The Vertiv PowerBar Track enables safe, continuous power delivery and live configuration changes without system downtime. Its open-track architecture allows operators to install or relocate tap-off boxes anywhere along the busway while maintaining active load distribution. Each connection point includes built-in mechanical and electrical interlocks for operator safety, and optional integrated metering provides real-time visibility of power usage for improved capacity planning and energy management. The double stack configuration supports higher capacity and more connections per tap-off box and can also scale vertically to efficiently serve high density environments.

“Power distribution must keep pace with the scale and density of modern AI and high-performance computing environments,” said Kyle Keeper, senior vice president of the power business unit at Vertiv. “As customers navigate increasing power demands, tighter space constraints, and rapidly evolving infrastructure requirements, they need solutions that provide flexibility. Vertiv PowerBar Track double stack is designed to address these challenges by enabling compact yet scalable expansion, supporting live changes, and delivering the reliability required in mission-critical data center environments.”

The busway system integrates seamlessly with the broader Vertiv end-to-end power train, including Vertiv PowerBoard switchgear, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, and racks, forming a complete and coordinated infrastructure for high-density applications. Supported by Vertiv’s global manufacturing and service network, Vertiv PowerBar Track can be configured to aid maintenance, helping reduce maintenance-related downtime while enabling faster deployment and greater adaptability for data centers undergoing rapid expansion. Vertiv PowerBar Track also contributes to the Vertiv 360AI power ecosystem, which combines power distribution, protection, and management technologies designed to support the next generation of AI-ready digital infrastructure.

Vertiv PowerBar Track integrates with Vertiv OneCore, a scalable prefabricated data center infrastructure solution, and Vertiv SmartRun, a modular overhead IT infrastructure system, enabling a cohesive approach to modular, scalable data center design.

Data from the report shows outsized growth in specialised roles, with Data Scientist hiring up 43% and AI Product Manager demand rising 37%. The concentration of growth in these functions indicates that organisations are directing hiring investment toward specific capabilities rather than expanding uniformly across all technology roles.

This pattern reflects a shift in regional workforce strategy, with employers increasingly directing resources toward roles that support data-driven decision-making, AI deployment, and product execution, rather than scaling traditional technology teams.

AI and Data Roles Redefine Hiring Priorities

The UAE leads globally in AI hiring growth, rising from 32% in 2023–24 to 48% in 2024–25. The acceleration is among the sharpest recorded in any market and is being fuelled by enterprise AI adoption, fintech automation and large-scale digital infrastructure projects. Saudi Arabia shows a similar direction of travel, though at a steadier pace, as AI talent demand expands across both public and private sectors.

RemotePass Co-founder and CEO Kamal Reggad, said the data shows organisations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia moving decisively from experimentation to execution. AI is no longer confined to innovation teams, he noted, but is increasingly embedded into core business functions, making workforce planning a critical lever of competitiveness.

MENA Talent Hubs Continue to Power the GCC

While demand is strongest in the Gulf, the wider MENA region remains central to meeting it. Egypt continues to lead hiring volume across nearly every major tech role, including software engineering, backend, frontend, data science and QA, confirming its position as the region’s largest tech talent exporter. Pakistan ranks second across several engineering categories, supported by a large and cost-effective developer base.

Egypt’s AI hiring growth, after surging by 112% in the previous year, has stabilised at 28% in 2025. In contrast, Gulf markets have accelerated, reinforcing a regional realignment in which the UAE and Saudi Arabia are emerging as the primary centres of advanced technology hiring, supported by a broader MENA talent ecosystem.

Sennheiser has leveraged its role in shaping professional audio to build strong hybrid communication products for use across business and education environments. We caught up with Fadi Costantine, Sales Manager – Business Communication, Middle East at Sennheiser, to discuss the brand’s presence at the show, its integrated product ecosystem, and the growing importance of software-driven audio solutions.

What are your most innovative products currently serving the business and education sectors?

Sennheiser operates across several business units, with Business Communication being one of our most important. This unit is entirely dedicated to the installation market, where many of our most dynamic and innovative solutions are positioned.

