Systems, 3Com, Digital Equipment Corporation, and Compaq.
'Our region is leading the wave of AI investment, driving the next phase of digital and economic transformation,' said Nofal. 'This is the time for NTT DATA, a world leader in digital and AI infrastructure, to deliver innovation and impact. I'm proud to join the team to help clients across Middle East and Africa turn AI potential into meaningful outcomes.'
Nofal is recognized for his high-performance leadership philosophy, which emphasizes a culture of respect and accountability. He has received numerous industry honors, including Technology Innovation Leader of the Year and multiple partner recognitions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Communication Engineering from the University of Jordan and completed Leadership and Sustainability Studies at MIT Professional Education.
About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Zawya
Meta investors settlement with Zuckerberg takes heat off Delaware
A last-minute settlement between Meta Platforms shareholders and the company's leadership last week ended an $8 billion trial and spared Mark Zuckerberg from testifying about alleged violations of Facebook users' data. It also took the heat off the state of Delaware, which has been plagued by criticism from technology and business leaders. The second day of the eight-day trial in Delaware's Court of Chancery was about to start on Thursday when the legal team for the shareholder plaintiffs announced they had reached a deal to resolve the case. The terms are still being hammered out, but the agreement ends a case that had the potential to fuel a trend of companies abandoning the state as their legal home. Since last year, Elon Musk and other business leaders have attacked the state's courts, once the key reason companies incorporated in Delaware, for rulings that they say made it easier for shareholders to sue directors. Musk encouraged companies to leave the state and in the past year Dropbox, Trump Media & Technology, Roblox and Simon Property Group were among the large public companies that reincorporated outside Delaware, a trend dubbed "Dexit." Critics claim the state's courts are biased against company founders -- an uncomfortable backdrop for the Meta case, whose 11 defendants included the billionaires Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, Marc Andreessen, Palantir Technologies co-founder Peter Thiel and Reed Hastings, who co-founded Netflix. A ruling that spared the defendants might have given the impression the court caved to pressure to let them off the hook, while one that favored the plaintiffs could have led to further calls for companies to leave Delaware. "It was going to be really awkward for the court," said Ann Lipton, a professor at Colorado Law School. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and lawyers for Meta investors and the defendants did not respond to requests for comment. Meta shareholders alleged current and former officers and directors of Facebook were liable for failing to protect users' data. The shareholder plaintiffs wanted the court to order the defendants to use their personal fortune to reimburse the company for the $8 billion in legal costs that Facebook had shelled out for violating user privacy, including a $5 billion fine paid to the Federal Trade Commission in 2019. The case put a spotlight on Delaware courts and the judge handling the case, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick, who gained prominence last year for rescinding Musk's $56 billion pay package from Tesla. That ruling is on appeal. Adding to the high stakes, Andreessen's venture capital firm, Andreessen Horowitz, said earlier this month it was moving its incorporation to Nevada from Delaware and encouraged other companies to follow. "In particular, Delaware courts can at times appear biased against technology startup founders and their boards," said a blog post on the firm's website, citing McCormick's Musk pay ruling. The firm did not respond to a request for comment. Earlier this year, representatives from Meta met with Delaware's governor and soon after the state changed its widely used corporate law to make it harder for shareholders to sue corporate boards over deals with controlling shareholders like Zuckerberg. Delaware's political leaders said the changes were meant to keep Meta and other companies from fleeing the state. Delaware gets more than a quarter of its budget revenue from fees associated with chartering businesses. Despite the new law, some companies, like Affirm Holdings, still opted to leave, saying it was unclear how it would be interpreted by Delaware courts. Lawrence Cunningham, director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance in Delaware, said the Meta shareholder settlement highlighted the strengths of the Delaware court in handling a complicated case and guiding it to a resolution, which might be hard to replicate elsewhere. "It was a very desired judicial outcome," he said of the case. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Daniel Wallis)
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Zawya
WEMA and TAQA Water Solutions conclude high-level technical visit to Denmark to advance sustainable water collaboration
