The Technology Express Magazine | Edition: August 2025

Abu Dhabi Becomes First Middle East City to Launch Driverless Robotaxis
How Middle East Automotive CEOs are Navigating the $240B Global Shift
Inside Saudi Arabia's Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturing Hub
How Abu Dhabi’s Flying Taxi Tests Signal the Dawn of Air Mobility
August 2025
thetechnologyexpress.com
COVER
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How UAE Created the Middle East's Most Valuable Startup Ecosystem
Code and Currency: UAE’s Digital Dirham and CBUAE's CBDC Strategy
Abu Dhabi Becomes First Middle East City to Launch Driverless Robotaxis
How Middle East Automotive CEOs are Navigating the $240B Global Shift
Inside Saudi Arabia's Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturing Hub
How Abu Dhabi’s Flying Taxi Tests Signal the Dawn of Air Mobility
August 2025
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DR. MAHMOUD ALBURAI,
THE
$16 BILLION
REVOLUTION
HOW TOKENISATION WILL RESHAPE
DUBAI’S REAL ESTATE BY 2033
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“The UAE is not just preparing for the future of mobility — we are
building it, one innovation at a time.”
— H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and
Infrastructure
As the UAE accelerates toward an era of smart,
sustainable, and autonomous mobility, this Automotive
Edition of The Technology Express charts the
innovations redefining how people and goods move
across the region. Our cover story, “50 Digital Transformation
Leaders of the UAE 2025”, honours the visionaries shaping
the nation’s digital backbone, from next-gen automotive
systems to AI-enabled infrastructure. These leaders are at
the helm of change, bridging industries and unlocking the
possibilities of an interconnected economy.
This month’s feature stories put the spotlight on landmark
developments in mobility. We explore how Abu Dhabi became
the first city in the Middle East to launch driverless robotaxis,
setting a new benchmark for autonomous transport in the
region. Our analysis of how Middle East automotive CEOs
are navigating a $240 billion global transformation reveals
the strategies behind resilient and future-ready business
models. We also take you inside Saudi Arabia’s rapidly
growing autonomous vehicle manufacturing hub, a glimpse
into a regional ecosystem that’s becoming central to the
industry’s evolution.
Beyond the road, we capture the next frontier in mobility
with an inside look at Abu Dhabi’s flying taxi trials, a bold
step toward air mobility and seamless intercity travel. In
Drive to the Future, we review Audi’s highly anticipated A6
e-Tron, assessing how design and technology meet in the
EV era. Meanwhile, our Startup Spotlight features Udrive,
the homegrown success rewriting the car-sharing playbook
for a new generation of urban commuters.
Complementing our automotive coverage, this edition also
brings you hands-on reviews, forward-looking consumer
tech launches like the Google Pixel 10, and sector insights
for decision-makers navigating the confluence of digital
transformation and mobility. Whether you are steering a
business, building policy, or shaping the next wave of tech
adoption, these pages offer a roadmap for understanding and
capitalising on the UAE’s fast-moving innovation landscape.

TECH
24
From Desert to Digital:
How Middle East Automotive CEOs
are Navigating the $240B Shift
30
12
Cover Story:
50 Digital Transformation Leaders
of the UAE 2025
Robotaxis Go Live in
Abu Dhabi:
First Middle East City to Launch
Fully Driverless Robotaxis
22
Launch Express:
Google Pixel 10

70
Charging Forward:
UAE’s New EV Tariffs and
1,000‐Station Rollout
76
26
Drive to the Future:
Audi A6 e-Tron
Interview:
Fintech’s Sectoral Shift and the
New Rules of Fundraising
66
NEOM’s $100M Bet:
Saudi Arabia’s Autonomous
Vehicle Manufacturing Hub
INSIDE

Smart Mobility
SMART ROADS,
SMARTER CITIES:
ABU DHABI MOBILITY’S FUSION
AI & SALAMA APP SET MOBILITY
BENCHMARKS
Abu Dhabi is transforming mobility through Fusion and
Salama, smart technologies enhancing safety, efficiency,
and sustainability. These innovations reflect the emirate’s
commitment to data-driven planning and community-focused
solutions, positioning it as a global leader in future-ready
transport.
Abu Dhabi continues to redefine
urban mobility with its groundbreaking
initiatives, Fusion and
Salama, developed by the Integrated
Transport Centre (ITC), also known as
Abu Dhabi Mobility. These projects are
part of a broader strategy to harness
advanced technologies to transform
transport operations across the emirate.
Fusion, an artificial intelligence-powered
smart mobility analytics framework, and
Salama, a mobile application ensuring
8 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
student safety on school buses, are
setting new benchmarks in digital governance,
public trust, and sustainable
city planning.
Fusion was first unveiled at GITEX
Global 2024 and further showcased at
UAE Innovates 2025 as a key element
of Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility transformation.
Built on the STEAM+ modelling
system, the Fusion platform aggregates
over 70 billion historical and real-time
data points from various transport modes
including road, public, maritime, and aerial
systems. This comprehensive data
integration allows for accurate traffic
forecasting, infrastructure performance
analysis, and scenario testing to optimise
public transport routes and inform
infrastructure investments. The system
is now operational across Abu Dhabi City,
Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, ensuring that even
remote regions benefit from data-driven
decision-making. By offering predictive
capabilities, Fusion shifts the city from
a reactive to a proactive transport planning
model, enhancing efficiency and
reducing costs.
Running parallel to this city-scale AI
platform is the Salama app, an innovation
focused on ensuring micro-level safety in
school transportation. Introduced in late
2023, Salama enables real-time tracking
of school buses, allowing parents to
monitor their children’s journeys and
receive updates on boarding, drop-off
times, and route deviations. The app
also facilitates direct communication with
drivers and supervisors. Salama is part
of a larger ecosystem involving schools,
operators, and ITC’s central monitoring
centre. As of early 2025, over 9,376
school buses have integrated the Salama
system, serving more than 81,000 parents.
The app was awarded the GovTech
Innovation Award for Outstanding Mobile
App of the Year, reflecting its vital role
in community safety and digital public
service delivery.
Beyond these two flagship projects,
Abu Dhabi Mobility is executing a larger
mobility strategy that includes a transition
to clean energy and autonomous transportation.
The Green Bus Programme,
launched in September 2024, aims to
replace traditional buses with electric
and hydrogen-powered alternatives. The
goal is to fully green Abu Dhabi Island’s
public bus fleet by 2030 and the wider
emirate by 2050. Complementing this is
Charge AD, an electric vehicle charging
network that was launched at EVIS 2025
to support the growing number of electric
cars across the city. These developments
are crucial for reducing the transport
sector’s carbon footprint and advancing
the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 target.
Abu Dhabi is also making major strides
in autonomous transport. Autonomous
vehicle trials, which began in 2021, have
now accumulated over 500,000 kilometres
in pilot operations, with 99% of
those kilometres achieved in autonomous
mode. Providers such as Baidu’s Apollo
Go, Uber’s Tawasul, and Space42 have
participated in these trials. The emirate
plans to make 25% of its transport autonomous
by 2040, with zones such as
Saadiyat Island and Yas Island acting as
initial test beds. At UAE Innovates 2025,
Abu Dhabi Mobility also showcased its
integration of maritime mobility platforms
like MARSDNA and Al Nalia, which enable
vessel tracking, licensing, and regulato-
The victory signifies a
commitment to sustainable
innovation leadership
and contributing to
Abu Dhabi’s transformation
into a smart and
sustainable city.”
— H.E. Abdulla Al Marzouqi,
Director-General,
Integrated Transport Centre (ITC)
ry compliance—all within a smart urban
management framework.
The adoption of digital taxi platforms
has also seen significant growth. In 2024,
over 99 million passengers used taxis in
Abu Dhabi, with 88% of rides booked
through smart apps such as Abu Dhabi
Taxi and Yango. More than 28.8 million
transactions were processed digitally, reflecting
a broader trend toward cashless
and app-based transport experiences.
These advancements show how digital
innovation permeates every aspect of
the emirate’s mobility ecosystem.
The value of Fusion and Salama lies
not only in their individual capabilities but
also in how they are embedded within
an integrated, AI-driven transport strategy.
Fusion allows the government to
make informed decisions on everything
from traffic signal adjustments to major
infrastructure investments, while Salama
addresses community-level concerns like
child safety and parent communication.
Together, they represent the intersection
of macro and micro mobility solutions—creating
a feedback loop where
strategic planning and daily operations
continuously inform each other.
Looking ahead, Fusion will likely be
enhanced to incorporate logistics data
from airports, ports, and drone delivery
networks, further expanding its predictive
reach. Salama, on the other hand,
is expected to introduce new features
including AI-driven route optimisation,
emergency alerts, and behavioural analytics
for drivers and supervisors. By the
end of 2025, authorities anticipate nearly
complete adoption of Salama across
all school buses in the emirate. Fusion,
meanwhile, is being positioned to support
congestion pricing experiments and
“mobility-as-a-service” platforms that
integrate various modes of travel into
unified digital offerings.
Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive approach
to smart mobility, anchored by Fusion’s
intelligence and Salama’s practical safety
measures, has set a new global standard
for transport governance. These innovations
exemplify how a forward-thinking
government can harness technology not
just to optimise efficiency, but to earn
public trust and improve daily life. As
urban centres around the world grapple
with rising populations, traffic congestion,
and sustainability challenges, Abu
Dhabi’s model offers a blueprint for a
smarter, safer, and greener future.
August 2025 / 9