Professional audio is at the core of Sennheiser’s brand identity. Through our ownership of renowned brands such as Neumann and Merging Technologies, we have established ourselves as a global leader in audio communications. We leverage this expertise to develop advanced meeting and conferencing solutions that enhance business performance.

Crucially, our products are not designed to operate in isolation. They are engineered to work together as a unified ecosystem, enabling seamless communication across devices and platforms. This ecosystem approach allows system integrators and end users to design complete, end-to-end audio solutions tailored to a wide range of applications and project requirements.

Which industry verticals are currently driving demand for these solutions in the region?

While we are active across multiple verticals in the region, we have a clear strategic commitment to deliver innovative, scalable, and future‑ready audio solutions tailored specifically for the needs of higher education and the modern corporate environment.

In corporate environments, our microphone solutions are widely deployed in meeting rooms to support modern collaboration and video conferencing scenarios. In the education sector, our technologies are extensively used in lecture halls and hybrid learning environments, including classrooms and auditoriums designed to accommodate both in-person and remote participants.

A strong example is our ceiling microphone solutions. These are frequently used not only in traditional meeting rooms but also in lecture halls for audio capture, video conferencing, and recording. They are also ideal for voice-lift applications, enabling students to hear the lecturer clearly without the need for wearable microphones. This creates a more natural, seamless teaching experience while minimizing complexity for the user.

Software and integration are critical in these environments. How does Sennheiser support this alongside its hardware solutions?

Workflow optimization has always been central to our product strategy and will remain a key focus going forward.

Introducing a new era in AV Management, at ISE 2026, Sennheiser will officially launch DeviceHub, a secure, cloud-based platform designed for IT and AV managers, as well as system integrators. DeviceHub centralizes device visibility and remote management, streamlining workflows across enterprise, education, and corporate settings.

DeviceHub provides real-time insights, simplified setup, and unified control, supporting organizations in creating better spaces for communication, learning, and teamwork. Following a successful private beta, ISE marks the transition to public availability. Visitors can explore DeviceHub’s capabilities and speak directly with product experts about how it can transform their AV and IT operations.

In 2025, Sennheiser celebrated 80 years of audio innovation. From shaping the early days of wireless microphones to redefining modern enterprise communication, the Sennheiser brand continues to evolve alongside changing work and collaboration environments.

Over the past five years, Sennheiser has spotlighted its enterprise and hybrid communication solutions, designed to support seamless collaboration across meeting rooms, lecture halls, and professional content environments. We spoke with Mig Cardamone, Sales Director at Sennheiser, about the brand’s presence, its regional focus across the Middle East, East Africa, and Central Asia, and technologies shaping its future.

We’ve seen Sennheiser’s meeting and conferencing solutions increasingly showcased to the ICT community in recent years. How has that engagement worked for the company?

Engaging with the ICT sector has been a strategic focus for us for several years, both directly and primarily through our distribution partners. Our meeting and conferencing solutions are designed to make business better, and regional platforms such as ISE, GITEX and Infocomm have been instrumental in helping us communicate that message.

Together with two of our most important distributors in our region, Venuetech and Avientek, we regularly demonstrate our TeamConnect (TC) family and related enterprise solutions at major trade shows in the Middle East. These events give customers the opportunity to experience our technologies first-hand, and the response from the enterprise and corporate technology communities has been extremely positive.

Our enterprise solutions are purpose-built for hybrid work and collaboration, enabling seamless, natural communication. They draw on decades of Sennheiser audio expertise—experience that has kept us at the forefront of the industry for over 80 years. In 2025, we proudly celebrated Sennheiser’s 80th anniversary, both here in the region and globally. Our business communication portfolio clearly reflects how the brand has evolved while staying true to its core strengths.

Which products have you focussed on in the enterprise sector?

Sennheiser’s current product focus reflects a clear shift toward software‑enabled, fully integrated audio ecosystems designed for modern collaboration and learning environments. Rather than relying solely on hardware‑centric approaches, the company is increasingly investing in intelligent software layers, automation, and interoperability.

