Tarek Karaman

Driving AI leadership in the Middle East for WSP, spearheading initiatives that enhance productivity and deliver groundbreaking solutions for clients. Established and leading the ME AI Accelerator to harness Generative AI's potential. Delivering Global AI initiatives and solving complex challenges through implementation of advanced technologies; developed both in-house and by top tech partners, ensuring WSP is recognised as a leader for AI innovation. Forming strategic alliances to integrate cutting-edge solutions while leveraging WSP's own research and development capabilities, enhancing our digital services and market position.

Pioneered MAF’s innovation strategy, driving groundbreaking digital transformation and the adoption of advanced technologies. Established and led RPA, Innovation & Gen AI Centers of Excellence, ensuring the successful execution of high-impact projects. Created the Innovation Hub and developed MAF’s first Generative AI solutions, propelling the company to the forefront of AI advancement. Negotiated strategic partnerships with Microsoft, IBM, PWC and Google, embedding their cutting-edge solutions into MAF’s ecosystem. Recognized by both Microsoft and MAF CEOs for the launch of MAF GPT and the integration of CoPilot and Gen AI use cases early in 2023. Honoured with 'Team of the Year' award for setting new standards in AI-driven business transformation, highlighted by the first regional Gen AI Symposium featuring contributions from IBM, Microsoft, Gartner and other esteemed partners.

Developed and executed digital innovation strategies that increased operational efficiency and revenue. Expanded the digital division into Blockchain, AI, NFT, and Metaverse services, securing high-value government and private sector clients. Led digital transformation projects for Dubai Health Authority, Smart Dubai, ADDED, and ARAMCO, redefining digital governance frameworks.

Directed a consultancy specializing in digital governance, AI, blockchain, data risk, and digital transformation. Led strategic technology framework development, exceeding revenue forecasts and securing high-profile GCC clients. Drove RFP, RFI responses, and business expansion into MENA, winning multimillion-dollar contracts.

Pioneered digital transformation initiatives, increasing revenue 15X within the first year through innovative IT solutions. Secured $2M+ in new contracts, including a large-scale data analytics project for Transguard Group. Established strategic partnerships with Microsoft and Samsung for enterprise digital solutions.

Designed and built a FinTech Neo-banking platform, securing significant investment and strategic partnerships. Led local banking advisory, engaging with industry leaders to integrate digital banking solutions into the Middler East region.

Fortis provides cutting edge wall panel technology, with turnkey solutions for the construction industry. I played a pivotal leadership role in the company’s starting operations in the UAE, laying down the foundations for its current success. This included creating initial business plans, roadmaps and financials, resulting in significant funding. I developed a digital infrastructure for the company to operate from, with all factories and operations under one custom ERP. Handling of daily operations, setup of government data compliance, align with local and regional construction regulations. Worked directly with CIO and business executives to define requirements around Intellectual Property Management (IPM) and Finance. Identifying clients and leading pre-sales discussions with partners by negotiating strategic revenue opportunities. Structuring of business partnership agreements and RFQ’s. Monitor performance against service level agreements and ensure implementation of corrective actions.

With a passion for digital media and e-commerce, my role in founding and developing Deqoy Music included conceptualising a core foundation of publishing services, prototyping and agile software development to build an Industry leading e-commerce technology portal. Content Strategy and Development of inspirational, authoritative, fresh and compelling content that relates to the brand promise. Oversight of all content publishing, distribution and process management across digital formats, exploring development opportunities. Setup of content metrics, collaboration with subject matter expert’s /copy writer’s/content creators to deliver against internal strategies. Project managing software development over 4+ years, with a large team of developers, strategic implementation and hands on design of the UI/UX interface, management of Company P&L financials, digital copyright and legal setup for worldwide licenses, recruitment of staff/advisors and over 100+ composers to the library. Publishing of 6,000 + exclusive tracks for broadcast synchronisation via the e-commerce platform. Long-term partner relationships with large digital media institutions.

My position focused on developing the company’s ability to integrate virtual reality environments for multiple industries, by combining hardware and software technology.  I identified and analysed the potential of bringing VR to a traditional business sector, then defined development build costs which led to a scope of work used to assess commercial viability and attract investment. Applications created for a diverse range of industrial areas, such as government translations stations; local authority projects; medical / healthcare innovation; military operations; police interrogation use cases. During my time, the company successfully acquired substantial rounds of multiple investment to expand its VR portfolio.

Creation and development of three new course curriculums in tandem with building new recording, media and AV facilities. Providing technical and teaching support to staff and students using the new learning resources and facilities.

Dissertation titled “The implications of Dynamic range ” Published in AES Journal 2001