Across the GCC, national development agendas increasingly position artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of economic diversification. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031, and Qatar’s national innovation roadmap all highlight AI as a critical driver of future growth. According to McKinsey, AI adoption has already reached around 84 percent among organisations in the GCC, with the technology projected to generate up to $320 billion in economic value for the Middle East by 2030. As adoption accelerates across industries, regulatory compliance is becoming a key factor that determines whether AI initiatives move beyond ambition to achieve sustainable scale.

Shaffra, an AI research and applications company building autonomous AI teams for enterprises and governments, sees six clear shifts reshaping how companies operate.

1. Regulation is accelerating adoption in high-stakes sectors

Government entities, financial services, telecom, aviation, and large semi-government organisations are moving fastest. These sectors operate at scale, face strict efficiency mandates, and function under constant regulatory oversight. Healthcare and energy are advancing more cautiously due to safety and data sensitivity. In many cases, the more regulated the industry, the faster AI deployment progresses. However, rapid scaling also exposes governance weaknesses, particularly where documentation, ownership, and oversight mechanisms are underdeveloped.

2. Compliance is prerequisite for scale

Over the past year, 88% of Middle East CEOs have reported generative AI uptake. Today, organisations increasingly require audit trails, explainability, clear data lineage and residency controls, defined performance thresholds, and enforceable human oversight mechanisms. With one in four Middle East consumers citing privacy as a primary concern, compliance is being treated as a post-deployment validation exercise; it is a structural requirement for scaling AI responsibly.

3. Sovereign AI and data residency are shaping architecture

AI governance in the GCC is being influenced less by standalone AI laws and more by data protection and cybersecurity frameworks. The UAE’s federal data protection law, Saudi Arabia’s PDPL under SDAIA, and Oman’s PDPL reinforce lawful processing and cross-border controls. In highly regulated sectors such as banking, healthcare, energy, and telecommunications, data residency and local control over models are strategic imperatives. Sovereign AI is evolving from a policy ambition into an operational requirement affecting infrastructure, vendor selection, and system design.

4. Human accountability is being reasserted

When organisations deploy AI without defining who owns the decision, when human escalation is required, and what the system is permitted or restricted from doing, they create either over-reliance or under-utilisation. Without clearly defined ownership and documented review controls, accountability weakens and regulatory exposure increases.

For instance, DIFC reinforces responsible AI use in personal data processing. High-impact decisions involving legal standing, fraud, employment, healthcare guidance, or public sector determinations that affect citizens need to involve human oversight, while AI handles speed, consistency, and automation of repetitive tasks. High-impact decisions should involve accountable human oversight.

5. Governance maturity slows deployment activity

Many organisations are AI-active but still developing governance maturity. Common governance gaps are structural rather than technical. Multiple pilots often run in parallel, tool adoption is fragmented, and accountability is split across IT, legal, risk, and business functions. Growing enterprises often lack a central AI governance owner, a comprehensive use-case inventory, consistent vendor and model risk assessment, and formal escalation protocols. Policies may exist at the board level, yet it is not consistently embedded into day-to-day operations. Addressing this gap requires governance to be built into workflows from the outset.

6. Continuous auditing is discipline

Studies indicate that a majority of ML models degrade over time, through model drift, hidden bias, or misuse vulnerabilities. Initial audits frequently reveal undocumented use cases, weak access segmentation, insufficient logging, and unclear review protocols. Effective governance requires compliance with international and local data residency rules, structured risk tiering, data lineage validation, access controls, bias testing, performance benchmarking, and defined incident response procedures. High-impact systems warrant quarterly reviews supported by continuous monitoring, while lower-risk applications still require periodic reassessment. Governance is increasingly measured through evidence rather than policy statements. Boards are asking for dashboards, logs, and audit artefacts — not policy PDFs.

Governance is being considered as part of AI infrastructure. Compliance frameworks are evolving into operational architecture embedded within systems, workflows, and accountability models. The organisations that will lead in the GCC are those that design governance at the same time they design capability, ensuring AI scales with discipline rather than risk.

The post 6 Trends in AI Compliance Influencing How GCC Companies Operate appeared first on The Integrator.

Corning is proud to present its innovations at the inaugural CORTechX technology symposium in the Middle East, held on November 12, 2025, in Dubai. This event showcases how Corning’s cutting-edge technologies are enabling faster data connections, advancing medical breakthroughs, and creating energy-smart spaces — emphasizing its renewed commitment to the region’s vision for AI, smart infrastructure, life sciences, and sustainability.

Corning in the UAE and Gulf Corporation Council

Corning has had a presence in the UAE for nearly 20 years, empowering in-building networks with optical fiber and cabling solutions.