Sennheiser highlights three core application scenarios:

Meeting and Collaboration Spaces 

Ceiling‑mounted microphones and software‑based audio processing create a touchless, highly scalable solution for modern meeting environments. These systems integrate seamlessly with leading UC platforms and third‑party control systems.

Higher‑Education and Lecture Capture 

Ceiling microphones paired with DSP routing and SpeechLine Digital Wireless systems support clear, consistent audio capture for lectures, hybrid classrooms, and campus‑wide communication workflows.

Integrated Solutions

Through partnerships with technology alliances, Sennheiser also incorporates automated transcription and other software‑driven enhancements, reflecting its evolution into a more holistic, integrated solutions provider.

Beyond the UAE, which regions does Sennheiser Middle East cover, and how are you approaching expansion?

Sennheiser Middle East is responsible for a broad and diverse territory that includes the Middle East, East Africa, English-speaking Africa, and Central Asia. Our expansion strategy is built around strong distribution partnerships.

We work closely with partners who offer both wide regional coverage and deep expertise in the verticals we serve. In the ICT space, we specifically look for partners capable of addressing both IT and AV markets, including unified communications and professional AV system integration channels.

After 80 years of innovation, if you had to choose one Sennheiser product that stands out personally, what would it be and why?

Over 80 years, Sennheiser has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in audio. We introduced one of the first commercially available wireless microphone systems for broadcast, pioneered RF condenser microphones, and created Orpheus—the world’s finest electrostatic headphone. There have been countless milestones along the way.

That said, I’m very much focused on the future. What excites me most today is Spectera. Launched last year, it is the world’s first wideband, bidirectional wireless ecosystem. Spectera fundamentally changes how wireless microphones are used across applications such as broadcast and live sound, and it is entirely software-defined. It represents the next major step in wireless audio innovation.

The series debuts REDMI Titan Durability, integrating reinforced frames and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for superior drop and crush resistance. The Pro models boast massive Silicon–Carbon batteries (up to 6,580mAh) with 100W HyperCharge, designed to maintain peak health for over six years.

Photography enthusiasts can leverage a flagship 200MP main camera on Pro models, featuring AI-powered 4× lossless zoom and Xiaomi HyperAI editing tools. Performance is driven by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and Xiaomi IceLoop cooling, while the 120Hz AMOLED displays offer a stunning 3,200 nits peak brightness.

Connectivity reaches new heights with Xiaomi Offline Communication, allowing kilometer-level voice calls without network coverage. Xiaomi also expanded its AIoT ecosystem, introducing the REDMI Buds 8 Lite, Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Series, and Smart Audio Glasses.

The REDMI Note 15 Series combines ultimate resilience with cutting-edge AI, setting a new benchmark for smartphone value in the region.

Redmi Note 15 Series Partners with Discovery Channel to Demonstrate Real-World Endurance

To showcase the Redmi Note 15 Series “diamond-grade durability,” Xiaomi has partnered with Discovery Channel on a co-branded campaign featuring explorer and survival expert Ed Stafford, renowned for his extreme outdoor challenges. In the campaign, Ed takes on a continuous 24-hour endurance challenge, using the Redmi Note 15 as his only essential tool.

The film demonstrates the phone’s real-world capabilities: supporting navigation, lighting, photography, compass and weather checks, and connectivity, while highlighting its durability, water resistance, and long-lasting battery life.

The campaign will be amplified across Discovery Channel’s platforms and supported by official press coverage, bringing the “tech + endurance” story to audiences across the UAE. To further engage media and creators, a limited number of “Titan Durability” co-branded gift boxes will be made available for unboxings and challenge-style content, offering a hands-on experience of the series’ resilience.

Mijia Smart Audio Glasses: Style Meets Technology

The UAE launch also introduces Mijia Smart Audio Glasses, blending open-ear audio with elegant eyewear design. Equipped with four microphones, wind noise reduction, and a privacy mode, the glasses allow UAE users to enjoy music and calls while staying aware of surroundings. Lightweight and durable, they feature IP54 splash and dust resistance, UV and blue light protection, and up to 13 hours of playback, with fast charging offering 4 hours from just 10 minutes. The Xiaomi Glasses app allows full control, including gesture customization, dual-device connectivity, and safe recording options.