AI NEWS
Claude AI Now Creates and Edits Your Canva
Designs
Anthropic’s Claude AI now integrates
with Canva, letting users
create and manage designs using
natural language commands. With
paid subscriptions to both platforms,
users can prompt Claude to generate
presentations, resize images, or edit
templates without leaving the chat.
Once linked via integration settings,
Claude can search, summarize, and
update Canva files, streamlining workflows
as a AI-driven design assistant.
Meta Hires CEO of Sutskever’s
AI Startup
Meta Platforms has hired Daniel
Gross, former CEO of Safe Superintelligence
(SSI), to lead
its AI products division. This move
underscores Meta’s aggressive push
into AI, amid stiff competition for top
talent. Gross’s departure leaves Ilya
Sutskever in full control of SSI, which
recently raised $1 billion. Meta also
sought to acquire SSI and offered to
buy a stake in Gross and Nat Friedman’s
VC firm, NFDG.
Elon Musk Introduces
Grok 4 – The Smartest
AI Ever Built?
Elon Musk and xAI have unveiled
Grok 4, their latest AI model,
claiming it’s “the smartest in the
world.” Released on July 9, 2025,
Grok 4 integrates with X, mobile apps,
and soon, Tesla vehicles. It features
multimodal reasoning, voice support,
and strong benchmark scores. Grok
is available via subscription, with SuperGrok
priced at $30/month. Future
updates may include video generation
and deeper AGI capabilities.
Google Unveils Veo
3 on Gemini across
MENA
On July 4, 2025, Google launched
Veo 3 on its Gemini platform for AI
Pro users across MENA. The tool
allows users to generate eight-second,
720p videos with native audio using only
text prompts. Veo 3 emphasizes realism,
accurate physics, and prompt fidelity,
while embedding SynthID watermarks
for traceability. This rollout empowers
creators in the region to produce immersive
AI-driven video content.
Microsoft Upgrades
Copilot Vision to Scan
Everything on Your
Screen
Microsoft has expanded Copilot
Vision, now allowing it to view
your entire desktop or any
selected app or browser window. Previously
limited to two apps, this update
gives users more flexibility and control.
Activated manually via a glasses icon,
Copilot Vision offers real-time insights
and suggestions without recording.
It’s especially useful for creative work,
document review, and learning tasks,
reflecting Microsoft’s push toward more
interactive AI assistance.
10 \ August 2025

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OpenAI’s ChatGPT
Browser ‘Aura’ to
Transform Web Experience
OpenAI is developing an AI-powered
browser called “Aura,”
aiming to compete with offerings
like Perplexity’s. Discovered via
code references in ChatGPT, Aura
appears to integrate directly with the
platform. Built on Chromium, it will include
generative and agentic AI features.
OpenAI is also working on GPT-
5 and enhanced AI agents, signaling a
broader push to embed advanced AI
deeply into everyday web browsing
experiences.
AWS Launches Kiro, AI
IDE for Smarter Coding
Amazon Web Services has
launched Kiro, a new AI-powered
IDE designed to assist
developers from prototyping to production.
Unlike traditional IDEs, Kiro
uses natural language and AI agents
to generate and refine code. It supports
spec coding for reliability and
includes automated hooks to streamline
workflows. Built on Code OSS and
compatible with VS Code, Kiro blends
AI creativity with enterprise-grade development
control and is set to debut
at AWS Summit 2025.
Google, Anthropic,
OpenAI, and xAI Team
Up with US Defence
on AI for National
Security
The U.S. Department of Defense
has awarded contracts worth up
to $200 million each to OpenAI,
Google, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI
to integrate advanced AI into national
defense systems. The initiative focuses
on developing autonomous AI agents
for combat and enterprise tasks. These
partnerships aim to enhance security,
promote ethical AI use, and maintain
U.S. leadership in cutting-edge defense
technologies.
Hugging Face Rolls
Out Reachy Mini
Robots for Developers
and Makers
Hugging Face has opened orders
for its Reachy Mini desktop
robots, available in wireless
($449) and wired ($299) kits. Fully
open source and programmable in
Python, they integrate with Hugging
Face’s AI model hub. CEO Clém Delangue
emphasizes community-driven
development and user control, aiming
to foster creativity and keep robotics
accessible. The Lite ships next month,
with wireless coming later this year.
AI Appreciation Day 2025: Innovation with Ethics
and Trust
AI Appreciation Day 2025, celebrated
on July 16, highlighted the importance
of ethical, secure, and inclusive AI
innovation. Tech leaders emphasized
aligning profit with principles,
reducing AI’s carbon footprint, and
ensuring transparency. The Middle
East emerged as a hub for responsible
AI, with experts advocating for trust,
cultural relevance, and sustainable
development. The event called for
human-centric, accountable AI as
the foundation for meaningful impact
across sectors.
August 2025 / 11

Autonomous Cars
ROBOTAXIS GO LIVE
IN ABU DHABI:
FIRST MIDDLE EAST CITY TO
LAUNCH FULLY DRIVERLESS
ROBOTAXIS
The UAE is accelerating its autonomous mobility ambitions
with the Uber–WeRide robotaxi rollout in Abu Dhabi. As
driverless fleets shift from trials to commercial deployment,
the initiative reflects a strategic convergence of
innovation, regulation and infrastructure, positioning the
UAE as a frontrunner in scalable and data-driven transport
systems across the GCC.
The UAE has officially entered a new
era of mobility. In May 2025, Abu
Dhabi became the first city in the
Middle East to roll out fully driverless
robotaxi trials, with Chinese autonomous
vehicle (AV) leader WeRide operating
Level 4 autonomous vehicles on public
roads without safety drivers. This development
follows the December 2024
integration of WeRide’s autonomous fleet
into Uber’s platform, allowing users in
Abu Dhabi to be matched with AVs when
requesting UberX or Comfort rides.
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Supported by the Abu Dhabi Integrated
Transport Centre and operated by
Tawasul Transport, the initiative covers
high-density urban areas including Yas
Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island,
and routes to Zayed International Airport.
According to WeRide, this is the largest
commercial robotaxi deployment outside
China and the U.S., and marks the first
time a major ride-hailing platform like
Uber has integrated autonomous rides
in the GCC region.
This isn’t an isolated pilot. The UAE’s
broader policy framework including the
National Strategy for Advanced Innovation
and Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Roadmap
2030 has created fertile ground for rapid
AV deployment. With a goal to automate
25% of transport trips by 2040, the
government is enabling both regulatory
support and infrastructure investment.
WeRide’s national self-driving licence,
granted in July 2023, is one such regulatory
milestone enabling driverless
deployment at scale.
Market signals align with this momentum.
According to a 2024 report
by the International Association of Public
Transport (UITP), the MENA autonomous
vehicle market is projected to exceed
USD 3.5B by 2030, driven largely by Gulf
countries. Meanwhile, a whitepaper by
Abu Dhabi’s Smart & Autonomous Vehicle
Industry (SAVI) cluster notes that AV
integration could reduce transport-related
carbon emissions by up to 15%
and lower traffic congestion by 25% in
major urban zones.
Redefining Mobility Economics for UAE
Businesses and Investors
The implications for UAE businesses,
logistics providers, and investors are
profound. Firstly, the Uber–WeRide
rollout presents a tangible shift in fleet
management economics. Human drivers
account for over 40% of operating
costs in traditional ride-hailing models.
With driverless operations, margins can
improve significantly, offering long-term
cost savings for transport operators and
improved reliability for consumers.
From a business adoption standpoint,
real estate developers, hospitality groups,
and free zones stand to benefit by offering
seamless autonomous transport
as a service feature. For instance, Al
Maryah Island’s integration into the WeRide
service area enhances its position as
a connected financial district, aligning
with Abu Dhabi Global Market’s ambitions
to attract digital-first enterprises.
The commercial viability of AVs also
reinforces foreign direct investment in
the UAE’s innovation ecosystem. In 2024,
the UAE attracted over USD 2.1B in transport-tech
investment, a 28% increase
from the previous year (source: UAE
Ministry of Economy). The AV sector is
emerging as a flagship category within
this growth, encouraged by favourable
policies such as sandbox licensing, tax
incentives for AV R&D, and open data
frameworks that allow global firms to test
AI models in controlled environments.
From an infrastructure perspective,
autonomous fleets reduce the need for
expansive car parks and petrol stations.
Instead, there is a growing demand for
AI-enabled fleet hubs, charging infrastructure,
and edge computing nodes
creating new investment opportunities
in digital infrastructure and green mobil-
Autonomous transport
is a key pillar of our
future mobility vision,
aiming to enhance efficiency,
safety and sustainability
across the
UAE.”
– H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei,
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure
ity. According to Mubadala Investment
Company’s 2025 outlook, mobility tech,
including AVs, will account for over 15%
of its transport and logistics portfolio in
the next five years.
Moreover, there’s a socio-economic
impact worth noting. The expansion of
robotaxi services offers mobility access
to non-driving populations, including the
elderly, people of determination, and
low-income residents. By extending the
reach of public transport, robotaxis enhance
urban inclusivity, a key metric for
future-ready cities.
Strategies For a Future-Ready Ecosystem
As Uber and WeRide prepare to move
into fully commercial, safety-driver-free
rides by late 2025, Abu Dhabi becomes
a testbed for regional scalability. Both
companies have confirmed plans to expand
to Dubai and explore Saudi Arabia
as a next market, in alignment with Riyadh’s
Smart City Vision and NEOM’s
autonomous transport goals.
• Urban planners must now rethink city
layouts integrating AV lanes, smart
signals, and AV-specific parking.
• Insurance providers need to develop
risk models for machine-operated
vehicles, with AI-based underwriting
tools.
• Fleet operators and logistics firms
should begin building AV-ready infrastructure
from dynamic routing
software to integrated telematics
and remote support platforms.
One of the most significant long-term
transformations could come from data-sharing
standards. As AVs collect terabytes
of data per vehicle per day, the
UAE could lead in establishing sovereign
AI mobility datasets, offering domestic
firms and regulators a competitive edge in
algorithm training, safety benchmarking,
and behavioural modelling.
Importantly, the UAE has an opportunity
to shape the ethical and regulatory
narrative of global AV standards. While
the U.S. and China race ahead in volume,
the GCC, especially the UAE, can lead in
designing AV ecosystems that prioritise
sustainability, safety, and scalability.
From a strategic standpoint, this isn’t
just about automation, it’s about reimagining
mobility through the lens of sovereign
tech leadership. The Uber–WeRide
collaboration could become a regional
foundation for ecosystem building.
August 2025 / 13

