Exclusive interview with Amal Dimashki, Regional Director, MENAT, Turnitin.

1. What new teaching approaches are educators adopting today? Could you also share some of the strategies institutions are using to build AI literacy within their teaching community?

Education is experiencing a major transformation as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated learning experience. Educators are moving beyond traditional teaching methods and adopting dynamic, student-centered approaches. Blended learning, flipped classrooms, and project-based instruction are quickly becoming ‘the norm’, all supported by digital tools that personalize learning and foster deeper engagement.

A key shift is the rise of formative assessment practices. Continuous, adaptive feedback is changing how instructors support their students. AI platforms now provide real-time insights into individual progress, helping educators offer more tailored guidance. This not only improves learning outcomes but also encourages students to take better ownership of their educational journeys.

Moreover, Institutions are placing strong emphasis on building AI literacy. Professional development initiatives now cover technical skills, ethical considerations, prompt design, and the pedagogical shifts needed to use AI responsibly. Cross-functional committees ensure that policies, practices, and institutional values remain aligned.

AI literacy is being woven into curricula, so that both faculty and students hone the critical skills needed to engage purposefully with emerging technologies. Institutions are also working to promote equity by supporting underrepresented groups and ensuring broad access to essential AI tools.

Strategic partnerships with industry help keep education relevant to workforce needs. The most forward-thinking institutions see AI literacy as an ongoing commitment and foster a culture of  continuous learning.

• Has generative AI accelerated the shift away from traditional educational values? Do you believe reading and writing habits among students are being compromised more than in previous generations?

Generative AI has certainly advanced the pace of change, yet this transformation reflects evolution rather than erosion. The core values of education: critical thinking, creativity, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge, remain steadfast. What is shifting is the way learners engage with these values.

Concerns about these changes are valid. The convenience of AI-generated content can tempt students to bypass the cognitive ‘creative’ effort essential for meaningful learning. Early research suggests that excessive reliance on AI may constrain creativity and weaken essential intellectual processes. Writing is not putting one word in front of another; it is the process of exploring thoughts, coping with the shades of meaning, and generating original ideas. Sidestepping this crucial process can hinder a student’s intellectual development.

The relationship between humanity  and technology has been an eternal dance, since every generation has faced challenges brought by new inventions. The difference today is the speed and scale of change. Students must now learn to read, write, and critically evaluate AI-generated material while recognizing bias and practicing ethical usage.

AI should not be seen as a threat to traditional educational values but as a tool  that can redefine and reinforce said values. The responsibility falls on educators to ensure that AI serves as a complement to authentic thinking, not a substitute for it. To achieve that, they should provide clear instruction and guidance, set expectations, and develop a robust foundation in both digital and human literacy.

• What new forms of academic misconduct have emerged with digital tools—such as contract cheating, essay mills, and AI-driven paraphrasing?

The digital era has introduced new dimensions of academic mischief (that being misconduct). While the underlying behaviors are nothing new, the tools that facilitate them have become advanced and easily accessible.

Contract cheating platforms now let students outsource assignments with the click of a button. Essay mills, powered by generative AI, now draft customized essays that even the most vigilant detectors, and educators cannot detect. Meanwhile, advanced paraphrasing tools can rewrite existing  content , sidestepping traditional plagiarism detectors with ease.

Collaboration, too, has taken on a new twist. With instant messaging and AI helpers, students can share answers in a matter of seconds or generate responses that they cleverly tweak to mask their true origins.

Tackling these challenges calls for more than detection tools. It requires a comprehensive strategy that combines technology with clear institutional policies, engaging education, and a campus culture rooted in integrity. The goal isn’t just to detect misconduct, but to make it less tempting by inspiring students to choose the ethical path to delivering original thoughts.

• Should educators have access to AI detection tools to identify cheating in the classroom? Given that Gen-Z is often more technologically savvy than their teachers, how can educators stay ahead?

Educators should have access to AI detection tools, while keeping in mind that such tools are but helpful guides- not mere flawless judges. The true value of these resources lies in the transparency and context they offer, helping to start a constructive conversation between educator and student.

At Turnitin, tools such as Turnitin Clarity allow educators to review the entire writing process from start to finish, including: early drafts and potential AI involvement instances. Such features help instructors set clearer expectations, offer more targeted feedback, and grade more fairly.

The availability of detection tools also serves as a deterrent, introducing a sense of uncertainty for students who might consider using AI improperly. However, detection alone is not enough. Educators should invite their students to have open discussions highlighting the importance of learning integrity, responsible AI use, and the value of an authentic learning experience.

As for keeping pace with tech-savvy students, educators need ongoing professional development, clear institutional policies, and supportive learning communities. Inviting students to these discussions can foster a sense of shared responsibility.

The ultimate goal is not to catch students but to guide them toward ethical, skill-building use of technology.

• What does the future of writing look like with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude? Which types of assessments are naturally more resistant to AI-assisted cheating—such as practical projects, oral evaluations, or in-class writing?