REDMI Buds 8 Lite

Also joining Xiaomi’s AIoT portfolio are REDMI Buds 8 Lite, entry-level true wireless earbuds designed for everyday practicality and convenience. Available in Black, White, or Blue, they feature a 12.4mm titanium-diaphragm driver for clear, detailed sound, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and hybrid active noise cancellation up to 42dB with Transparency mode. Dual-mic AI environmental noise cancellation ensures clear calls even outdoors, while five pre-set EQ modes and app-based customization let users tailor their audio experience. With dual-device connectivity, fast charging, and up to 36 hours of total battery life with the case, REDMI Buds 8 Lite deliver a versatile, practical audio solution for daily use.

Xiaomi TV S Pro Mini LED Series

Xiaomi also introduces the Xiaomi TV S Pro Mini LED Series in UAE, offering 75″, 65″, and 55″ QD-Mini LED models with 4K UHD resolution, 1700 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision®, HDR10+, HLG, and Filmmaker Mode. With 144Hz native refresh rate, Mini LED local dimming, and low-reflection display technology, the series provides ultra-smooth visuals and vibrant, accurate color reproduction. Audio is powered by dual 15W speakers, Dolby Atmos, Harman AudioEFX, and Xiaomi Sound tuning, delivering immersive experiences for movies, gaming, and streaming. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1, USB, Ethernet, and built-in Google TV, Google Cast, and Apple AirPlay, offering seamless streaming and device integration.

“The data center industry is continuing to rapidly evolve how it designs, builds, operates and services data centers, in response to the density and speed of deployment demands of AI factories,” said Vertiv chief product and technology officer, Scott Armul. “We see cross-technology forces, including extreme densification, driving transformative trends such as higher voltage DC power architectures and advanced liquid cooling that are important to deliver the gigawatt scaling that is critical for AI innovation. On-site energy generation and digital twin technology are also expected to help to advance the scale and speed of AI adoption.”

The Vertiv Frontiers report builds on and expands Vertiv’s previous annual Data Center Trends predictions. The report identifies macro forces driving data center innovation: extreme densification—accelerated by AI and HPC workloads; gigawatt scaling at speed—data centers are now being deployed rapidly and at unprecedented scale; data center as a unit of compute—the AI era requires facilities to be built and operated as a single system; and silicon diversification—data center infrastructure must adapt to an increasing range of chips and compute.

The report details how these macro forces have in turn shaped five key trends impacting specific areas of the data center landscape.

1.         Powering up for AI

Most current data centers still rely on hybrid AC/DC power distribution from the grid to the IT racks, which includes three to four conversion stages and some inefficiencies. This existing approach is under strain as power densities increase, largely driven by AI workloads. The shift to higher voltage DC architectures enables significant reductions in current, size of conductors, and number of conversion stages while centralizing power conversion at the room level. Hybrid AC and DC systems are pervasive, but as full DC standards and equipment mature, higher voltage DC is likely to become more prevalent as rack densities increase. On-site generation, and microgrids, will also drive adoption of higher voltage DC.

2.         Distributed AI

The billions of dollars invested into AI data centers to support large language models (LLMs) to date have been aimed at supporting widespread adoption of AI tools by consumers and businesses. Vertiv believes AI is becoming increasingly critical to businesses but how, and from where, those inference services are delivered will depend on the specific requirements and conditions of the organization. While this will impact businesses of all types, highly regulated industries, such as finance, defense, and healthcare, may need to maintain private or hybrid AI environments via on-premise data centers, due to data residency, security, or latency requirements. Flexible, scalable high-density power and liquid cooling systems could enable capacity through new builds or retrofitting of existing facilities.

