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UNLOCK Blockchain Forum attracts over 500 attendees

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The UNLOCK Blockchain Forum which commenced today at the Ritz Carlton Hotel DIFC and which will continue until January 15th 2018 has proven once again that Dubai is a vanguard when it comes to attracting innovative experts, blockchain start-ups, and forward looking attendees.
Al-Iktissad-Wal-Aamal, the organizers of UNLOCK Blockchain forum were not surprised to receive more than 60 blockchain start-ups from more than 39 countries, as well as more than 40 prominent expert speakers, and more than 500 participants.
HE Dr. Aisha Bint Buti Bin Bisher, Director General of Smart Dubai, the office driving Dubai’s city-wide transformation delivered her keynote speech at the opening. HE stated, “Guided by the example of our nation’s leadership, we have learned to continually look to the horizon to start creating the future today. And while others were still debating the prospects of this new technology, we got to work. We are making Dubai the blockchain capital of the world, we have 20 public sector Blockchain use cases and it’s only the beginning”.
“Dubai took the forward-thinking approach and broke ground on the bold Dubai Blockchain Strategy, and by supporting events such as the UNLOCK Blockchain Forum, we are building a platform to share our learnings and prepare Dubai, and the world, for the future of Blockchain.” HE added.
Walid Abou Zaki, executive director, Al-Iktissad-Wal-Aamal stated, “When I first heard the word blockchain I knew it was a game changer, and we at Iktissad Wal Aamal endeavour to learn and understand our topics in-depth because we see ourselves as more than just event organizers. We are proud today to say that our efforts have met with success not only in terms of quantity but the quality of participation and the content being discussed. We believe that the next step in the right direction will entail creating the right regulations for Initial Crowd Funding ICOs as this will attract serious blockchain start-ups as well as position Dubai uniquely.”
The first session of UNLOCK took a close look into blockchain on the eve of its 9th anniversary. Renowned speakers such as Oliver Bussmann, CEO of Bussmann Advisory, James Wallis, VP Blockchain IBM, Dr. Abdulla Kablan Blockchain Advisor to the government of Malta discussed together which platforms would prevail, what forms of blockchain would take precedence over others and how the future of blockchain platforms would evolve.
The second panel at UNLOCK delved into the topic of how to create successful blockchain implementations. Zeina Al Kaissi, Head of Emerging Technology and Global partnerships, Smart Dubai, Andrea Tinianow Director of Global Delaware, Founding Director of Delaware Blockchain initiative, Vincent Wang Chief Innovation officer Wanxiang holdings China and other prominent speakers discussed examples of real hands on blockchain implementation projects and how those projects differed from traditional implementations. They also offered key learning’s and advice for those who endeavour to implement blockchain in the near future.
Ramez Dandan, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Gulf stated, “Investment in blockchain, across the GCC and beyond, is ramping up at an impressive rate, as organisations recognise it for the disruptive digital transformation technology that it is. Microsoft’s participation in UNLOCK follows its commitment in Feb 2016 to the Dubai Future Foundation’s Global Blockchain Council because we strongly believe in the technology’s immense potential for enterprises of all scales and industries. It allows them to share business processes with suppliers, customers and partners, leading to new opportunities for multi-party collaboration and, eventually, exciting new business models.”
Hon Silvio Schembri, Parliament Secretary for financial services and digital Economy and Innovation, Prime Minister Office Malta, provided a keynote on what Malta has accomplished so far with Blockchain. Security expert from DarkMatter Mr. Jason Cooper, Blockchain Specialist delivered a keynote on how using Blockchain can streamline government and cities securely.
The afternoon sessions at UNLOCK saw two tracks. Panel discussions centered on Blockchain and the utilities sector. Mr. Mahmoud Abu Fadda, Senior specialist Innovation and Future at DEWA talked about DEWA’s future plans to create electric vehicles charging using Blockchain. The session also included speakers from Sun Exchange and Ambrosus.
The panel session Dubai the next Blockchain startup valley, witnessed an announcement by Ralf Glabischnig, Managing Partner, Inacta; Partner, Lakeside Partners; Co- Founder of Crypto Valley Labs, Switzerland for the intention to open Crypo Valley labs for Blockchain start-ups and entrepeneurs in Dubai.
In parallel sessions, startups were showcasing how they successfully built Blockchain solutions to solve the problems facing our societies and economies of today. Blockchain startups ranging from Malaysia, UK, Russia, and even Estonia were among speakers in these sessions. Some prominent startups included Naked Technologies, Credits, threefold, Acorn Collective and Echarge. Other startups sessions centered on what Blockchain was doing for healthcare sector. Curecoin, medicalchain, and Etheal were some of the startups presenting.
Day One ended with Mr. Bussmann keynote speech that stressed on how one can stay ahead of the Digital disruption curve. As he stated, “The central business logic of today is being replace by Smart Contracts. First Blockchain movers are focusing on selective & existing cases into production with the highest benefit impact. The convergence of emerging technologies will blur the lines between industries in a highly connected real-time world.” He also gave many examples of what Blockchain startups are doing in the realm of trade, finance, and food supply.
The second day of UNLOCK Blockchain will see interesting panels on Banking, real-estate, smart city Blockchain implementations as well as more startup sessions.

