Connect with us

Tech Features

AI and Digital Currencies Transform MENA Into Rising Fintech Leader

Published

on

abstract representation of AI and digital currencies

By Naser Taher, Chairman of MultiBank Group

Naser Taher, Chairman of MultiBank Group
Naser Taher, Chairman of MultiBank Group

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has become the leading laboratory for financial innovation, where artificial intelligence (AI), central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and sovereign wealth fund (SWF) strategies converge to reshape global cash flows. According to the World Economic Forum, venture capital investments in MENA grew by about 33% a year from 2015 to 2023, with funding reaching $644 million in 2024. This surge reflects deliberate efforts to position the region as a fintech powerhouse for the new economy.

One of the most significant developments is the strategic collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Trump Organization to establish an AI and Web3 Free Zone. The $6.6 billion initiative aims to attract global tech firms, AI researchers, and fintech ventures to the UAE, further cementing MENA’s leadership in next-generation digital infrastructure.

Machine learning algorithms now process trades worth billions on Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul exchange daily, while automated risk assessment systems evaluate loan applications in real time from Dubai to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia’s Financial Sector Development Program has embedded AI throughout its capital markets ecosystem as part of Vision 2030’s broader economic transformation. PwC analysis projects this technological integration will generate almost $135 billion for the country’s economy by 2030, fundamentally altering how banks manage liquidity, assess credit risk, and compete regionally.

Central banks across the Gulf have moved beyond theoretical frameworks into live testing of digital currencies. The UAE’s Digital Dirham is set to enter retail circulation through licensed banks and fintech companies by late 2025, enabling near-instant cross-border payments where traditional banking requires days and charges hefty fees. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have jointly piloted Project Aber, issuing a single wholesale CBDC. 

Gulf SWFs are reshaping the region’s infrastructure landscape, no longer content with simple portfolio plays. These institutions now control $4.9 trillion in assets, with projections reaching $7.3 trillion by 2030. In the first nine months of 2024, they accounted for 40% of all international SWF transactions, deploying $55 billion across 126 deals. Notably, Abu Dhabi’s Investment Authority and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are increasing allocations to blockchain and digital projects. In Qatar, the Qatar Investment Authority is working through the Qatar Financial Centre’s new Digital Asset Regulations 2024 to trial real-world asset tokenization.

Alongside these public sector moves; private institutions are also innovating on a scale. MultiBank’s new Electronic Communication Network (ECN) will introduce the Gulf’s first interbank trading and prime brokerage ecosystem, linking BRICS and GCC jurisdictions. Designed to compete with Western counterparts such as Bloomberg and Reuters, it connects conventional trading desks to machine-driven order routing and the MultiBank Chain’s tokenization layer. Cross-border deals become faster, safer, and more transparent, with settlements possible in gold or a mix of currencies instead of U.S. dollars alone. By opening the door to tokenized real-world assets and other decentralized products, the network sharpens the Gulf’s bid to serve as a global finance hub.

However, important challenges remain. Fintech ventures still need to navigate a maze of rules that shift from one border to the next; a single, region-wide framework would let ideas—and capital—move faster. As more money flows online, hackers gain fresh openings, and cybersecurity becomes even more critical. And while Gulf youth embrace tech with ease, the GCC needs far more specialists who can work with blockchains, train risk models, and secure CBDC payment rails. That calls for a push on everything from university courses to mid-career reskilling.

The next breakthrough won’t come from technology alone but from how well policymakers, entrepreneurs, and the sovereign heavyweights backing them work in sync. CBDC pilots are live, AI already guides trading desks, and deep pools of patient capital sit ready to fund new ideas. If the region’s key players keep pulling in the same direction, the Gulf won’t just join the digital finance conversation—it could end up leading it.

Tech Features

Sustainable AI Practices Driving Ethical and Green Tech

Published

on

By Mansour Al Ajmi, CEO of X-Shift

Mansour Al Ajmi, CEO of X-Shift
Mansour Al Ajmi, CEO of X-Shift

Sustainable AI practices are no longer optional—they are essential for shaping technology that benefits both people and the planet. As artificial intelligence transforms industries from healthcare to transportation, the challenge is to ensure its growth is ethical, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive. This means addressing not only energy efficiency and carbon reduction but also governance, fairness, and long-term societal impacts.