3.         Energy autonomy accelerates

Short-term on-site energy generation capacity has been essential for most standalone data centers for decades, to support resiliency. However, widespread power availability challenges are creating conditions to adopt extended energy autonomy, especially for AI data centers. Investment in on-site power generation, via natural gas turbines and other technologies, does have several intrinsic benefits but is primarily driven by power availability challenges. Technology strategies such as Bring Your Own Power (and Cooling) are likely to be part of ongoing energy autonomy plans.

4.         Digital twin-driven design and operations

With increasingly dense AI workloads and more powerful GPUs also come a demand to deploy these complex AI factories with speed. Using AI-based tools, data centers can be mapped and specified virtually, via digital twins, and the IT and critical digital infrastructure can be integrated, often as prefabricated modular designs, and deployed as units of compute, reducing time-to-token by up to 50%. This approach will be important to efficiently achieving the gigawatt-scale buildouts required for future AI advancements.

5.         Adaptive, resilient liquid cooling

AI workloads and infrastructure have accelerated the adoption of liquid cooling. But conversely, AI can also be used to further refine and optimize liquid cooling solutions. Liquid cooling has become mission-critical for a growing number of operators but AI could provide ways to further enhance its capabilities. AI, in conjunction with additional monitoring and control systems, has the potential to make liquid cooling systems smarter and even more robust by predicting potential failures and effectively managing fluid and components. This trend should lead to increasing reliability and uptime for high value hardware and associated data/workloads.

Vertiv does business in more than 130 countries, delivering critical digital infrastructure solutions to data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial facilities worldwide. The company’s comprehensive portfolio spans power management, thermal management, and IT infrastructure solutions and services—from the cloud to the network edge. This integrated approach enables continuous operations, optimal performance, and scalable growth for customers navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Intersec brings together global leaders, government entities and industry experts to explore the technologies shaping the future of public safety and emergency response. As part of this year’s exhibition, there is a lineup of BMW Motorrad motorcycles specifically engineered to support frontline and authority operations across diverse and demanding environments in the emirate.

Purpose-built authority motorcycles on display

On display at the BMW Motorrad and AGMC stand are the four BMW Motorrad Authority models, each designed to deliver reliability, performance and adaptability in real-world operational conditions:

BMW R 1300 RT-P

The BMW R 1300 RT-P is a touring-focused authority motorcycle designed for high-performance patrol duties and everyday operational versatility. It combines excellent ergonomics and long-distance comfort with outstanding maneuverability in urban traffic. Powered by BMW’s 1,300 cc ShiftCam boxer engine delivering 145 hp and 149 Nm of torque, the RT-P provides strong, efficient performance and high stability for demanding authority use.

BMW R 1300 GS-P

The BMW R 1300 GS-P is a highly capable all-terrain authority motorcycle built for operation across mixed and challenging environments. Its air/liquid-cooled 1,300 cc boxer engine produces 145 hp and 149 Nm of torque, ensuring confident performance on and off road. Advanced rider assistance systems support stability, safety and control, making the GS-P a reliable platform for complex operational requirements.

BMW F 900 GS-P

The BMW F 900 GS-P is a versatile enduro motorcycle designed for authority operations on asphalt and unpaved surfaces. Its parallel-twin engine delivers strong, controllable performance, while the lightweight design and 14.5-litre plastic fuel tank contribute to improved handling and operational efficiency. The F 900 GS-P offers a balanced combination of agility, rider comfort and safety-focused technology.

BMW F 800 GS-P

The BMW F 800 GS-P is a proven midsize adventure motorcycle offering efficient performance and confident handling. With an output of 87 hp and a balanced chassis, it delivers dependable capability without excessive fuel consumption. Its manageable weight and rider-focused ergonomics support safe, controlled operation in demanding situations.

Steve Noon, Head of BMW Motorrad Middle East, said: “At BMW Motorrad we take pride in delivering purpose-built motorcycles that support law enforcement agencies in carrying out their duties with confidence and precision. Our ongoing commitment to innovation and rider-focused engineering has established BMW Motorrad as a trusted and leading choice for authority fleets in the region.”