For over 10 years, Corning’s life sciences products have supported research, diagnostics, and bioprocessing in the region.

Corning maintains a network of local partners, distributors, and integrators in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, fostering collaboration and innovation through training and certification programs.

“For decades, Corning has been quietly enabling progress across the UAE and Middle East – supporting networks, laboratories, and technologies that connect people and data. From AI-enabling technologies, advanced diagnostics, consumer electronics innovations, and energy-smart spaces, Corning’s technologies are empowering industries across telecommunications, life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, sustainability, and smart infrastructure.” – Gokhan Doran, International Vice President and General Manager, Corning International

“The Middle East and especially the UAE is at an inflection point. With its vision for AI, smart infrastructure, life sciences, and sustainability, this region now mirrors everything Corning stands for – Innovation, Quality, Performance, and creating long-term value. We are here today to not only introduce Corning, but also reemphasize our commitment to the region.” – Sudhir Pillai, Managing Director, Corning India, President, Corning India, Middle East, and Africa.

Corning Transforming the telecommunications industry for nearly 50 years.

As the inventor of the world’s first low-loss optical fiber in 1970, Corning revolutionized global connectivity. Today, Corning’s fibers are 100 times better than the original invention, offering unmatched performance.

Corning’s Vision for AI Data Centers – Enabling Generative AI Through Glass

Generative AI (Gen AI) is transforming industries, and at its core is Corning’s revolutionary glass technology, which plays a pivotal role in enabling AI. From optical fiber networks to semiconductor components, Corning’s glass innovations are driving AI forward. Corning holds over 1,000 approved and pending patents related to data centers, with 100 patents filed in the last year alone.

Inside Data Centers: Scaling Fiber Density

Gen AI requires greater fiber density to network GPUs (Graphical Processing Units) effectively.

Optical fiber, invented by Corning over 50 years ago, is critical for high-speed data transmission and allows for compact server environments that maximize processing power.

With 72-GPU nodes, fiber density needs have increased 16x compared to traditional cloud architectures.

Corning is already innovating to meet future GPU demands, ensuring space optimization with slimmer fibers and connectors.

Outside Data Centers: Driving more fiber connections between cities

To accommodate growing GPU cluster sizes with the massive computer power required for today’s Gen AI learning models, data centers are expanding into campuses with multiple data halls. And operators need to quickly build out high-density connections to get these data enters up and running. Corning is uniquely positioned to meet these needs.

Power and land constraints, as well as varying regulatory frameworks, are prompting data centers to spread out into regional hubs – creating a need for long-haul networks to connect them. We call this our Data Center Interconnect segment, or DCI. DCI cables have to maximize data flow between data centers, and that requires high fiber density, lower attenuation and fast installation.

Corning GlassWorks AI – Tailored Solutions for Gen AI Data Centers

Corning’s GlassWorks AI provides a comprehensive suite of products and services to enable agile, scalable, and high-density networks for the demands of generative AI. Leveraging optical innovation and industry collaboration, we offer solutions that unlock AI’s full potential:

Corning SMF-28 Contour Optical Fiber: 40% slimmer than conventional fibers, enabling compact designs.

Corning Contour Flow Cable: Doubles the density of traditional optical cables for faster deployment.

Corning MMC Connector: Boasts 36x the density of standard connectors.

Customized Connectivity Solutions: Tailored designs for unique network architectures, accelerating installation and reducing errors.

Corning’s Groundbreaking Technologies Across Industries

Life Sciences

Corning has been a trusted partner to the scientific community since 1915, with innovations like PYREX glass. Corning’s investments in bioprocess, cell therapy, 3D cell culture, and genomics research are helping scientists cure diseases and push the boundaries of discovery.

For the Middle East, Corning offers a comprehensive range of innovative, high-quality products and solutions for life science research and bioproduction through an extensive dealer network to serve the local customers.

Corning is advancing medical breakthroughs through technologies like Corning Valor® Glass, which protects drugs better than traditional glass packaging.

Trusted brands like Falcon, Axygen, and PYREX are found in over 100,000 laboratories worldwide.

Mobile Consumer Electronics

Corning Gorilla Glass has revolutionized smartphone durability since its debut in 2007, enabling damage-resistant, scratch-proof devices. Over 8 billion devices globally feature Gorilla Glass.

Innovations like Gorilla Glass DX/DX+ enhance mobile photography with improved light capture and reduced reflections.

In March 2025, Corning introducedCorning Gorilla Glass Ceramic, an innovative, transparent, and strengthenable glass ceramic material to help bring advanced toughness to more mobile devices. Gorilla Glass Ceramic significantly improves drop performance on rough surfaces compared to competitive aluminosilicate glasses.