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – As the Middle East accelerates efforts to address growing water scarcity, infrastructure resilience, and sustainability targets, the Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA), supported by the Danish Trade Council, has successfully concluded a high-level technical visit to Denmark in collaboration with TAQA Water Solutions. The delegation brought together senior executives from TAQA Water Solutions and Danish water sector leaders to exchange practical, scalable solutions for wastewater reuse, circular economy models, and energy-efficient infrastructure. The visit comes at a pivotal moment, as countries across the GCC intensify investment in sustainable water strategies in line with national mandates such as the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, Net Zero 2050, and Saudi Vision 2030. With a long track record in sustainable water practices and innovation, Denmark offers practical experience in areas such as wastewater reuse, stormwater resilience, and utility optimisation, areas increasingly relevant for the Middle East. With utilities under pressure to do more with less, this cross-border knowledge exchange reflects a growing commitment to embed innovation, efficiency, and resilience across regional water networks. 'This delegation was more than a visit, it was a strategic exchange of ideas, technology, and shared ambition,' said Astrid SC Nielsen, the Danish Trade Council, Dubai. 'TAQA Water Solutions' commitment to innovation, coupled with Denmark's decades of water expertise, are the seeds for impactful, long-term collaboration.' Highlights of the Visit The delegation engaged with Danish utilities, water technology companies, and research institutions, including site visits and roundtable discussions hosted by WEMA members such as AguaGreen, Alfa Laval, Aquaterra, Grundfos, AVK, Danfoss, DHI, NIRAS, Sulfilogger, Watopi and Aarhus Vand. Key themes explored during these discussions included advanced wastewater reuse and sludge handling techniques, energy-efficient pumping and treatment technologies, data-driven smart water infrastructure for operational optimization, and innovative approaches to resource recovery and circular economy models. The program also included a dedicated session at BIOFOS Utility, Denmark's largest wastewater utility and Aarhus Water Utility, Denmark's second-largest utility, where practical case studies on sustainable operations and customer-centric water services were shared. Outcomes and Opportunities The visit showed the potential for future technical cooperation and project development between TAQA Water Solutions and WEMA member companies. Several key areas were identified for follow-up collaboration, including feasibility assessments for Danish technologies in the region and joint exploration of potential projects to demonstrate impact and scalability. During the visit, TAQA Water Solutions highlighted key operational focus areas, such as innovating for increased energy efficiency, enhancing sludge handling, addressing large-scale pumping needs, and managing odour and infiltration issues, which present clear opportunities for targeted collaboration and innovation with WEMA member companies. 'At TAQA Water Solutions, we have experienced firsthand how innovation profoundly drives comprehensive sustainability. It extends far beyond merely securing vital water and energy systems; it is the fundamental cornerstone reinforcing a resilient circular economy. This strategic imperative ensures that every precious drop is meticulously collected, expertly treated, and purposefully reused, thereby setting new benchmarks for responsible resource management and ensuring a water-secure future,' said Eng. Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of TAQA Water Solutions. He added: 'As part of TAQA Group's commitment to providing energy and water to communities worldwide, TAQA Water Solutions drives sustainable development and secures global water resources through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships in markets of growth. This visit exemplifies this mission, evolving beyond a technical exchange, profoundly deepening our shared commitment to advancing sustainable water solutions globally. We are grateful for the generous knowledge-sharing and the invaluable opportunity to learn from a community that has seamlessly integrated sustainability into its daily life, underscoring our belief that innovation truly thrives through reciprocal collaboration.' A Shared Vision for Water Resilience WEMA's ongoing role is to bridge Danish expertise with regional priorities, ensuring that proven solutions are tailored to support local policy frameworks, operational needs, and sustainability goals. This visit marked a significant milestone in the deepening relations between TAQA Water Solutions and WEMA following a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, where opportunities for deeper collaboration were identified. The visit also builds on a longstanding relationship between WEMA and TAQA Water Solutions, through a series of joint workshops, feasibility studies, and knowledge exchange activities since 2021. As water demands intensify across the Middle East, partnerships like this are central to building future-ready water infrastructure. About WEMA The Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA) unites Danish expertise with regional decision-makers to pioneer sustainable water and wastewater solutions across the Middle East. Formed by the Danish Trade Council, WEMA aligns with strategic government initiatives, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, to address the region's critical water challenges. Through partnerships, innovation, and knowledge sharing, WEMA fosters resilient, future-ready water systems that support long-term sustainability and regional water security. WEMA's members include industry leaders such as Grundfos, Alfa Laval, AVK, AquaTerra, Danfoss, AquaGreen, NIRAS, Watopi, and DHI Group, along with Aarhus Water Utility and knowledge partners like Ferskvandscentret and Water Valley. Together, they