Technology Day with ADNOC

Technology Day was hosted by Global CIO Forum and GCF Academy in association with Alteryx on 21st March 2023 at Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The workshop was attended by leaders from the distribution and logistics departments of ADNOC Group.

The event was planned for sharing knowledge and exploring pressing technology issues faced by organizations today.

Alteryx, our technology partner, has worked over the years with leading Oil & Gas companies in the region to solve strategic issues related to analytics, data science, and process automation to scale their businesses. So, Analytics Automation Hands-On Workshop was planned by Alteryx for ADNOC data users and analysts to showcase how they can help in scaling the work to deliver deeper insights in a very short time by using automated, end-to-end analytics to prepare and blend data from all sources and apply analytics -predictive, statistical, and spatial.

Alteryx as a Software Development Company delivers easy end-to-end automation of data engineering, analytics, reporting, machine learning, and data science processes, enabling enterprises everywhere to democratize data analytics across their organizations for a broad range of use cases.

On Technology Day, experts from different fields came together to share their insights, experiences, and best practices on key technologies such as Robotic Process Automation, Data Mining, Analytics, Cybersecurity, and much more.

The theme of Automating Analytics was specially designed for the core team of ADNOC who were invited for a 2-hr workshop and interactive session on how automated technology can help various departments in an organization be it Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, or Procurement department. One of the key benefits of Technology Day was the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and engage in meaningful discussions about the latest trends and advancements in technology.

The workshop session was designed to be both informative and interactive especially for ADNOC Team. It was indeed a fun-filled, knowledgesharing event with plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration.

The event was attended by senior leaders of ADNOC and the workshop was quite an engaging one for everyone present as it was full of case studies and examples.

GEC Media Group, Global CIO Forum, and GCF Academy keep organizing Technology Days, which are monthly events dedicated to exploring pressing concerns faced by organizations today and thereby offering them customized solutions to their technological problems.

We wish to thank all the attendees for attending the Technological day with full enthusiasm and zeal.

Mastercard launches Google Pay in Kuwait using virtual card numbers for transactions

Mastercard has announced that it has teamed up with Google to launch Google Pay in Kuwait, expanding the country’s digital payment capabilities. Users can pay using their Android phone or Wear OS device at stores with contactless payment options and also make payments online or through apps.

Google Pay ensures security and privacy, as transactions use virtual card numbers and do not share actual credit card details with merchants. Central Bank of Kuwait has recently granted multiple banks licenses to activate Google Wallet in the country, which aligns with Kuwait Vision 2035 ‘New Kuwait’ and the nation’s digital transformation journey.

To set up Google Pay, Mastercard cardholders can download the Google Wallet app and follow the instructions, or visit pay.google.com online. Once the Mastercard is added, users can choose Google Pay at the checkout, confirm their purchase, and pay.

Mastercard’s New Payments

Index 2022 reveals that 64% of MENA consumers increased their usage of at least one digital payment method in the last year, including digital cards, SMS payments, digital money transfer apps, and instant payment services. The company aims to bring 1 Billion people and 50 Million micro and small businesses into the digital economy by 2025. The partnership between Mastercard and Google will strengthen digital payment capabilities in Kuwait and provide customers with a seamless way to transact. Google Wallet securely stores payment cards, loyalty cards, boarding passes, and more, allowing customers to save their cards for Google Pay. The launch of Google Pay in Kuwait saves customers from handing over their payment cards, touching physical buttons, or exchanging cash. With security and privacy built into every aspect, Google Pay ensures data protection and paves the way for high-security digital payments to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.

Govt of RAK plans first free zone dedicated to digital and virtual asset companies

The Government of Ras Al Khaimah has announced its intention to launch RAK Digital Assets Oasis, the world’s first free zone dedicated to digital and virtual asset companies. According to the announcement made at Blockchain Life 2023, RAK Digital Assets Oasis will be a purpose-built, innovationenabling free zone for nonregulated activities in the virtual assets sector.

It is intended to be the only free zone in the world dedicated to digital and virtual assets service providers innovating in new and emerging sectors like metaverse, blockchain, utility token, virtual asset wallet, non-fungible token or NFT, decentralised autonomous organisation or

DAOs, decentralised applications or DApp, and other Web3-related businesses. RAK Digital Assets Oasis will open for applications in the second quarter of 2023.

Ras Al Khaimah has established a reputation as a global business-friendly hub with political stability and a progressive, supportive, and quick-to-adapt approach. It also offers an innovation-enabling environment in a strategic time zone that fills the gap between financial centres in the West and the East. The unique lifestyle proposition of RAK Digital Assets Oasis will support companies with robust, innovation-enabling adoption frameworks, advisory and professional services, hybrid workspaces, accelerators and incubators, sandboxes, access to funding, and an environment that encourages entrepreneurs to imagine, create, and evolve.