Corning’s advanced optics are enabling immersive experiences in augmented reality and 3D sensing.

Corning Enlighten Glass is rewriting the rules for window technology

As a long-time innovator, Corning is always looking for synergies where our material science and process manufacturing expertise intersect with critical global macro trends such as high-performance buildings and sustainable construction. One of the latest areas where we are applying our glass science and manufacturing expertise is the architectural industry. 

As one of the largest glass markets in the world, the architectural glass space is a natural fit for Corning, and we believe innovation in the windows industry is an important issue to work on. Nearly 25% of global energy production is used to heat and cool buildings* (Source: Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2019  )

While windows represent around 10% of the total surface area for buildings, they represent nearly half of a home or business’s heat loss**(Reference from Referenced by Stephen Selkowitz at the NGA Glass Conference, Jan 24-26, 2023)

Corning has been working on a suite of solutions to improve thermal performance within the fenestration industry.

Corning Enlighten Glass is an enabling technology for high-performance windows and doors that can significantly enhance the thermal performance, comfort, and aesthetics of built environments. 

Enlighten Glass is a lightweight center pane that that can be integrated into high-performance window and door designs for insulated glazing units or in laminate applications.

Enlighten Glass’ benefits include increased energy efficiency and occupancy comfort with 2-3x thermal resistance; weight reduction by 20-50% in IGUs, making installation and operation easier; and a reduced carbon footprint by 20-40% compared to soda-lime glass alternatives  

Enlighten Glass has an inherently lower Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) than soda-lime glass due to its boro-aluminosilicate composition, which means that Enlighten Glass has lower thermal stress under temperature gradients, so it does not need to be heat strengthened. Heat strengthening is necessary with soda lime glass to prevent its inherently higher risk of thermal field failure with its high CTE.    

Enlighten Glass is formed through Corning’s proprietary fusion draw process which has become the industry’s most efficient method for producing pristine, thin, stable flat glass.

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Professor Fiona Robson,

Head of the School of Social Sciences & Edinburgh Business School

HR is no longer just about recruitment and retention – there is a growing trend towards taking a more creative and innovative approach. This can involve looking at talent through different lenses rather than seeing it as a hierarchical talent management process focusing on vertical promotions within the organization.

In an age where HR rightly have a seat at the strategic table for decision making, they have the opportunity to ensure that appropriate levels of funding and expertise are used to develop a forward-looking talent strategy that goes beyond the norm. Artificial intelligence (AI) brings a plethora of opportunities for organisations to be braver in how they identify potential talent. Using AI to identify talent can be a useful starting point but when it comes to areas such as innovation and identifying an entrepreneurial mindset, it may be more difficult to pinpoint the traits which could indicate potential to innovate.

Where HR teams start to consider and plot non-traditional pathways they may be able to recruit and retain employees with diverse skillsets. Taking an entrepreneurial path opens up the talent pool as it isn’t as focused on people looking at the next hierarchical step up within the organisation. This is important as there are usually resource constraints about how many vacancies are available to fill at the highest pay grades in the organisation. These new pathways should provide opportunities for women to shine in different types of projects and recognise the strategic importance of creative thinking and innovation.

Providing testing opportunities

Depending on the level of finance available there are some additional resources that could be provided. Innovation sprints or challenges can be a great way to test out ideas and receive feedback from different groups of stakeholders. They may facilitate prototyping and identify issues that were not previously considered. Internal technology venture labs can also provide a safe environment to test out ideas and proof of concept. Collaborating with Universities who are experienced in running labs and sprints can be very beneficial, they may also have access to funding to support the development of new products and services. However, in order to be truly successful, they need to ensure that there is a sustainable follow up process before the momentum deflates.

Inclusive Procurement and Equitable IP Policies

Organisations can seek to lead the way and exhibit good practice by reviewing their procurement policies where practicable to ensure that they are inclusive. Examples may include having provision for flexible payment terms which would make it easier for those at the beginning of their entrepreneurship journey. Access to specialist support which could help women to set up their businesses in a more timely way could also break down some of the perceived barriers. Often the processes around procurement can be rather cumbersome so the provision of training which shows exactly how to navigate it could be helpful. Forward looking organisations might seek to approve a process whereby women entrepreneurs are given priority with their applications.

For many women, even thinking about intellectual property (IP) and patents can seem overwhelming if they have never had exposure to this world before. The introduction of simplified processes could act as a springboard to attract more women, particularly if the timeline can be expedited so that there is a shorter gap between the initial idea and when it is approved. Having access to real case studies showing how this happens would also be reassuring. In large organisations, the HR team may be able to encourage the legal team to provide some initial advice so that prospective entrepreneurs get a realistic insight into whether their proposal has merit or not.

