Amazon Web Services (AWS) re:Invent conference insights and highlights
INTERVIEWS
14 INNOVATION IN ACTION
NetApp’s César Cernuda on driving business transformation through AI and intelligent data management
36 A DOSE OF INNOVATION
AWS’s Dr. Angela Shippy sheds light on how AI-powered innovations are revolutionising healthcare
40 PUSHING THE EDGE
ITQAN’s Feras Al Jabi discusses the evolution of IT infrastructure, exploring how AI, edge computing, and hybrid cloud are transforming industries
VIEWPOINTS
42 BEATING BACK THE BACKLOG
Kissflow on overcoming digital transformation slowdowns caused by IT backlogs
44 GENAI’S BUILD-VS-BUY DILEMMA
Dataiku explores how GenAI is reigniting the build-vs-buy debate for enterprises—while introducing a potential third alternative
50 The latest gears and gadgets to keep you ahead of the curve
THE TECH WORLD IN 2025
Visionaries share insights and predictions on what lies ahead
THE NEXT CHAPTER
As we step into 2025, I’m excited to welcome you to our January issue!
A new year always brings fresh ambitions, bold strategies, and, of course, the inevitable predictions about the future of technology.
In this edition, we bring you exclusive insights from industry leaders as they tackle an important question: “What’s next for technology in 2025?”
The experts we’ve spoken to all point to a common theme—technology is no longer just about innovation; it’s about integration, resilience, and responsible deployment, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).
If 2024 was the year of AI experimentation, 2025 is the year of AI integration. This year, we’ll shift from merely testing AI to trusting it. Organisations will move beyond chatbots and AI copilots towards full-scale automation, predictive intelligence, and AI-driven decision-making at the highest levels. But with this shift come new challenges: governance, ethics, compliance, and sustainability will separate those who deploy AI effectively from those who struggle to control it.
Beyond AI, other key themes are shaping the future: the value of data, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. Data will continue to be one of the most valuable assets for businesses, with experts noting that organisations
that can unlock, analyse, and protect their data effectively will gain a critical advantage. Quantum computing, once theoretical, is poised to solve realworld challenges in industries such as pharmaceuticals and finance. Meanwhile, cybersecurity threats remain and companies that thrive will be those that embrace AI-powered, adaptive defence strategies to stay ahead of attackers.
More than just predictions, this issue brings you expert insights and strategies from leaders at Amazon Web Services, Dataiku, Kissflow, and more. Their perspectives will help you navigate complexity, tackle critical challenges, and drive transformative change.
The road ahead demands bold leadership, strategic integration, and a commitment to responsible innovation. As the pace of transformation accelerates, the question isn’t just about what’s next—it’s about how we shape what comes next.
So, stay curious, and join us each month as we explore what the future holds.
While the publisher has made all efforts to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors
City
OpenAI lays out plan to shift to for-profit corporate structure
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has announced plans to overhaul its corporate structure in 2024, aiming to balance its ambitious growth with investor needs. The company revealed it will create a
public benefit corporation (PBC) to handle its core operations and business ventures, while its current non-profit parent will focus on charitable initiatives in areas like healthcare, education, and science.
Founded in 2015 as a researchdriven non-profit, OpenAI has grown into one of the most valuable AI startups globally. However, its pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI)— AI that surpasses human intelligence— requires enormous funding. To attract larger investments, the company is shifting to a structure more aligned with traditional business norms.
OpenAI’s recent $6.6 billion funding round, valuing it at $157 billion, hinged on these structural changes, including removing the profit cap for investors. In its blog post, OpenAI explained, “Investors at this scale need conventional equity and simpler structures.”
The PBC model, similar to competitors like Anthropic and Elon Musk’s xAI, will allow OpenAI to raise capital with standard terms. The non-profit will hold shares in the PBC, valued independently, ensuring alignment with its long-term mission.
Google, Hub71 partner to accelerate startup growth in UAE
Hub71 has partnered with Google to accelerate startup growth in the UAE, introducing the Google for Startups programme to Abu Dhabi. This collaboration positions Hub71 as a global hub for innovation, creating unparalleled opportunities for startups to scale and thrive.
Google and Hub71 will also launch a dedicated accelerator programme in 2025. The programme will select 25 high-potential startups from
Hub71’s ecosystem for a three-month initiative focused on scaling strategies and optimising business models.
Additionally, all startups within Hub71 will gain access to Google Cloud credits, with top performers eligible for up to $300,000 in credits—the highest tier globally.
“Hub71’s partnership with Google reinforces Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a global technology leader,” said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman, Hub71. This partnership will empower startups with tools, expertise, and connections to thrive in a competitive digital economy while addressing emerging market needs like web3, sustainability, and AI.
network of Google experts. We will also help them contribute to the growing digital business landscape in the UAE and the region.”
JASIM AL ZAABI
Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in MENA, said, “This partnership with Hub71 to bring the ‘Google for Startups’ accelerator programme to Abu Dhabi reflects Google’s commitment to empowering the UAE’s startups with growth, resources, and access to a global
Hub71 startups will benefit from Google’s mentor network, tailored playbooks, and access to global industry leaders and investors. Google will also introduce startups to its investment arms and parent company, Alphabet, facilitating potential funding discussions.
Rokas Tenys / Shutterstock.com
Hub71’s partnership with Google reinforces Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a global technology leader
HPE delivers 3 supercomputers in Saudi Arabia
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has delivered the top three supercomputers in the world and three of the top four in Saudi Arabia. Among them, El Capitan stands out, achieving a staggering 1.742 exaflops, making it the world’s fastest supercomputer on the November 2024 TOP500 list.
Built for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), El Capitan is designed to advance national security with highfidelity simulations while driving breakthroughs in fields like nuclear science, materials
Microsoft to invest $80 billion in AI data centres
Microsoft has announced plans to invest a massive $80 billion in fiscal year 2025 to develop AIenabled data centres, with over half of the funds earmarked for infrastructure in the US.
The company’s president, Brad Smith, likened AI’s transformative potential to that of electricity, calling it the “electricity of our age” and emphasizing its role in driving economic growth over the next 25 years.
This ambitious investment aligns with three core pillars: advancing AI technology and infrastructure within the US, launching AI skilling programs to boost adoption and create career opportunities, and exporting American AI technologies to global allies.
The $80 billion will fund projects such as building AI-focused data centres to train models and deploy cloud-based applications worldwide. This marks a significant leap from Microsoft’s $53 billion in capital expenditures in 2024, signalling its commitment to AI-driven innovation.
discovery, and fusion energy. Its performance highlights the Middle East’s growing ambitions in AI, with HPE pledging to support organisations in the region in achieving their AI goals.
“The success of El Capitan highlights the importance of investing in new supercomputing capabilities that will help the Middle East to accelerate AI-driven research and will boost the development of the AI ecosystem. We stand ready to support organisations in the Middle East to realise their AI ambitions,” said Mohammad Alrehaili, Managing Director, HPE Middle East.
“With high ambitions to be leaders in the development of AI, I expect to see further investments in supercomputing in the Middle East region.”
Joining El Capitan are Frontier, ranked second with 1.353 exaflops, and Aurora, ranked third. Frontier,
We stand ready to support organisations in the Middle East to realise their AI ambitions
the first exascale system launched in 2022, supports groundbreaking research in cancer, nuclear fusion, and materials science. Aurora focuses on data-intensive projects like aircraft design, sustainable energy, and connectomics.
HPE’s energy-efficient, liquid-cooled Cray Supercomputing EX systems are setting a benchmark in sustainable computing, reducing energy usage by up to 94 percent compared to traditional cooling methods.
MOHAMMAD ALREHAILI HPE MIDDLE EAST
IBM inaugurates new office in Qatar
IBM has officially inaugurated its new office in Al Mana Tower, located in the Corniche area of Doha, marking a significant step in its expansion within Qatar.
The new office highlights IBM’s commitment to supporting Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and Digital Agenda
2030, both of which aim to drive digital transformation and foster a knowledgebased economy.
stc, Huawei team up to develop ICT talent
stc Bahrain has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei to launch the fourth edition of their successful Technical Capacity Programme, aiming to nurture local talent and accelerate Bahrain’s digital transformation in line with Economic Vision 2030. The programme offers comprehensive training in vital ICT fields, including networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
Participants will also gain valuable handson experience through
technology showcases, allowing them to explore the latest advancements and industry best practices.
Building on the achievements of the previous three editions, this year’s programme aims to further impact stc Bahrain’s core technology divisions, such as Digital, Business, Wholesale, Consumer, and Customer Experience. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, the initiative will empower employees to develop their full potential and play an active role in shaping Bahrain’s digital future.
“This partnership with Huawei highlights our commitment to equipping
witness the expansion of IBM’s presence in the State of Qatar and its role in supporting our journey toward building an advanced digital future. This step is not merely a commercial expansion but a partnership aimed at empowering various sectors to leverage the latest technologies and digital solutions.”
Shukri Eid echoed this sentiment, stating, “The opening of our new office reflects IBM’s commitment to accelerating Qatar’s digital transformation and unlocking new levels of innovation. We are dedicated to supporting the country’s adoption of transformative technologies, which play a vital role in achieving its digital aspirations.”
Shukri Eid, General Manager – Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan, IBM, said, “The opening of our new office reflects IBM’s commitment to accelerating Qatar’s digital transformation and unlocking new levels of innovation. We are dedicated to supporting the country’s adoption of transformative technologies, which play a vital role in achieving its digital aspirations.”
The office will serve as a hub for innovation, helping local businesses and partners adopt advanced technologies and strengthen Qatar’s growing digital ecosystem.
Mohammed Al Shammari, Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said, “We are pleased to our workforce with cutting-edge skills to drive innovation and transform the telecommunications landscape,” said Engineer Fahad Alowaini, Chief Human Resources Officer, stc Bahrain.
This collaboration demonstrates stc Bahrain’s dedication to nurturing a skilled ICT workforce and fostering innovation to support the Kingdom’s longterm digital ambitions.