Muhamet Latifi, General Manager for BMW Motorrad at AGMC, commented: “The participation of AGMC with BMW Motorrad Middle East at intersec 2026 reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering specialised mobility solutions for authority and government partners. By combining advanced engineering, rider-focused technology and adaptable performance, BMW Motorrad’s Authority motorcycles continue to set benchmarks in reliability and operational readiness.”

Intersec is currently underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with visitors invited to experience BMW Motorrad’s Authority and Protection range firsthand throughout the exhibition.

People now use their smartphones for way more. Smartphones have replaced a multitude of gadgets for everyday things like cameras, televisions, music players, and, to some extent, laptops. You no longer have to scramble for a laptop to send an urgent email or fumble with paper maps to navigate a strange city. Officially called the HUAWEI Mate XT ULTIMATE DESIGN, Huawei’s trifold smartphone was an answer to the growing demand for smartphones capable of multitasking and more immersive media consumption. Offering users the largest smartphone screen experience with a single 10.2-inch display that folds down into a convenient regular smartphone form factor, it expands the possibilities of smartphone interactions and multitasking.

Now, Huawei is expanding the Mate XT line with more colour options. Previously only available in Red and Black, the phone will be available starting next week in the white vegan leather finish. This new finish gives the device a more refined, minimalist aesthetic.

Despite widening competition, the Mate XT is still the benchmark for what a trifold smartphone can be. The Mate XT’s ingenious Z-shape folding method, where one side folds inward and one outward, has a unique benefit. It uses a single continuous display that unfolds into a tablet, and when folded to a regular smartphone size, one-third of that same screen becomes the outer display. It’s a cleaner, more coherent experience.

Trifold experiments from other brands also fall short of Mate XT in charging speeds, battery capacity and screen resolution. Even a whole year and few months after the initial release, the Mate XT is still the slimmest and lightest trifold in the market. Performance and durability follow the same pattern. The groundbreaking Advanced Precision Hinge System, made of ultra-strong, high-strength steel, offers a smooth, effortless and precise opening and closing experience.

A year on, the Mate XT remains the trifold smartphone others measure themselves against. It’s a category that Huawei created, defined, and continues to push forward while everyone else is still trying to catch up.

Independently managed by Arada Hospitality and Entertainment and located alongside the Nest Campus student housing complex, the 395-room property is designed to accommodate a wide range of guests including business travellers, families, leisure visitors, long-stay guests, sports groups, and distinctively, students and faculty members.

As a midscale hospitality brand, the Nest Hotel has been designed to grow both elsewhere in the UAE and internationally, either as a standalone property or alongside the Nest Campus concept.

Nest Hotel includes lounges, co-working areas, dining outlets, and direct access to Aljada’s East Boulevard, which features over 100 restaurants, retail, sports and entertainment venues.

The brand incorporates smart technology throughout the guest experience, with a dedicated website that allows travelers to check in, access rooms digitally, manage bookings, and navigate Aljada’s services. Features such as eBike rentals, dining reservations, and high-speed Wi-Fi support a modern, frictionless stay.

Nest Hotel was developed in consultation with students from Sharjah’s University City and the adjoining Nest Campus, incorporating their input into room layouts, co-working zones, and communal spaces, while also offering part-time employment opportunities to provide hands-on hospitality experience during their studies.

Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer of Arada Hospitality and Entertainment, said: “We’re thrilled to open bookings for travellers to experience Sharjah in a whole new way. Nest Hotel offers a modern stay that captures the lifestyle spirit of Aljada — family-oriented, connected and full of life. It’s the first property ideally located near Sharjah International Airport and University City, catering to growing demand with a variety of room types and smart amenities for students, their families and business travellers alike.”

Nest Hotel room types include Solo, Stylish, Signature, Family and Suites, offering single, twin, king and suite options. The hotel is also the first property in Sharjah to offer guaranteed interconnecting family rooms, paired with a flexible 24-hour check-in and check-out. Guests enjoy the convenience of a complimentary shuttle running between the hotel and Sharjah International Airport.