Schneider, Obeikan Digital partner to manage energy in manufacturing in Saudi Arabia

Obeikan Digital Solutions, a subsidiary of Obeikan Investment Group, one of the largest companies in Saudi Arabia, has partnered with Schneider Electric to digitise and electrify sustainable manufacturing. As a new member of Schneider Electric’s global EcoXpert Partner Programme, Obeikan will receive training and certification to equip industrial firms with energy management software EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert.

Designed to help power-critical industries augment energy management and make informed data-driven decisions, the software will help manufacturing companies in Saudi Arabia reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint. The EcoXpert Partner Programme trains and certifies EcoXperts to serve as the implementation arms of Schneider Electric’s Internet of Things or IoT-enabled smart architecture platform EcoStruxure for homes and buildings all over the world. Through the partnership agreement, Obeikan Digital Solutions and Schneider Electric will collaborate to accelerate digital transformation in critical power industries. Joining the programme will enable the company to grow its business by embracing opportunities to pioneer the future of intelligent buildings, increasing market share and profitability. The agreement with Schneider Electric will also help Obeikan Digital Solutions deliver major benefits to industrial companies seeking to drive digitisation and sustainability in line with the Saudi Green Initiative.

Shaffra unveils Metaverse-as-a-Service company that has entered the UAE market

The metaverse-as-a-service company, Shaffra, has entered the UAE market with the launch of its platform that can help organisations transform how they engage with their customers and stakeholders. The company uses 3D technologies to introduce the next era of virtual experiences where users can interact and collaborate with others as well as with digital assets in real time. The solution can revolutionise the way organisations engage with customers in the virtual space and create a higher quality of marketing in the metaverse.

Shaffra’s 3D engine is built to ease the process of entering the metaverse for everyone, particularly corporates and government agencies, by providing a cost-effective solution and a simple interface. Government entities and corporates can now build their metaverse without having to go through the expensive and time-consuming effort of creating a platform from scratch. With the launch of its platform, Shaffra aims to help companies and governments capitalise on the burgeoning market and create a seamless, engaging virtual experience for their target audience.

A MarketsAndMarkets report points out that the metaverse industry is projected to grow from $61.8 Billion in 2022 to $426.9 Billion by 2027, a CAGR of 47.2% during the forecast period. According to Gartner, by 2026 at least 25% of people will spend a minimum of one hour every day in the metaverse for work, shopping, education, and entertainment. The launch of Shaffra is in line with Dubai’s Metaverse Strategy, announced by the government in July 2022, which aims to contribute $4 Billion to the economy, support 40,000 virtual jobs, and position the city as a global leader in the metaverse industry.

Emirates Development Bank and Hub71 host pitch day to support Abu Dhabi’s fintech

Emirates Development Bank, EDB and Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, hosted the ‘Hub71 FinTech Pitch Day’ at the EDB Business Lab Abu Dhabi to support and explore growth opportunities for Hub71’s leading fintech startups. Following the event, EDB is also looking forward to further collaborating to jointly identify opportunities that will support the growth of UAE fintech capabilities.

Nine Hub71 fintech startups presented advanced technology-enabled financial solutions and capabilities to the EDB decision forum and EDB fintech partners, including SME funding support solutions, payment solutions and open banking solutions. The solutions showcased offered unique approaches to conceptualising digital financial platforms for small and medium enterprises or SME segment customers.

Hub71 has established several partnerships and collaborations to support the growth of important sectors and stimulate the digital economy and the ‘Hub71 FinTech Pitch Day’ exemplifies the meaningful engagement of major UAE organisations in promoting the advancement and use of innovative technologies, as well as supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. Hub71 plans to continue working with EDB to help disruptive startups grow and scale from Abu Dhabi.

partners with Asia-Pacific-based Investible to support growth of Abu Dhabi tech startups

Hub71, the global tech ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, has partnered with venture capital firm Investible to provide support for the growth of tech startups and early-stage companies in Abu Dhabi. The partnership will grant access to Investible’s Early-Stage Funds, which are valued at approximately AUS $180 Million, to founders at Hub71. Additionally, Hub71 startups will be able to leverage Club Investible, a global network of over 130 high-net-worth investors who provide both capital and expertise, for further growth support.