tackle critical water challenges to support long-term regional water security and sustainability, in line with UN SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action). Snapshot of WEMA's traction to date Established in 2018, the Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA) serves as a collaborative platform bridging expertise between Denmark and the Middle East to address critical water and energy challenges. Its efforts began with a pioneering feasibility study with SEWA, alongside technical visits and workshops with Dubai Municipality, laying the foundation for impactful partnerships. In 2021, WEMA partnered with Abu Dhabi Sewage Service Company (ADSSC), (now TAQA Water Solutions) during EXPO 2020 to host a collaborative workshop. In 2022, feasibility studies for both TAQA Water Solutions and Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Agency (RAKWA) led to deeper engagements, while the first IFAT workshop in Munich brought together Saudi water utilities e.g. ENOWA and National Water Company to exchange knowledge and best practices. Delegations to Denmark further strengthened regional connections, enabling discussions on smart water innovations and sustainability. Most recently, WEMA formalized a partnership with Dubai Municipality ahead of COP28 and launched the Danish Middle East Water Academy to focus on capacity building and education. Ongoing collaborations with TAQA Water Solutions and RAKWA highlight WEMA's commitment to supporting the region's vision for sustainable water and energy development through actionable outcomes and enduring partnerships. In Saudi Arabia, WEMA and ENOWA have solidified their collaboration through an MoU, focusing on joint efforts in optimizing wastewater management. For more information contact Astrid S. C. Nielsen, asthan@ About TAQA Water Solutions Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, TAQA Water Solutions, previously known as SWS Holding, is a leading company specialising in sustainable water solutions to transform one of our most valuable natural resources, contribute to sustainable economic development and improve the quality of life. As part of TAQA Group, TAQA Water Solutions has a focus on providing innovative solutions to manage water resources and is committed to delivering world-class solutions that meet the needs of industries and communities. Aligned with the UAE's commitment to the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and to the United Nations SDGs, TAQA Water Solutions acts as a catalyst for promoting smart and sustainable growth through the power of collaboration, mainly B2B and G2G partnerships. TAQA Water Solutions is the sole entity behind all wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse in the Emirate. With over 1,334 million m3 collected daily through an extensive ~13,600 km network supported by over 260 pumping stations and 41 treatment plants, the company works towards reducing the pressure on natural water resources and promote sustainability and value creation.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Cyberport "AI x Data Forum" Concludes Successfully Joining Hands with Industry to Drive AI and Data Innovation and Unlock New Value for Enterprises
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 July 2025 - Cyberport successfully hosted the "AI x Data Forum" today. Centered on the theme "AI in Action, Data at the Core: Unlocking Infinite Potential", the forum brought together over 450 participants from government, finance, innovation and technology, cybersecurity sector, and academia to explore innovative artificial intelligence and data-driven strategies and practical experiences. During the forum, Cyberport, the Canton Data Exchange and China Unicom Global signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The three parties will jointly promote and implement a "Mainland incubation, Hong Kong deployment" collaboration model, introducing mature data application scenarios and enterprises from Mainland China into Hong Kong. The collaboration covers areas such as financial risk management, healthcare, cross-border trade, and the low-altitude economy, and will provide technology platforms and compliance support. These efforts will help enterprises expand into both local and overseas markets, while jointly organizing incubation, investment promotion, and exchange activities, further strengthening Hong Kong's position as a demonstration hub for data applications. Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry delivered the opening remarks at the forum and stated "Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a major engine for global economic growth, with data as its essential driving force. The two elements are complementary. This year, the HKSAR Government has developed AI as a core industry for Hong Kong, aiming for all sectors to focus on its development and spearhead a new wave of economic growth for the city. The Government will fully leverage Hong Kong's edges as an international data hub, encouraging the industry to pursue innovation and breakthroughs in AI. With unique advantages under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, Hong Kong is well positioned to serve as a vital base for AI development, both locally and across the Greater Bay Area, enabling AI and data to create broader and more positive value in the region." In his welcoming speech, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, stated "Data is the cornerstone of the digital economy, driving the transformation of smart cities and serving as a vital foundation for AI development. Cyberport is dedicated to building a diverse innovation and technology ecosystem, fostering