Commercial Advantage Through Policy

HR can make a name for itself by encouraging innovation through widening participation and breaking down barriers to encourage, support and recognise innovation. For some HR professionals this may be quite a shift for them so they may also require some reskilling and retraining.

It would be good practice for organisations to regularly review their HR policies to ensure that they reflect the changing eco-system and that there are appropriate diversity clauses within the library of policies, procedures and practices. As part of this, ensuring that there is awareness of bias and how this can sneak into processes unconsciously and inadvertently disadvantage women. The establishment of women’s networks would be a proactive approach and could help them at all of the different stages of developing and executing their entrepreneurial ideas.

Providing funding opportunities may be one of the most impactful decisions that an organisation can make. Obviously this would need to have transparent parameters around it but it could be the difference between an idea being turned into practice or not. If the funding allocation is governed by stakeholders with appropriate expertise in different areas i.e. finance, law, governance and people, this would reduce the organisational risk of investing in small new businesses. Where there isn’t a potential conflict of interest, organisations could also make a significant impact by facilitating market entry and opening doors within networks and supply chains.

The post HR-led Initiatives to nurture women-led TECH startups appeared first on The Integrator.

A Unified Front Door for Enterprise AI

Enterprises today face fragmented systems, with employees managing dozens of siloed applications and disconnected AI solutions. As a result, workers often lack access to the right data at the right time. ServiceNow AI Experience addresses this challenge by bringing workflows, data, and AI models onto a single intuitive interface.

By combining context-aware functionality with multimodal inputs — including voice, text, image, and web — the new interface simplifies adoption and reduces employee learning curves. Furthermore, it ensures that AI becomes embedded across every workflow rather than being bolted onto existing systems.

Transforming How Work Gets Done

AI Experience introduces a role-aware, intelligent interface that supports instant access to AI-powered agents. These agents learn continuously, operate transparently, and provide full visibility for employees. Consequently, tasks can be resolved faster, decisions are made more effectively, and organizations experience measurable gains in productivity.

Amy Lokey, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at ServiceNow, explained:
“By creating a unified, contextual, and intuitive AI Experience for the enterprise, we’re putting AI into the flow of work. ServiceNow is empowering people to collaborate with AI agents seamlessly and without friction.”

Key Capabilities of ServiceNow AI Experience

ServiceNow highlighted four major innovations within the new platform:

• AI Voice Agents: Provide natural, hands-free support that can retrieve information, update records, and solve complex issues.
• AI Web Agents: Navigate third-party apps and websites, completing tasks without APIs or manual integrations.
• AI Data Explorer: Connects insights across internal and external data sources, helping users track trends and pinpoint causes directly within workflows.
• AI Lens: Turns any on-screen element into instant action, allowing users to automate tasks and accelerate decisions in real time.

AI Experience and Customer Relationship Management

The platform also reshapes Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Traditionally, CRM systems act as static records of customer interactions. In contrast, ServiceNow AI Experience transforms CRM into an AI-first system of action.

For service teams, automation accelerates ticket resolution and request fulfillment. Meanwhile, sales teams benefit from an AI-powered Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) solution that streamlines proposals. Therefore, employees can focus on building relationships while AI handles repetitive and manual tasks.

This approach not only reduces costs but also improves customer satisfaction, as interactions become more proactive, personalized, and efficient.

AI Control Tower: Governance and Security

A critical element of the new release is the AI Control Tower, a central hub for governing and monitoring AI assets. It ensures organizations can deploy ServiceNow AI Experience confidently while maintaining transparency, compliance, and security. In addition, ServiceNow announced expanded model provider flexibility. Companies can now select from ServiceNow’s platform-native LLMs or third-party providers such as Azure OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, and Google Gemini.

By aligning the most suitable model to each workflow, enterprises gain flexibility without sacrificing security. This makes ServiceNow AI Experience not just powerful, but also enterprise-ready.

Driving Transformation in the AI Era

The introduction of ServiceNow AI Experience marks a fundamental shift in how people interact with technology. It places AI at the forefront of workflows, ensuring that human employees can focus on higher-value tasks while AI agents handle routine, repetitive work. Moreover, it creates a foundation for organizations to scale AI responsibly, with governance and transparency built in from the start.

Visitors attending GITEX Global 2025 can see AI Experience in action at ServiceNow’s stand in Hall 3. With its multimodal, intelligent design, the platform demonstrates how enterprise-ready AI can drive efficiency, resilience, and lasting customer loyalty.