All rooms feature high-speed internet, smart TVs, and in-room coffee and tea facilities. Onsite amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, café, swimming pool, valet parking, and complimentary access to the Wellfit Sarab gym. Guests also receive discounts at selected dining outlets across Aljada’s top dining outlets including Kashtat Amina, Boost and Hungry Wolves.

Guests at Nest Hotel Aljada benefit from direct access to Al Dhaid Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311), making travel across Sharjah and the wider UAE convenient. The hotel is just five minutes from Sharjah International Airport and close to University City, the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), and the upcoming Etihad Rail station.

Nest Hotel supports rising demand from Sharjah’s MICE and leisure tourism sectors, including visitors to Aljada’s own event spaces such as YourSpace and nearby venues like Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre and House of Wisdom. With 14.2 million passengers passing through Sharjah International Airport in the first three quarters of this year, the hotel also provides convenient accommodation for guests linked to academic, professional, and community events.

Nest Hotel marks the first opening in Arada’s expanding hospitality portfolio, which will deliver a pipeline of 1,650 hotel keys across the emirate. Upcoming brands include owned and managed properties such as Akala Hotel Dubai, alongside strategic partnerships with Vida, Rove and Anantara, setting new benchmarks for hospitality in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Already home to 20,000 residents, Aljada integrates multiple residential districts with extensive retail, entertainment, sports, education, wellness, hospitality, and commercial components. Madar Mall, the landmark anchor of Aljada’s entertainment district designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is scheduled for completion in 2028, supporting an estimated 20 million annual visits to Aljada. In 2024 alone, the destination welcomed 8 million visitors.

1. What new teaching approaches are educators adopting today? Could you also share some of the strategies institutions are using to build AI literacy within their teaching community?

Education is experiencing a major transformation as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated learning experience. Educators are moving beyond traditional teaching methods and adopting dynamic, student-centered approaches. Blended learning, flipped classrooms, and project-based instruction are quickly becoming ‘the norm’, all supported by digital tools that personalize learning and foster deeper engagement.

A key shift is the rise of formative assessment practices. Continuous, adaptive feedback is changing how instructors support their students. AI platforms now provide real-time insights into individual progress, helping educators offer more tailored guidance. This not only improves learning outcomes but also encourages students to take better ownership of their educational journeys.

Moreover, Institutions are placing strong emphasis on building AI literacy. Professional development initiatives now cover technical skills, ethical considerations, prompt design, and the pedagogical shifts needed to use AI responsibly. Cross-functional committees ensure that policies, practices, and institutional values remain aligned.

AI literacy is being woven into curricula, so that both faculty and students hone the critical skills needed to engage purposefully with emerging technologies. Institutions are also working to promote equity by supporting underrepresented groups and ensuring broad access to essential AI tools.

Strategic partnerships with industry help keep education relevant to workforce needs. The most forward-thinking institutions see AI literacy as an ongoing commitment and foster a culture of  continuous learning.

• Has generative AI accelerated the shift away from traditional educational values? Do you believe reading and writing habits among students are being compromised more than in previous generations?

Generative AI has certainly advanced the pace of change, yet this transformation reflects evolution rather than erosion. The core values of education: critical thinking, creativity, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge, remain steadfast. What is shifting is the way learners engage with these values.

Concerns about these changes are valid. The convenience of AI-generated content can tempt students to bypass the cognitive ‘creative’ effort essential for meaningful learning. Early research suggests that excessive reliance on AI may constrain creativity and weaken essential intellectual processes. Writing is not putting one word in front of another; it is the process of exploring thoughts, coping with the shades of meaning, and generating original ideas. Sidestepping this crucial process can hinder a student’s intellectual development.

The relationship between humanity  and technology has been an eternal dance, since every generation has faced challenges brought by new inventions. The difference today is the speed and scale of change. Students must now learn to read, write, and critically evaluate AI-generated material while recognizing bias and practicing ethical usage.

AI should not be seen as a threat to traditional educational values but as a tool  that can redefine and reinforce said values. The responsibility falls on educators to ensure that AI serves as a complement to authentic thinking, not a substitute for it. To achieve that, they should provide clear instruction and guidance, set expectations, and develop a robust foundation in both digital and human literacy.