DRIVE TO THE FUTURE
THE DODGE
CHARGER DAYTONA EV
America's Electric Muscle Car
Revolution
The automotive world has witnessed a seismic shift as Dodge introduces the Charger
Daytona EV, marking the brand’s bold entry into the electric vehicle era while maintaining
its legendary muscle car DNA. This all-electric powerhouse represents a pivotal moment
in American automotive history, delivering blistering performance wrapped in cutting-edge
technology.
14 \ August 2025

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3.3 seconds
0-60 mph
The entry-level R/T model produces
496 horsepower and covers
the same sprint in an estimated
4.9 seconds. Both variants feature
standard all-wheel drive, making the
Charger Daytona the world’s only allwheel-drive
muscle car, providing superior
traction and handling compared
to its rear-wheel-drive predecessors.
Perhaps the most innovative feature
is Dodge’s patent-pending Fratzonic
Chambered Exhaust system. This
groundbreaking technology utilizes
dual high-efficiency transducers and
passive radiators, powered by a 600-
watt amplifier, to create an authentic
muscle car sound experience. The
system generates a 126-decibel roar
that equals the SRT Hellcat4, ensuring
the Charger Daytona announces its
presence with authority.
The Fratzonic system responds
dynamically to driving inputs, adjusting
sound intensity based on throttle
position, speed, and torque output.
Different driving modes produce varying
acoustic profiles, with Sport Mode
delivering medium sound output while
Drag, Drift, and Track modes unleash a
louder, more aggressive roar.
The Charger Daytona presents a
627 lb-ft
Torque
modern interpretation of the classic
1968 Charger, characterized by sharp
angles, aggressive styling, and a widebody
stance. The design incorporates
the patent-pending R-Wing front aero
pass-through, which reduces lift by up
to 30% and drag by 3% while maintaining
the iconic Dodge aesthetic.
Despite its coupe appearance, the
Charger Daytona offers surprising
practicality with a hidden hatchback
design that provides generous cargo
space. The interior features a driver-focused
cockpit with a 12.3-inch
touchscreen, a curved 16-inch digital
gauge cluster, and performance-inspired
elements including the classic
pistol-grip shifter.
The Charger Daytona utilizes a 93.9-
kWh battery pack that delivers impressive
range figures. The R/T achieves
308 miles of range while the Scat
Pack offers 241 miles. Fast charging
capabilities allow the vehicle to charge
from 20% to 80% in just over 27 minutes
using Level 3 DC fast charging.
The PowerShot feature adds an extra
40 horsepower for 15 seconds at
the touch of a steering wheel button,
providing an additional performance
boost when needed. Multiple driving
670 hp
Horsepower
modes, including Donut Mode, Drift
Mode, and Launch Control, cater to
enthusiasts seeking track-ready capabilities.
The Charger Daytona EV starts at
$61,590 for the R/T and $70,190 for
the Scat Pack. However, market reception
has been mixed, with only
1,947 units sold in the first half of
2025. This has led to significant dealer
incentives, with many models selling
for $4,000 to over $10,000 under
MSRP.
The R/T model has been postponed
for 2026 due to various factors, including
tariff policies and market
conditions. A four-door variant is expected
to arrive in 2025, potentially
broadening the model’s appeal to
families seeking electric muscle car
performance.
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV
represents a bold reimagining of the
American muscle car for the electric
age. While it may not satisfy traditional
V8 purists, it successfully bridges the
gap between heritage and innovation,
delivering the performance, sound,
and attitude that define the Dodge
brand in an increasingly electrified automotive
landscape.
August 2025 / 15

Ecosystem Innovation
BEYOND THE ROAD:
ABU DHABI’S AED 100B,
FULL‐STACK AUTOMOTIVE
HUB
At the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 (MIITE), Abu
Dhabi unveiled a transformative vision for the future of
mobility. The launch of a comprehensive AED 100 billion
full-stack automotive hub is more than an economic
milestone; it’s a strategic leap that positions the emirate
as a regional powerhouse in advanced vehicle manufacturing,
research and development, and sustainable
mobility solutions.
Led by the Abu Dhabi Investment
Office (ADIO) in collaboration with
the Ministry of Industry & Advanced
Technology (MoIAT), the AED 100 billion
program is designed to propel the UAE
to the forefront of automotive innovation
in the Middle East. The initiative is projected
to contribute AED 100 billion to
Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2045, attract over
AED 8 billion in foreign direct investment,
and create 7,000 high-skilled jobs over
the next two decades.
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This investment goes beyond traditional
manufacturing, encompassing
the entire automotive value chain from
design and engineering to luxury car
restoration, aftermarket services, and
export-driven growth.
As His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director
General of ADIO, stated: “Backed
by automotive OEMs, our automotive
programme is a defining step in Abu
Dhabi’s evolution as a global economic
powerhouse, reinforcing our strength
in advanced manufacturing, future mobility
and design excellence. It reflects
Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision to build
not just competitive sectors, but entire
ecosystems that shape global standards
and unlock innovation. It signals that
Abu Dhabi is rapidly
emerging as a nexus for
global automotive innovation.
Our industrial
ecosystem combines advanced
infrastructure,
future-focused regulation,
and access to highgrowth
markets.”
– Mohammad Ali Al Kamali,
Chief Industry and Trade Officer,
ADIO
the emirate is not just a destination for
investment, but a global, export-driven
hub where talent, technology and bold
ambition converge.”
Key Components of the Automotive
Ecosystem
• Smart Vehicle Manufacturing:
Abu Dhabi is establishing itself as a regional
hub for smart vehicle manufacturing,
integrating advanced production
facilities that cater to both traditional
and electric vehicles. This infrastructure
enables the emirate to serve regional and
international markets with cutting-edge
mobility solutions.
• Research & Development Infrastructure:
The hub includes state-of-the-art R&D
and engineering centers focused on
autonomous driving, artificial intelligence,
and next-generation vehicle
technologies. By fostering close collaboration
between academia, industry,
and government, Abu Dhabi is accelerating
innovation cycles and translating
research breakthroughs into commercial
applications. This commitment is exemplified
by the launch of the region’s first
Automotive AI Curriculum, developed in
partnership with leading universities to
cultivate local talent in product design
and engineering.
• Luxury Car Restoration and Auctions:
Beyond manufacturing, the ecosystem
embraces the luxury automotive
sector through specialized restoration
facilities, premium vehicle auctions, and
high-profile motorsport events. These
initiatives elevate Abu Dhabi’s profile
as a destination for automotive enthusiasts
and collectors, adding a cultural
and economic dimension to the hub’s
offerings.
• Talent Development Pipelines:
Recognizing that human capital is central
to innovation, ADIO’s collaboration with
universities has created a comprehensive
talent pipeline. The Automotive AI
Curriculum blends advanced research,
AI training, and international placements,
embedding Emirati professionals within
the global mobility value chain and ensuring
the sustainability of the sector’s
growth.
Abu Dhabi: Championing Sustainable
and Technologically Advanced Mobility
Sustainability is a core pillar of Abu Dha-
bi’s automotive vision. The emirate is
investing heavily in electric and hydrogen-powered
public transport, expanding
EV charging infrastructure, and integrating
AI-driven technologies in autonomous
vehicles. These efforts align with the
UAE’s national climate neutrality goal for
2050, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leader
in environmentally responsible mobility.
His Excellency Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director-General
of the Integrated Transport
Centre, Abu Dhabi Mobility, commented:
“Abu Dhabi Mobility is proud of the recognition,
which reflects ongoing efforts
to achieve excellence in sustainability.
The Green Bus program is not merely an
environmental initiative; it is part of our
bigger strategy to enhance the quality of
life in Abu Dhabi, ensuring a sustainable
future for upcoming generations.”
By embedding sustainability into every
stage of the automotive value chain,
from materials sourcing to end-of-life
vehicle management, the hub is setting
new standards for clean, efficient
transportation solutions in the region.
Shaping the Future: Industrial Competitiveness
and Global Impact
Abu Dhabi’s full-stack automotive ecosystem
is a forward-looking platform
designed to keep pace with the global
shift toward electrification, autonomy,
and digitalization. The emirate’s integrated
approach, combining manufacturing,
R&D, luxury services, and talent
development, ensures resilience and
competitiveness in an evolving industry.
This ecosystem not only enhances
Abu Dhabi’s industrial diversification but
also establishes the emirate as a strategic
export hub, offering companies a
launchpad to access high-growth markets
worldwide. Through this initiative,
Abu Dhabi is setting a global benchmark
for innovation-driven economic transformation.
Abu Dhabi’s AED 100 billion automotive
hub is a visionary leap into the future of
smart, sustainable mobility, seamlessly
blending advanced manufacturing, cutting-edge
technology, forward-thinking
design, and eco-efficient practices. As
government leaders and global industry
pioneers unite under this ambitious
program, the emirate is poised to boldly
redefine the dynamic automotive landscape
in the Middle East and beyond,
driving innovation, creating highly skilled
jobs for a smarter transportation future.
August 2025 / 17