Read our previous post on IBM nybl AI Solutions Transform Industrial Operations

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By combining Space42’s expertise in AI-powered mobility with Microsoft’s secure cloud and logistics suite, the project will accelerate the deployment of autonomous mobility solutions while ensuring data sovereignty within the UAE.

Space42 Sovereign Mobility Cloud sets a global benchmark

Dr. Fan Zhu, Senior Vice President of Autonomous Mobility at Space42, emphasized the importance of this milestone: “The UAE has always led in technological innovation, and autonomous mobility is no exception. By building the nation’s first Sovereign Mobility Cloud with Core42 and Microsoft, we are setting a global standard for secure, trusted platforms in mobility and autonomous systems.”

Sherif Tawfik, Chief Partnership Officer – AI & Cloud for Sovereignty at Microsoft, added: “Microsoft Azure provides the secure foundation that powers the UAE’s Sovereign Mobility Cloud. This collaboration ensures compliance, confidentiality, and trust at the highest levels.”

Key features of the Space42 Sovereign Mobility Cloud

The initiative provides a trusted platform tailored to mobility and autonomous systems. Importantly, it delivers:

• -Secure hosting of mobility data under UAE regulations.
• -Platforms for HD mapping, telematics, fleet operations, traffic management, and digital twins.
• -Data-sharing frameworks across government, industry, and research stakeholders.

Furthermore, the program will introduce regulatory sandboxes, test hubs, and reference deployments in partnership with the UAE transport authorities.

Building complementary capabilities with Space42 Sovereign Mobility Cloud

Space42 will lead application deployment, liaise with regulators, and drive adoption through pilots and rollouts. Meanwhile, Core42 and Microsoft will deliver the sovereign-enabled foundation, ensuring compliance and data residency. In addition, Microsoft will provide training, technical expertise, and co-investment to grow the ecosystem.

This collaboration builds on earlier partnerships. For example, in July 2025, Space42, Microsoft, and Esri launched the Map Africa Initiative to create a continent-wide base map. Moreover, Space42’s geospatial AI platform, GIQ, is available on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace.

Advancing the UAE’s mobility ambitions

The UAE has positioned itself as a launchpad for next-generation mobility. Supported by infrastructure, governance, and regulation, it is creating a model for global transport innovation.

Space42 has already logged nearly 600,000 kilometers of autonomous driving and 20,000 passenger trips through its TXAI service. Beyond robotaxis, the company focuses on HD mapping, digital twins, and AI-driven fleet operations, ensuring innovation aligns with safety and best practices. Consequently, Abu Dhabi is becoming a hub for intelligent transport.

Why the Space42 Sovereign Mobility Cloud matters

The Sovereign Mobility Cloud ensures that critical transport data remains in the UAE, complying with regulations while fostering innovation. Therefore, it strengthens trust, protects sensitive information, and supports the nation’s long-term strategy for autonomous systems.

By combining national vision with technological expertise, the UAE and Space42 are building an ecosystem where AI-enabled transport benefits citizens and sets new global benchmarks.

Take a look at our previous post, ASUS Techsphere Forum: Making Every Company an AI Company

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Agentic AI startups are driving a new era of autonomy in business. They combine intelligence, adaptability, and goal-directed action in ways that traditional automation cannot match. From workflows that optimise themselves to marketing campaigns that shift in real time, these startups are reshaping how enterprises operate.

HR transformation with Agentic AI startups

Companies such as Hume AI, PeopleGPT, and Sora embed empathy and foresight into HR. Rather than simply process leave requests, agents detect burnout, analyse diversity, and propose inclusion strategies. As a result, HR becomes a strategic partner.

Smarter talent acquisition with intelligent agents

Recruitment tools like TalentPulse AI and HireLogic interpret résumés, evaluate culture fit, and even simulate interviews. Consequently, recruiters gain decision-ready insights while candidates enjoy a personalised experience.

FinOps and cost optimisation with AI

Cloud overspending erodes margins, but platforms such as Harness.io and Granulate provide autonomous financial optimisation. Their agents forecast demand, right-size infrastructure, and enforce budget control.

Governance and compliance supported by Agentic AI startups

Regulatory change is constant. Tools like TitanGuard and LogicGate act as compliance engines, flagging risks and suggesting updates. For example, agents can detect ESG gaps or recommend GDPR adjustments.

Business decisioning powered by AI

Executives overwhelmed by data can turn to platforms like Hyperplane or Delphi AI. These digital partners test scenarios, weigh risks, and refine strategies, offering clarity where dashboards overwhelm.