(LtoR) Timmy Davis, the US Ambassador to Qatar; Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, MCIT Minister; Shukri Eid, General Manager – GLP, IBM; and Wissam Shmait, General Manager – Qatar, IBM
DMCC to elevate Dubai’s web3 ecosystem
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has announced the launch of the DMCC Crypto Centre Metaverse. Developed in collaboration with Infinite Reality, the Metaverse will offer interactive, gamified zones, including a trading game and
treasure hunt, where users can win exciting prizes. The platform will also allow direct engagement with the DMCC Crypto Centre team, fostering a vibrant digital community. Additionally, users will benefit from dedicated service clinics covering banking,
e& UAE becomes first to trial
This latest milestone drives global AI applications forward, reinforcing Dubai’s status as one of the world’s leading innovation hubs
BELAL JASSOMA DMCC
compliance, and insurance, alongside a comprehensive dashboard designed to simplify the process of setting up crypto businesses in Dubai.
Belal Jassoma, DMCC’s Director of Ecosystems, highlighted that the global metaverse market could
Nokia’s end-to-end network slicing solution
Nokia has announced that e& UAE is the first operator globally to use its slicing solution, creating a dedicated end-to-end network slice tailored for gaming applications. The trial, conducted in e& UAE’s Abu Dhabi labs, showcased how network slicing can enhance customer experiences by meeting the speed and latency demands of modern gaming.
The demonstration involved creating network slices across in-home Wi-Fi and fibre access networks to ensure seamless quality of service. Nokia’s solution, incorporating Altiplano, Corteca, and NSP domain controllers, allows operators to establish on-demand
or autonomous cross-domain network slices with standardbased specifications. These slices can optimise services such as TV streaming, cloud gaming,
surpass $3.1 trillion by 2030. “In launching the DMCC Crypto Centre Metaverse, we are not only providing a cutting-edge digital experience for our ecosystem members, but also demonstrating a real pragmatic use case of next-gen technology at the intersection of blockchain and AI. This latest milestone drives global AI applications forward, reinforcing Dubai’s status as one of the world’s leading innovation hubs, and paving the way for a future where the metaverse is scaled up and becomes a dynamic, open and interoperable space for the benefit of many industries,” he said.
The launch aligns with the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which aims to position the emirate among the top 10 metaverse economies, accelerating the adoption of immersive technologies worldwide
remote working, and enterprise applications.
During the trial, e& UAE’s network automatically detected a new gaming console and created a dedicated, low-latency, highspeed network slice to optimise performance.
Abdul Rahman Al Humaidan, Vice President of Fixed Access Network at e& UAE, said, “Utilising Nokia’s slicing solution enables us to effortlessly manage our customers’ experience by designing tailored network slices for specific services and application requirements.”
Mohamed Salama, Head of Fixed Networks, Middle East & Africa at Nokia, added, “This trial sets a new benchmark and lays the foundation for future autonomous networks that can deliver premium services to customers in a whole new way.”
THE ART OF REINVENTION
Last month, Amazon Web Services (AWS) held its annual re:Invent conference in Las Vegas, bringing together cloud leaders, technology innovators, and business decision-makers from around the globe. CXO Insight ME was on the ground, capturing the latest insights from the tech giant
If there’s one word that captures AWS re:Invent 2024 in Las Vegas, it’s momentum. This year’s conference marked a big shift as Matt Garman delivered his first-ever keynote as the new CEO of AWS. Addressing a packed audience of 60,000 in person and hundreds of thousands more virtually, Garman laid out a bold, clear vision for where AWS—and the broader cloud and AI ecosystem—is heading.
From advancements in compute power and storage solutions to the rapid growth of generative
AI, Garman’s message was loud and clear: AWS is focused on empowering customers to innovate faster, solve complex problems, and stay competitive in a changing digital world.
“We invent so you can reinvent,” Garman said, setting the tone for his keynote address.
Reflecting on AWS’s origins, Garman emphasised the company’s unique “working backward” approach—starting with customer needs and innovating to address their challenges. AWS, he said, exists to equip organisations with tools that simplify complexity, solve tough problems, and drive transformation across industries.
He took this a step further by announcing a $1 billion global fund for startups launching in 2025. This investment demonstrates AWS’s dedication to fostering innovation and empowering builders, creators, and entrepreneurs across the globe.
“We believe the next generation of groundbreaking ideas will come from startups, and we want to help them scale,” he said.
A strong foundation
Garman then shifted focus to the core pillars of AWS—compute, storage, and security—as the foundation for cloud innovation.
We invent, so you can re-invent
The AWS chief then highlighted how AWS continues to lead the charge with its custom processors, which deliver significant performance gains while keeping energy consumption in check. The fourthgeneration Graviton processor was front and centre, delivering 45 percent better performance on Java workloads and 60 percent lower energy use.
The next frontier is Generative AI workloads, which Garman noted as a major priority for AWS. He then emphasised the growing reliance on GPUs for training large models. AWS’s partnership with NVIDIA has resulted in P6 instances powered by Blackwell chips, offering 2.5x the speed of their predecessors. Meanwhile, AWS’s own Trainium processors continue to evolve, with the announcement of Trainium 2
to push the limits of AI training performance.
Innovations in storage
With data becoming increasingly complex, AWS is enhancing storage capabilities to meet evolving demands. Garman revealed that Amazon S3, which now stores over 400 trillion objects, continues to drive efficiency through features like Intelligent Tiering, saving customers more than $4 billion to date.
However, he also pointed out that the growing data volumes mean more complexity. To address this, AWS introduced Amazon S3 Tables—a new way to seamlessly integrate structured data formats like Apache Parquet into S3 using Apache Iceberg for indexing. He also teased the Amazon S3 Metadata Service, now in preview, which simplifies metadata management and eliminates manual processes for enterprises juggling massive datasets.
In the database space, Amazon Aurora, celebrating 10 years as one
of AWS’s fastest-growing services, received a massive upgrade. Tackling the challenge of multi-region consistency, AWS developed a new approach by leveraging Amazon Time Sync Service. This advancement reduces time-to-consistency from seconds to microseconds, making multi-region applications faster and more reliable.
With innovations like Amazon Time Sync Service, AWS has reduced time-to-consistency from seconds to microseconds. These upgrades power the new Amazon Aurora DSQL
service, which delivers multi-region consistency for modern, low-latency applications. Garman also highlighted similar improvements to DynamoDB Global Tables, ensuring that NoSQL users get the same performance benefits.
Generative AI: Transforming future innovations
It’s no surprise that generative AI took centre stage during Garman’s keynote. With businesses racing to adopt AIpowered tools, AWS is doubling down on making generative AI accessible,
scalable, and reliable. Here are some of the key AWS announcements focused on GenAI advancements:
Amazon Bedrock: Simplifying AI deployment
Amazon Bedrock, AWS’s platform for deploying and managing AI models, continues to evolve as the go-to solution for enterprises. Garman showcased how Genentech is using Bedrock to accelerate drug discovery, shrinking processes that once took years into just minutes. Several powerful new features were unveiled:
• Bedrock Model Distillation: Simplifies large AI models to make them faster and more efficient for specific tasks.
• Bedrock Guardrails: Ensures outputs are accurate and reduces the risk of “hallucinations” (a major concern in AI-generated responses).
• Bedrock Agents: Enables multi-
agent collaboration, automating complex tasks using natural language instructions. Moody’s has already leveraged these tools to streamline analytics workflows and achieve major time savings.
Amazon Nova: A new AI model family
In a major move, AWS introduced Amazon Nova, a new family of generative AI models built for text, image, and video generation. Garman highlighted Nova Lite, which rivals popular models like Llama and Gemini in benchmarks, as well as Nova Canvas and Nova Reel for creative image and video applications.
Looking ahead, Garman teased AWS’s next leap: multi-modal-tomulti-modal models, capable of transforming inputs like video and text into other formats seamlessly. These innovations are expected to launch in mid-2025.
INNOVATION IN ACTION
César Cernuda, President, NetApp, discussed how the company is driving business transformation through AI, intelligent data management, and strategic innovation to empower regional organisations for the future
Can you share some highlights at NetApp over the past year?
At NetApp, we’ve had an incredible year of growth and innovation. Our focus remains on helping businesses transform in this era of intelligence and data. With AI becoming a central force across industries, we’ve honed our ability to provide intelligent infrastructure that allows companies to fully harness their data.
NetApp is a 35-year-old company that has earned the trust of Fortune 500 companies. We’ve built a
robust global presence and a strong reputation as a data infrastructure leader. Over the past year, the explosion of data generation has presented significant opportunities for businesses, but challenges too. Studies reveal that 70 perent of organisational data goes unused, meaning only 30 percent is actively leveraged. At NetApp, our mission is to flip that statistic—empowering organisations to effectively use all the data they collect.
One area where we’ve excelled is leveraging AI to transform customer support. For example, our Active IQ
platform uses AI to predict potential challenges, such as cyber-attacks, and proactively resolves them before they escalate. Additionally, we’ve embedded AI capabilities into our products, such as anti-ransomware tools that help safeguard customer data.
How does NetApp support organisations in leveraging AI, especially with emerging subsets like generative AI?
For decades, we’ve seen that the organisations with access to more and better data are the ones that succeed. Today, the sheer volume of data being
Over the past two decades, one constant has been the critical role of data—whether it’s AI, cloud computing, or the next big thing, success hinges on effective data management, storage, and security
generated is unprecedented. Reduced storage and computing costs have created immense opportunities for innovation, but they’ve also brought challenges, such as managing, structuring, and protecting data while staying compliant with regulations.
NetApp excels in this area by providing technologies that help customers store, manage, and leverage their data effectively. Globally, we work with 40,000 customers— including about 1,500 in the UAE— through our network of 36 partners. With these partnerships, we enable businesses to unlock the full value of their data, whether it’s for building AI-driven customer experiences or innovating in their operations.
In particular, with generative AI, we’ve seen customers looking to combine unstructured internet data with their internal datasets to derive meaningful insights. This requires an intelligent infrastructure that ensures data is managed effectively and securely. NetApp’s technology makes this possible.
How is NetApp leveraging AI internally to enhance its offerings?
AI is deeply embedded in how we operate and innovate at NetApp. For instance, our Active IQ technology is an AIOps platform that analyses usage patterns to identify potential
issues before they arise. It can even detect unusual activity that might indicate a cyberattack. This proactive approach allows us to address problems before they affect customers.
On the support side, AI enables us to handle 95 percent of our cases digitally. It anticipates potential problems and recommends updates or adjustments to help customers avoid disruptions. Beyond support, we also leverage AI in marketing, sales, customer success, and engineering to improve efficiency and decisionmaking.
Our products also integrate AI capabilities. For example, our antiransomware tools protect customer data and ensure recovery in the event of an attack. In fact, we’re so confident in our ransomware protection that we offer a warranty—if customers follow our best practices and still experience a ransomware incident, we guarantee data recovery.