the safe, efficient, and compliant growth of AI and data applications through cross-sector collaboration. Our partnership with the Canton Data Exchange and China Unicom Global represents a significant milestone in promoting collaborative development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong data industry. Cyberport will continue to serve as Hong Kong's digital tech hub and AI accelerator, harnessing innovative technologies to drive economic transformation and reinforce Hong Kong's status as a global hub for innovation and data." The Leaders Dialogue sessions moderated by Dr. Crystal Fok, Director of AI Applications at Cyberport, brought together representatives from various organizations, including the Hong Kong Police Force, the Spatial Data Office, Canton Data Exchange, and China Unicom Global. The panel engaged in an in-depth discussion on advancing data security and improving the transparency of cloud data flows, providing fresh perspectives to organizational data management strategies. During the discussion, experts shared valuable insights in promoting data security and data application and ensuring compliance. Initiatives included developing platforms with multilingual and context-aware capabilities to enhance service quality and continually reviewing and enhancing system security to ensure a safe and compliant flow of information. The panel also underscored that the establishment of compliant and scalable data platforms will facilitate cross-sector collaboration and industry co-creation, helping smart enterprises seize new opportunities and achieve high-quality growth. As Hong Kong's digital tech hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport is committed to building a responsible and trustworthy AI ecosystem in collaboration with various sectors. Last year, Cyberport launched Hong Kong's largest Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre (AISC) and established an AI Lab to provide comprehensive support to start-ups from research and development to market entry, creating a valuable platform for technology demonstration and commercial application. Additionally, the HKSAR Government allocated HK$3 billion to launch the three year Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme (AISS) through Cyberport, which has received approximately 20 applications. As of the end of June this year, the committee has approved nearly 10 projects covering areas such as local large language models, new materials, synthetic biology, and medical large models, with total grants of about HK$300 million. Since January, approved projects have gradually begun utilising the AISC, with more than 90% of its computing capacity now in use. With the completion of Cyberport 5 expected for this year, the new building will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a dedicated, Tier-III+ standard sustainable data centre. Together with the adjacent AISC and the Hong Kong Internet Exchange (HKIX), the new facility will create a high-performance technology corridor. This will provide stronger and highly reliable data storage and computing support for industry, academia, and government, accelerating digital transformation across industries. Currently, Cyberport is home to more than 400 start-ups focusing on AI and data science, and has attracted several leading AI enterprises. Cyberport has fostered strategic partnerships with major technology leaders, expanding support for start-ups while advancing talent cultivation, R&D, and technology adoption, driving Hong Kong's evolution into an International AI and innovation hub. Hashtag: #Cyberport #AIxDataForum The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Hong Kong Cyberport Wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Cyberport is Hong Kong's digital tech hub and AI accelerator, with a vision to empower industry digitalisation and intelligent transformation, to promote digital economy and AI development, and to foster Hong Kong to be an international AI, innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Cyberport gathers over 2,200 companies, including 5 listed companies and 7 unicorns. One-third of onsite companies' founders come from 26 countries and regions, while Cyberport companies have expanded to over 35 global markets. Cyberport, with Hong Kong's largest AI Supercomputing Centre and AI Lab as the engine, has been building the AI ecosystem with industry-leading AI companies and around 400 AI and data science start-ups. Through development of tech clusters, namely AI, data science, blockchain and cybersecurity, Cyberport empowers industries across smart city and government, banking and finance, digital entertainment, culture and tourism, healthcare, education and training, property management, construction, transportation and logistics, green environment and more, while hosting Hong Kong's largest FinTech community. Commissioned by the HKSAR Government, Cyberport has implemented proof-of-concept and sandbox schemes, subsidisation for digital tech adoption, industry tech training and start-up incubation, to drive technology R&D, translation and commercialisation, thus propelling digital transformation and intelligent upgrade across industry and society. Also as Hong Kong's key incubator, Cyberport supports entrepreneurs with funding and office space, extensive networks of enterprises, investors, technology corporations and professional services for business growth and expansion to Mainland China and overseas markets, all-round facilitation for landing in Hong Kong, talent attraction and cultivation, ready as a launchpad to take start-ups in any stages of development to the next level. For more information, please visit Cyberport