Cybersecurity redefined with intelligent defence

Startups, including Darktrace and SentinelOne, deliver proactive protection. Agents predict attack paths, detect anomalies, and isolate threats instantly, functioning like digital immune systems.

Marketing and product innovation with adaptive AI

Brands use tools like Mutiny and Personal.ai to run personalised, real-time campaigns. Similarly, product teams rely on Tandem or LinearGPT to track usage, prioritise features, and draft specs.

Agentic AI in government and society

Governments are also adopting AI agents. Startups such as Zencity and PolicyPal help process permits, detect anomalies, and answer citizen queries with context. Bureaucracies gain speed, transparency, and citizen trust.

From automation to autonomy

The leap is clear:

• Automation: Task execution → Agentic AI: Goal pursuit
• Automation: Static workflows → Agentic AI: Adaptive orchestration
• Automation: Human oversight → Agentic AI: Human trust earned

Human-agent partnerships

AI agents do not replace humans; they augment them. Leaders must orchestrate intelligence, ensuring systems remain transparent, ethical, and aligned with values.

Are you ready for Agentic AI startups?

The next unicorns will not only automate. They will deploy intelligent, autonomous agents that redefine how businesses think and grow. The key question is not if companies adopt Agentic AI, but how fast they lead with it.

Check out our previous post on Future of Sport and AI report by G42 launches

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Building on the success of its 2024 edition, this annual publication now serves as a benchmark for tracking AI’s adoption and impact. Moreover, the research for the latest report included a global survey of senior sports executives. As a result, findings revealed strong optimism: 88% expressed confidence in AI adoption and 85% in its practical application.

Key themes in the Future of Sport and AI

This year’s edition highlights two major themes. First, AI is emerging as a democratizing force, bringing insights once exclusive to elite teams to grassroots athletes and mid-tier clubs. Consequently, this shift is unlocking new talent pathways and raising competitiveness across levels.

Second, the report points to a persistent strategy gap. While leaders recognize AI’s importance, many lack a clear roadmap. In addition, resistance to change and poor planning keep pilots from scaling, with data showing up to 95% of AI projects fail to expand beyond trial phases.

Partnerships bringing AI innovation to sport

G42 has partnered with leading teams to test and refine AI applications. For example, collaborations with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team and UAE Team Emirates-XRG are generating performance and fan-engagement insights that can benefit the wider industry. Furthermore, these partnerships highlight how AI can serve as a force for good, improving decision-making, health outcomes, and audience connection.

How AI is reshaping global sport

According to the report, AI is transforming sport across five pillars:

• Strategy and tactics – real-time decision-making tools and tactical agents.
• Talent – new scouting and training insights to identify emerging athletes.
• Fan engagement – AI-powered commentary and immersive digital experiences.
• Health and performance – analytics into physiology, injury prevention, and recovery.
• Design – innovations such as low-carbon sportswear and VR-enabled training.

For instance, examples include immersive VR training for athletes, AI-driven commentary for fans, and pioneering research into female athlete physiology. Importantly, these innovations demonstrate how AI impacts not only elite sport but also community and grassroots levels.

Expert contributions to the report

The report features insights from experts across sports, medicine, and design. Contributors include Michael Taylor of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Sarah Bailey of the Tennessee Titans, Dr Chris Brady of Sportsology, Helene Guillaume Pabis of Wild.AI, and Sotiris Salamouris of Olympic Broadcasting Services. Moreover, additional voices such as Kevin Poulton of UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Dr Thomas Mroz of Cleveland Clinic add depth to the analysis.

G42’s vision for AI in sport

Faheem Ahamed, Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at G42, underlined the group’s vision:

“At G42, we see sport as a powerful proving ground for AI’s potential. From training to fan engagement, AI is transforming every aspect of the game. Our collaborations show that AI is no longer a distant possibility; it is a force for good we are already deploying to reimagine the future of sport and beyond.”

Therefore, G42 positions AI not just as a technology, but as a tool for inclusion, innovation, and inspiration.

About the report partners

Founded in Abu Dhabi, G42 is a global technology group applying AI across industries from molecular biology to space. The Future Laboratory, based in London, is a strategic foresight consultancy helping organizations anticipate change and harness new opportunities. Together, they provide a roadmap for how AI can make sport more inclusive, competitive, and innovative — while also setting the stage for broader applications in society.

Check out this previous post on Jafza logistics facility launched by GFH and Palmon

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RTX 50 student laptops built for class, labs, and late nights

Performance is the starting point. The latest RTX 50 Series pairs fast CPUs with next-gen GeForce RTX GPUs, so multitasking feels snappy even with dozens of tabs, a video call, and a code compile running. Moreover, power efficiency matters. Designs are slimmer and lighter, with up to 40% longer battery life versus prior generations, which helps you move from lecture to library without the charger hunt.