The future of writing will be a partnership between human creativity and AI assistance. While AI can support idea generation, drafting, and editing, the essence of meaningful writing will always rest on originality, critical thinking, and the unique voice of the individual.

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into writing processes, assessment methods must adapt. The following types of assessments are more resilient to AI-assisted misconduct:

1. In-class writing assignments with restricted access to external tools and resources.
2. Oral assessments, including presentations and debates that test real-time thinking.
3. Hands-on projects that measure skills beyond AI’s reach.
4. Assessments focused on drafts and revisions to track progress over time.
5. Reflective tasks that require students to explain their thought process and decision-making.

These approaches prioritizes learning and process rather than the final product. They foster deeper learning by valuing originality, engagement, and genuine understanding.

• And finally, what’s the story behind Turnitin, and where do you see the platform heading next?

Turnitin began with a clear mission: to uphold academic learning in a rapidly changing educational landscape. Over time, it has grown from a plagiarism detection service into a comprehensive learning and integrity platform used and trusted by more than 16,000 institutions in more than 185 countries..

Our goal is to provide educators with the tools they need to promote authentic learning. This includes detecting misconduct, but it also advances transparency, fairness, and continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, Turnitin is enhancing its AI detection capabilities, developing inclusive data models and tools that reveal the entire learning process. We are committed to minimizing bias and supporting a diverse range of learners while ensuring our solutions remain accurate and equitable.

We are also strengthening partnerships across education, industry, and policy to support AI literacy and responsible use. As technology evolves, our focus stays the same: to bridge traditional academic values with new technologies, and to empower educators and students to move forward with integrity and purpose.

Exclusive interview with Helen Kerkentzes, Associate Dean, Executive Education and Managing Director of the LBS Riyadh Executive Education Office

How is executive education evolving to help leaders navigate rapid technological change, especially in the Middle East?

We are constantly updating the content and types of programmes London Business School (LBS) offers, to reflect rapid technological and broader, changes.

We help leaders navigate rapid change through our world-class faculty and their cutting-edge research which is shaping business and the wider world. LBS’ Data & AI Initiative – the destination of excellence for transformative insights on how data science and AI reshape firms, markets and society – equips business leaders, policymakers, regulators and educators with the knowledge and frameworks to adopt and integrate AI responsibly, strategically and sustainably. We translate this research into programmes such as our AI Master Class and Next Generation Digital Strategy, as well as embedding it into our custom programmes.

From your experience leading AI-focused programs, what core skills should today’s executives prioritize to stay competitive?

Through LBS’ AI-focused sessions and our faculty experts, we teach a grounded understanding of AI, the ability to redesign how organisations work, and a renewed emphasis on the human qualities technology cannot replace.

Leaders need a clear understanding of the technology and the ability to see beyond the buzzwords. It is then that they realise that real value doesn’t come from the technology alone, but from rethinking how work gets done, redesigning processes and workflows, in some cases, quite radically.

The more AI advances, the more our faculty also emphasise the importance of judgement, emotional intelligence, empathy, and ethics. These are the areas where machines still struggle and where leaders truly differentiate themselves.

Are there specific challenges unique to the Middle East that slow the adoption of modern leadership practices?

The pace and acceleration of change today challenges leaders the world over. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is embracing this with remarkable appetite.

The Kingdom has three distinct advantages when it comes to driving transformation. First, two thirds of the population in Saudi Arabia are younger than 30 years old. While these young leaders need to be equipped with the right skills, this is an enormous opportunity.

Second, the significant number of women now entering the workforce represent a unique and significant human capital potential for the Kingdom’s transformation and contribution to the economy.

Finally, the size and scale of the Kingdom’s bold and future-ready vision is itself a strength – the appetite to move at pace, meet challenges and invest for the future.

What role should universities and executive education providers play in addressing gaps in critical thinking, digital literacy, and strategic leadership?

At LBS our aim is to be a trusted partner to our clients and their people across the public and private sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, developing leadership capability, strengthening talent pipelines, and supporting long-term institutional goals. 

We work closely with employers and government institutions to deeply understand their context and goals. We co-create tailored solutions that draw on LBS’s global expertise, customized to fit their unique contexts and challenges, whether through open enrolment programmes, customized learning journeys, degrees, or online courses. We also capture the transformation in the Kingdom in case studies that we use to teach our global community of leaders.

How is LBS’s Riyadh office contributing to talent development and supporting the region’s shift toward a knowledge-based economy?

Situated in the heart of Riyadh’s historic Diriyah city, the office reinforces LBS’s long-standing partnership of more than a decade with the Kingdom and the country’s growing focus on human capital development.

It allows us to support the people realising the Kingdom’s transformation and next phase of sustainable and knowledge-driven growth, on the ground, where we can be closer and more connected to our clients. Our aspiration is that together we can deliver long-term sustainable success, rooted in the Kingdom’s context and remarkable ambitions.