How does NetApp ensure its offerings align with local regulatory frameworks, especially in regions like the Middle East?
Compliance with local and international regulations is a top priority for us. It’s not just a regional challenge—it’s a global one. At NetApp, we ensure that our technologies meet regulatory standards in every market we serve. We also work closely with policymakers through our government relations and policy teams to ensure that both we and our customers remain compliant.
In the Middle East, specifically in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, we adhere to financial regulatory requirements through products like Data Sense, which handles data governance. Another example is BlueXP, our unified control plane for data management. BlueXP integrates with Active IQ to monitor compliance and alert customers if their data storage
César Cernuda, President, NetApp
practices are out of alignment with regulations. It even suggests corrective actions to bring them back into compliance.
What are your priorities for R&D investments in 2025?
Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. Over the years, we’ve differentiated ourselves by building strong relationships with the three major hyperscalers: Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud. These partnerships allow us to integrate our technologies directly into their platforms as firstparty services, offering customers seamless experiences across public, private, and hybrid cloud environments.
Our current R&D priorities include hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, data management, and AI. As customers increasingly move to the cloud, they need solutions that provide flexibility and scalability. For instance, we’ve developed technologies that work across public clouds, private clouds, and sovereign clouds, ensuring that customers can meet their needs no matter where they are in their cloud journey.
Zooming in on the Middle East, what is NetApp’s strategy for the region?
The Middle East is a fascinating region, especially when it comes to technology adoption. Countries like the UAE are leading the charge in AI and digital transformation. The fact that the UAE has a Ministry of AI speaks volumes about its commitment to innovation.
Our regional strategy aligns with these trends. We place a strong emphasis on having local teams and partners who understand the nuances of the market. For example, we work closely with our partners to enable their success and support them in driving digital transformation initiatives for our customers. By combining our global expertise with local insights, we can deliver solutions that truly meet the unique needs of the region. Developing local talent is also a key part of our strategy.
Additionally, the recent appointment of Suhail Hasanain as the new regional senior director for the Middle East and Africa underscores our commitment to strengthening our presence in the region.
How important are local partnerships in driving NetApp’s regional strategy?
Local partnerships are absolutely critical to our success. While NetApp operates in more than 100 countries, we’ve always emphasised the importance of having a strong local presence. In the UAE, for example, we’ve been operating for over 20 years. During that time, we’ve built relationships with 36 partners and currently serve more than 500 customers in the region.
These partnerships span system integrators, telecommunications companies, and hyperscalers. They enable us to tailor our solutions to the specific needs of the market and ensure compliance with regional requirements. By combining our global expertise with the local knowledge of our partners, we can deliver the best outcomes for our customers.
Looking ahead, do you think AI will remain the most disruptive technology, or do you see other trends on the horizon?
AI is undoubtedly transformative, and it will continue to play a significant role in shaping industries for years to come. Over the past two decades, one constant has been the critical role of data—whether it’s AI, cloud computing, or the next big thing, success hinges on effective data management, storage, and security. While AI and generative AI are currently at the forefront, new technologies will inevitably emerge. At NetApp, our mission is to ensure that our customers’ data infrastructure is ready to adapt to whatever comes next. By providing intelligent, flexible solutions, we help businesses stay ahead of the curve and seize new opportunities as they arise.
We’re incredibly excited about the future. The pace of innovation in AI, data, and digital transformation is accelerating, and NetApp is proud to play a key role in shaping that future. We’ll continue to innovate, invest in our customers and partners, and help organisations around the world unlock the full potential of their data.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Visionaries share insights and predictions on what lies ahead for the tech world in 2025
ACRONIS
Sustainable and AI-powered defence Sustainability and AI will shape the cybersecurity landscape in 2025, according to Ziad Nasr, General Manager, Acronis Middle East.
With increasing focus on environmental responsibility, service providers are expected to develop resource-efficient solutions, such as cloud-based systems and AI-driven automation, to address growing digital demand while minimising environmental impact. “The dual challenges of digital growth and environmental concerns will drive the need for sustainable software and solutions,” he says.
Organisations must invest in proactive strategies, including workforce training and penetration testing
AI and machine learning (ML) will continue to dominate investment priorities, enabling both advanced threat detection and sophisticated cyber-attacks. Cloudbased cybersecurity tools, particularly those supporting sustainability and regulatory compliance, will be pivotal. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, stringent data protection laws will drive investments in technologies that ensure privacy and compliance, safeguarding user trust.
AI-powered phishing and deepfake-enabled social engineering are forecasted as major threats. Acronis warns that these tactics will become more disruptive, requiring robust defences like zero-trust architectures and AI-driven threat detection. “Organisations must invest in proactive strategies, including workforce training and penetration testing,” says Nasr.
To adapt, Nasr underscores why employers need prioritise skills in AI-enhanced security and threat hunting. Certifications such as those offered by Acronis Academy will be crucial for equipping professionals to navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
AVEVA
Data
and AI to accelerate industrial innovations
This year promises major advancements in industrial technology, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and the rise of small language models (SLMs) and decision twins. With AI investment accelerating, companies will prioritise maximising returns from their technology infrastructure. “Industrial innovation in 2025 will be marked by the ability to turn vast amounts of enterprise and operational data into actionable, real-time insights,” says Simon Bennett, Director, Research & Innovation, AVEVA, highlighting how AI analytics, IoT ecosystems, and hybrid cloud deployments will drive smarter, more dynamic systems.
Ziad Nasr, General Manager, Acronis Middle East
Simon Bennett, Director, Research & Innovation, AVEVA
GenAI’s human-like interfaces will democratise decision-making
New AI applications will continue to emerge, filling labour gaps and taking on specialised tasks. “Generative AI’s human-like interfaces will democratise decision-making. It will enable even non-technical workers to access complex datasets quickly and improve business outcomes,” says Bennett. In engineering and construction, Generative Design AI (GenDAI) will refine and optimise design processes.
SLMs will bring efficiency and reliability to tasks like document analysis and coding while addressing data privacy and energy concerns. “Naturally, SLMs will emerge as powerful and trusted industrial partners,” says Bennett. Meanwhile, quantum computing is poised for significant breakthroughs, with a commercial quantum computer announced for 2025. “Developments over the next couple of years will set the stage for us to realise the benefits of quantum computing, driving innovation across industries,” says Bennett.
BACKBASE
Agentic AI takes centre stage 2025 will be the defining year for Agentic AI, a transformative technology that will revolutionise how we manage complexity in our lives. “As the digital world becomes more complex, we need intelligent agents to help us navigate it effectively,” explains Chris Shayan, Head of AI, Backbase. Shayan highlight that these agents will act as personal concierges or assistants, learning our habits, anticipating our needs, and automating tasks that would otherwise consume our valuable time and attention.
This shift, powered by advances in machine learning and natural language processing, will make intelligent agents indispensable for navigating our fast-paced, digital lives. However, this progress comes with ethical challenges. The primary dilemma will be managing societal transitions caused by automation. Shayan stresses the importance
of proactive planning to minimise job displacement, advocating for AI that “augments human capabilities rather than replacing them.” He also emphasises the need for collaboration between organisations and governments to invest in reskilling, particularly in critical thinking, creativity, and communication.
Workforce skills will also undergo a transformation. By 2025, employers will prioritise cognitive flexibility, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and lifelong learning. Shayan highlights the importance of agile training programmes aligned with industry demands, ensuring individuals stay relevant.
Overall, 2025 will bring a technology-driven evolution, but as Shayan notes, “It’s not just about the tools—it’s about empowering humans to thrive alongside them.”
CLOUDERA
Taking a quantum leap
As the digital world becomes more complex, we need intelligent agents to help us navigate it effectively
In 2025, the defining theme in technology will be the rise of quantum computing, marking a revolutionary leap in computational power. According to Karim Azar, Regional Vice President of Middle East and Turkey, Cloudera, this innovation will “redefine what is possible in technology and innovation.” Quantum breakthroughs are expected to transform industries such as healthcare by accelerating drug discovery and genetic research, while advancing energy solutions like fusion power. Azar believes these advancements could render traditional energy sources obsolete, paving the way for profound industry-wide impacts.
Azar also highlights agentic AI as a major driver of investment. “Agentic AI will solve complex problems and
Chris Shayan, Head of AI, Backbase
Agentic AI will surpass human-level decision-making in specific scenarios
make real-time decisions with unprecedented precision,” he explains. Industries such as telecom and logistics will benefit from AI’s seamless integration into event-driven architectures, enabling instant adaptation to real-life challenges.
By 2025, Azar envisions AI becoming more specialised and industry-focused. Private large language models (LLMs) will offer bespoke insights, while agentic AI will “surpass human-level decision-making in specific scenarios.” He emphasises that regulatory frameworks will play a pivotal role, ensuring ethical and responsible AI deployment.
Industries such as healthcare, logistics, and administration will undergo workforce transformations, with Azar urging businesses and workers to adapt to “a rapidly
evolving, tech-driven landscape.”
CONFLUENT
The need for speed
The technology landscape in 2025 will be defined by speed and the growing reliance on real-time data processing. Richard Timperlake, SVP EMEA at Confluent, highlights the shift from traditional batch processing to continuous data flows, describing it as a game-changer for industries. “The shift from batch processing to dynamic, continuous data flows will become indispensable across industries,” he says, underscoring the critical role data streaming platforms (DSPs) will play in enhancing operations and competitiveness.
Timperlake also points out that while Generative AI (GenAI) will continue to dominate discussions in 2025, its full potential is far from realised. Unlocking its transformative capabilities hinges on the foundation of robust data streaming platforms (DSPs). “In our latest Data Streaming Report, 82 percent of EMEA respondents cited data streaming as a strategic IT priority,” he says. Together, GenAI and DSPs form a powerful combination, enabling real-time insights, seamless AI integration, and operational efficiency. These technologies will be pivotal for organisations looking to innovate and remain competitive in the fast-evolving digital landscape.
However, challenges remain. Timperlake notes that “organisational resistance to change” and fragmented data systems are significant barriers. Many companies see data streaming as costly rather than transformative, while a lack of expertise in DSP implementation further hinders adoption.
On a global scale, the Middle East is positioned to lead. Timperlake praises the region’s “lack of legacy infrastructure” and ambitious investments, such as Saudi Arabia’s $40 billion AI fund, as catalysts for innovation in
Richard Timperlake, SVP EMEA, Confluent
Karim Azar, RegionalVice President of Middle East & Turkey, Cloudera
the global tech ecosystem.