AI tools that actually save time

Students don’t just need raw speed; they need smart speed. Out of the box, RTX 50 laptops tap a suite of AI-powered tools that accelerate common tasks:

• NVIDIA Broadcast cleans background noise and improves webcam presence for remote classes.
• RTX Video enhances streamed lectures and tutorials.
• NVIDIA NIM and ChatRTX help with local, private AI experiments and quick research summaries.

Additionally, NVIDIA Studio Drivers prioritize stability in creative apps. That means fewer crashes and faster renders when you’re editing 4K video, polishing photos, or building motion graphics for class.

Create by day, game by night

When the homework is done, gaming can finally begin. DLSS 4 boosts frame rates while keeping visuals crisp, and NVIDIA Reflex lowers system latency for faster reactions in competitive titles. Meanwhile, Game Ready Drivers tune performance for new releases on day one. In practice, you get a smooth, consistent experience without manual tweaking.

Study setup that travels well

Because students bounce between classrooms, dorms, and cafés, portability counts. RTX 50 systems ship in slim, lightweight designs with bright displays and comfortable keyboards. Bluetooth calling and headset support make group work easy, while modern Wi-Fi keeps collaboration tools responsive. Crucially, battery life remains strong even when you split time between note-taking, editing, and light gaming.

Why it’s the right platform for students

Choosing one laptop to do it all can feel risky. However, this platform covers the key use cases:

• STEM and design: GPU acceleration speeds simulations, CAD previews, and data-viz.
• Content creation: AI features shorten edit time, so projects hit deadlines.
• Hybrid learning: noise removal, video enhancement, and stable drivers improve remote sessions.
• Leisure: DLSS 4 and Reflex keep games fluid without sacrificing study time.

As Chantelle Tavid, Head of Marketing for MENAT and CIS at NVIDIA, notes, students need more than specs; they need devices that support creativity, collaboration, and play—in one reliable package.

Availability

GeForce RTX 50 laptops are available now at leading retailers across the region. Configurations vary by brand and model, so students can match performance, portability, and budget to their course load.

Bottom line

For campus life in 2025, one device should be enough. GeForce RTX 50 laptops blend AI tools, efficient performance, and great graphics to handle school, projects, and downtime—without juggling multiple machines. Pick the form factor you like, install your study stack, and get moving.

Check Out Our Previous Post on CMF Watch 3 Pro: a smarter, bolder everyday smartwatch

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Why CMF Watch 3 Pro stands out

First, it tracks your world with a new dual-band five-system GPS for faster lock-on and improved route accuracy compared to the Watch Pro 2. You’ll feel the upgrade on busy streets and open trails alike. Plus, 131 sports modes keep variety fresh, while a personalized running coach builds and adapts plans to your level. Then, a four-channel heart-rate sensor enhances accuracy across various skin tones and intensities, making the data more trustworthy. With Active Score (powered by MET data), you get a simple weekly snapshot that nudges you to keep moving.

Deeper insight, smarter recovery

After each session, AI-powered summaries break down training load, recovery time, and even 5K/10K predictions. Forgot to press start? No drama. The watch auto-detects seven core activities to capture effort anyway. Meanwhile, day-to-day wellness stays front and center: SpO₂, stress tracking, guided breathing, hydration nudges, inactivity reminders, sleep, and women’s health support round out a fuller picture of you.

Your on-wrist assistant

Because life doesn’t pause, Watch 3 Pro brings ChatGPT integration for quick answers, reminders, and ideas via natural-language voice prompts. You also get a voice recorder with auto-transcription for notes on the move and an Essential News digest tailored to your interests. And yes, Bluetooth calling, gesture shortcuts, and 140-character quick replies keep things effortless. An additional microphone improves call pickup, so conversations sound clearer.

Design that says “you”

Style still matters. The precision-milled metal body pairs with soft-touch silicone straps in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Orange. A vibrant 1.43-inch AMOLED with ultra-thin bezels delivers an Always-On Display and a 10% higher screen-to-body ratio than Watch Pro 2. Moreover, 120+ watch faces—including video, photo, and AI-generated options via Watch Face Studio—let you switch moods in seconds. Add full-screen or mini widgets for fitness, weather, music, or reminders, and make it truly yours.

Built for real life

The watch is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, so it handles sweat, rain, and everyday spills. Battery life shines too: expect up to 13 days with typical use, around 11 days with heavier tracking, and about 4.5 days with Always-On enabled. A full charge takes ~99 minutes. Meanwhile, improved motion monitoring and a 6-axis accelerometer (a 50% boost over Watch Pro 2) make indoor workouts feel just as precise as outdoor ones.