Exclusive interview with Debashish Guha Roy, Director, Covoro^TM

COVORO YouCloud marked its presence as Diamond Sponsor at the Tax Technology Summit 2025, held on 06 December in Dubai, where a joint venture between the companies formally showcased its FTA-aligned e-invoicing and tax compliance platform. The event served as a key platform to highlight YouCloud’s unified approach to tax digitisation, featuring seamless ERP integrations, real-time validation, and end-to-end compliance capabilities designed for enterprises preparing for the UAE’s national e-invoicing mandate. With a strong emphasis on local delivery, in-country data hosting, and enterprise-grade security, COVORO YouCloud demonstrated how organisations can transition from standalone invoicing tools to a fully integrated, future-ready compliance ecosystem.

You mentioned that YouCloud offers a one-stop solution covering invoicing, accounts payable, reconciliation, analytics, legislation management, and tax filing. After this event, what key takeaways were you hoping the audience would leave with?

Our primary objective was to formally announce the new joint venture in the UAE market and make it clear that there is now a new local player offering a complete, end-to-end platform.

Many competitors operate in this space, but most of them deliver from outside the country or rely on offshore support models. Our key differentiator is local delivery, local data hosting, and in-country support. We wanted the audience to understand that this is not just an invoicing solution. It is a comprehensive compliance and finance ecosystem.

Another important takeaway was helping enterprises think beyond solving a single problem. Compliance is not static. What starts as invoicing quickly evolves into reconciliation, analytics, filing, litigation management, and financing enablement. That is what we have already built.

The audience at the event was extremely knowledgeable, which made communication easier. They understood the challenges ahead and could immediately see the value of a unified platform.

How do you see the broader GCC tax digitisation journey evolving in 2025 and 2026?

Globally, Europe set the precedent with the PEPPOL standard, which allows interoperability across countries. A similar journey is unfolding in the GCC.

Saudi Arabia follows its own model and is not PEPPOL-based. The UAE has adopted a PEPPOL-based framework, and Oman is expected to follow next. Over time, we will see the emergence of a GCC-wide tax interoperability framework.

This will enable smoother inter-country transactions, simplified VAT refunds, and unified compliance processes. Similar to how consumers today can claim VAT refunds easily when travelling, enterprises will experience a much simpler, more transparent system.

Because transaction records sit with tax authorities, validation becomes easier. This enables cross-border supplier financing, trade financing, and smoother compliance overall.

How do you see technology, especially AI, shaping the next phase of this journey?

Technology, particularly AI, will play a critical role in automating end-to-end compliance. It will significantly reduce errors, remove delays, and improve accuracy.

From a CFO’s perspective, AI-driven systems ensure real-time visibility, timely compliance, and reduced manual intervention. Processes that once required paperwork, reconciliation, and repetitive validation will become automated and real-time.

This directly improves compliance quality and decision-making while lowering risk.

How does YouCloud address security and privacy concerns for large enterprises?

Security and data privacy are foundational for us. YouCloud is ISO certified, GDPR-compliant, and fully aligned with the UAE’s National Information Assurance Framework (NIAF).

From day one, our approach has been sovereign by design. All data is hosted in-country. There is no external cloud hosting, no offshore disaster recovery, and no remote support from outside the UAE.

This has always been a core requirement for us, especially given our long-term presence in the region. Enterprises and government entities need assurance that their data remains within national boundaries and under strict regulatory control.

How does your solution help CFOs and senior decision-makers manage complexity?

• CFOs typically face three major challenges:
• Conducting accurate risk and gap assessments
• Implementing solutions efficiently
• Ensuring scalability for future requirements

By offering a single, end-to-end platform, we significantly reduce this burden. CFOs do not need to evaluate separate tools for invoicing, accounts receivable, analytics, or compliance reporting.

Everything operates within one framework, with one dashboard, one data model, and one compliance architecture. This simplifies decision-making and provides clear, real-time visibility across all financial and compliance functions.

Could you briefly explain how some of your core modules work, such as e-invoicing and accounts payable?

The e-invoicing module collects invoice data from various ERP and accounting systems and converts it into the format required by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

Each ERP or accounting system produces data in a different format, while the FTA expects a standardised structure. YouCloud acts as an intelligent adaptor, performing data homogenisation. If mandatory data is missing, the system flags it and sends it back for correction. Only validated, compliant data is submitted to the FTA.

For accounts payable, the focus is on managing input and output VAT accurately. Traditional processes require manual extraction, spreadsheet matching, and reconciliation. Our platform automates this process by validating transactional data in real time, removing the need for manual intervention and reducing reconciliation errors.

Where do you see YouCloud’s growth in the UAE and GCC over the coming years?

In the UAE alone, we are targeting at least a 20% market share, which represents a significant volume of invoices and transactions.

The initial phase focuses on B2B and B2G transactions above the AED 50 million threshold. The next phase will expand to all enterprises, followed by retail and B2C transactions.

Retail presents the most complex compliance challenge due to volume and diversity. To address this, we are developing a hardware-based solution for retailers. Many small retailers are not equipped to manage API integrations, so we provide a simple plug-and-play device that connects to their existing systems and links directly to our backend.

This approach removes complexity for small businesses while ensuring full compliance. The B2C phase will generate the highest invoice volumes and is the most challenging, but it is also where our combined hardware and software strategy will set us apart.