Discover how Peter Oganesean, MD Middle East and East Africa, HP, empowers businesses and individuals in the Middle East with AI-powered solutions, sustainable practices, and a focus on talent development.
HP has consistently been at the vanguard of technological advancement, and the evolving landscape of remote and hybrid work has presented new challenges and opportunities. As a leading player in the Middle East, HP is committed to providing solutions that cater to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals in this region.
In this exclusive interview, Peter Oganesean, Managing Director of Middle East and East Africa at HP, delves into the company’s strategies to address the demands of the modern workforce. We discuss the recent launch of HP’s AI-powered PCs, the EliteBook Ultra G1q and OmniBook X, and explore how these devices are designed to optimise productivity and connectivity in hybrid work environments. Additionally, Oganesean sheds light on HP’s focus on advanced collaboration tools and cloud-based remote management solutions to enhance user experience and support.
As AI continues to reshape industries, HP’s approach to this technology is strategic and responsible. Oganesean discusses how AI is being leveraged to improve device performance, energy efficiency, and user experience in the Middle East while emphasising HP’s robust security measures, such as HP Wolf Security for Business. The company’s commitment to fostering local talent and bridging the digital divide through initiatives like the HP Gaming Garage is also a key focus.
This interview offers a comprehensive overview of HP’s vision for the future, highlighting its role in driving technological innovation and addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of the Middle East market.
Excerpts from the interview;
HP has been a leader in the tech industry for decades. With the evolving landscape of remote and hybrid work, how is HP innovating to meet the needs of businesses and individuals in the Middle East?
HP is addressing the evolving landscape of remote and hybrid work by providing versatile solutions designed for flexibility and connectivity. We recently unveiled our first-ever AI PCs, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q and the OmniBook X. These are high-quality next-gen AI PCs in the market, meticulously designed to help users stay focused and productive. Our AI-powered Elite and Pro PCs, such as the HP Elite 1000 Series G11 and ZBook Power G11, also offer high-performance computing and long battery life to support professionals in any environment.
We integrate advanced collaboration tools like Poly Studio audio and AI Noise Reduction to enhance communication. Additionally, HP’s cloud-based remote management solutions ensure seamless device monitoring and support, enabling businesses and individuals to thrive in hybrid work settings.
Artificial intelligence is transforming many industries. How is HP approaching AI development in the Middle East, and how is the company ensuring the security of these solutions?
HP is leveraging AI to enhance productivity, creativity, and user experiences, particularly in hybrid work environments. Our brand-new AI PCs, the HP OmniBook X and EliteBook Ultra G1q, mark our most significant foray into AI development. These PCs are highly efficient and help users deliver impactful work.
Our AI-driven features, like HP Smart Sense, optimize device performance and energy efficiency. We prioritize security through HP Wolf Security for Business, offering robust protection against cyber threats. Our collaboration with leading research entities and advanced AI technologies like Generative AI and AI Studio enables us to anticipate and mitigate risks, ensuring our AI solutions are secure and reliable for businesses and individuals in the Middle East.
There is a significant digital divide in some parts of the Middle East. What initiatives is HP taking to bridge this gap and bring technology benefits to everyone in the region?
Our focus includes providing affordable, high-quality, technology-focused education and collaborating with local partners to enhance digital literacy. Programs like HP LIFE (Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs), with more than 1.2M users already – and an expanded goal by HP to enroll 2.75M by 2030 – offer free online courses to develop IT and business skills. The HP Gaming Garage further supports this mission by offering a free course on Gaming development and e-sports management and a space for community engagement and education at the HP Gaming Garage lab in Dubai, helping to bring technology’s benefits to everyone in the region.
Additionally, through the HP Cambridge EdTech Fellowship, which aims to enhance educators’ policy formulation skills and EdTech understanding to improve local education systems, we supported the Gulf countries that contributed to the second cohort of fellows. Lastly, our HP IDEA initiative fosters digital pedagogy for Arabic-speaking educators.
Sustainability is a growing concern. How is HP promoting environmentally friendly practices in its operations and product development throughout the Middle East?
By moving towards circular design, we strive to enhance customer value while minimizing environmental impact. We invest in reusable, recyclable, and sustainably sourced materials, continuously finding innovative ways to repurpose waste. In 2022, we used 32,200 tons of post-consumer recycled content plastic in HP products, accounting for 15% of our total plastic use.
To help reduce deforestation, HP-brand paper and paper-based packaging for home and office printers and supplies, PCs, and displays are made from recycled or certified sources. We are going beyond our sourcing and taking action to protect, manage, and restore forests by addressing every page on HP printers. Through the HP Sustainable Forests Collaborative, we are now working to counteract deforestation for the fiber of non-HP paper used in HP printing products and services.
Our initiatives also include producing devices with ocean-bound plastics and eliminating single-use plastics in packaging by 2025. In the Middle East, we promote responsible recycling and offer products designed for energy efficiency, such as the HP EliteBook and ProBook series, ensuring that our sustainability efforts contribute to a greener future in the region.
The gaming industry is booming in the Middle East. What role does HP see itself playing in this growing market, and what products or services is the company offering to gamers in the region?
HP is at the forefront of the booming gaming industry in the Middle East, offering cutting-edge products like the OMEN Transcend 14 and HP 2023 OMEN 34c gaming monitor. These devices provide high-performance gaming experiences with advanced AI-powered optimization and VR-ready capabilities. We focus on creating immersive and personalized gaming experiences, supporting casual and professional gamers. The HP Gaming Garage is a significant part of our strategy, serving as a hub for innovation and collaboration in gaming technology and providing resources and support to the gaming community in the region.
A skilled workforce is crucial for technological advancement. How is HP investing in developing local talent in the Middle East, and what advice would you give to young people interested in careers in technology?
HP invests in developing local talent in the Middle East through educational programs, partnerships with universities, and initiatives like HP LIFE, which offers free IT and business skills courses. We also support STEM education and provide internships and mentorship opportunities to nurture young talent. The HP Gaming Garage plays a pivotal role, offering a space where young tech enthusiasts can collaborate, innovate, and develop their skills. Our advice for young people interested in technology careers is to stay curious, continuously learn, and seek hands-on experience. Embracing new technologies like AI and cybersecurity will open doors to numerous opportunities in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
The tech industry is constantly evolving. What are the biggest trends you see impacting the Middle East in the coming years, and how is HP preparing to navigate this changing landscape?
The biggest trends impacting the Middle East include the rise of AI, increased adoption of hybrid work models, and the growth of the gaming and esports industry. Additionally, sustainability and cybersecurity are becoming increasingly critical. HP is prepared to navigate these changes by continuously innovating our product portfolio, such as AI-powered PCs and sustainable technologies. We are also enhancing our cybersecurity measures and expanding our gaming solutions. The HP Gaming Garage is instrumental in our preparation, providing a platform for exploring future technologies and trends, fostering innovation, and supporting local talent. By investing in local talent and collaborating with regional partners, HP ensures we remain at the forefront of technological advancements in the Middle East.