Why Sustainable AI Practices Go Beyond the Environment?

AI is now deeply embedded in investment strategies, medical diagnostics, media platforms, and public infrastructure. While reducing energy usage is vital, true sustainability also requires ethical governance and the elimination of bias.

For example, biased training datasets can unintentionally reinforce social inequality. Studies, such as those from the MIT Media Lab, have shown that some AI systems perform poorly with diverse populations, highlighting the risk of discrimination. Addressing this means conducting regular algorithmic audits, enforcing transparency, and ensuring diverse representation in AI development teams.

The Environmental Impact of AI

Training advanced AI models consumes enormous computational resources. The process can generate carbon emissions equivalent to hundreds of long-haul flights. To counter this, tech leaders are investing in renewable energy and designing energy-efficient processors and cooling systems.

However, sustainable AI practices should become the default, not the exception. From sourcing materials responsibly to rethinking hardware infrastructure, the focus must be on green innovation by design.

Embedding Sustainability at the Strategic Core

Sustainable AI practices work best when integrated into an organization’s core strategy. Aligning AI solutions with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can directly support climate action, reduce inequalities, and promote responsible consumption.

In the Middle East, initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence demonstrate how sustainability and AI can align with national priorities. These strategies not only meet ethical standards but also deliver competitive advantages, building consumer trust and fostering innovation.

Governance for Responsible AI

Strong governance is key to ensuring sustainable AI practices are upheld. Regulatory frameworks, such as the European Union’s AI Act, guide transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Governance should enable innovation while preventing harm. Public-private partnerships, global cooperation, and industry alliances are critical to creating ethical, scalable, and resilient AI ecosystems.

Preparing the Workforce for the AI Era

McKinsey estimates that AI adoption could displace up to 800 million jobs by 2030. Sustainable AI practices must include reskilling and upskilling initiatives to ensure inclusive economic growth.

By investing in training programs, organizations can help employees transition to new roles in AI-related fields. This proactive approach strengthens workforce agility and supports long-term resilience.

Leadership’s Role in Driving Sustainable AI Practices

AI can significantly advance sustainability goals, from optimizing supply chains to reducing environmental waste. Companies like Unilever are already using AI to achieve greener operations, proving its real-world potential.

Yet leadership commitment is essential. Executives must set measurable goals, model ethical behavior, and integrate sustainability into company culture. This ensures that sustainability is not a side project but a core business value.

The Shared Responsibility for a Sustainable AI Future

Creating a sustainable AI future requires collaboration between individuals, corporations, and governments. Citizens should stay informed and question how AI affects them. Companies must embed sustainability into their AI strategies, while governments need to establish policies that encourage responsible innovation.

By acting now, we can ensure AI evolves as a force for good—advancing technology without sacrificing ethics, equity, or environmental stewardship.

Check out our previous post on WHX Tech 2025 to Drive Global Digital Health Transformation

Continue Reading

Tech Features

Epicor CMO Kerrie Jordan to Drive Global Marketing Growth

Published

on

the-style-is-candid-image-photography-with-natural
Kerrie Jordan - Epicor
Kerrie Jordan – Epicor

Epicor CMO Kerrie Jordan has been appointed to lead the company’s global marketing strategy. This move marks a pivotal moment in the enterprise software leader’s expansion. Epicor, known for its industry-specific solutions for the make, move, and sell economy, announced the news on August 12, 2025, in Dubai.

Jordan brings a rare combination of senior product innovation and strategic marketing expertise. She will strengthen the Epicor brand, expand market reach, and deepen customer engagement worldwide.

Epicor CMO Kerrie Jordan Brings Product and Market Expertise Together

Vaibhav Vohra, Epicor President and Chief Product & Technology Officer, eVaibhav Vohra, Epicor President and Chief Product & Technology Officer, emphasized the importance of the appointment.

“Kerrie’s ability to connect product strategy with market execution makes her an ideal fit. Her leadership has already shaped our Cognitive ERP vision, and we’re excited to see her bring that same energy and insight to our marketing efforts.”

Since joining Epicor in 2023 as Group Vice President of Product Management and ISV Partner Programs, Jordan has advanced the company’s Cognitive ERP roadmap. This AI-driven approach turns ERP from a system of record into a system of action and insight, empowering supply chain businesses to operate smarter and faster.

