Tech News
GLOBAL RETAIL INNOVATION STEPS INTO SMARTER PHASE DRIVEN BY AI AND AUTOMATION
Retail stores and supermarkets are now in the midst of an innovative transformation. Spaces that once used to be defined by stocked shelves and friendly sales associates are now experiencing the ripples of the accelerated digital transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data-driven insights are paving the way for smart stores which, on one hand, offer shoppers personalised experiences, while on the other hand, help retailers better understand evolving customer behaviour.
Global trends show how food retailers are also piloting AI-first experiences that match personalisation and ease of eCommerce platforms. By integrating advanced features such as AI sensors, smart carts, autonomous checkout counters and real-time inventory engines, retailers are offering efficient, fast and hassle-free shopping. This shift also gives retailers the benefit of higher conversion and lower operating costs.
As technologies like AI continue to evolve, retailers are leveraging them to optimise pricing, predict consumer behaviour and enhance in-store experiences to create a dynamic retail environment internationally. Current trends indicate a shift towards AI-powered automation in supply chain management, augmented reality for enhanced shopping experiences, and AI-driven marketing strategies which will be discussed at Gulfood 2026, the largest global food show in depth.
Speaking of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Artificial Intelligence in Retail market report stated the nation is projected to grow from USD 16.82 million in 2023 to USD 157.86 million in 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.21 per cent. The UAE’s grocery market is also expanding rapidly, projected to reach USD 38.6 million by 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7 per cent through 2029, with online sales accounting for 15 per cent of total sales. Likewise, Saudi Arabia’s online grocery sector was valued at USD 1.54 billion in 2024 and is expected to expand further, with a projected CAGR of 15.9 per cent through 2033.
Government initiatives to promote AI integration
The UAE government strives to capitalise on this positive market landscape by fostering a favourable environment for AI deployment and integration. Initiatives such as the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 aims to boost government performance and create new markets with high economic value by 2031, thereby positioning the country as a global hub for AI innovations. In line with this, the UAE government is encouraging retail businesses to integrate AI technologies into their operations.
Similarly, the UAE continues to host major global and regional events that accelerate the transformation of the retail sector and showcase the future of tech-enabled commerce. For instance, Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest annual food show, which is being held in Dubai, from January 26 to January 30 will showcase a wide array of innovations happening in the food retail sector. By convening global F&B leaders and decision-makers, including CEOs, heads of state, trade officials, investors, academics, scientists, tech innovators and more under one roof, it will set the ideal stage to lead open discussions and exchange ideas on the possibilities of AI integration and digital transformation in food retail.
Predictive Analytics and Demand Forecasting with AI
The growing momentum of technological innovations is further highlighted by increased use of AI-powered predictive analytics in the country’s retail market. Businesses are now leveraging data to forecast customer demand and optimise inventory management. AI-algorithms that accurately predict purchasing patterns, help retailers retain optimal stock levels, reduce waste and reinforce supply chain efficiency. It also helps retailers design engaging promotional campaigns, refine customer engagement strategies and align their stocks with seasonal trends. This aspect of predictive analytics is beneficial in the UAE’s rapidly evolving retail market, where demand fluctuations can be unpredictable and competitive pressures are high.
The country’s growing focus on AI-powered retail innovations is already being translated into real-world examples. Fully automated stores, such as Carrefour’s Dubai pilot, have proven that AI-powered retail is more than just a concept. These stores demonstrate how automation can improve efficiency, though they can also pose several challenges related to error resolution and data privacy.
Looking ahead, retailers that continue to embrace innovation are projected to unlock new market possibilities. The integration of AI will help refine everything from product selections and store operations to marketing campaigns, helping business leaders make informed decisions. Meanwhile, from a shopper’s perspective, the combination of advanced edge computing and digital signage can offer a personalised shopping experience. The integration of AI will also improve visual search capabilities, helping consumers to find items on retail websites simply with a picture of the item.
