Nemetschek Arabia, part of the Nemetschek Group, one of the world’s leading software providers for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AEC/O) industry, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Facility Management Association (SFMA) to support the advancement of the facilities management sector in the Kingdom through innovation, knowledge exchange and workforce development.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by enhancing industry standards, accelerating digital transformation and building national capabilities within the facilities management ecosystem. Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate closely to exchange expertise and best practices, develop competencies and introduce advanced, technology-driven approaches to facilities management.

Key areas of cooperation include the organization of joint workshops, seminars and training programs, participation in industry exhibitions and events, and collaboration on research and development initiatives aimed at introducing innovative solutions for the FM sector. The partnership will also explore the execution of pilot projects across the public and private sectors, with a focus on smart facilities management, digital twins and data-driven operations.

In addition, Nemetschek Arabia and SFMA will work together to support sustainability initiatives, provide access to educational materials, offer technical and professional consultancy, and contribute to the development of national talent through targeted training and capacity-building programs.

Speaking on the collaboration, Yves Padrines, Chief Executive Officer of the Nemetschek Group, noted that facilities management is a critical pillar in maximizing the long-term value, sustainability and performance of the built environment. “As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 ambitions, digitalization across the full asset lifecycle, from design and construction to operations, has never been more important. Our collaboration with the Saudi Facility Management Association reflects Nemetschek’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s transformation by enabling smarter, data-driven facilities through open, interoperable technologies and strong industry partnerships.”

Muayad Simbawa, Managing Director of Nemetschek Arabia, added that facilities management is entering an era defined by digitalization, sustainability and intelligent operations. “This strategic collaboration with the Saudi Facility Management Association reflects our shared belief that technology, skills and collaboration are essential to unlocking the full potential of the FM sector. By combining Nemetschek’s expertise in digital twins and lifecycle solutions with SFMA’s industry leadership, we aim to support smarter assets, stronger capabilities and a more resilient facilities management ecosystem aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

Eng. Ayed bin Awad Al-Qahtani, Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Facility Management Association, said: “Our mission at SFMA is to set the gold standard for facility management in the Kingdom. By partnering with a global technology leader like Nemetschek, we are ensuring that our professionals have access to the most advanced tools and international expertise available. This collaboration will catalyze innovation, drive research, and, most importantly, equip our national talent with the competencies required to manage the Kingdom’s mega-projects with precision and excellence.”

The MoU underscores both organizations’ commitment to advancing the facilities management profession in Saudi Arabia and supporting the Kingdom’s transformation agenda through innovation, knowledge sharing and long-term ecosystem development.

WHAT:

As part of the innovations that were on display at this year’s ISE, Shure debuted the new Microflex Advance MXA320 Table Array Microphone, in line with its enterprise collaboration portfolio expansion strategy. Featuring the same familiar industrial design as the popular MXA310 that it supersedes, it is designed to be ideal for IT and AV professionals seeking an easy to deploy, low-profile and scalable table solution. Packed with technological innovation, this next evolution of Shure’s table array microphone platform offers a reliable networked audio device with minimal out-of-the-box setup for all types of conferencing spaces.

The new MXA320 provides an improved audio experience for the end user thanks to enhanced Steerable Coverage™ Technology, ensuring clear audio capture during team meetings. Certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, it features onboard IntelliMix^® processing, streamlined configuration through Designer software, ShureCloud compatibility, and an integrated mute button function all housed in a compact, low-profile design.

“In dynamic markets like the Middle East and Africa, the new Microflex Advance MXA320 delivers outstanding clarity and consistency that unlocks more inclusive and effective collaboration, reinforcing audio as the foundation of modern enterprise communication,” noted Yassine Mannai, associate director sales and marketing, Shure MEA.