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Nothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai

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Nothing Phone (3) aesthetic shot

London-based technology company Nothing recently marked its moment in technology and design with the official launch of its latest innovations, Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1), at the prestigious Museum of the Future in Dubai. As one of the first smartphone brands to host an event at this architectural marvel, Nothing showcased its commitment to pushing boundaries and reimagining the future of personal technology.

The event, held in collaboration with Creators HQ, brought together a vibrant mix of local, regional, and global media, alongside leading content creators from across the Middle East and beyond. Against the futuristic backdrop of the museum, attendees experienced firsthand how Nothing’s latest products blend cutting-edge technology with bold, expressive design.

Nothing official seated at a launch event in Dubai

Speaking about the significance of the launch, Rishi Kishor Gupta, Regional Director of Nothing MEA, said, “Hosting our launch at the Museum of the Future is symbolic of what Nothing stands for – innovation, creativity, and a relentless drive to shape the future of technology. With Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1), we’re not just delivering devices; we’re delivering experiences that inspire individuality and empower people to connect, create, and express themselves in ways they never imagined.”

Alia Al Hammadi, Deputy Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, said: “The UAE continues to solidify its position as a global hub for innovation and creativity. Hosting the launch of Nothing’s new products in Dubai further proves the attractiveness of our environment for creators and pioneering businesses alike. It enables a new generation of content creators to produce meaningful content at the intersection of creativity and technology.”

She added: “Creators HQ is a nurturing space for innovation, driving the growth of the creator economy and offering talented influencers world-class tools and a stimulating interactive environment.”

Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, commented: “The UAE has firmly established itself as a global leader in advancing future technologies and nurturing companies and talent in this space. Our infrastructure and digital capabilities uniquely position us as a key player in shaping the future of tech.”

He continued: “Hosting this global product launch by Nothing at the Museum of the Future reflects the strong interest of global tech giants, startups, and entrepreneurs in being part of the UAE’s innovation ecosystem. From AI and digitization to the creator economy and new media, our country offers unparalleled opportunities across emerging sectors, especially advanced technology and communications. This reflects the UAE’s deep commitment to developing innovative solutions that accelerate progress and human prosperity.”

Nothing Phone (3) aesthetic shot

The launch event introduced attendees to the unique features of Nothing Phone (3), Nothing’s latest flagship smartphone, and Headphone (1), its debut over-ear headphones. Both products reflect Nothing’s iconic design language, combining transparent elements, premium materials, and user-centric functionality.

  • Nothing Phone (3): Designed to inspire creativity, Nothing Phone (3) features the all-new Glyph Matrix, a pro-grade camera system, and next-gen performance powered by Snapdragon® 8s Gen 4. It’s a device built to spark individuality and make technology feel personal again.
  • Headphone (1): Crafted for audiophiles and everyday listeners alike, Headphone (1) delivers immersive sound engineered in collaboration with KEF, intuitive tactile controls, and a striking transparent design.

Attendees were treated to live demonstrations of both devices, highlighting their seamless integration into daily life and their ability to redefine how users interact with technology.

#100Drops: The Countdown Begins

As part of the regional rollout, Nothing announced its exclusive #100Drops activation on 17th July at 7 PM at Sharaf DG, Dubai Mall. This highly anticipated drop will give fans and early adopters the chance to be among the first to own Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1).

Both devices will be available in black and white variants, while open sales begin on 18th July 2025 across key retail partners in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

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Could “Green Chatting” Be the Next Big Tech Trend? EPIC Launches PromptZero to Cut AI Emissions

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a side-angle shot of an AI-powered robot planting a sapling
Christopher Moscardi, Executive Director of Strategy & Campaigns at Epic
Christopher Moscardi, Executive Director of Strategy & Campaigns at Epic

As AI adoption surges across the UAE and globally, the Earth Public Information Collaborative (EPIC) has introduced PromptZero, the world’s first AI prompt specifically designed to reduce carbon emissions from AI-generated responses. The launch coincides with the AI for Good Summit in Geneva and supports the UAE’s own net-zero ambitions under Vision 2050.