ENDAVA
AI will remain a focal point
Artificial intelligence is set to dominate the technological landscape in 2025, with agentic AI leading the charge. Joe Dunleavy, Global SVP & Head of AI Pod at Endava, predicts that agentic AI, or multiple-agent systems, will revolutionise how businesses operate. “The space of agentic AI will have a much bigger impact on businesses, especially in 2025,” he says, citing Endava’s launch of its own platform, Morpheus, in 2024 as a major step toward unlocking this potential.
While general AI remains a distant goal, Dunleavy sees specialised AI advancing rapidly alongside the growing influence of regulations like the EU AI Act, which he believes will shape adoption strategies. He also emphasizes the importance of businesses preparing their workforce for AI transformation.
The space of agentic AI will have a much bigger impact on businesses, especially in 2025
“Ensuring your company has a plan, not only to identify the right AI tools but also to implement broad training programs, is essential,” he advises.
Other emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and biotechnology, are making strides, but Dunleavy is clear: “No other tech will dominate in 2025 like AI has the potential to do.” Health and financial services are expected to experience the largest transformations, making AI the undeniable centrepiece of the year’s technological evolution.
EPICOR
‘The time for talk is over’ In 2025, generative AI will be moving from hype to delivering real, measurable results for businesses. “The time for talk is over,” says Vaibhav Vohra, Epicor’s President and Chief Product & Technology Officer, highlighting AI’s role in driving tangible value for both companies and their employees. This
Joe Dunleavy, Global SVP & Head of AI Pod, Endava
VaibhavVohra, President and Chief Product & Technology Officer, Epicor
Without clean data, AI can’t deliver accurate insights
evolution will focus on solving real-world challenges and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
For supply chain and manufacturing industries, AI will act as a “force multiplier,” improving key metrics like reducing scrap, increasing gross margin return on investment (GMROI), and enhancing productivity. A key innovation leading this shift is Cognitive ERP, an AI-powered tool that allows users to interact with complex enterprise systems using plain language. “By asking the system a question conversationally, workers can get faster answers without needing deep technical knowledge,” Vohra explains.
Challenges like poor data quality remain a significant barrier.
“Without clean data, AI can’t deliver accurate insights,” Vohra warns, underscoring the need for robust data management within ERP systems.
The manufacturing sector is expected to experience the largest workforce transformation as AI adoption accelerates. With a projected shortage of over two million jobs by 2030, “automation is not just an innovation imperative—it’s a necessity,” he adds, highlighting AI’s role in shaping the future of work.
ERICSSON
5G to drive a greener future
The focus for 2025 will be on sustainable technology, with advancements in 5G Advanced and standalone 5G networks playing a key role in enabling this shift. These technologies will drive the creation of low-emission, energy-efficient solutions, aligning with national climate goals and the Paris Agreement. “Together with partners like stc and Zain Group, we are paving the way for sustainable development and improved quality of life,” says Ante Mihovilovi, Vice President and Head of Networks at Ericsson Middle East and Africa. With the ICT sector accounting for just 1.4 percent of the global carbon footprint but capable of reducing industrial emissions by up to 15 percent, this shift holds transformative potential.
Significant investments will also be fueled by 5G advancements. “Leading operators in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are set to lead this transformation,” Mihovilovi adds, highlighting collaborations like those with stc on Automated Radio Resource Partitioning and e& on lowlatency solutions for real-time applications. Challenges remain, including the need to bridge the digital skills gap and address growing network demands. Yet, efforts like Ericsson’s Gen-E Graduate Engineer Program aim to equip future workforces with digital expertise.
Mihovilovi is confident the Middle East will remain a global leader, fostering innovation through initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Research Lab and partnerships
advancing 5G and 6G technologies.
FORCEPOINT
Balancing security and AI innovation
Securing artificial intelligence (AI) systems and their data will be a top priority in 2025 as businesses continue leveraging AI to drive innovation and productivity. With cyber threats evolving faster than ever, traditional security measures are no longer sufficient. Advanced frameworks like AI Security Posture Management (AISPM) will be critical in addressing vulnerabilities in AI and machine learning systems. “Organisations that invest in AISPM will be better prepared to ensure their AI initiatives drive positive outcomes while maintaining robust security,” says Samer Diya.
Generative AI (GenAI) is also set to attract significant investment, with the GCC region forecasted to generate $23.5 billion annually from GenAI by 2030. However, this growth comes with challenges. Data Security Posture
Ante Mihovilovi, Vice President and Head of Networks, Ericsson Middle East and Africa
Management (DSPM) is emerging as an essential tool to provide visibility and control over data usage, ensuring sensitive information is protected. “DSPM unlocks new potential in securing how emerging technologies are leveraged by teams,” Diya explains.
At the same time, ethical practices and regulations will shape AI’s evolution. Initiatives like the UAE AI Ethics Guidelines focus on transparency and fairness. Diya notes, “Businesses must thoughtfully integrate AI, supported by solutions that ensure compliance and data security, to navigate this new landscape.”
GBM
Alliances to drive progress
Collaborative innovation will define the trajectory of technology in 2025, driven by partnerships between businesses, governments, and technology providers. Generative AI (GenAI) will spearhead this transformation, enabling automation, personalisation, and smarter decision-making. “GenAI will reshape industries by enhancing both efficiency and creativity,” says Bassam Rached, General Manager - Technology at GBM. Cloud computing will remain essential, providing scalable, secure infrastructure for these advancements, while cybersecurity will be critical to protecting the digital ecosystem.
He adds, “The collaboration across sectors will be the cornerstone for driving meaningful progress, empowering organisations to excel through agile development and
public-private partnerships. These efforts will foster innovation and enable the development of solutions tailored to regional and global challenges.”
Moreover, the convergence of AI, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to attract significant investments. AI-powered IoT systems will unlock real-time insights, improving operational efficiency and predictive capabilities. Rached notes that cybersecurity must evolve alongside these technologies to address AI-driven vulnerabilities and ensure ethical governance.
Workforce skills will also need to adapt. Employers will prioritise technical expertise in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity, paired with soft skills like adaptability and creative problem-solving. “Flexible, personalised training will be vital to prepare employees for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” Rached explains.
By embracing collaboration, investing in emerging technologies, and prioritising talent development, organisations can foster innovation, address global challenges, and set new benchmarks for sustainability and resilience in the years ahead.
Samer Diya, Vice President – META, Forcepoint
Bassam Rached, General Manager - Technology, GBM
Globant
From reactive AI to co-creators
In 2025, technology will evolve into a seamless partner in daily life, moving beyond tools to become empathetic collaborators. AI will transform from reactive systems to emotionally intelligent entities capable of anticipating needs before users even realise them. “We won’t just be living with AI—we’ll be living through it,” predicts Federico Pienovi, CBO & CEO of New Markets at Globant. AI will no longer be seen as a tool but as a co-creator, shaping how we connect, work, and innovate. “This isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a seismic shift,” he adds.
Emerging technologies like Agentic AI are set to revolutionise industries. These systems act as autonomous digital teams, solving problems with adaptability and intelligence. Businesses will embrace this technology not just to keep up, but to thrive in a faster, smarter ecosystem. “The real challenge isn’t whether to adopt this tech—it’s how quickly industries can keep pace with its potential,” says Pienovi.
Beyond AI, breakthroughs like quantum computing will redefine problem-solving, while robotics and hyperrealistic digital humans will drive innovation in healthcare, construction, and personalised customer interactions.
Pienovi highlights the Middle East as a leader in the global tech ecosystem, with giga-projects like NEOM setting benchmarks in sustainability and smart living. “The Middle East is proving that ambition paired with innovation creates game-changing results.”
HP
Middle East on track to shape the industry
This year, the seamless integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life will define the tech landscape, with a focus on empowering people to work, create, and connect more effectively. AI will enable businesses to boost productivity while allowing employees to prioritise creative, higher-value tasks. “AI will truly serve the needs of its users,” says Peter Oganesean, Managing Director for the Middle East and East Africa, highlighting HP’s commitment to accessible and sustainable AI-driven innovations.
The Middle East is set to take centre stage in this global transformation. With the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and its 2025 digital strategy, the nation is becoming a hub for AI and digital innovation. Regulatory frameworks, proactive government initiatives, and investments are attracting international tech companies and talent. “The UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in AI,” Peter notes, praising its role in shaping the future of technology.
Saudi Arabia is making equally bold strides through Vision 2030, which links 70% of its objectives to AI. The country has launched a $100 billion tech investment fund and ambitious projects like Neom, a smart city built from scratch. “Saudi Arabia is on a trajectory to become a global AI powerhouse,” says Peter, pointing to its National Strategy for Data and AI as a transformative blueprint.
As these nations attract investments, drive innovation, and embrace AI-powered solutions, the Middle East will continue to be a key player in the global tech ecosystem. “The region is shaping the future of digital transformation,” says Peter, underscoring HP’s commitment to supporting this exciting evolution.
Federico Pienovi, CBO & CEO of New Markets, Globant
Peter Oganesean, Managing Director – Middle East and East Africa, HP
JAGGAER
Autonomous decision-making pushes forward
The year will revolve around breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in agentic AI and governance. This new era of AI will see systems capable of making autonomous decisions, revolutionising workflows across industries. “By 2025, at least 15 percent of day-to-day work decisions will be made autonomously through agentic AI,” predicts Hany Mosbeh, Senior Vice President – Middle East & Africa at JAGGAER.
As organisations embrace such innovations, the need for robust AI governance will become critical. Governance platforms will play a vital role in managing the ethical, legal, and operational aspects of AI deployment. Mosbeh highlights this, saying, “The uptake of AI governance platforms will help organisations create, enforce, and monitor policies for responsible AI usage.”
Sustainability will also take centre stage. With growing concerns over AI’s energy consumption, organisations will focus on energy-efficient computing to meet regulatory and environmental demands.
In addition, the Middle East is emerging as a key player in the global tech ecosystem. With bold initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, including substantial investments in AI infrastructure, the region is fostering innovation and establishing itself as a hub for AI-driven economic growth in the years ahead.
Rajesh Ganesan, President, ManageEngine
MANAGEENGINE
AI-powered cybersecurity to take spotlight Cybersecurity will take centre stage as organisations face increasingly sophisticated threats driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to create more complex and precise attack methods, making traditional defences insufficient. This shift will force organisations to focus heavily on AI-powered solutions to stay ahead. “With attacks becoming more sophisticated by leveraging AI, traditional cybersecurity measures may not be enough to defend against them,” notes Rajesh Ganesan, President at ManageEngine.