WHEN:

The new Microflex Advance MXA320 Table Array Microphone will be available in Spring 2026 through Shure official channel partners, including the Middle East and Africa regions

WHERE:

Shure’s Microflex Advance MXA320 Table Array Microphone was showcased for the first time at ISE 2026, February 3^rd – 6^th in Barcelona. Booth #3M300. For more information, contact your Shure sales representative.

Polynome AI Academy and ADSM have unveiled the expanded global list of instructors for the second cohort of their Executive Program for Chief AI Officer (CAIO), featuring leaders from NVIDIA, Mubadala, BCG, G42, AI71, and leading research institutions.

The intensive program, running April 10–21, in Abu Dhabi, was created in response to a growing need among governments and large enterprises for structured AI leadership. It aims to equip Chief AI Officers and senior executives with the governance frameworks, operating models, and decision-making structures required to lead AI at both organizational and national scale. 

“The first cohort confirmed what we’ve long believed: the CAIO role requires a dedicated program built for the realities of leading AI at scale,” said Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group. “Executives came to Abu Dhabi and left with actionable strategies they are already putting into practice. The tools are ready, and by 2027, AI is expected to guide half of all business decisions. The focus now is on equipping organizations with the framework to confidently execute AI-driven decisions. Cohort 2 builds on this momentum with a refined curriculum and fresh global perspectives.”

“The first cohort demonstrated the demand we anticipated; top executives across the region recognize that AI strategy cannot simply be delegated,” commented Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of Abu Dhabi School of Management. “The program continues to evolve, providing an immersive experience that equips leaders with the skills and insights to navigate AI adoption successfully and translate technological potential into real business impact.”

Inaugural Cohort: Impact & Insights

The first Executive Program for Chief AI Officer, held in November 2025 at Abu Dhabi School of Management, enrolled 35 C-suite executives and senior technology leaders. Participants completed 10 modules covering AI strategy, sovereign AI infrastructure, governance frameworks, agentic systems, Arabic NLP, AI investment strategy, and enterprise deployment methodology — combined with site visits to the UAE Cybersecurity Council, Core42’s Khazna Data Centers, and ADNOC, as well as executive roundtables with policymakers.

“The Executive Chief AI Program is unlike any course I’ve attended,” said Dr. Noura AlDhaheri, Chairman, DNA Investments. “It brings us directly to the AI creators, experts, and leaders, giving insight into the real challenges and the evolving landscape of AI. One of the most important lessons is that this field is constantly changing, so we must continually reinforce our knowledge and update our teams. AI is set to transform the way we do business; it’s a truly historic moment, and staying ahead is essential.” 

The Global AI Experts Driving Cohort 02

The confirmed instructors list for Cohort 02 brings together leading voices from across the global AI ecosystem, spanning sovereign investment, national-scale AI architecture, enterprise strategy, and frontier research. Among confirmed instructors are Dr. George Tilesch, Founder & President of PHI Institute for Augmented Intelligence; Dr. Andrew Jackson, Group Chief AI Officer at G42; Prof. Merouane Debbah, Professor & 6G Lab Director at Khalifa University; Prof. Nizar Habash, Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi; Dr. John Ashley, Chief Architect at AI Nations and Director of NVIDIA AI Technology Centers; Charbel Aoun, Smart City & Spaces Director – EMEA at NVIDIA; Jean-Christophe Bernardini, Partner & Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG); Faris Al Mazrui, Head of Technology at Mubadala Investment Company; Chiara Marcati, Chief AI Advisory and Business Officer at AI71; Jorge Colotto, Founder and CEO of AIdeology.ai. Additional instructors will be announced in the coming weeks; and Marco Tempest, Director of Innovation Hub at ETH Zürich.

Program Structure

The Executive Program for Chief AI Officer is a 10-day intensive comprising 10 modules, executive seminars, case labs, operating model workshops, site visits to UAE AI institutions, including Core42’s Khazna data center, policymaker roundtables, and lifetime access to the CAIO alumni network. The program is designed for CAIOs, CTOs, CIOs, CISOs, public sector advisors, and senior digital transformation executives.