Tech News
AI-powered personalized learning: The next frontier for Middle East education

By Isil Berkan, Marketing Director, Middle East, Africa & Turkey at Pearson
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise: it’s already reshaping how we live, work, and learn. In the classroom, AI-powered tools are adapting lessons in real-time to each student’s strengths, gaps, and pace. That means less time marking, and more time for teachers to connect, coach, and inspire.
In the Middle East, governments are actively reforming education to build a digital-ready workforce. AI offers a unique opportunity to close skill gaps, increase engagement, and prepare youth not only for today’s jobs but for those yet to come. With thoughtful implementation and the right safeguards, AI-powered learning is reshaping education at an unprecedented scale and speed.
The current state of AI in Middle Eastern education
Across the region, governments are investing significantly in digital transformation in education. In the UAE, AI learning begins from kindergarten, part of its ambition to become a global leader in AI. The country now ranks third globally for attracting AI talent, according to Stanford’s 2024 AI Index report.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes a bold national strategy for data and AI, aiming to position the Kingdom among the world’s top AI-powered economies. Initiatives like “One Million Saudis in AI” and “Artificial Intelligence Hour” are already equipping hundreds of thousands of students with essential skills. Public-private partnerships are accelerating progress, especially in STEM and bilingual education.
Why AI-powered personalized learning is needed
Many traditional classrooms are constrained by fixed curricula and standardized teaching methods. This can make it difficult to meet the needs of individual students. AI can help close the gap—giving every student tailored support based on how they learn best. It doesn’t replace teachers; it gives them better tools to adapt, support, and engage.
The AI in education market is expected to grow to over $20 billion by 2027. Pearson’s own research found that 76% of teachers spend at least an hour a week planning lessons in their own time. This provided inspiration for innovations like our Smart Lesson Generator, which reduces admin and delivers curriculum-aligned content at the right level, in seconds.
Generative AI can identify at-risk learners early, recommend specific interventions, and dynamically adapt materials for better comprehension and retention. These tools tailor content to each learner’s unique needs by offering personalized explanations, summaries, and practice questions.
How it can be implemented and the benefits
AI needs more than access to devices; it works best when integrated into pedagogy. Tools like Mondly by Pearson let learners practise speaking and listening in realistic, role-based scenarios, powered by speech recognition and adaptive feedback.
This kind of real-time assessment is especially valuable for workforce preparation, where language skills, particularly English, directly influence employability. In Saudi Arabia, Pearson’s research shows a 40% gap in English skills across industries, something AI can help address at scale.
Challenges and considerations
In a world where 60% of educators are already implementing AI in the classroom, concerns around data privacy, digital literacy, and equitable access cannot be ignored.
Many schools still lack the infrastructure or teacher training needed to roll out AI programs effectively, with 61% of teachers indicating they would feel more confident using AI if they were properly trained. However, these challenges present opportunities for regional collaboration and innovation. Ethical frameworks, clear data policies, and inclusive curriculum design can mitigate risks.
AI-powered tools that are built on proprietary standards like the Global Scale of English can ensure precision and alignment with real-world learning outcomes. Rather than replacing educators, AI should be positioned as a tool that empowers them, providing real-time assistance during lessons, answering questions, and offering extra resources.
Government initiatives and national strategies
The UAE’s AI Strategy 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 show a clear commitment to integrating AI across all levels of education. Programs like the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) are sending students abroad to study advanced technologies, while EdTech partnerships are multiplying across the region.
By 2030, AI is expected to contribute over $96 billion to the UAE’s economy and $135 billion to Saudi Arabia’s. To realise this, education must lead the way.
The road ahead
To make the most of AI in education, we need more than devices and dashboards. We need collaboration.
Educators need hands-on training. Policymakers need to create regulations that promote safe, equitable use of AI. And technology providers must build tools with—not just for—teachers and learners. That includes embedding AI into curricula and teaching the next generation how to use it responsibly.
The Middle East has momentum on its side. If governments, educators, and tech companies act together, the region can set a global example, building an education system that’s more personalised, more agile, and fit for the future.
Tech News
Nothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai

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.

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.”

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


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.”
Tech News
Beyond the Helpdesk: How HP’s Workforce Experience Platform Makes IT Strategic Again

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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