The coming year will see significant traction for AI in cybersecurity, with businesses investing in AI-driven defence systems that can predict, detect, and mitigate threats in real time. Ganesan highlights the importance of a proactive approach: “There is a need to democratise cybersecurity, where every employee is given the responsibility to maintain the organisation’s cyber defence.” Alongside technological advancements, workforce training will also evolve to address these challenges. Companies will prioritise continuous engagement and upskilling, ensuring employees are equipped to combat emerging threats. “Poorly equipped employees and unclear processes are the primary barriers to successfully democratising security,” Ganesan explains.
As AI continues to dominate, 2025 will mark a turning point where cybersecurity becomes not just a priority, but a strategic necessity driven by cutting-edge AI innovations.
Hany Mosbeh, Senior Vice President – Middle East & Africa, JAGGAER
NETAPP
Balancing innovation with environmental accountability
Sustainability-driven standardisation will shape technology in 2025. Organisations will work to simplify operations while achieving measurable environmental impact. “Simplifying hybrid IT environments through standardising service layers across multi-cloud and on-premises systems will reduce costs, complexity, and security risks,” says Walid Issa, Senior Manager, Pre-Sales and Solutions Engineers for the Middle East and Africa at NetApp. This reflects the urgent need to balance technological advancements with environmental responsibility.
Emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and edge computing will be critical for building eco-friendly, scalable solutions. “Governments and businesses will integrate technology to meet environmental goals, optimise resources, and promote inclusivity,” Issa explains. This shift is being fuelled by climate action demands, stricter energy efficiency regulations, and growing consumer expectations for sustainable practices.
Security as a Service and pragmatic AI applications will also attract substantial investment. “Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) will become indispensable for safeguarding against cyberattacks and data loss without the burden of internal complexity,” Issa highlights.
Meanwhile, cybersecurity threats will grow more sophisticated, with AI-powered attacks targeting critical infrastructure. “AI-driven threat detection systems, robust multi-factor authentication, and collaborative intelligence sharing will be essential to mitigate these risks,” Issa emphasises. Together, these strategies will create a more secure and sustainable digital future.
NOZOMI NETWORKS
Regulatory alignment to drive resilience and innovation
Resilience through regulatory alignment and technological adaptation will define the trajectory of technology in 2025, particularly in sectors like energy, healthcare, and transportation. With critical infrastructure facing increasing cybersecurity challenges, securing Operational Technology and Critical Infrastructure (OTCC) will be paramount. “The global push for standardised regulatory frameworks will influence how industries balance innovation with compliance in a hyperconnected world,” says Khalid Aljamed, VP for KSA at Nozomi Networks.
Key barriers include fragmented regulations and the coexistence of legacy and modern systems. “While some regions advance comprehensive cybersecurity mandates, others are playing catch-up, creating vulnerabilities in global supply chains,” he explains. The shortage of OT and IoT cybersecurity professionals further complicates progress.
Cybersecurity investments in 2025 will prioritise tools providing real-time visibility, anomaly detection, and threat response to meet evolving regulatory demands. “Integrating compliance into operational processes will be a significant focus,” Aljamed explains.
Beyond AI, quantum computing and biotechnology are also set to dominate 2025, according to Aljamed. Postquantum cryptography will address the vulnerabilities quantum systems pose to traditional encryption, while biotechnology will drive advances in precision medicine and sustainability. Additionally, the digitisation of governance, including unified digital IDs and connected public services, will further emphasise the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect integrated IT, IoT, and OT ecosystems.
Walid Issa, Senior Manager, Pre-Sales and Solutions Engineers - Middle East and Africa, NetApp
Khalid Aljamed, VP for KSA, Nozomi Networks
OMNIX INTERNATIONAL
The era of human-centred tech
The future of technology in 2025 will revolve around innovation that serves societal and individual needs. The focus will be on “human-centred technology”, which enhances inclusivity, well-being, and global problemsolving, and “agentic AI”, described as intelligent systems with the ability to plan, adapt, and operate autonomously while adhering to safety guidelines. “These tools will be more adaptive and capable of handling complex objectives in intricate environments,” predicts Walid Gomaa, CEO of Omnix International.
Key areas for investment include generative AI, which will transform personalised healthcare, marketing, and content creation. Sustainable technologies aimed at climate solutions like renewable energy and green computing will dominate alongside quantum computing, autonomous systems, and advancements in the metaverse. Cybersecurity will also evolve, as Gomaa highlights the importance of “AI-powered threat detection and zero-trust frameworks to address evolving security challenges.”
AI is expected to become increasingly specialised, with Gomaa pointing out its potential in “legal analysis, personalised medicine, and industrial automation.” However, artificial general intelligence will remain elusive, with progress aimed at augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them. Gomaa emphasises the need for skills like critical thinking and adaptability, coupled with “AI-powered personalised learning systems,” to prepare the workforce for this dynamic future.
OPSWAT
AI to power adaptive security
Artificial intelligence (AI) will take over routine cybersecurity tasks like threat detection and incident response, enabling human experts to focus on complex challenges. Predictive AI will anticipate threats before they occur, working alongside zero-trust architectures to ensure continuous, dynamic identity verification. “The partnership between AI and human experts will create more adaptive and resilient security measures,” says Rami Nehme, Regional Sales Director for UAE, South Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan at OPSWAT.
Investment priorities will centre on AI and machine learning to combat sophisticated threats, zero-trust frameworks for enhanced access control, and postquantum cryptography to address emerging quantum computing risks. As Nehme highlights, “Cloud security and IoT protection will also see significant focus as businesses navigate increasingly complex environments.”
However, progress faces barriers like the evolving threat landscape, a global skills shortage in cybersecurity, and the challenges of securing hybrid and multi-cloud systems. Ethical concerns surrounding AI, including biases and transparency, will require attention, as will the complexities of regulatory compliance.
By 2025, AI will become more specialised, offering tailored solutions for industries while operating under stricter regulations to ensure fairness and accountability, reflecting the ongoing balance between innovation and responsibility.
The partnership between AI and human experts will create more adaptive and resilient security measures
Quantitative models to address complex challenges In 2025, the technology landscape will be reshaped by a shift towards specialised AI models and breakthroughs in key emerging fields. While Large Language Models (LLMs) have dominated recent years, their limitations are becoming clear. “Not every problem is a language problem,” says Stefan Leichenauer, VP of Engineering at SandboxAQ. The future will belong to Quantitative AI Models (QMs), designed to solve complex scientific challenges like drug
discovery and materials design. These models, trained on real and simulated data, will work alongside LLMs to tackle problems beyond the scope of language-based AI.
AI itself will evolve into a more collaborative and specialised ecosystem, where different models work together in what Leichenauer calls an “agentic framework”. “Together, these models will be greater than the sum of their parts, unlocking new applications,” he explains.
Workforce training will also undergo a transformation, focusing on scale and agility to keep up with rapidly advancing tools. Meanwhile, fields like quantum computing, biotechnology, and space exploration will push humanity further into the future. From scalable quantum systems to precision medicine and lunar bases, 2025 is set to be a year where innovation reaches exciting new heights.
SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY
AI shifts from experimentation to integration
The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) will redefine business strategies and IT ecosystems. Mohit Pandey, Head of Sales - Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Seagate Technology, highlights this shift: “AI is transitioning from
experimentation to full-scale integration, fundamentally transforming how organisations operate and make decisions.”
This AI revolution brings with it a massive surge in data creation, with global volumes expected to grow from 149 zettabytes in 2024 to 181 zettabytes in 2025. “Innovative storage solutions, like higher areal density hard drives, will be essential for managing these enormous data volumes efficiently, while also reducing environmental impact,” Pandey explains.
The energy demands of AI-powered technologies also raise pressing sustainability concerns. “Data centres require significant energy, but advancements in renewable energy and sustainable practices will be key to mitigating their carbon footprint,” says Pandey.
Looking ahead, evolving regulations around data governance and privacy will play a vital role. As Pandey puts it, “Ensuring AI is deployed responsibly and ethically will be critical to driving innovation while maintaining trust in its use.”
Ensuring AI is deployed responsibly and ethically will be critical to driving innovation while maintaining trust in its use
Stefan Leichenauer,VP Engineering, SandboxAQ
Mohit Pandey, Head of Sales - Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Seagate Technology
Sascha Giese, Global Tech Evangelist, Observability, SolarWinds
Blindly following AI could lead to difficult situations
SOLARWINDS
The evolution of AI and green tech
The trajectory of technology in 2025 will be defined by two key themes: the continued evolution of artificial intelligence and the push for sustainability in IT. AI is set to shift from being a supportive assistant to enabling autonomous systems. “If the current pace of development continues, we should see autonomous systems in late 2025,” says Sascha Giese, Global Tech Evangelist for SolarWinds. These systems could revolutionise industries like healthcare and logistics by functioning independently.
Sustainability will also take centre stage, as IT and data centres are now the second-largest contributors to global emissions, just behind air travel. This makes green IT essential, with companies needing to adopt energy-efficient technologies and reduce power consumption immediately.
However, challenges such as regulation and ethical concerns could create barriers. AI development, which previously flew under the radar, is now facing scrutiny. “The first regulations are coming into place,” says Giese. Balancing these regulations to ensure safety while fostering innovation will be key.
The workforce will also need to adapt, with skills like attention to detail and the ability to use AI effectively becoming more critical. “Blindly following AI could lead to difficult situations,” says Giese, stressing the importance of maintaining a human touch while leveraging technology.
The future lies in balancing innovation, sustainability, and ethical responsibility, offering both opportunities and challenges as we navigate the next phase of technological advancement.
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION INSTITUTE (TII)
AI to power tech breakthroughs
The tech landscape in 2025 will be defined by the rapid convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) with other emerging technologies. “AI is advancing at an extraordinary pace, transforming industries and opening doors to possibilities that once seemed unreachable,” says Dr Chaouki Kasmi, Chief Researcher, Technology Innovation Institute (TII). By integrating with fields like renewable energy, healthcare, and logistics, AI will address critical global challenges, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.