UAE Tech NEWS
UAE Launches First
Hybrid eVTOL Operations
Framework
Globally
On July 2, 2025, the UAE became
the first nation to launch
a hybrid eVTOL-helicopter operations
framework. Developed by the
GCAA, the framework enables both
aircraft types to share infrastructure,
streamlining integration and reducing
costs. It supports the UAE’s innovation
goals, enhances safety, and offers
a flexible, future-ready regulatory
model, positioning the country as a
global leader in Advanced Air Mobility
(AAM) adoption.
Flydubai Introduces Biometric Smart Gates
with Emaratech Partnership
Flydubai launched biometric smart
gates for crew immigration clearance,
in partnership with UAE
tech firm emaratech. Using AI and facial
recognition, the gates speed up
processing, enhance security, and
reduce wait times. Active at the crew
reporting facility, this innovation supports
over 3,800 staff and reflects flydubai’s
push for seamless, tech-driven
operations as part of its broader
digital transformation strategy.
Dubai RTA, Pony.ai
Begin Autonomous
Vehicle Pilot Program
Dubai’s RTA signed an MoU with
Pony.ai to launch autonomous
vehicle pilot trials, aiming for a
fully driverless commercial service
by 2026. The collaboration supports
Dubai’s Smart Mobility Strategy, which
targets 25% autonomous trips by
2030. Pony.ai’s advanced AI-powered
vehicles, paired with strong tech
partnerships, mark a significant step
toward building a future-ready, sustainable
transport network in the emirate.
UAE Team Debuts First
AI-Designed Helmet at
Tour de France
UAE Team Emirates XRG debuted the
world’s first AI-designed helmet at
the Tour de France. Created with
G42 and MET Helmets, the design uses
AI to interpret airflow and movement,
blending performance and creativity. G42
also launched Helmetverse, a global fan
design challenge, with the winning entry
to be worn during the 2026 UAE Tour
showcasing innovation in both sports
tech and fan engagement.
Masdar City Begins
Level 4 Autonomous
Vehicle Trials in Abu
Dhabi
Masdar City began trials of Level
4 autonomous vehicles in partnership
with Solutions+, ITC, and
SASC. Operating along a 2.4 km route,
these AVs run without human input in
defined zones, initially with onboard
safety officers. This milestone supports
the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals and positions
Masdar City as a global hub for
sustainable, smart mobility innovation
and real-world AV testing.
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UAE Ranks Second
Globally For Digital
Nomads in 2025
UAE ranked second globally for
digital nomads, up from fourth
in 2023, according to Immigrant
Invest and VisaGuide. The nation
earned high marks for internet quality,
safety, tax benefits, and cost of
living. With remote work visas, strong
5G networks, and modern infrastructure,
the UAE is positioning itself as a
top hub for the growing global remote
workforce.
du Partners with Disney+ to Offer 12 Months
of Free Streaming for UAE Subscribers
UAE telecom provider du partnered
with Disney+ to offer 12
months of free streaming to
home wireless subscribers. The deal
includes access to Disney, Marvel,
Pixar, Star Wars, and more across mul-
tiple devices. This collaboration enhances
du’s entertainment offerings
while supporting Disney’s growing
presence in the region, including its
new Yas Island destination, and reflects
the UAE’s digital lifestyle shift.
dnata Rolls Out
Self-Driving Vehicles
at Dubai World Central
On July 16, 2025, dnata deployed
autonomous electric baggage
tractors at Dubai World Central,
marking a major milestone in airport
ground handling. The six EZTow
vehicles, developed with TractEasy,
streamline ramp operations, boost
safety, and reduce turnaround times.
Operating with Level 3 autonomy and
aiming for Level 4 by 2026, the initiative
supports dnata’s innovation
roadmap and reinforces the UAE’s
leadership in smart airport infrastructure.
Zoho Teams with Dart
to Support UAE Startups
Zoho partnered with Dart to support
UAE-based startups by
offering $500 in Zoho wallet
credits to eligible Dart members. The
initiative provides access to over 55
cloud-based tools, along with training
and webinars to help entrepreneurs
grow their businesses. This collaboration
aligns with Zoho’s strategy to
strengthen local tech ecosystems and
boost startup success in Dubai and
the wider MENA region.
UAE Unveils AI-Driven
Government Performance
System
On July 10, 2025, the UAE launched
the AI-driven Proactive Government
Performance System to
boost efficiency under the We the UAE
2031 vision. Processing 150 million data
points monthly, it generates 50,000+
insights annually and saves 250,000
working hours. Supporting 250,000
users, it enhances transparency, speeds
decision-making, and improves government
performance by 60%, marking a
major leap in predictive governance
and innovation.
August 2025 / 19

Battery Technology
BLADE VS. LITHIUM-
ION:
THE NEXT LEAP IN ELECTRIC
VEHICLE BATTERY SAFETY
The electric vehicle revolution is fundamentally a battery
revolution, and nowhere is this more evident than in
the technological divergence between China’s BYD and
America’s Tesla. As the UAE positions itself as a global
leader in clean mobility, the battle between conventional
lithium-ion batteries and innovative lithium iron phosphate
(LFP) technologies is reshaping safety standards and performance
expectations across the region’s expanding
EV ecosystem.
BYD’s Blade Battery represents a
paradigm shift in EV battery design,
prioritizing safety through both
chemistry and structural innovation.
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries
that rely on nickel-cobalt-manganese
(NCM) or nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA)
chemistries, the Blade Battery employs
lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as its cathode
material, fundamentally altering the
risk profile of battery failure.
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thetechnologyexpress.com
The revolutionary aspect lies not just
in chemistry but in physical design. The
Blade Battery’s elongated, prismatic format
measuring 965mm in length, 90mm
in height, and 14mm in thickness creates
a blade-like appearance that maximizes
surface area for heat dissipation while
serving as a structural component of
the battery pack. This design increases
space utilization by over 50% compared
to conventional LFP batteries, addressing
one of the primary concerns in EV
design: energy density versus safety.
Professor Ouyang Minggao from Tsinghua
University and member of the
Chinese Academy of Sciences notes
that “The Blade Battery has obvious
advantages in terms of battery safety
and energy density”.
The battery’s thermal runaway temperature
exceeds 500°C, significantly
higher than NCM batteries at 210°C and
NCA batteries at 150°C.
Fire Resistance: The Ultimate Safety
Test
The most compelling demonstration of
the Blade Battery’s safety credentials
comes from the infamous nail penetration
test, considered the industry’s most
rigorous thermal runaway evaluation. In
this test, a nail is driven through the
battery to simulate severe damage from
an accident. While traditional ternary lithium
batteries exceed 500°C and burn
violently, and conventional LFP batteries
reach dangerous temperatures of
200-400°C, the Blade Battery maintains
surface temperatures of only 30-60°C
without emitting smoke or flames.
This safety advantage extends beyond
laboratory conditions. BYD’s Blade Battery
has successfully passed crushing,
bending, heating to 300°C, and overcharging
by 260% without fire or explosion.
The battery’s inherent stability
comes from its slow heat generation,
minimal heat release, and crucially,
its inability to release oxygen during
breakdown a key factor in preventing
combustion.
Tesla’s High-Energy Density Approach
Tesla’s battery strategy represents a
different philosophy, prioritizing energy
density and performance through
advanced lithium-ion chemistries. The
company’s progression from 18650 cells
to 2170 cells, and now to the ambitious
4680 format, demonstrates a commitment
to maximizing energy storage per
unit volume.
Tesla’s 4680 cylindrical cells, measuring
46mm in diameter and 80mm in
height, use NMC811 chemistry (80%
nickel, 10% manganese, 10% cobalt)
to achieve 241 watt-hours per kilogram
of gravimetric energy density and 643
watt-hours per liter of volumetric energy
density. This substantially exceeds
the Blade Battery’s 160 Wh/kg and 355
Wh/L, enabling longer driving ranges
and superior acceleration performance.
However, this energy density advantage
comes with thermal management
challenges. Recent research from RWTH
Aachen University reveals that Tesla’s
4680 cells generate 2.3 times more heat
per volume than BYD’s Blade cells under
equivalent loads, requiring sophisticated
cooling systems to maintain optimal
operating temperatures.
The UAE’s Strategic EV Vision
The UAE’s approach to electric mobility
reflects a sophisticated understanding
of the battery technology landscape.
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
(MoEI) has positioned the country at the
forefront of clean transportation through
comprehensive policy frameworks and
strategic partnerships.
The UAE’s National Electric Vehicles
Policy, developed by MoEI, creates a
roadmap for achieving 50% EV market
share by 2050 while establishing
comprehensive charging infrastructure.
This policy framework recognizes that
battery safety innovation directly aligns
with national mobility goals, particularly
given the region’s extreme operating
conditions.
Infrastructure Investment Supporting
Battery Innovation
Dubai’s aggressive expansion of EV
infrastructure from 370 charging stations
in 2023 to a planned 1,000 by
2025 demonstrates the government’s
confidence in battery technology evolution.
DEWA’s implementation of standardized
charging tariffs (AED 1.2/kWh
for DC fast charging and AED 0.70/kWh
for AC charging) creates a sustainable
framework for supporting diverse battery
technologies.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office
(ADIO) has made strategic investments
in battery technology companies, recognizing
that advanced battery systems
We support the transition
towards green
mobility and net zero
by reducing the carbon
footprint in the transport
sector, enhancing
the competitiveness of
the UAE and Dubai in the
electric vehicle sector.”
— HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer,
CEO & Managing Director, DEWA
are fundamental to the emirate’s Smart
and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI)
cluster.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of
ADIO, notes that “Abu Dhabi’s SAVI
cluster encompasses the entire smart
and autonomous mobility value chain,
from the design and manufacture of vehicles
to the generation, distribution and
charging of the clean energy to power
them”.
The future of EV battery technology in
the UAE will likely see convergence between
safety-focused designs like BYD’s
Blade Battery and performance-oriented
approaches like Tesla’s high-energy
density cells. BYD’s announcement of
next-generation Blade batteries with energy
densities and charging rates suggests
that the traditional trade-off between
safety and performance is diminishing.
August 2025 / 21