Nothing X: one app to rule them all

All CMF watches are transitioning to the Nothing X app, which adds a cleaner UI, steadier syncing, and smarter health tools. Even better, you can connect activity data to Strava, Apple Health, and Google Health Connect. Manage your watch and audio in one place and keep the routine simple.

Price and availability

CMF Watch 3 Pro arrives in the UAE and KSA at AED/SAR 369. You’ll find it at key retail partners across both markets, including leading e-commerce sites, electronics chains, and carrier stores. Open sales begin soon; final dates are TBC.

Bottom line

CMF Watch 3 Pro makes moving feel easy—and fun. You get AI coaching, accurate tracking, and playful personalization at a friendly price. Choose a color, set a goal, and let tiny wins add up. Then go again tomorrow.

Check out our previous post, Ai Everything MEA 2026 debuts in Cairo

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Poaching might win a headline, but it rarely builds a team. In the middle of the ongoing talent wars in tech, smart leaders are shifting from bidding wars to building skills pipelines. Instead of chasing the same senior engineers, they are cultivating early-career talent, partnering with universities, and opening internal routes to progress. The payoff is durability: lower churn, stronger culture, and capabilities that match the roadmap.

Talent wars in tech need a new playbook

Raiding competitors is costly and noisy. It also risks morale, because internal colleagues see higher-paid roles filled from outside. Meanwhile, non-compete clauses and premium salaries inflate hiring budgets. Therefore, the strategic move is clear: design a pipeline that brings people in earlier, develops them faster, and keeps them longer.

Work with universities to make pipelines real

Universities are ready partners, especially when collaboration benefits everyone—organisations, academics, and students. Big brands already attract graduates; however, smaller or fast-growing firms often fly under the radar. Consequently, they should amplify their presence through Careers Fairs, guest lectures, and campus projects. University Careers Services can help match lesser-known employers to motivated talent.

Go beyond long internships

Classic internships help, yet they touch only a few students and depend heavily on individual performance. Instead, consider shorter, sharper formats: one-week immersions, structured job shadowing, and skills sprints. These options are easier to resource, still deliver insight, and widen access.

Use “real play,” not role play

Students learn fastest through authentic problems. Co-create real challenges with faculty, then invite student teams to propose solutions. Add a small prize and showcase the winning ideas. You gain fresh thinking and free consultancy; students gain experience that translates to the workplace. As a result, your brand becomes memorable before recruitment begins.

Bring academics into industry

The exchange should flow both ways. Invite lecturers for short “industry residencies” so they can refresh their teaching with live examples and current constraints. Their updated courses, in turn, produce graduates who arrive job-ready.

Join advisory boards and co-design curricula

At a strategic level, apply to a University Advisory Board. Share what skills gaps you see, and help shape course content. Run gap-analysis workshops together; prioritise the capabilities your teams will need in 12–24 months. Include alumni voices, because they bridge the classroom and the shop floor.

Explore knowledge exchange and emerging tech

Universities often house labs, computing resources, or data expertise that can accelerate your R&D. In fast-moving fields—artificial intelligence, for instance—structured knowledge exchange lets both sides move quicker, with clearer ethics and better governance.

Encourage and advance the talent you already have

Pipelines are not only external. Internal mobility keeps knowledge in the building and sends a powerful signal: grow here. Start by identifying high-potential employees through reviews or a simple talent program. Then, provide transparent routes to new roles, including cross-functional projects that expand networks and skills.

Next, offer stretch assignments with visible outcomes. Pair emerging talent with mentors who have navigated similar steps. Crucially, highlight success stories—people need to “see it to be it.” When employees believe progress is possible, retention improves and recruitment spend falls.

Moreover, consider executive education with university partners. Short, targeted programmes can upskill cohorts in data fluency, product thinking, or AI literacy. Because the content is tailored, the impact lands quickly on live projects.

A practical roadmap to start this quarter

First, map your most repeatable entry-level roles and the skills that matter. Second, pick two universities and propose a challenge brief and a one-week immersion. Third, create a lightweight internal mobility guide that spells out pathways, application windows, and evaluation criteria. Finally, name ten mentors and match them to early-career employees.

Within one cycle, you will have a visible pipeline, a stronger campus presence, and early wins that compound over time. Importantly, you will rely less on the churn and noise of the market.

The bottom line

The talent wars in tech won’t disappear. However, companies that build skills pipelines—through genuine university partnerships and deliberate internal growth—will spend less fighting fires and more delivering products. That edge compounds. And so does loyalty.

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