Significant investments will focus on AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and climate tech. “Quantum computing is on the rise, offering groundbreaking possibilities in areas like cryptography and solving highly complex problems,” says Dr Kasmi. Biotechnology, too, is advancing with innovations such as gene editing and personalised medicine, promising to revolutionise healthcare and agriculture. Meanwhile, cybersecurity will remain essential, as digital threats grow more sophisticated, and climate tech will play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges.
The UAE, supported by initiatives like TII, is becoming a global hub for innovation. “Through research and collaboration, we are supporting the UAE’s growing contribution to the global technology landscape,” says Dr Kasmi. This proactive approach ensures the region will play a strategic role in shaping a tech-driven, sustainable future.
Quantum computing is on the rise, offering groundbreaking possibilities in areas like cryptography and solving highly complex problems
Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, CIO, TII
The convergence of multiple technologies will redefine industries and enhance productivity
ZOHO
From reaction to anticipation
Businesses will undergo a major shift in how they manage customer interactions, with AI-driven automation at the core of customer relationship management. Organisations will move from reactive support to proactive engagement, where AI predicts user needs before they even arise. “Imagine a customer service AI that understands preferences and offers tailored recommendations before the user even asks,” says Saran B. Paramasivam, Regional Director, Middle East and Africa (MEA), Zoho.
Investment will surge in AI, machine learning, augmented reality, virtual reality, robotic process automation, and lowcode tools, creating seamless, personalised experiences. “The convergence of multiple technologies will redefine industries and enhance productivity,” he says.
However, AI governance remains a key challenge. As AI systems become deeply embedded in business operations, ensuring ethical compliance and regulatory alignment will be critical. “Managing responsible AI use will be a complex challenge, particularly as regulatory frameworks evolve across the MENA region,” Paramasivam explains.
Cybersecurity will focus on post-quantum cryptography and AI-powered threat detection. Meanwhile, workforce training will emphasise continuous learning, AI ethics, and crossdisciplinary skills. “Employees must adapt to AI-driven roles through personalised training programmes and awareness campaigns,” he says, highlighting the need for upskilling in an AI-powered world.
ZURICH MIDDLE EAST
AI to elevate workforces
While businesses would continue digitalisation along their technology roadmaps to cater to needs of customers, partners, regulators and employees, Generative AI (GenAI) will continue to be an overarching theme woven into every aspect of the business in 2025.
Regulations around responsible AI will prompt businesses to move projects from controlled environments to commercial launches, driving innovation across industries. Initiatives like the UAE’s Open Finance will enable secure data-sharing, unlocking personalised solutions and data-rich business models to better engage customers.
Significant investments will focus on GenAI, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and data analytics, propelled by regulatory progress and market demands. “Generative AI isn’t taking jobs; it’s elevating them,” highlights the transformative potential of AI in enhancing roles across sectors. Workforce training will prioritise cross-skilling and upskilling, empowering employees in industries such as insurance to use AI for underwriting, fraud detection, and customer engagement.
Ethical dilemmas will also take centre stage, with concerns about AI-generated misinformation and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. “Addressing these challenges will require transparency, elimination of bias, and secure digital ecosystems,” underscores the importance of guardrails for broader AI adoption. As automation evolves, human creativity, adaptability, and strategy will remain vital in navigating the AI-driven future.
Anuja Shah, CIO, Zurich Middle East
Saran B. Paramasivam, Regional Director, Middle East and Africa (MEA), Zoho
4 FEB 2025
5 – 6 FEB
Is your remote workforce cyber-safe?
The Middle East is undergoing a remarkable transformation, fuelled by rapid digitalisation, the development of smart cities, the rollout of 5G and accelerated urbanisation. As the region emerges as a global hub of technology and innovation, it has inadvertently become an attractive target for sophisticated cybercriminals targeting its critical infrastructure and digital assets.
In today’s age of connectivity and digitalisation, robust cybersecurity measures are essential to defend
the foundations of innovation and enable a more secure digital tomorrow.
The global transition to a remote workforce has revolutionised workplaces, offered greater agility, and introduced heightened cyber risks. Traditional Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are no longer the recommended solution for securing digital communications, especially with the growing demand for remote access. Recent research shows that 97% of enterprises acknowledge that their VPNs are prone to
vulnerabilities, underscored by a 47% surge in reported VPN exploits in 2023.
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A DOSE OF INNOVATION
Dr. Angela Shippy, Senior Physician Executive, AWS, highlights how AI-powered innovations are revolutionising healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, but nowhere is its potential more profound than in healthcare. As one of the most complex and vital sectors, healthcare stands to benefit from AI innovations that promise to revolutionise patient care, optimise operations, and unlock new possibilities in diagnostics and treatment.
Among those that are leading the charge in this transformation is Dr. Angela Shippy, Senior Physician Executive and Clinical Innovation Lead for Global Healthcare and Nonprofits at Amazon Web Services (AWS). With her background as a practicing hospitalist and a strong passion for technology, Dr. Shippy brings a unique perspective to how AI is shaping the future of healthcare. In our conversation, she explained
how AWS is helping healthcare providers improve clinical workflows, streamline operations, and ultimately deliver better patient care.
Dr Shippy’s journey into healthcare technology began long before joining AWS. Reflecting on her early experiences, she said, “From the very beginning of my career, technology has been a part of it. During my residency, we used computerise physician order entry (CPOE) before
it was widely adopted. Technology has always been integral to how I deliver care.”
Her journey into tech took a pivotal turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare systems struggled to stay afloat, Dr. Shippy led efforts to create a digital dashboard that pulled together patient and testing data in real-time. The experience was a game-changer. “That experience helped me see the power of digital transformation. It was the first time we brought all our data together to make both operational and clinical decisions. That made me excited about the potential of technology to transform healthcare delivery.”
Revolutionising healthcare with AI
At AWS, Dr. Shippy is working hand-in-hand with healthcare organisations to implement AIpowered tools that are already making waves. One standout example is HealthScribe, an AI service that summarises patient notes in real time.
“HealthScribe enables applications to present clinicians with daily snapshots of patient data. This ensures nothing is missed during discharge planning, reducing surprises for families and improving operational efficiency for healthcare providers. It’s a win-win for clinicians and patients alike.”
Another breakthrough involves AI in radiology workflows. By partnering with heavy hitters like GE and Philips, AWS has helped radiologists focus on what really matters: spotting abnormalities in scans. AI takes care of tasks like pulling prior images or formatting reports, leaving radiologists to zero in on their expertise. “Instead of worrying about prior images or report formatting, radiologists can focus solely on their expertise. This allows the care team to treat patients faster and more effectively,” she explained.
The human touch
Whenever technology enters a field as deeply personal as healthcare, people naturally start to wonder: Will this make things less human? Dr. Shippy is clear that AI isn’t here to replace the human touch but to enhance it.
healthcare deals with some of the most sensitive data imaginable. Security and privacy are nonnegotiable. Dr. Shippy reassures that AWS has this covered. “Security is a top priority for AWS,” she affirmed. AWS embeds rigorous security measures into its solutions, ensuring that healthcare providers can use their tools with confidence. And it’s not just about technology; AWS’s policy team works closely with organisations to ensure they meet all regulatory requirements.
The result? Healthcare providers can build applications that are not only secure but also equitable. It’s a delicate balance, but one that’s essential for earning trust in this AIpowered era.
Scaling AI innovations
One of the most exciting things about AI in healthcare is its potential to scale impact in ways that were previously unimaginable. “Instead of seeing 25 patients a day, I now work to create solutions that impact thousands. My goal is to make healthcare easier for patients, ensuring they feel empowered and supported,” said Dr. Shippy. Examples of this include tools that send patients reminders about medications or appointments—small nudges that can lead to significantly better outcomes. It’s not just about making care easier; it’s about making it proactive.
Our customers tell us they want to use AI to help clinicians focus on what matters most—patients
“Our customers tell us they want to use AI to help clinicians focus on what matters most—patients,” she said. A great example of this is Amazon Connect, a contact centre solution that personalises interactions using voice and demographic data. Or consider virtual visits, which make it easier for patients to get care on their terms— when and where they need it. These innovations aren’t just about convenience; they’re about making care more accessible and patientcentred.
Tackling the data privacy challenge When it comes to security,
As AI continues to evolve, so does its potential to transform healthcare. Dr. Shippy is optimistic about what lies ahead. She believes that with thoughtful implementation, AI can help create a healthcare system that’s more equitable, efficient, and patient-focused. “AI is helping healthcare providers do more with current resources, improving not just operations but also the overall experience for patients and clinicians,” she shared.
And while AWS is already making big waves, Dr. Shippy is confident there’s more to come.
“We’re collaborating with healthcare providers to bring meaningful change. I’m excited to see how these innovations will further scale and impact lives globally.”
Dr. Angela Shippy, Senior Physician Executive, AWS
4 REASONS TO NOMINATE FOR THE CXO 50 AWARDS 2025
Celebrating leadership excellence in IT and innovation, the CXO 50 Awards 2025 honours the visionaries driving transformation and success across the Middle East
The CXO 50 Awards 2025 is back, spotlighting the IT and business leaders who are redefining industries and shaping the future of the Middle East.
This prestigious platform is a celebration of visionaries, changemakers, and transformative leaders. If you’re wondering: why should you nominate yourself—or that incredible leader who’s been breaking barriers? Here are the four top reasons why the CXO 50 Awards is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss.
1Gain industry recognition
Today, leadership is about standing out—and standing for something. The CXO 50 Awards provides an opportunity to be recognised as one of the region’s most influential leaders in IT and business. This recognition positions you—or your nominee—as a thought leader, someone shaping the future of the industry.
2Amplify your impact
Leadership is measured by results. It’s about solving challenges, delivering measurable business outcomes, and transforming vision into reality. The CXO 50 Awards gives you a platform to showcase the tangible impact of your leadership. Whether it’s scaling
operations, spearheading digital transformation, or introducing game-changing initiatives, your accomplishments deserve a broader audience.
3Build
meaningful connections with visionaries
The CXO 50 Awards is more than accolades—it’s also about access. Joining this elite group connects you with other C-level leaders who share your passion for innovation and excellence. Imagine the conversations, collaborations, and opportunities that can arise from networking with like-minded trailblazers. This is your chance to learn, grow, and exchange ideas with the best in the business.
4Inspire
the next generation of leaders
Every leader has a story worth sharing. By nominating yourself or someone you admire, you can inspire others with your journey—how you’ve faced challenges, innovated, and achieved success. Your story could ignite ideas and guide future leaders to take bold steps forward.