Launch EXPRESS
DELL PREMIUM 16”
REDEFINING PREMIUM LAPTOP EXPERIENCE
Dell’s decision to rebrand its flagship XPS lineup has
culminated in the Dell Premium 16” (2025 Model),
a powerhouse that represents the company’s most
ambitious premium laptop offering. This 16.3-inch laptop
maintains the minimalist aesthetic and sleek design language
that made the XPS series legendary while introducing significant
hardware upgrades.
The Dell Premium 16” is powered by Intel Core Ultra 200H
series processors, delivering up to 33% faster performance
for daily work tasks and 21% faster speeds in lightweight 3D
and creative applications The flagship model features the
Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor with 16 cores, providing
up to 45W of sustained CPU performance without compromise.
This significant boost in processing power makes
demanding applications run smoothly, from high-resolution
video editing to complex batch photo processing.
Graphics capabilities are equally impressive, with options
ranging from NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 to RTX 5070 laptop
GPUs. The RTX 5060 variant, available immediately, offers
substantial performance for creators and professionals.
Higher-end RTX 5070 models feature three Thunderbolt
5 ports supporting up to four 8K displays simultaneously.
The laptop features a 16.3-inch display with Dell’s signature
InfinityEdge bezels. Users can choose between a 2K
(1920 x 1200) IPS LCD or a stunning 4K (3840 x 2400) OLED
touchscreen. The OLED option delivers 120Hz variable refresh
rates, deeper blacks, and vivid colors that support 100%
of the DCI-P3 color gamut. EyeSafe technology reduces
blue light exposure without compromising color accuracy.
Despite its powerful hardware, the Dell Premium 16” delivers
remarkable battery efficiency. The 2K LCD display
configuration provides up to 27 hours of streaming battery
life, while the OLED variant offers reduced but still competitive
endurance. The laptop includes a 99.9Wh battery
and comes with a 130-watt charger regardless of hardware
configuration.
The premium construction features CNC aluminum and
Gorilla Glass 3 materials, ensuring durability while maintaining
a lightweight profile. The laptop weighs between 4.5
to 4.65 pounds depending on configuration. Connectivity
options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and comprehensive
port selection varying by GPU configuration.
Starting at $2,699, the Dell Premium 16” positions itself
as a premium alternative to Apple’s MacBook Pro while offering
superior performance for creative professionals and
power users.
22 \ August 2025

GOOGLE PIXEL 10
THE NEXT GENERATION OF AI-POWERED SMARTPHONES
thetechnologyexpress.com
Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 represents a significant milestone
as the company celebrates a decade of Pixel
smartphones. Set to launch on August 20, 2025, the
Pixel 10 introduces meaningful upgrades while maintaining
the design philosophy that has defined the series.
The Pixel 10 will be powered by Google’s Tensor G5 processor,
the first Pixel chip manufactured by TSMC using a
3nm process. This represents a major shift from Samsung’s
manufacturing, potentially delivering significantly improved
performance and battery efficiency. The chip features enhanced
AI capabilities with a neural processing unit (NPU)
for advanced on-device machine learning.
The Pixel 10 features a 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED display with
a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. A
significant improvement comes in display brightness, jumping
from 1,800 nits to 2,000 nits in High Brightness Mode
and 3,000 nits peak brightness. This enhancement ensures
excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.
For the first time in Pixel history, the base model receives a
triple rear camera setup. The configuration includes a 48MP
primary sensor (likely the same as Pixel 9a), a 12MP ultrawide
camera, and a new 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
This marks a significant departure from previous dual-camera
base models, though Google has reduced the ultrawide
sensor resolution from 48MP to 12MP to accommodate the
telephoto addition.
Pre-orders will begin on August 20, 2025, with devices
shipping to customers on August 28, 2025. The phone will be
available in multiple color options and storage configurations.
GOOGLE PIXEL WATCH 4
THE SMARTWATCH REVOLUTION CONTINUES
Google’s Pixel Watch 4 is poised to launch alongside
the Pixel 10 series in August 2025, bringing significant
improvements to the company’s wearable lineup. This
fourth-generation smartwatch addresses many limitations of
its predecessors while introducing new features.
For the first time, Google will offer the Pixel Watch 4 in
two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. This expansion caters to users
with different wrist sizes and preferences for screen real
estate. The larger 45mm model provides more space for
apps, notifications, and extended battery life.
The Pixel Watch 4 features Google’s Actual Display technology
capable of up to 2,000 nits brightness, ensuring
excellent visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The display
maintains the signature round design with smaller bezels than
previous generations, maximizing screen utilization without
increasing the overall device footprint.
Battery capacity sees substantial improvements, with
the 41mm model featuring a 306mAh battery and the 45mm
variant housing a 420mAh battery. Google promises up to
two days of battery life depending on usage patterns. Fast
charging capabilities enable 50% charge in 30 minutes and
80% in 50 minutes.
The Pixel Watch 4 introduces a Fit Score feature that analyzes
how well the watch’s sensors capture health data based
on fit quality. This system uses Micro-Electro-Mechanical
System (MEMS) technology to adjust or disregard inaccurate
readings when the watch isn’t properly fitted. Traditional
health monitoring features include ECG monitoring, SpO2
tracking, and heart rate monitoring.
The watch is expected to use the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
chipset (same as Pixel Watch 2 and 3) or potentially Google’s
own Tensor G4 chip, the first of its kind.
August 2025 / 23

