RAK Ceramics has selected SAP to lead a group-wide digital transformation programme built around the adoption of RISE with SAP, in a move aimed at unifying its global operations under a single cloud-based platform.

The initiative will integrate end-to-end processes across the manufacturer’s 55 entities, creating a consolidated digital backbone to support operations spanning more than 150 countries. The programme is designed to address the operational complexity of managing multiple entities across fragmented legacy systems, transitioning them to a core cloud environment within SAP Business Suite.

Under the rollout, RAK Ceramics will implement SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud, SAP Integrated Business Planning and SAP SuccessFactors, powered by SAP Business AI. SAP Integrated Business Planning will be deployed across sales and operations planning, response and supply, and demand planning. The programme also includes SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central and cloud payroll capabilities.

By modernising its technology landscape, the company aims to improve operational visibility and control while establishing a scalable system capable of adapting to evolving market conditions and emerging technologies.

Abdallah Massaad, CEO, RAK Ceramics, said: “Selecting SAP solutions reflects our focus on strengthening how we operate and ensuring technology supports long-term growth. Consolidating global operations across RAK Ceramics onto a unified cloud platform will deliver greater transparency and control across the business. By adopting Clean Core principles and decustomization, we will create an agile infrastructure that can adapt to change over time. This foundation will enable us to introduce advanced capabilities, including AI, and empower our 12,000 employees with real-time data and integrated processes to better serve our customers.”

The five-year implementation roadmap is expected to enable more efficient resource management across the enterprise, supported by a cloud infrastructure designed to enhance decision-making at scale. With AI-powered ERP capabilities, RAK Ceramics plans to progressively introduce intelligent automation across its operations. SAP Integrated Business Planning is also expected to strengthen forecasting accuracy, inventory management and working capital efficiency, reinforcing supply chain resilience globally.

Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director, SAP UAE, commented: “RAK Ceramics is demonstrating how manufacturers can simplify complex environments globally and build a digital foundation that supports scale and consistency. The deployment of SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud, Integrated Business Planning, and SuccessFactors will provide enhanced visibility and governance required to manage operations worldwide more effectively. By applying Clean Core principles, the company will reduce technical debt and establish a platform that can evolve as business and market requirements change, supporting its next phase of growth.”

Zeineddine added that RAK Ceramics is exploring SAP Business AI capabilities, including Joule and SAP’s expanding portfolio of embedded AI use cases. SAP’s Business AI roadmap currently includes more than 350 embedded AI use cases across its applications, with plans to expand this to over 1,000 use cases, alongside more than 40 AI agents designed to support role-based automation and decision-making across business functions.