National digitalization strategies and proactive policies have played an important role in supporting digital transformation in the Middle East, both in financial services and across the wider economy. First Abu Dhabi Bank CTO Yuri Misnik and Banque Misr Trade and Working Capital expert Amr Atteya Ahmed discuss the digitalization journey, and relate it against the backdrop of COVID-19 and economic recovery.

Yuri and Amr share some specific examples in the UAE and Egypt, including national investments in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Identity, and supporting community adoption of new technologies. Garbis Iradian, IIF Chief Economist for MENA, also connects these developments with wider economic trends in the region.