Digital Transformation
FROM DESERT TO
DIGITAL:
HOW MIDDLE EAST AUTOMOTIVE
CEOS ARE NAVIGATING THIS SHIFT
The Middle East’s automotive industry is at a critical inflection
point. Once a region defined by oil wealth and
traditional car ownership models, it is now emerging as a
key player in the global automotive transformation. With
the industry worldwide expected to reach USD240 billion
in electrification, digitalisation, and connected technologies
by 2030, regional automotive CEOs are responding
with bold strategies.
Digitisation has become central to
dealership evolution across the
Gulf. As consumer expectations
shift and digital tools mature, automotive
leaders are revamping their platforms to
integrate inventory, financing, aftersales,
and CRM into unified ecosystems. According
to Autorola Gulf, electrification,
connected car technology, and AI-driven
platforms are transforming how dealers
operate. Dealers are moving away from
fragmented systems towards streamlined
digital infrastructures, enabling better
data visibility and customer engagement.
Al-Futtaim and others have ad-
24 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
opted standardised platforms to manage
sales, customer journeys, and vehicle
life cycles, creating room for scalable
operations. This transition also helps
unlock new revenue streams in areas
such as warranty services, fleet sales,
and used vehicle certifications.
Another major development benefiting
Gulf consumers stems from global supply
chain reconfigurations. As Western tariffs
reshape trade flows—particularly those
between the US and Europe, automotive
manufacturers are increasingly looking
east and south. The Middle East, due
to its neutral trade positioning, is fast
becoming a beneficiary of these global
realignments. According to The National,
regional customers are enjoying early
access to a broader variety of models at
competitive pricing, including Chinese
and Korean EVs that face higher costs
elsewhere due to geopolitical tariffs. In
turn, local automotive groups are leveraging
this by securing new partnerships,
offering diverse inventory, and enhancing
financing schemes to drive adoption.
The used car market is another significant
focus for automotive CEOs in the
Gulf. With used-to-new vehicle sales at
a ratio of 5:1, digital platforms and AIled
pricing tools are being deployed to
scale certified pre-owned programmes.
Autorola Gulf reports selling nearly 27,000
used vehicles in one month via online
auctions, indicating the scale of digital
transformation in this space. Consumers
are more confident purchasing vehicles
online thanks to robust inspection
protocols, digital documentation, and
warranty options. These platforms not
only improve transparency and trust but
also create profitable business models
with higher margins, reduced overheads,
and lower capital risk compared to new
vehicle retail.
Global Supply Chains and Chinese
Automakers Drive Market Dynamics
Chinese automakers are increasingly
shaping the competitive dynamics in
the region. Their EV models, once considered
budget alternatives, now come
equipped with advanced connectivity,
infotainment, and safety features that
rival or outperform legacy brands. Backed
by strong warranties and local support
networks, brands like BYD, MG, and
Chery are gaining traction. According
to industry reports, Chinese automakers
are poised to capture over 30% of the
Middle East and Africa market share by
2030. This surge has prompted regional
dealers and CEOs to reimagine their value
propositions. Many are differentiating
through enhanced customer service,
loyalty programmes, and experiential retail
environments that go beyond the transaction
to build long-term relationships.
Consumer preferences in the Gulf
continue to evolve, with omnichannel
sales now seen as a standard rather
than a premium offering. Research from
Consultancy-ME highlights that while 83%
of buyers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
begin their car-buying journey online,
85% still complete it in person. Automotive
groups are responding by developing
seamless omnichannel pathways,
integrating website configurators, online
bookings, digital financing approvals, and
in-store experiences. This blending of
online convenience and human touch
is essential in a region where trust and
physical engagement remain critical elements
of high-value purchases.
Policy, Infrastructure, and New Mobility
Models Accelerate Sustainable Growth
Infrastructure and policy developments
are equally vital in enabling sustainable
mobility. Governments across the Gulf are
advancing national electrification goals,
supported by fast-charging networks,
incentives, and regulatory clarity. The
UAE, under its Net Zero 2050 strategy, is
accelerating EV adoption through policy
tools and public-private partnerships.
Dubai’s DEWA and Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC
Distribution are expanding EV charging
networks across commercial and residential
zones. Automotive CEOs are
aligning by ensuring after sales readiness
for EVs, investing in technician
training, and launching new servicing
models that accommodate battery diagnostics
and software updates.
Subscription-based ownership models
and shared mobility platforms are gaining
prominence as consumers, especially
younger demographics, seek flexibility.
Startups like Invygo and Telgani are redefining
car access, offering app-based
subscriptions that include insurance,
maintenance, and roadside support. For
manufacturers and dealers, these models
open recurring revenue channels and
provide granular data on usage patterns.
That data can be leveraged for better
inventory planning, targeted marketing,
The UAE is committed
to accelerating the
transition to smart and
sustainable mobility by
fostering innovation,
infrastructure, and
strategic partnerships
that support our Net
Zero 2050 objectives.”
– H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei,
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure
and even influencing design decisions.
Pilot programmes in autonomous mobility,
especially those in NEOM and with
Dubai’s RTA, also highlight the Gulf’s
ambition to be an innovation testbed
for future mobility ecosystems.
The Middle East’s automotive industry
is evolving rapidly, with CEOs driving
transformation through digital innovation,
electrification, and flexible ownership
models. As global shifts create both
disruption and opportunity, the region
is positioning itself as a hub for future
mobility. Strategic investments, regulatory
support, and consumer readiness
are accelerating this progress, while
collaborations with global automakers,
advanced infrastructure development,
and a skilled workforce further strengthen
the region’s ability to compete internationally
and shape sustainable transportation
solutions.
August 2025 / 25

Interview
MANOJ SUREKA
CEO & Managing Partner,
Synergy Fin. Consulting
26 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
Fintech’s Sectoral Shift and the
New Rules of Fundraising
Exclusive Interview
Manoj Sureka is a recognised leader in the finance and investment sector. Manoj has built a strong reputation for his
strategic foresight and ability to foster sustainable business growth.
Prior to Synergy, he served as Head of Commercial Banking at RAKBANK and held key roles at institutions including
Mashreq Bank and National Bank of Fujairah. He also serves as a board member and mentor to several companies
across diverse industries.
At Synergy Fin. Consulting, the firm provides end-to-end fundraising advisory services through private equity, debt, and
trade finance solutions. Their clientele includes SMEs and corporates seeking capital through banks, financial institutions,
sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional investors. Synergy also offers specialised advisory services in mergers and
acquisitions and joint venture.
Q: Fintech has disrupted funding access
in recent years. What’s the next phase?
The conversation is shifting from general
innovation to sector-specific application.
It’s no longer about whether a business
is using fintech, but how strategically
they’re applying it. We’re seeing vertical-specific
platforms, whether in healthcare,
logistics, or SaaS, that offer deep
integration and measurable outcomes.
This is where both capital and investor
attention are going.
Q: What types of businesses are attracting
funding in the UAE today?
Logistics tech firms focused on supply
chain visibility, healthcare service
providers with strong receivables, and
SaaS companies solving niche B2B pain
points are leading. But even traditional
SMEs can tap capital, if they demonstrate
tech-enabled operational control and
financial clarity.
Money doesn’t wait for clarity,
clarity attracts money.”
Q: How has investor expectation evolved
in this environment?
Funders now expect a data-first approach,
clean reporting, cost control,
and cash flow intelligence. The pitch has
to show not just ambition, but execution
visibility. Founders who build internal
systems for forecasting, real-time reporting,
and investor updates are seeing
better traction.
Q: What does Synergy Fin. Consulting
bring to this space?
We act as both advisors and enablers,
structuring capital from banks, funds,
and private credit sources across equity,
debt, and hybrid models. What sets us
apart is our ability to align a business’s
capital strategy with its growth phase:
scaling, acquisition, or pre-exit planning.
Q: Are there risks to the fintech hype
founders should be mindful of?
Absolutely. Not every business needs
to be “fintech-first.” Some founders are
chasing tech trends without connecting
it to margin, scale, or efficiency. Investors
are more cautious now, they want
substance over story.
Q: One piece of advice for founders
closing out 2025?
Be proactive. Start building investor readiness
long before you start raising. And in
today’s fast-moving market, remember:
“Money doesn’t wait for clarity, clarity
attracts money.”
August 2025 / 27

FINTECH NEWS
Saudi’s Yasmina
Raises $2M to Revolutionize
Embedded
Insurance Platform
Yasmina, a Riyadh-based embedded
insurance platform, raised
$2 million in Seed funding led
by Scene Holding and Access Bridge
Ventures. Founded in 2023, Yasmina
offers API-based insurance solutions
that enable personalized coverage at
checkout within 48 hours. The funding
will support expansion into the
UAE and Egypt, scaling the team, and
extending insurance products to over
1.5 million users across multiple sectors.
ADGM FSRA and Azerbaijan
Central Bank
Team Up to Drive
Fintech & Capital Markets
Growth
ADGM’s FSRA and Azerbaijan’s
Central Bank signed an MoU to
boost collaboration in fintech,
capital markets, and financial regulation.
The agreement promotes knowledge
sharing, joint training, research, and study
visits to strengthen financial sectors
and innovation in both regions. This
partnership aligns with ADGM’s goal of
fostering international cooperation and
resilient, globally integrated financial
systems.
Dubai Chamber of
Digital Economy and
Dubai Finance Unite
to Power Cashless
Future
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy
and Dubai Finance signed an MoU
to advance the Dubai Cashless
Strategy. The partnership focuses on
governance, fintech innovation, and
public awareness to support the shift
toward a cashless society. It includes
knowledge sharing, joint campaigns,
and training programs to boost digital
payment adoption, reinforcing Dubai’s
leadership in digital finance and sustainable
economic growth.
Trendyol, Baykar, ADQ
& Ant International
Collaborate to Launch
Innovative Fintech
Venture in Türkiye
Trendyol, Baykar, ADQ, and Ant International
have signed an MoU to
develop a next-gen fintech platform
in Türkiye, pending regulatory approval.
The venture aims to offer integrated
digital financial services including payments,
loans, investments, and insurance.
Leveraging AI and e-commerce expertise,
the platform will support SMEs and
individuals, enhancing financial access
and driving Türkiye’s economic growth.
Telr and Peko Launch Telr Incepta to Simplify
Business Setup Across the UAE
Telr and Peko have launched Telr
Incepta, an integrated platform
supporting SME business setup
and operations in the UAE. Offering
over 50 services including company
formation, payments, HR tools, and
automated financial reporting Telr
Incepta aims to simplify digital commerce
for entrepreneurs. Accessible
to 30,000+ merchants, the platform
enhances business management with
smart, secure and simplified solutions
tailored to the UAE’s e-commerce
ecosystem.
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thetechnologyexpress.com
Paymentology Expands Dubai Presence with
New Office Opening
Paymentology has opened an expanded
office in Dubai to support
growing fintech demand
and client growth in the Middle East.
The new hub will focus on delivery,
operations, and collaboration with
digital banks and fintechs like Wio and
Mamo. CEO Jeff Parker highlighted
the region’s shift toward financial innovation
and digital banking, with the
office enhancing local expertise and
tailored client support.
IHC Acquires SME
Financing Platform
eFunder and Rebrands
to Zelo
IHC has acquired SME financing platform
eFunder and rebranded it as Zelo
to expand invoice financing access
across the UAE and region. Licensed
by ADGM’s FSRA, Zelo offers fast, digital
receivables funding to tackle SME
working capital challenges. With IHC’s
support, Zelo aims to close the $250
billion MENA SME credit gap, providing
flexible, automated financing and accelerating
growth for SMEs.
EazyPay and Tamara
Team Up to Boost
BNPL Growth in Bahrain
EazyPay has partnered with BNPL
provider Tamara to support its
expansion in Bahrain. EazyPay
will act as Tamara’s local acquirer and
payment gateway, enhancing transaction
efficiency and security across Tamara’s
merchant network. This collaboration
aims to boost digital payment
adoption and promote financial inclusivity
in Bahrain and the wider GCC,
combining Tamara’s BNPL services
with EazyPay’s local fintech expertise.
Qatar Airways Completes
Starlink
Installation Across
Entire Boeing 777
Fleet
Qatar Airways has completed
Starlink internet installation on
its 54 Boeing 777 aircraft ahead
of schedule, making it the largest operator
of Starlink-equipped widebody
planes in MENA. The rollout, finished
in nine months instead of two years,
offers passengers free, high-speed
internet across Premium and Economy
cabins. Qatar Airways now plans to
equip its Airbus A350 fleet with Starlink
within the next year.
TikTok and Visa Team
Up to Boost UAE SMBs
with Digital Ad Credits
TikTok and Visa have partnered
to support UAE SMBs by offering
US$150 in TikTok Ad Credits
to first-time advertisers spending
US$250 with Visa Commercial cards
until September 30, 2025. The initiative
also provides access to masterclasses,
expert Q&As, and a resource
hub to help SMBs grow digitally, aligning
with the UAE’s goals to boost innovation,
entrepreneurship, and economic
diversification.
August 2025 / 29