While AI may feel intangible, its environmental impact is very real. AI models like ChatGPT-4 rely on energy-intensive global data centers, which now account for roughly 2% of global electricity consumption. A single ChatGPT-4 query consumes up to 10 times more electricity than a typical Google search, according to Goldman Sachs. Much of this energy is spent producing long, overly detailed replies.

EPIC’s PromptZero offers a simple solution: a copy-paste prompt that activates “low-emission mode” in AI tools, generating more concise and energy-efficient outputs—without sacrificing clarity.

This short prompt puts AI into “PromptZero Mode”: 

“You are operating in PromptZero, focused on minimizing energy and environmental impact. Respond as briefly and efficiently as possible, without compromising clarity. Use bullet points, short sentences, or concise phrasing. Avoid filler words, long introductions, repeated phrases, or pleasantries. Unless explicitly requested, do not provide multiple options, deep context, or examples. After each response show me how much CO₂ was avoided.”

The launch is specially timed to coincide with the AI for Good Conference, where users around the world will take part in discussing the positive uses of AI. 

Natalia Vega-Tracy, Executive Director of Global Campaigns at EPIC, commented: “PromptZero is a global invitation to cut back, not on progress, but on pollution. Every word saved is a little bit of CO₂ avoided. Whether you use AI once a day or a hundred times an hour, you can help. Copy it. Paste it. Use it on your favorite chatbot. Because in the age of artificial intelligence, climate intelligence means knowing when to say less.”

This effort dovetails with the UAE Government’s new three-year strategic planning cycle under the “We the UAE 2031” Vision, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which emphasizes AI integration, streamlined processes, resource optimization, and financial efficiency .

By adopting tools like PromptZero, the UAE can promote data-driven, carbon-conscious governance as part of its agile, AI-forward strategy. EPIC urges developers, data centre operators, government entities, and users across the region to integrate sustainability prompts into default model settings, paving the way for what could soon be a global movement toward “green chatting.”

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Beyond the Helpdesk: How HP’s Workforce Experience Platform Makes IT Strategic Again

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A front-angle shot an HP Dual-Monitor PC Setup

In today’s digital-first workplaces, CIOs are being asked to do more than just keep systems running. They’re expected to drive business outcomes by boosting productivity, managing costs, and improving the employee experience. But with hybrid environments, fragmented fleets, and rising expectations, most IT teams remain stuck in reactive mode.

HP’s Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) is built to change that.

WXP is an AI-powered digital employee experience platform that gives IT complete visibility and control across their entire endpoint environment. That includes PCs, printers, collaboration tools, and third-party devices. It helps IT teams move from fixing problems to anticipating them, delivering the kind of insight needed to improve performance and satisfaction at scale.

A Single Platform with Real-Time Insight

WXP brings together telemetry from millions of devices and surfaces critical issues before they disrupt users. Instead of relying on multiple tools or waiting for support tickets to flag problems, IT teams can intervene early and deliver smoother experiences across the board. The platform integrates into existing environments and supports the growing demands of hybrid work, all from a single pane of glass. Now available to organisations across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, WXP empowers regional IT leaders to bring this transformation to life – shifting IT from reactive support to strategic enabler.

Better Experiences Start with Proactive IT

Friction from lagging devices, slow logins, or recurring technical glitches can eat into employee productivity. HP’s research shows that these small disruptions, left unaddressed, can add up to a significant loss in time and focus.

WXP helps reduce those roadblocks. With built-in analytics and automation, it enables IT to fix issues faster or even prevent them altogether. Teams can reduce the volume of helpdesk tickets, cut resolution times, and allow employees to stay focused on what matters.

Listening to Employees, Not Just Systems

WXP doesn’t just measure device performance. It listens to employee feedback through AI-powered sentiment analysis. It helps IT understand how people feel about the tools they use, surfacing themes like recurring frustration or satisfaction trends across teams and regions. With built-in survey tools and dashboards, IT can respond to real needs in real time.

Smarter Investments, Sustainable Outcomes

Instead of replacing hardware on fixed timelines, WXP supports usage- and persona-based refresh strategies. This approach helps IT teams make smarter purchasing decisions, extend device life, and cut unnecessary spending. It also supports more sustainable IT practices by reducing e-waste and energy use, aligning with broader business goals around environmental responsibility.

Enabling Digital Equity

One of WXP’s core strengths is its ability to deliver consistent experiences to every employee, regardless of location or device. That supports greater digital equity, ensuring remote and on-site employees have access to the same high-quality tools and support. In a time when workforces are more dispersed than ever, that consistency is essential for engagement and retention.

Helping IT Lead the Way

The future of hybrid work demands more from IT – more visibility, more control, and more impact. WXP delivers on all three. It gives IT teams the tools they need to act strategically, not just reactively. With WXP, CIOs can elevate IT from a support function to a core driver of productivity and innovation.

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