If you’re shaping the industry through innovation, redefining leadership, or delivering meaningful business transformation, the CXO 50 Awards 2025 is your moment to shine.
Don’t wait—nominate today and be part of a celebration of leadership excellence that goes beyond the ordinary.
To nominate, scan the QR code:
THE ETHICS OF AUTOMATION
Kelly Forbes, Executive Director of the AI Asia Pacific Institute (AIAPI) and a member of Qlik AI Council, discusses the Middle East’s unique position to lead in AI innovation and the critical need for ethical governance
Words by Ruchika Sharma
At the recent executive event, “AI Disruption, Governance, and the Future of Work,” hosted by Qlik in collaboration with Cognizant, industry leaders gathered to explore AI’s transformative impact on industries, governance, and the workforce. The session highlighted the Middle East’s growing investment in AI and the critical need for ethical frameworks and workforce reskilling. We sat down with Kelly Forbes, Executive Director of the AI Asia Pacific Institute (AIAPI) and a member of Qlik AI Council, to gain insights on the Middle East’s potential to lead in AI innovation, the critical need for ethical AI governance, and the region’s strides in fostering sustainable development through technology.
How is the Middle East uniquely positioned to leverage AI compared to other regions, and what industries are leading this charge?
The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is an exciting place to be when it comes to AI. The region’s AI potential
is projected to reach $320 billion. While we are just scratching the surface, the transition from potential to realisation is now underway.
One unique advantage the UAE holds is its neutral global position amidst geopolitical complexities. This, combined with high government investment in technology and transformation, creates a robust environment for AI to thrive. AI’s role here extends to addressing key challenges and transforming industries such as energy, construction, and climate adaptation, which are leading the charge in this region.
What steps can organisations take to build ethical and transparent AI systems while ensuring compliance with global governance standards? Organisations need to address several foundational questions:
• Do senior leadership and board members understand AI’s potential and risks?
• Is the right infrastructure in place to ensure smooth transitions?
• What processes exist to mitigate implications and risks?
• They must recognise AI’s disruptive potential across industries and society. A proactive approach to governance, risk assessment, and long-term planning is essential. Companies that can anticipate and respond to these disruptions effectively will lead the way in responsible AI deployment.
How do you foresee AI reshaping job markets, and what key skills should professionals focus on developing to remain competitive?
AI’s impact on job markets is unprecedented, as automation increasingly takes over tasks traditionally performed by humans. This transition emphasises the need for professionals to work alongside AI, understand its nuances, and mitigate associated risks.
Key skills for staying competitive include:
• Understanding AI and machine learning basics.
• Developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Enhancing communication and collaboration skills to integrate with AI systems.
Professionals who adapt and align their skills with this new economy will thrive.
Programmes that support education, upskilling, and industry engagement are essential to creating effective policies and regulations
What role do collaborations between governments and businesses play in promoting responsible AI deployment? Collaborations between governments and businesses are critical. Governments, including the UAE and Singapore, are excelling in fostering private-public partnerships. These initiatives bridge the knowledge gap for policymakers and regulators who may not fully understand emerging technologies like AI.
Programmes that support education, upskilling, and industry engagement are essential to creating effective policies and regulations.
This collaboration ensures a thriving ecosystem for responsible AI deployment.
Can you share examples of how AI is being implemented in socially responsible ways to align with global sustainability goals?
AI plays a significant role in advancing sustainability goals. For instance, across the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, AI use cases abound.
A compelling example is AI’s role in the energy transition—helping manage resources more efficiently and addressing climate challenges. In the UAE, AI is being utilised to tackle region-specific issues, such as water management in extreme heat and sustainable construction. Dubai’s rapid growth highlights the importance of ensuring construction aligns with environmental goals, and AI is pivotal in driving this transition.
Kelly Forbes, Executive Director of the AI Asia Pacific Institute (AIAPI)
BEATING BACK THE BACKLOG
By Dinesh Varadharajan, Chief Product Officer (CPO), Kissflow
IT leaders in the Middle East and Africa live in a “right now” world. Their colleagues and customers want to see digitalisation take place at a breakneck pace, streamlining processes and delivering new conveniences and efficiencies as it does. What the CIO may see as a wish list, other stakeholders see as an expectation list. However, as the reality of a lack of resources (and often of skills) comes crashing in, the wish list becomes an IT backlog.
This backlog can have several immediate and knock-on effects. Its very presence can be intimidating, or even demoralising, for IT teams. And because all the team’s time is spent whittling down the list, other great ideas to improve efficiency and enhance experiences get pushed to the back of the queue. IT is left with an overwhelming impression that they are constantly running to catch the bus rather than letting it convey them to a destination.
Let us consider the consumer market many of today’s developers are trying to please. Digital-native customers have no patience for delays. Therefore, delays in app development can be almost as costly as not building the app in the first place. This is evidenced
in research by IDC which predicts that by 2026, the large majority (90 percent) of organisations worldwide will feel the pain of the IT skills crisis, amounting to a staggering $5.5 trillion in losses caused by product delays, impaired competitiveness, and loss of business. Customers will not wait; they will go elsewhere to the brand that has already brought the desired experience to market.
The need for speed Faster app development requires getting into the weeds and understanding system interdependencies. Managing backlog reduces the effectiveness of IT leaders, which prevents the list from being appreciably reduced, which leads to a lengthening of the list, which further reduces the effectiveness of IT leaders, and so on. This vicious circle means that enterprise stakeholders can wish (or expect) until they run out of wishes (or expectations). The backlog will stubbornly refuse to budge.
For many years now, the MEA region’s IT heads have known that recruiting more developers in a skills-lite labour market causes technical debt to surge. Looking within is the way to progress.
Right now, as far as digital experiences go, demand outstrips supply. And because IT departments are locked in a fruitless struggle that continually tries to match resources with requests, digital innovation has effectively been put on ice. Something must change if organisations are to clear the IT backlog. In September 2024, Kissflow published its Citizen Development Trends report, which took a deep dive into one approach to the backlog problem – low-code and no-code solutions development. Business employees are domain experts who understand the data and workflow of each item on the expectation list better than any dev ever could. CIOs know these experts’ involvement as citizen developers would be a huge step towards eliminating IT backlog. According to our report, not only do 92 percent of IT decision-makers see citizen development as crucial to the achievement of digital
IT is left with an overwhelming impression that they are constantly running to catch the bus rather than letting it convey them to a destination
transformation goals, but almost two-thirds (65 percent) see a reduction in IT backlog as one of citizen development’s key success metrics. Some 86 percent of businesses polled had citizen development programmes in place, and almost half (45 percent) had been operating them for more than a year.
Low code to the rescue
Low code will likely be critical to the economic ambitions of MEA nations. Earlier Kissflow research in the region showed that onethird (33 percent) of organisations here face resource constraints in custom app development. Further, since the cost of thirdparty developers’ involvement is
often outside budgets, 80 percent of regional IT leaders are calling for an overhaul of the entire app development process. Anything less, they contend, would drastically delay digital transformation. This overhaul can begin with talented in-house domain experts who transition to the additional role of citizen developer. Not only can they address items in the backlog, but they can resolve them more quickly. Requirements gathering is greatly streamlined when the requirements gatherer and the requirements “haver” are the same person.
Low-code and no-code (LCNC) platforms allow us to democratise app development. These platforms eliminate technical barriers to application development, empowering business users to create powerful applications without the need for any technical expertise. The code was instead built in the background, translating citizen developers’ business logic into efficient systems. More complex projects remain the purview of IT teams, but an army of reservists is exactly what the doctor ordered to shave down the pending projects list and free up people to innovate more often. Success rates soar for both types of projects, and the business can rapidly deploy superlative digital experiences at scale.
In a nutshell
The IT backlog is a pressing issue for many enterprises in the Middle East and Africa, slowing down digital transformation at a time when rapid innovation is crucial. Low-code and no-code platforms offer a viable solution by empowering citizen developers— domain experts who can create apps and streamline workflows without needing deep coding expertise. By adopting these platforms, organisations can break the cycle of backlog stagnation, accelerate digitalisation, and meet customer demands more efficiently, ensuring their long-term competitiveness in a fast-evolving digital landscape.
GENAI’S BUILDVS-BUY DILEMMA:
IS THERE A THIRD OPTION?
By Sid Bhatia, Area VP & General Manager, Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Dataiku
When generative AI (GenAI) made its mainstream debut, even AI-mature organisations were startled. Outside of a niche AI community, few thought AI would reach such a rarified level in their lifetime. And yet, here were these large-language models (LLMs) and other tools doing things that made innovators rethink what was possible. In the Arab Gulf region, home to the first nation to create an AI ministry (the United Arab Emirates), new technology has been a staple of economic development. And so, no time was wasted in evaluating and adopting GenAI. PwC’s market analysis unit Strategy& predicts almost $10 of GDP will be generated in the GCC for every dollar invested in GenAI.
When it comes to adopting generative AI, we return to the notion of Everyday AI. We do so because we are describing a culture change in which AI is as much a part of corporate life as general technology is. When a problem arises,
If the right platform is in place, adoption of new technologies in the GenAI space is much less of a headache
on a vision. Not so in the GenAI race. We can and should look to the viable third option of investment in an end-to-end platform for AI that allows smooth integration of generative AI. The platform will be designed for the entire lifecycle, from raw data collection to extract, transform, and load (ETL) and onward to model-building, operationalisation, and governance.
governance and AI governance. An end-to-end platform for GenAI enables compliance while democratising data and AI access, ensuring adoption remains both viable and sustainable.
AI automatically presents itself as a way to solve it, and nobody from the board on down needs to be coaxed in the direction of travel. Assuming such a culture, the organisation still must decide how GenAI will be integrated. Will it build a bespoke solution from scratch, or will it buy a ready-made toolkit off the shelf?
The “build-vs-buy” debate is as old as corporate IT itself. The pros and cons are famous and infamous. Building machine-learning platforms in particular can land the organisation in technical debt. If a new tool emerges that better suits a use case, then previous costs are wasted investment. And if one opts to buy, there is still always a certain amount of building required. The range of AI use cases is too broad to expect anything else. Ready-baked offerings may also be too narrow, tackling everything from call-centre note-taking to email-generation for sales teams. Procurements can be followed by rapid time to value but the lack of scalability means there is a ceiling to that value. Another argument against buying off the shelf is that it does not move the company any further towards Everyday AI because skills development is not part of the journey. This static story means zero progression towards advantage over the competition.