As part of this partnership, Investible will have the opportunity to gain a foothold in Abu Dhabi and connect with Hub71’s startup community to contribute to mentorship programs and events that provide additional value to founders scaling early-stage startups. Climatetech startups will also be able to explore funding opportunities through Investible’s Climate Tech Fund and Global Climate Tech Strategy. These startups will benefit from the company’s team of investment, climate, and sustainability experts who can help to deploy sustainability-driven technologies that can reduce emissions and promote climate adaptation.

Hub71 Acting Chief Executive Officer Badr Al-Olama and Investible Co-founder and Chair Trevor Folsom signed the agreement in Melbourne alongside a delegation from the Australia UAE Business Council to Australia and Australian MP Hon Christopher Pyne. The Memorandum of Understanding was facilitated by Maysaffron, a member company of the Australia UAE Business Council.

Everdome announces moon skimmer experience as part of Metaverse adventure

Interplanetary metaverse project

Everdome has announced the first look at its Endurance Moon Skimmers, one of the several in-world immersive multiplayer experiences currently in development. Everdome’s compact and resistant Ground Effect Vehicles, or Endurance Moon Skimmers, will be part of the company’s diverse metaverse environment, allowing the digital explorers or Evernauts to take time for a unique experience of Moon-based exploration during their journey to Mars from Earth’s Lower Orbit. During this interactive gameplay experience, the interactive free ride and exploration mode of these Moon explorers will include a smooth and rapid ride hovering just inches from the surface of the Moon. Everdome has been developing an extremely high-quality metaverse experience since early 2022 based on scientific research. It is centred on a Mars and space exploration theme and is part of their commitment to creating immersive experiences for individuals and brands by using the most pioneering Web3 technology. The announcement by Everdome demonstrates how the company plan to integrate the player experience into its metaverse world-building project. Following on from their maiden rocket launch, which was streamed live in November 2022 as a metaverse world first, these vehicles form part of the company’s hyper-realistic metaverse landscape. It also includes an epic interplanetary journey from the futuristic Hatta Spaceport in the UAE to Everdome’s Mars city. With further brand partnerships planned for announcement across 2023, this first look at features being created to augment Everdome’s experience marks the beginning of a ground-breaking platform that engages users and audiences of Everdome and its brand partners alike.

e& partners with Mastercard benefitting 16 markets across Middle East, Asia, Africa

Technology company e& has partnered with Mastercard to bring innovative payment options and user-friendly experiences to consumers and businesses across 16 markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The collaboration will enable the two companies to integrate digital payment services and tools into people’s day-today lives and encourage greater agility and flexibility in business operations.

Consumers will benefit from exciting, personalised offerings and opportunities to engage with multiple brands. Additionally, they will have access to innovative alternatives for paying for a variety of lifestyle activities.

The benefits of the partnership will be available whether making purchases in-store or online, and consumers will be able to send and receive money internationally through a simple, safe, and convenient remittance payment option.

Mastercard’s goal is to bring 1 Billion people into the digital economy by 2025, including 50 Million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, with a focus on empowering 25 Million women entrepreneurs. By creating a future where payments keep pace with the way people live, work, and do business, Mastercard aims to support the rapid transition to digital solutions and offerings. As more people enter the financial mainstream, money management tools and solutions must be fit for purpose, inclusive for all, digitally driven, and built on a foundation of security.

Shorooq Partners and Gulf Capital invest in healthtech cloud-based software SANTECHTURE

Gulf Capital, one of the largest private equity firms investing from the GCC to Southeast Asia, and Shorooq Partners, a leading seed-stage venture capital firm in the MENAP region with over 60 portfolio companies across fintech, software, platform, and blockchain, have joined hands to back Santechture, a cloud-based software-as-a-service healthtech company.

Santechture aims to revolutionise healthcare in Saudi Arabia and the UAE through its full suite of end-to-end Revenue Cycle Management or RCM software solutions. The company leverages the advancements in artificial intelligence, AI and deep technology to offer innovative solutions to healthcare providers, enhancing the overall experience for providers, payers, and

ServCity, backed by Nissan and UK Govt deploys advanced autonomous driving in London

Nissan-backed project ServCity has completed the deployment of autonomous drive technology in complex urban environments in London. The project, which was supported by the UK Government integrated the advanced autonomous drive technology with the city’s infrastructure. Over three years, Nissan collaborated with consortium partners to develop a blueprint that will assist UK cities in incorporating advanced autonomous vehicle technologies with city infrastructure. The patients. project that conducted more than 1,600 autonomous test miles also explored how cities can provide a Robotaxi-style service in the future for the benefit of city residents and commuters.