As the region’s retail sector continues to leverage AI’s vast possibilities, the key to success of these efforts lies in balancing innovations with customer centricity. The insights shared at Al-Futtaim’s AI in Retail Roundtable [3] offer a clear roadmap for GCC retailers to harness AI responsibly and effectively. In order to localise the experience, brands must design AI solutions that respect the region’s cultural diversity while meeting the expectations of an evolving customer base. Another key point highlighted during the roundtable is humanising the digital experience to ensure that technology strengthens emotional connections rather than replacing them. Retailers should also focus on seamless personalisation across channels, linking online and offline journeys into one unified experience.
Above all, the key to guaranteeing the success of this transformation is transparency and trust. By seeking consent and clearly communicating how data boosts customers’ convenience, retailers can build loyalty that lasts well beyond the transaction.
Tech News
EMARAT SUPPORTS HSE EXPO UNDERSCORING HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP

Emirates Petroleum Company PJSC (Emarat), a pioneer in the UAE’s oil and gas industry, is participating as Official Partner of HSE-Expo 2026, taking place on 1 and 2 April 2026 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah.
Organised by Sharjah National Oil Corporation and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Chairman of the Petroleum Department and President of Sharjah National Oil Corporation, the event brings together industry leaders, specialists, researchers, and stakeholders to advance dialogue around health, safety and environmental priorities across the region.
Emarat’s participation reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening workplace safety, supporting responsible environmental practices, and aligning its operations with recognised regional and international standards. It also reinforces the company’s view that health, safety, and environmental performance is integral to operational excellence, long term resilience and responsible growth across the energy value chain.
Burhan Al Hashemi, Chief Executive Officer of Emarat, said: “At Emarat, health, safety and environment is a leadership priority embedded across every level of the organization. It shapes how we operate, how we invest and how we build a culture of accountability and care. Across our fuel, aviation fuel, lubricants, LPG, and natural gas businesses, HSE is fundamental to operational discipline, business continuity and the trust our customers and partners place in us. Our participation in HSE Expo 2026 reflects our commitment to raising standards, supporting responsible industry practices, and contributing to a safer and more sustainable operating environment.”
Emarat applies health, safety, and environmental discipline across its operations as part of its broader commitment to operational excellence and responsible growth. From frontline safety practices and process discipline to environmental stewardship and continuous improvement, the company views HSE as a business imperative that supports resilience, strengthens trust, and underpins performance across its fuel, aviation fuel, lubricants, LPG and natural gas businesses.
Furthermore, HSE standards are central to every product category Emarat operates in, including LPG. As a provider of composite LPG cylinders, Emarat adheres to global HSE industry standards in this product category among all others, underscoring the company’s commitment to safety and environmental responsibility across all aspects of its business.
Ali AlAstad Alhammadi, Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality, Emarat, said: “HSE Expo provides an important platform for industry stakeholders to exchange practical insight, share best practice and strengthen collaboration around issues that are central to workforce safety and environmental stewardship. For Emarat, this is an opportunity to engage with the wider HSE community and support continued progress in standards, awareness, and performance across the sector. We are grateful to SNOC for organizing this important platform and we look forward to continued collaboration and future participation”
HSE Expo 2026 serves as an important regional platform for advancing dialogue on workplace safety, environmental responsibility, and industry best practice. By bringing together energy leaders, technical specialists, researchers and stakeholders, the event supports knowledge exchange around the standards and innovations shaping safer and more sustainable operations across the region.
Tech News
ALTERYX EXPANDS REGIONAL LEADERSHIP WITH SABYA SEN TO LEAD IMEA & APAC

Alteryx Inc., a leading AI-ready data and analytics company, today announced the appointment of Sabya Sen as Vice President, IMEA & APAC, to lead its business across India, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific (IMEA & APAC). In this role, Sen will focus on accelerating customer outcomes and scaling adoption of the Alteryx One platform across some of the world’s fastest-growing markets for AI and data innovation.
Sen brings deep regional expertise and a strong track record of execution to this role. Most recently, he served as Vice President, Head of UKI & Emerging Markets Europe at Alteryx, where he drove consistent growth, built high-performing teams, and strengthened customer relationships across global markets.
The appointment comes at a critical phase for AI adoption globally and across IMEA and APAC, where governments and enterprises are increasing investments in digital transformation. In the Middle East, national strategies like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and UAE’s We the UAE 2031 are accelerating innovation agendas. The region’s AI market is projected to reach $320 billion USD, while globally, 89% of leaders plan to maintain or increase AI budgets in 2026. Despite this momentum, many organizations remain in pilot phases, underscoring the need for scalable, governed analytics solutions that can support enterprise-wide AI adoption.
“It is my priority to continue delivering meaningful outcomes for our customers and community,” said Sabya Sen, Vice President, IMEA & APAC. “Across the Middle East, India, and Asia-Pacific, we are seeing unprecedented momentum driven by ambitious national transformation agendas. These efforts are accelerating economic diversification, advancing digital innovation, and firmly positioning these regions as global hubs for data and AI-led growth.”
Prior to joining Alteryx, Sen spent 11 years at Salesforce in a variety of leadership roles, supporting customers across the insurance, financial services, and healthcare industries, where he helped organizations leverage data and technology to transform their operations. In his new role, Sen will focus on helping organizations move beyond experimentation to enterprise-scale AI adoption by delivering trusted, AI-ready data and analytics through the Alteryx One platform.
“Over the past few years, Sabya has had a tremendous impact on Alteryx and has demonstrated a remarkable level of focus, discipline, and strong commercial execution,” said Jason Janicke, Senior Vice President, EMEA & APJ at Alteryx. “He has delivered results, built a strong team culture, and consistently raised the bar. We can’t wait to see the impact that Sabya has in this next role.”
Tech News
VERTIV EXPANDS THERMAL PORTFOLIO WITH NEW WALL-MOUNT COOLING SYSTEM FOR EDGE AND SMALL DATA ROOMS IN EMEA

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, today announced the launch of the Vertiv™ CoolPhase Wall, a space-saving, wall-mount cooling system designed for small IT spaces and edge environments. The system is designed for the needs of IT equipment, removing heat and enabling continuous operation while taking up zero floor space. Vertiv CoolPhase Wall is available now across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
As distributed computing becomes more critical to business operations, compact IT environments need high-quality thermal control designed for sensitive electronic systems. However, many are still using comfort cooling systems designed for human comfort rather than addressing the high sensible heat ratio (SHR) and higher airflow requirements of IT equipment. Vertiv CoolPhase Wall addresses this gap with a purpose-built system that provides the required SHR along with integrated monitoring and control capabilities to protect equipment and enable24/7 operational continuity.
Built for installation flexibility, the Vertiv CoolPhase Wall features a split system with an indoor wall-mounted cooling unit. The system delivers up to 60% greater airflow than standard comfort cooling systems and leverages variable-speed compressors and variable speed fans to modulate to meet heat load demand and improve energy efficiency to enable operational cost reductions.
Designed to handle thermal loads up to 11 kW, the Vertiv CoolPhase Wall is engineered to operate reliably in outdoor ambient temperatures ranging from -35 to 48℃. The system features the Vertiv™ Liebert® iCOM™ operational control, which enables local configuration and supervision of key operating parameters. For extended visibility and remote access, the Vertiv CoolPhase Wall includes onboard remote communication capability to provide real-time alerts and operational status through a secure web interface.
The Vertiv™ CoolPhase Wall utilizes R-32 refrigerant, a low-global warming potential (GWP) alternative that reduces environmental impact while maintaining thermal performance. This positions Vertiv ahead of evolving regulatory requirements, including the European Union’s F-Gas regulations that restrict the use of high-GWP refrigerants. While many comfort cooling systems are still transitioning to lower-GWP options, Vertiv is applying these standards to IT-focused cooling, giving organizations confidence that their deployments are aligned with future environmental expectations.
“As IT continues to expand into areas that were not originally intended for high-density electronics, the demand for adaptable and energy-efficient cooling solutions is increasing across EMEA,” said Sam Bainborough, vice president, EMEA thermal business at Vertiv. “The Vertiv CoolPhase Wall is engineered to support continuous operations, enabling customers to maintain reliable, efficient thermal performance in small IT rooms and edge sites year-round.”
Vertiv CoolPhase Wall expands the company’s comprehensive thermal management portfolio, which includes precision cooling system for edge deployments, enterprise data centers, and high-density AI environments, ranging from room-based cooling to direct-to-chip liquid cooling and rear door exchangers.
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