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From AI pioneers and fintech disruptors to smart city architects,
government digital strategists, and next-gen mobility champions,
these individuals represent the forefront of progress across the
UAE’s public and private sectors. Their collective impact spans
critical domains: blockchain, cloud, data, cybersecurity, electric
mobility, smart infrastructure, and sustainable tech.
August 2025 / 31

ABDALLA AL ALI
Director of Information Technology
DMCC
Abdalla Al Ali serves as Director of IT and Innovation at Dubai
Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), where he has emerged as
a transformative leader in digital innovation across the UAE’s
government and business landscape. He has orchestrated DMCC’s
comprehensive digital transformation by implementing cutting-edge
technologies including IoT, Smart City solutions, Blockchain, 5G,
Chatbots, Robotics, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).
His strategic methodology emphasizes enhancing operational efficiency,
elevating customer experience, and minimizing risks while
optimizing return on investment. Under Al Ali’s guidance, DMCC has
accomplished remarkable achievements in cybersecurity protection,
cloud adoption, cost sustainability, and digital acceleration. He has
effectively partnered with government entities to enhance service
delivery and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
Al Ali’s dedication to innovation has earned him prestigious recognition,
including the Government IT Leader of the Year, and acknowledgment
among the Top 100 Distinguished IT Leaders in the UAE.
AHMAD ALI ALWAN
Chief Executive Officer
Hub71
Ahmad Ali Alwan serves as Chief Executive Officer of Hub71,
Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, after transitioning from
Deputy Chief Executive Officer in January 2024. As a founding
member since Hub71’s inception in 2019, Alwan has been pivotal in
establishing Abu Dhabi as one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems
in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Under his leadership, Hub71 has achieved extraordinary growth
metrics supporting over 370 startups that collectively raised more
than AED 8 billion in capital. The ecosystem’s startups have generated
AED 4.5 billion in revenue while creating over 1,100 jobs in Abu Dhabi.
Alwan’s strategic vision has positioned Abu Dhabi as a global
technology hub through specialized ecosystem development and
international partnerships. His leadership initiatives include launching
Hub71+ Digital Assets for Web3 technologies and Hub71+ Climate-
Tech during COP28 UAE, demonstrating commitment to addressing
global challenges through technological innovation.
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thetechnologyexpress.com
ANDERS IRLANDER FABRY
Regional Director - META Region
MongoDB Middle East
Anders Irlander Fabry has emerged as a transformative leader in
MongoDB’s digital expansion across the Middle East, Turkey,
and Africa region. As Regional Director, he has orchestrated
the company’s comprehensive transformation from a traditional
database provider to an AI-powered, cloud-first technology platform
that serves as the backbone of modern application development.
Under his strategic leadership, MongoDB has evolved from serving
primarily technical audiences to becoming an enterprise-grade solution
that empowers organizations across 74 countries to embrace
digital-first architectures.
Fabry has spearheaded MongoDB’s regional business growth,
achieving triple-digit growth in the private sector while expanding the
team from approximately 20 to planned doubling by 2025. His vision
has positioned MongoDB as the preferred data platform for digital
transformation, with over 23,000 professionals in the region now
proficient in MongoDB technology. Through strategic partnerships
and localized hubs across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Africa.
ALI JUMAILY
Chief Information Officer
Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group
Ali Jumaily serves as Chief Information Officer at Saeed &
Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, a leading UAE conglomerate
operating across construction, automotive, logistics, real
estate, smart mobility, and renewable energy sectors. In his strategic
role, Jumaily oversees enterprise technology strategy and spearheads
digital transformation initiatives across all business divisions.
His leadership has been instrumental in modernizing the Group’s IT
infrastructure, particularly through the successful implementation of
RISE with SAP on Microsoft Azure, marking a pivotal transition from
legacy systems to scalable cloud-based platforms. This transformation
emphasizes operational efficiency, integrated data management, and
enhanced business agility. Jumaily focuses on embedding comprehensive
digital capabilities throughout the organization, including
automation, advanced analytics, and centralized systems for strategic
resource planning and decision-making. Through his progressive and
structured methodology, Jumaily is positioning Al Naboodah Group
as a fully data-driven enterprise.
August 2025 / 33

BABER SHAIKH
Chief Technology Officer
Careem
Baber Shaikh joined Careem as Chief Technology Officer in
2023, drawing on over two decades of engineering leadership
and product innovation experience across Silicon Valley and
the Middle East. He oversees the company’s engineering strategy
for its super app ecosystem, which encompasses ride-hailing, food
delivery, digital payments, and other daily services.
Shaikh leads large, cross-functional technology teams spread over
multiple countries, prioritizing scalable infrastructure, superior
customer experience, and the integration of AI and data science into
product development. His expertise in both enterprise systems and
consumer technology enables him to balance cutting-edge innovation
with operational efficiency. Under his guidance, Careem continues to
expand its platform for a growing regional user base, while Shaikh
focuses on nurturing local talent, promoting digital inclusion, and
forming strategic partnerships to shape the future of mobility and
commerce in the Middle East.
CHERIAN VARGHESE
Senior Vice President - AI, Cloud Infrastructure -
Growth Markets
Oracle Middle East
Cherian Varghese leads Oracle’s Cloud Infrastructure and AI
division for Growth and Emerging Markets, covering the Middle
East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and parts of Europe. With more
than 35 years in enterprise technology, he spearheads the adoption
of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and AI services in rapidly evolving
digital environments. Varghese drives Oracle’s expansion strategy
by helping customers in banking, telecommunications, retail, and
government migrate critical workloads to the cloud.
Under his leadership, Oracle has expanded its data centre footprint
and introduced sovereign cloud regions to address data residency
and compliance requirements in regulated markets. Before joining
Oracle, he held senior roles at global technology firms, where he
led strategic sales, enterprise transformation, and regional growth
programs. A respected industry speaker, Varghese aligns global
innovation with local needs, enabling organisations to modernise
infrastructure while ensuring cost efficiency and scalability.
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thetechnologyexpress.com
CHINTAN PATEL
Chief Technology Officer
Cisco Middle East
Chintan Patel serves as Chief Technology Officer for Cisco across
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, drawing on nearly twenty
years at the company. Formerly CTO for Cisco UK & Ireland,
he was promoted in early 2025 to advance technology innovation
and resilience across the region’s diverse markets. He leads Cisco’s
Solutions Engineering teams in collaboration with global product
groups to develop AI-capable infrastructure, hybrid cloud platforms,
and secure digital transformation initiatives.
His responsibilities include strengthening network security to
meet evolving data protection and compliance requirements. Patel’s
expertise in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and next-generation
networks supported STEM education and digital upskilling. As a
trustee for FutureDotNow, he advocates for inclusive digital growth.
Under his guidance, Cisco is solidifying its role as a trusted partner,
empowering organizations and governments to build agile, secure,
and future-ready digital environments.
DEREK HAO
President - ME&CA Region
Huawei Enterprise Business Group (EBG)
Derek Hao, President of Huawei Enterprise Business Group’s
ME&CA Region, has led the company’s shift from a traditional
infrastructure provider to an AI-driven enterprise solutions
leader. Since joining Huawei in 2005, Hao has held leadership roles
across Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, and India, bringing nearly two
decades of enterprise business development and digital innovation
experience. Under his leadership, Huawei EBG ME&CA has accelerated
intelligent transformation adoption, making AI central to
enterprise digital evolution.
He focuses on building strong digital infrastructure enabling AI
integration across industries, with intelligence becoming a national
strategy in the region. Hao has also strengthened Huawei’s partner
ecosystem, emphasizing distributor-led and subcontractor-centric
models, contributing to over 81% of Enterprise BG sales generated
by partners globally. His strategy aligns with the region’s digital
momentum, with a goal of yield high economic returns.
August 2025 / 35