The strategic and close collaboration between Gulf Capital and Shorooq Partners marks a significant milestone in the development of the technology ecosystem in the Middle East. It also serves as a strong testament to the maturity of the venture capital and private equity industries. Gulf Capital has a long history of investing in technology, fintech, and healthtech sectors, and Shorooq Partners brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in technology investing, spotting emerging trends, and backing founders and startups that have the potential to disrupt established industries.

The firms have been working together for some time, and the latest venture is a clear indication of their shared belief in the long-term growth potential of the healthcare and healthtech industries in the region.

ServCity’s connected and autonomous vehicle, which used a 100% electric Nissan LEAF, completed increasingly challenging validation trials on London’s roads connected to the Smart Mobility Living Lab or SMLL in Greenwich. The vehicle leveraged SMLL’s network of roadside sensors and data processing suite to create a futuristic cooperative infrastructure environment, improving its situational awareness. The infrastructure can detect objects outside the vehicle’s line of sight, such as around a corner or in the distance, and inform the vehicle to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Hub71 launches Hub71+ Digital Assets, a Web3 specialist ecosystem with $2+ billion capital

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, announced the launch of Hub71+ Digital Assets, a dedicated Web3 specialist ecosystem, with a commitment of more than $2 Billion to fund Web3 startups and blockchain technologies from Abu Dhabi. Hub71+ is a specialist ecosystem dedicated to advancing specific technology sectors. The first Hub71+ to launch is Hub71+ Digital Assets, focused on unleashing the disruptive potential of Web3 and the growth of digital assets.

Web3 describes the evolution of the Internet into a decentralised online space increasingly built on innovations such as blockchain technology and metaverse applications. Web3 startups, from seed to unicorn stage, will benefit from the ability to scale globally through Hub71+ Digital Assets, unlocking access to a host of programmes, initiatives, and its extensive range of Web3-focused corporate, government and investment partners in the UAE and global markets.

Hub71+ Digital Assets will be based at Hub71 in Abu Dhabi Global Market where Web3 startups can operate in a progressive regulatory environment, which offers world-class blockchain and virtual asset infrastructure. First Abu Dhabi Bank or FAB, the UAE’s largest bank and its research and innovation centre, FABRIC join Hub71 as the anchor partner of Hub71+ Digital Assets. FAB will identify leading Web3 startups, entrepreneurs, and breakthrough technologies to help the UAE’s largest bank reimagine financial services in the metaverse.

Web3 startups at the unicorn stage will also benefit from Hub71’s value creation programme to support business relocation to Abu Dhabi and growth in the Middle East and global markets. The Hub71+ Digital Assets also plans to support the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the contribution of the digital economy to non-oil GDP to more than 20% within 10 years.

Hub71 has also onboarded a diverse range of partners and Web3 players that form part of Hub71+ Digital Assets including digital asset exchanges and service providers like Binance and MidChains, technology providers bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 and providing effective infrastructure platforms like Amazon Web Services and Mastercard, venture studio facilitating the build and acceleration of new Web3 and digital assets startups like Founders DAO, and blockchain platforms enabling transparent recording, tracking, and sharing of assets like Algorand, Polygon, SUI Blockchain, Ton Foundation, and Venom Foundation. It also includes venture capital funds.

Tarabut Gateway partners with Bahrainbased Rain to accelerate crypto payments in MENA

Tarabut Gateway, the largest open banking platform in the MENA region, has announced its partnership with Rain, the first regulated crypto asset trading platform in the region. This marks Tarabut Gateway’s first collaboration with a crypto asset service provider. The partnership aims to offer faster and more cost-effective fiat-to-crypto transactions for Bahrain users, allowing them to make funding payments directly from their bank accounts without leaving Rain’s platform.

The new feature will utilise Tarabut Gateway’s open banking payment solutions to enable on and off-ramp or fiat-crypto-

ftNFT, an NFT phygital shop, opens franchise in Ether Store in Yas Mall Abu Dhabi

fiat transfers for users, which will significantly speed up the process and reduce errors associated with traditional bank wire transfers. The move is part of Rain’s plan to provide a premium and seamless crypto wallet experience for its MENA users.

Rain, through its subsidiary Rain Management, is a licensed crypto assets broker and custodian by the Central Bank of Bahrain. The company aims to provide a safe and secure platform for users to buy, sell, and store crypto assets while offering educational opportunities for those interested in learning more about them. ftNFT, the world’s first NFT phygital shop, has opened its first franchise in Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. The store is located within the Ether store, which brings together NFTs, food, art, and fashion under one roof. Designed to include virtual and social media brands, the store features 11 screens showcasing various NFT collections, and a selling terminal that allows customers to purchase NFTs with a single tap of their bank cards.

The partnership strengthens Tarabut Gateway’s role in the MENA open banking ecosystem and adds another dedicated partner to its fintech client base. Tarabut Gateway provides the connectivity for data and payments to flow between banks and fintech companies offering financial services to end users for a better consumer experience.

The MENA region is currently the world’s fastest-growing cryptocurrency market, according to Chainalysis, with the volume of crypto received in the region rising by 48% in the year to June 2022.

This marks another achievement for ftNFT, which won the Best Phygital

Implementation award just two months after opening its Mall of the Emirates branch. In addition to opening the Yas Mall franchise, ftNFT also opened its Dubai Mall branch on 16 March 2023 in the presence of several celebrities and influencers, including Luca Gallone and Tigran Tsitoghdzyan. The Mall of the Emirates branch, which opened in December 2022, has also received an overwhelming response.

AstraZeneca setting up sustainable office in Dubai Science Park by Q3 2023

British multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, AstraZeneca, has announced its plans to construct sustainable offices at Dubai Science Park. Scheduled for launch in Q3 2023, the initiative is part of the biopharmaceutical behemoth’s worldwide environmental programme. It is also in line with the UAE’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the Year of Sustainability.

The new office plans, structure, and materials will conform to the platinum standards of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design as outlined by the US Green Building Council. The Green Building Classification System is one of the most commonly used classification systems internationally and is a symbol of healthy, productive, and carbon-reducing structures.

AstraZeneca aims to magnify its environmental efforts by partnering with the community of international and local enterprises across the healthcare, energy, and environmental sectors while supporting medical and research excellence.

The fresh environmentallyfriendly offices will assist AstraZeneca in expanding its local presence in the UAE and displaying its commitment to the government’s objective of fostering and accelerating sustainable healthcare development, aligning with the vision of We the UAE 2031.

This year has a significant focus on sustainability. UAE’s President HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has designated 2023 as the Year of Sustainability leading up to the eagerly anticipated COP28 conference in Dubai later this year. The new offices reflect AstraZeneca’s commitment to the UAE Sustainability Goals and its global Ambition Zero Carbon strategy, which strives to eliminate carbon emissions from its worldwide operations by 2025.

Tadweer signs MoU with Amman Municipality to make investments in waste management

Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Greater Amman Municipality in Jordan, to explore investment opportunities in the waste management sector. The two parties will be exploring partnerships and investment opportunities between public and private sectors in both countries, and will also exchange best practices, knowledge, research, and studies, and organise training and awareness initiatives in the waste management sector.

This partnership is part of the efforts to develop solutions, exchange knowledge and expertise based on world-class research and studies, and build on the successful initiatives of both countries, thereby enhancing the waste management sector for both parties.

The MoU also aims to speed up cooperation and experience sharing in the environmental sector and facilitate knowledge exchange on waste sorting, recycling, and management. It highlights Amman’s continuous efforts to partner with the private sector to advance solid waste management projects.

The MoU was signed by Ali Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer, Tadweer and HE Dr Yousef Al-Shawarbeh, Mayor, Amman during the visit by the company’s delegation to Jordan. It was signed in the presence of HE Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Presidentdesignate for COP28 and UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change; Dr Bisher Khasawneh, Prime Minister of Jordan; and Dr Muawieh Radaideh, Minister of Environment, Jordan.

Boeing’s Insitu, Tawazun Council sign MoU to open Centre of Excellence at Tawazun Park

Boeing has signed an agreement with the Tawazun Council to establish a Centre of Excellence, CoE for unmanned systems at Tawazun Industrial Park. The CoE will provide a range of services, including aircraft engine overhauls and repairs, as well as training for operators in the region. The facility will be owned and operated by Insitu, a whollyowned subsidiary of Boeing, and will employ a skilled Emirati workforce to develop advanced capabilities that enhance the operational performance of the UAE Armed Forces.

The new facility will further strengthen Tawazun Council’s position as an industry enabler and demonstrate the ongoing efforts to offer state-of-the-art innovations and expert technical know-how to the market.

This partnership underscores the Council’s efforts to boost export potential through smart, long-term partnerships. Boeing’s investment in the UAE is expected to drive innovation, create jobs, and grow the local aerospace sector.

The agreement was signed at Tawazun Chalet in IDEX 2023 and NAVDEX 2023 by Abdulla Saif Al Awani, CEO - Economic Program, Tawazun Council; Lynn Fox, President and Chief Executive Officer, Insitu; and Mike Woodward, Vice President, International Strategic Partnerships, Boeing Defense, Space and Security.