• What new forms of academic misconduct have emerged with digital tools—such as contract cheating, essay mills, and AI-driven paraphrasing?

The digital era has introduced new dimensions of academic mischief (that being misconduct). While the underlying behaviors are nothing new, the tools that facilitate them have become advanced and easily accessible.

Contract cheating platforms now let students outsource assignments with the click of a button. Essay mills, powered by generative AI, now draft customized essays that even the most vigilant detectors, and educators cannot detect. Meanwhile, advanced paraphrasing tools can rewrite existing  content , sidestepping traditional plagiarism detectors with ease.

Collaboration, too, has taken on a new twist. With instant messaging and AI helpers, students can share answers in a matter of seconds or generate responses that they cleverly tweak to mask their true origins.

Tackling these challenges calls for more than detection tools. It requires a comprehensive strategy that combines technology with clear institutional policies, engaging education, and a campus culture rooted in integrity. The goal isn’t just to detect misconduct, but to make it less tempting by inspiring students to choose the ethical path to delivering original thoughts.

• Should educators have access to AI detection tools to identify cheating in the classroom? Given that Gen-Z is often more technologically savvy than their teachers, how can educators stay ahead?

Educators should have access to AI detection tools, while keeping in mind that such tools are but helpful guides- not mere flawless judges. The true value of these resources lies in the transparency and context they offer, helping to start a constructive conversation between educator and student.

At Turnitin, tools such as Turnitin Clarity allow educators to review the entire writing process from start to finish, including: early drafts and potential AI involvement instances. Such features help instructors set clearer expectations, offer more targeted feedback, and grade more fairly.

The availability of detection tools also serves as a deterrent, introducing a sense of uncertainty for students who might consider using AI improperly. However, detection alone is not enough. Educators should invite their students to have open discussions highlighting the importance of learning integrity, responsible AI use, and the value of an authentic learning experience.

As for keeping pace with tech-savvy students, educators need ongoing professional development, clear institutional policies, and supportive learning communities. Inviting students to these discussions can foster a sense of shared responsibility.

The ultimate goal is not to catch students but to guide them toward ethical, skill-building use of technology.

• What does the future of writing look like with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude? Which types of assessments are naturally more resistant to AI-assisted cheating—such as practical projects, oral evaluations, or in-class writing?

The future of writing will be a partnership between human creativity and AI assistance. While AI can support idea generation, drafting, and editing, the essence of meaningful writing will always rest on originality, critical thinking, and the unique voice of the individual.

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into writing processes, assessment methods must adapt. The following types of assessments are more resilient to AI-assisted misconduct:

1. In-class writing assignments with restricted access to external tools and resources.
2. Oral assessments, including presentations and debates that test real-time thinking.
3. Hands-on projects that measure skills beyond AI’s reach.
4. Assessments focused on drafts and revisions to track progress over time.
5. Reflective tasks that require students to explain their thought process and decision-making.

These approaches prioritizes learning and process rather than the final product. They foster deeper learning by valuing originality, engagement, and genuine understanding.

• And finally, what’s the story behind Turnitin, and where do you see the platform heading next?

Turnitin began with a clear mission: to uphold academic learning in a rapidly changing educational landscape. Over time, it has grown from a plagiarism detection service into a comprehensive learning and integrity platform used and trusted by more than 16,000 institutions in more than 185 countries..

Our goal is to provide educators with the tools they need to promote authentic learning. This includes detecting misconduct, but it also advances transparency, fairness, and continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, Turnitin is enhancing its AI detection capabilities, developing inclusive data models and tools that reveal the entire learning process. We are committed to minimizing bias and supporting a diverse range of learners while ensuring our solutions remain accurate and equitable.

We are also strengthening partnerships across education, industry, and policy to support AI literacy and responsible use. As technology evolves, our focus stays the same: to bridge traditional academic values with new technologies, and to empower educators and students to move forward with integrity and purpose.