A third option
Often in dilemmas like these, we cry out for a third option in vain and end up having to compromise
The Everyday AI platform approach makes reuse a habit, which is more budget-friendly than either building or buying. AI pipelines are visualised in a central pane, allowing data artifacts to be made available across the organisation, having already been cleaned and prepared by analysts. Centralised, end-to-end, abstracted AI platforms allow disparate teams to collaborate on business-centric concepts and address real-world challenges without having to worry about changes in the underlying technology.
If the right platform is in place, adoption of new technologies in the GenAI space is much less of a headache. The platform will accommodate OpenAI, Azure, AWS, Hugging Face, and whatever else comes along, according to the needs of end users.
Governance, of course
In the GCC, regulators are closely monitoring the rise of GenAI, balancing enthusiasm for global progress with caution about AI’s risks. There is growing recognition of the distinction between data
$10 The GDP value generated for every $1 invested in GenAI in the GCC
Source:Strategy&
As the region has progressed from DevOps to MLOps, the emergence of LLMOps seems inevitable to address the complexities of large-language models, including response quality metrics. Over time, LLMOps will likely merge with MLOps to streamline model deployment, monitoring and management, with end-to-end platforms automating these processes.
These platforms also prioritise staff upskilling, fostering innovation, collaboration and shared learning between technical and business teams. By integrating point solutions within governance boundaries, organisations can remain agile while maintaining compliance and unlocking the full potential of GenAI.
Avoid vendor lock
An organisation that invests in an open, extensible end-to-end AI platform can avoid vendor lock-in and broaden its capabilities across storage, compute, algorithms, languages, and frameworks. Procurement teams must ask key questions: Can the platform integrate with diverse programming languages, model libraries, and data systems? Can it adapt to new technologies as they emerge?
The technology acquired to enhance agility must not become a burden. Organisations need to build enterprise-grade applications while staying compliant, responsible, and in control of costs and dependencies.
If an end-to-end platform achieves these goals, the buildbuy dilemma is resolved. GenAI has already cemented itself as a transformative technology. With the right platform, businesses in the region can embrace its potential with confidence, advancing boldly into the future rather than holding back in fear.
BREAKING BIAS, BUILDING TRUST
Monojit Choudhury, Professor of Natural Language Processing, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), on encouraging students to lead the charge against bias in large language models
As large language models (LLMs) become ever more prevalent, it is vital to ensure that their potential wider impact is understood to allow them to become a true force for good. While it is easy to see the positive impact of LLMs as tools across a range of sectors, from education to healthcare and customer services, it is also important to recognise that, as a
fast-developing technology with a growing range of applications, they could have unexpected and negative consequences that need to be either eliminated or managed responsibly. This complex issue is a key focus area for Monojit Choudhury, who is a professor of natural language processing at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). Choudhury began his career at Microsoft Research
India soon after he completed his doctorate in computer science at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.
One of his areas of focus at Microsoft was to research responsible AI, which included investigating ways to prevent models from causing any harm, a task that led to tests on GPT-4, including assessing the model’s ability to detect toxic content in
zero- and few-shot contexts. GPT-4 proved to be remarkably proficient at the task, agreeing with humans 90 percent of the time on a toxicity dataset. For five percent of test cases where humans and the model disagreed, GPT-4 was proved to be correct, while another five percent of the cases were truly ambiguous, which meant that GPT-4 was performing better than humans on that specific set of data and on those tasks.
However, as Choudhury continued working with GPT-4 and tested its capacity with languages other than English, he identified many opportunities for improvement. Indeed, the performance of GPT4 — and many other LLMs — in languages other than the most widely spoken, is lacking. This is a situation that needs attention because enhancing the ability of NLP applications to work in a wider variety of languages could have significant economic and cultural benefits for billions of people around the world.
These areas of interest have influenced Choudhury’s aims at MBZUAI, especially in terms of where he wants to encourage students to focus their research. “My broad research goal is to ensure that the benefits of generative AI, and more specifically, LLMs, are
equitable and inclusive” he says. “For me, this boils down to two important challenges: building LLMs that work for all languages and cultures; and making them safe for everybody.”
If the right platform is in place, adoption of new technologies in the GenAI space is much less of a headache
In terms of making LLMs more inclusive, Choudhury says there are two “axes of inclusion” that interest him. “The first is linguistic inclusion, which means figuring out how to make models perform equally well for ‘every language’. While gathering more data for more languages is a way forward, it will never scale to 6000 living languages and their numerous varieties spoken on the Earth today. I am interested in building models that can learn a new language from very little data, or just a description of its grammar
and a dictionary. The second is cultural inclusion, which focuses on making models aware of cultural norms and practices, as well as aligning responses to different cultural contexts, and studying and modelling culture through the lens of AI,” he says.
Most LLMs fall short in representing the nuance of cultures and values beyond the Western world. “Culture and values are intricate concepts, hard to pin down and even harder to gather data on. This raises a significant interdisciplinary challenge for engineers and researchers in NLP,” Choudhury says. “However, it also presents an exciting opportunity for collaboration with social scientists, psychologists, and philosophers.”
Monojit Choudhury, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
AI ethics and safety is another area of growing concern, given the rapid pace at which AI is developing and becoming embedded in many areas of society. Choudhury wants to drive discussions and research on how to make LLMs and AI safer and fairer, and he stresses that there is no time to waste. “I am working on the concept of artificial morality –which explores how AI systems can be furnished with moral capacities – including how to define and operationalise it, and how to ensure that the agency of the models is limited, even when they are very powerful,” Choudhury says.
These issues may sound unnerving to some, but Choudhury insists that research in this vein is aimed at making AI operate and work in a way people around the world can relate to, and which will make it more accurate, more useful, and safer.
An AI optimist, Choudhury is also interested in the intersection of AI, culture, and creativity. “I am
especially interested in building multimodal music generation models that will work for musical genres from across the globe. The bias in representation of languages in LLMs is equally if not more prominently present in the current music-language models. While they might surprise you by generating creative and aesthetically pleasing piece of a Bach-like composition on Piano, when it comes to music from the non-Western world, say for example, Indian classical music, all the models fail badly,” he says.
Amid the rapid pace of AI development, Choudhury believes that taking a step back to look at the bigger picture is vital, and this is something that he hopes to instill in students. “Certainly, generative AI is transformative and has immense power to do good, but it is vital to ensure that these technologies work for everyone and that risks – including issues that may have been overlooked –are considered, researched and addressed.”
CAREER ADVICE FROM AN INDUSTRY INSIDER
Aside from his research interests, Choudhury is also keen to assist students at a more practical level, and he believes his experience working at Microsoft will help, especially with respect to understanding the skill requirements of the industry and helping to open up internships and work-experience opportunities for students. “Students are extremely keen on understanding how industry functions, and what roles and skillsets typically interest the industry,” he explains. “Students are also interested in knowing how industry is developing GenAI strategies, and what the future looks like.”
From his vast experience, Choudhury believes that adaptability and an ability to quickly grasp new technologies and breakthroughs are the most important qualities for graduates in the fast-developing AI landscape. “Aside from that, industry looks for a fundamental understanding of statistics, algorithms and other core AI and computer science concepts, because these remain constant and are always useful even though the technologies themselves are evolving rapidly,” he says. “Importantly, industry is a collaborative space, where large projects are accomplished by teams of, say, 20 or even thousands of people working together. So being able work in large groups and learning how to cooperate with people with diverse backgrounds and skillsets is an important quality that doesn’t get enough attention, but often is the key determiner of success in industry.”
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI
14 - 16 APRIL 2025 MARRAKECH
AFRICA’S LARGEST TECH AND STARTUP EVENT JUST GOT BIGGER
45,000 ATTENDEES
435 MEDIA ATTENDEES
130 + COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
660 + SPEAKERS
1,400 EXHIBITING & STARTUP COMPANIES
650 + GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES
340 + INVESTORS WITH $250 BILLION ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
In the world of technology, tags like “biggest” can seem like meaningless superlatives, but the size of the venue and the crowd on day one suggest GITEX is spot-on with its claim. SCAN TO GET INVOLVED
HUAWEI: Mate X6
The Mate X6 is Huawei’s latest foldable smartphone that features upgraded durability, advanced camera technology, and enhanced multitasking capabilities. The device is designed with 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass on the exterior screen, making it 25 times more dropresistant, while the interior display is reinforced with a carbon fibre plate. Its aerospacegrade aluminium frame increases material resistance by 37 percent, and the phone incorporates a new multi-dimensional hinge for improved durability.
The Ultra Chroma Camera system features a 50MP primary sensor with a ten-size adjustable physical aperture, offering precise control over depth of field and light intake. The camera also utilises 1.50 million spectral channels for 120 percent improved colour accuracy.
The Mate X6 includes dual OLED displays: a 6.45-inch exterior and a 7.93-inch interior screen, both supporting adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz.
Multitasking is optimised with support for running up to three apps simultaneously in an expanded view.
LENOVO: Yoga Slim 7i Gen 9 Aura Edition
Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15-inch, 9) features Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) as part of the Intel Evo Edition Copilot+ PC lineup. The laptop includes an 8-core hybrid processor with high-performance graphics for demanding tasks. A Neural Processing Unit (NPU) accelerates AI-driven applications with over 45 TOPS of processing power.
The device offers up to 32GB of 8533MHz RAM and 1TB SSD storage for multi-tasking and fast data access. A 70WHr battery supports extended use, while Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure reliable connectivity. It includes Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfers and external device connections.
Additional features include Smart Modes, Attention Mode, Shield Mode, Smart Share, and Smart Care. The laptop is certified carbon neutral and comes with a complimentary 2-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership.
The Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors with Intel vPro are designed to enhance performance, efficiency, and security for modern computing environments. These processors are optimised for AI workloads, enterprise security, and extended battery life.
200V Series
The Intel Core Ultra 200V series supports next-generation AI acceleration, improving productivity and system responsiveness. Built on an advanced architecture, these processors offer improved multi-core performance and energy efficiency, making them suitable for business and enterprise applications.
The updated Intel vPro platform includes enhanced security features, modern device management, and broad software compatibility, simplifying IT administration. These processors also integrate the Microsoft Pluton security processor, ensuring robust system protection.
Designed for Copilot+ PCs, the Core Ultra 200V series delivers optimised AI processing, extended battery performance, and seamless compatibility with Windows 11. These processors are built for businesses looking to upgrade IT infrastructure with improved computing power and security.
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