A Vision for Accelerated Innovation and Growth

In her new role, Jordan will unite product innovation, analytics, and go-to-market strategies to accelerate customer time-to-value. She will also foster innovation and support Epicor’s global expansion.

“I’m honored to expand my role at Epicor,” Jordan said. “Epicor is at the forefront of enabling essential businesses to thrive through AI-driven, connected technologies. I look forward to amplifying our impact, building stronger relationships with customers and partners, and driving growth across global markets.”

A Career Built on Technology Leadership

Before joining Epicor, Jordan served in senior product marketing positions at Oracle. She developed strategies for enterprise software solutions and helped drive adoption. Earlier in her career, she led strategic marketing programs for technology clients during her consulting roles at global marketing firms.

Jordan is a recognized voice in cloud ERP, digital transformation, and supply chain innovation. She hosts Epicor’s “Manufacturing the Future” podcast, which features industry leaders discussing trends shaping manufacturing and supply chain sectors. She is also a Forbes Tech Council contributor. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Santa Clara University in California.

Epicor’s Commitment to Industry-Focused Growth

Epicor has served customers across automotive, building supply, distribution, manufacturing, and retail for more than 50 years. The company’s solutions are tailored to industry needs and adaptable to fast-changing market conditions.

Check out our previous post on WHX Tech 2025 to Drive Global Digital Health Transformation

Continue Reading

Tech Features

In-Hand Comfort Meets Elegant Design – A UI You’ll Love and Performance You Can Count On– Meet Oppo’s Reno 14 Series!

Published

on

Oppo Reno 14 Series promotional collage highlighting design and performance

In today’s crowded smartphone market, very few devices make a lasting impression from the first hold. The Oppo Reno 14 Series does exactly that. Its rounded front design, sharp edges, and striking Iridescent Mermaid finish give it a premium look that stands out. At just 7.42 mm thick and 187 g, with aluminium-framed edges, it feels light yet sturdy in the hand.

The 6.57-inch LTPS OLED display offers a 120 Hz Full HD+ experience with HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. While the brightness could be slightly higher, the rich colour tones make it ideal for streaming and gaming. The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive visuals.

Display & Performance in the Oppo Reno 14

Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 mobile platform, paired with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the Oppo Reno 14 Series delivers fluid performance. Everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming feel effortless. Even after a month of use, there’s no lag, and the phone remains cool under pressure.

The signal reception is equally reliable, performing well even in remote mountain regions. For gamers, the combination of smooth frame rates and strong connectivity makes it a dependable choice.

Camera Setup Built for Creativity

The Oppo Reno 14 Series brings a 32 MP front camera and a triple rear camera system (50 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP). It supports 4K 60 fps HDR video recording, delivering sharp and vibrant footage. Oppo’s image processing handles lighting well, although the AI can occasionally produce slightly artificial tones. When it dials back the processing, the results are impressively natural.

Selfies from the front camera are detailed, making it a strong option for content creators. AI-powered tools such as AI Eraser, AI Reflection Remover, AI Unblur, AI Recompose, and AI Perfect Shot add versatility. Beyond photography, features like real-time translation and cloud-based voice transcription offer extra value.

Battery Life & Charging Speed on the Oppo Reno 14

Battery performance is one of the standout features. The massive 6,000 mAh battery easily lasts over a day of heavy use. Paired with 80 W fast charging, it goes from 0% to 100% in just 40–50 minutes, reducing downtime significantly.

Software and User Experience

Running on ColorOS 15, the interface is polished and responsive. The design is intuitive, though it comes with pre-installed apps that many users may want to remove for a cleaner setup. The combination of IP69 water and dust resistance, strong haptics, and a promised five years of major updates enhances its long-term value.

Verdict: A Strong Contender in Its Price Range

The Oppo Reno 14 Series blends premium design, solid performance, long battery life, and camera versatility into a package that offers excellent value. Whether for everyday use, creative projects, or gaming, it meets a wide range of needs without compromise.

For readers who enjoyed this review, check out our previous feature on Sustainable Tech: How Globant Shapes a Greener Tomorrow to see how innovation is shaping the tech industry.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator