In the Gulf’s fast-evolving retail landscape, one thing is clear: attention is everything. With consumers moving between screens, stores, and digital channels in seconds, capturing that attention outdoors is becoming a high-stakes game. That’s why LED display technology is rapidly becoming the new storefront essential, especially when paired with interactivity.

Retailers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are investing in large-format LED displays that do more than just promote products; they invite shoppers in. Whether it’s a vivid display on a flagship store’s exterior or an interactive screen at a luxury mall, brands are embracing motion, light, and tech to cut through the noise. Across malls in Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, it’s no longer uncommon to see storefronts come alive with animations, responsive visuals, or even gesture-based content.

“Retailers today are competing not just for sales, but for attention, and in this region, that means making a bold visual impact,” said Zac Liang, General Manager – Gulf Area, Unilumin Group. “That’s why more brands are investing in outdoor LED displays that don’t just advertise, they engage.”

While many regions are adopting this trend, the Middle East is scaling fast. According to Grand View Research, the digital signage market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to grow from USD 1.66 million in 2024 to USD 2.80 million by 2030, with the GCC leading the charge thanks to infrastructure development, smart city strategies, and a strong mall culture. This growth is being fueled by the rising demand for immersive experiences, particularly in high-traffic outdoor retail environments.

The shift isn’t just about visuals; it’s also about interactivity. LED displays equipped with touchscreens, motion sensors, and augmented reality are turning passive browsing into active engagement. Shoppers can explore digital lookbooks, scan QR codes for real-time offers, or interact with content that responds to their presence. These experiences help bridge the online-offline divide, giving brands a powerful edge in driving foot traffic and customer engagement.

“Interactivity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity,” Liang added. “Our clients in the Gulf are asking for displays that do more than play content. They want screens that connect, respond, and adapt in real time.”

Unilumin has been at the forefront of this transformation. The company made waves by being the first in the LED industry to introduce MIP/COB technology for outdoor displays in China; the technology is now making its way into major Middle Eastern markets. At the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games, Unilumin deployed over 4,200 square meters of LED screens across key venues. Its outdoor COB display at West Lake, the world’s first outdoor high-brightness COB screen, not only lit up the event but became part of the visual narrative of the games.

That same energy is now flowing into the Gulf, where malls, airports, and open-air retail zones are hungry for solutions that combine aesthetics, interactivity, and performance. From arch-shaped LED portals in Dubai to street-facing media walls in Doha, the region is becoming a live canvas for digital storytelling.

The future of outdoor retail in the GCC isn’t just about visibility; it’s about visibility with purpose. Interactive LED displays give brands the power to stop shoppers mid-scroll, pull them off the sidewalk, and get them through the door. In a market where first impressions are everything, those few seconds on the street could mean the difference between a passerby and a purchase.

By 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.

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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.

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