DIVYESH VITHLANI
Chief Technology & Transformation Officer
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Divyesh Vithlani is Chief Technology and Transformation
Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, leading its digital evolution
across operational and customer-facing domains. Drawing
on extensive experience in technology consulting and transformation
strategy, he has modernized the bank’s core infrastructure by
implementing scalable platforms for automation, cloud computing,
and advanced analytics. Vithlani’s leadership has accelerated the
roll-out of next-generation digital services, such as enhanced mobile
banking and AI-driven customer engagement tools, reinforcing FAB’s
regional market leadership.
He has driven an agile transformation, instilling a culture of continuous
improvement and digital-first thinking that enables rapid
adaptation to evolving customer expectations and regulatory demands.
With a strong emphasis on digital security, cloud governance, and
sustainable innovation, his strategic initiatives have significantly
elevated FAB’s digital maturity.
ELHAM AL QASIM
Chief Strategy & Technology Officer
Majid Al Futtaim
Elham Al Qasim leads Majid Al Futtaim’s strategic and technology
agenda, driving its shift from a traditional retail and hospitality
operator to a digitally focused enterprise. She spearheaded
the design and execution of a unified digital platform that integrates
e-commerce, loyalty programs, and customer data analytics, enabling
personalized experiences across all touchpoints. Al Qasim introduced
agile methodologies and cross-functional squads, accelerating product
development cycles and reducing time-to-market for new digital
services. Under her leadership, the company adopted cloud-native
infrastructure and microservices architecture, enhancing scalability
and operational resilience.
She championed the deployment of AI-based demand forecasting
and automated supply-chain management, delivering significant cost
savings and inventory optimization. Her focus on upskilling internal
teams established a center of excellence for continuous innovation.
These initiatives have transformed Majid Al Futtaim into a digital-led
organization and driving double-digit growth in online revenue.
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thetechnologyexpress.com
FARES AKKAD
Regional Director, MENA
Meta
Fares Akkad leads Meta’s operations across the Middle East and
North Africa, transforming the company from a conventional
social media provider into a data-driven, digital-first innovator.
He overhauled regional strategies by embedding advanced
analytics and machine learning into advertising platforms, enabling
hyper-targeted solutions for businesses of all sizes. Akkad introduced
centralized digital tools that streamline campaign management,
performance tracking, and audience insights, boosting advertiser
ROI and engagement metrics.
Under his guidance, Meta expanded cloud-based services and selfserve
interfaces, reducing implementation time for new features by
over 40%. He established cross-functional innovation hubs that foster
rapid prototyping of augmented reality and immersive commerce
experiences, driving a 25% year-over-year increase in user interactions
with shoppable content. His emphasis on empowering local
talent and promoting agile practices has solidified Meta’s position
as a growth catalyst for the region’s digital economy.
FRANK MEYER
Chief Digital Officer
Etihad Airways
Frank Meyer leads Etihad Airways’ Digital Technology and Innovation
division, transforming the airline into a digitally driven
enterprise. Since his appointment in September 2019, he has
overseen a multi-year cloud modernization program, migrating core
applications to a full-cloud environment and embedding generative AI
across data centers, workplace services, and service management to
deliver real-time operational insights and agility. Meyer introduced AI
cognitive services in finance to automate supplier payment inspection
and bank reconciliation, cutting manual reconciliation hours by 60
percent and reallocating resources to strategic planning.
He championed DevOps practices and continuous integration
pipelines, accelerating release cycles for customer-facing platforms.
Meyer deployed an AI-driven revenue management tool that analyzes
ancillary sales data in real time, boosting ancillary revenue by 12
percent. To enhance passenger experience, he launched a unified
digital platform for reservations, check-in, and in-flight services on
cloud-native microservices, increasing online self-service adoption.
August 2025 / 37

FRANS HIEMSTRA
Head of Middle East & Africa
Uber
Since becoming Regional General Manager of Uber Middle East
and Africa in April 2022, Frans Hiemstra has transformed the
company from a traditional ride-hailing service into a digital-first
mobility platform. Joining Uber in 2015, he previously led recovery
efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa during the pandemic, driving rider and
driver growth across eight countries.
He drove the expansion of UberGreen in the UAE, doubling sustainable
trips to 9 percent by early 2023, with a 25 percent emissions-free
target by 2030. Hiemstra scaled UberShuttle in Egypt and integrated
Lime electric scooters in the UAE. He launched family-focused
products like UberSchool and UberTeens with app-based parental
controls in several countries. Partnering with Dubai’s RTA, he initiated
autonomous vehicle pilots in 2025, establishing Uber as a leader in
self-driving technology and sustainable digital mobility in the region.
HIMANSHU SHRIVASTAVA
CTO
Al-Futtaim Group
Himanshu Shrivastava is Chief Technology Officer at Al-Futtaim
Group since March 2021. He has over twenty years of
experience leading digital and technology initiatives across
financial services and consumer sectors. At Al-Futtaim he spearheaded
a comprehensive cloud migration strategy, moving over 530
servers to a hyperscale platform and reducing data center power
consumption by one third. He established a data driven operating
model that integrates analytics and AI across automotive, retail, real
estate and healthcare divisions.
His team delivered Blue AI, a smart lifestyle adviser that personalizes
customer experiences for over five million users. Under his
guidance Al-Futtaim evolved from traditional on premises systems to
an intelligent digital enterprise, achieving enhanced agility, security
and operational excellence. His initiatives have positioned the group
as a pioneer in regional digital transformation.
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thetechnologyexpress.com
IGNACIO SANCHEZ
GATELL
Vice President of Business Transformation
EDGE
Ignacio Sanchez Gatell serves as Vice President of Business
Transformation at EDGE, one of the world’s leading defence
and advanced technology groups. At EDGE, he leads Business
Excellence, the Learning & Innovation Factory (LIF), Quality Assurance,
and External Engagement, aligning transformation initiatives
with the Group’s long-term objectives. His work has been pivotal in
embedding innovation programs, driving efficiency, and integrating
agile practices that support EDGE’s ambitions as a global technology
leader. By cultivating organisational learning and cross-functional
collaboration, Ignacio ensures that strategy translates into measurable
outcomes across operations, talent development, and external
partnerships. With a strong foundation in business transformation,
operational excellence, and innovation management, he combines
scientific expertise with executive leadership to deliver sustainable
impact. Currently pursuing a PhD in Business and Economics, Ignacio
continues to shape EDGE’s evolution through vision, structure, and
future-focused transformation strategies.
HANI KHALAF
CTO
Dell Technologies Middle East
Hani Khalaf is the Field Chief Technology Officer for Data
and Artificial Intelligence at Dell Technologies Middle East,
where he spearheads the region’s AI strategy and digital
transformation initiatives. With over 28 years of experience in IT
and enterprise architecture, he works closely with governments,
enterprises, and partners to modernize infrastructure, harness AI,
and drive sustainable digital growth.
Khalaf is widely respected for aligning emerging technologies with
evolving business priorities, ensuring organizations are equipped with
future-ready solutions in data management and AI. Before joining Dell
Technologies, he held senior leadership roles at global technology
firms, leading transformational projects across diverse industries.
A recognized thought leader, Khalaf actively shapes the Middle
East’s innovation agenda. His expertise, customer-centric approach,
and focus on resilience reflect Dell Technologies’ commitment to
enabling long-term value and accelerating the region’s digital future.
August 2025 / 39

JIMMY LI
Chief Technology Officer
Zand
Jimmy Li is Chief Technology Officer at Zand Bank, driving
digital transformation to establish the bank as a leader in the
UAE’s financial sector. With over twenty years of experience
in engineering and product roles at global financial institutions, he
brings deep expertise in blockchain infrastructure, digital assets,
and advanced payment systems. From February 2022 to June 2024,
Li served as CTO at Roxe, where he led the development of blockchain-based
payment solutions that qualified for the G20 Central
Bank Digital Currency tech sprint final.
His work demonstrates his ability to build innovative financial
technology that meets international regulatory requirements. Li’s
proficiency spans open banking, embedded finance, and digital asset
services. At Zand Bank, he launched institutional-grade Digital Asset
Custody under the bank’s license, becoming the first UAE bank to
offer such services and successfully integrating traditional banking
with decentralized finance.
JOBIN JOEJOE
Managing Director at Sony Middle East and
Africa
Sony Middle East and Africa
Jobin Joejoe has led Sony Middle East and Africa’s transformation
from a traditional business to a digital-first enterprise since
becoming Managing Director in April 2024, after serving as
Deputy MD. He spearheaded a comprehensive digital shift across 70
countries, replacing traditional retail with digital engagement through
a direct-to-consumer strategy. Central to this change is Sony World,
an integrated e-commerce platform combining online shopping and
physical showrooms, launched in 2023 and expanded in key markets
including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco. This initiative drove
145% year-on-year growth in D2C business.
Under Joejoe’s leadership, Sony MEA saw 14% overall growth,
with premium soundbars up 120%, digital imaging products up 37%,
and mobile audio increasing 26%. The region also became a top
market for large-screen TVs, especially in the 75- and 85-inch sizes.
Joejoe’s efforts have successfully evolved Sony MEA into a digitally
native entertainment and technology leader engaging creators and
consumers across the dynamic region.
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thetechnologyexpress.com
GIOVANNI ANGELINI
President, EMEA, Western Union
Western Union
Since 2022, Giovanni Angelini has transformed Western Union
across 120+ markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa,
evolving it from a traditional money transfer service into a digital
financial ecosystem. He led the rapid rollout of Western Union’s
digital banking platform in Germany, Poland, and Romania within
11 months, leveraging high-performance low-code technology to
integrate banking and money transfer solutions.
Angelini’s omnichannel strategy bridges digital and physical services,
expanding from cash pickup points to mobile wallets, bank
accounts, and self-service kiosks. He has forged strategic partnerships
with regional leaders such as urpay in Saudi Arabia and Jingle Pay in
the Middle East, enhancing financial inclusion. His customer-centric
approach enables seamless multi-currency transactions, supporting
initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and positioning Western Union as
a leader in cross-border digital payments.
MAHENDRA DHILLON
CTO
National Bank of Fujairah
Appointed Chief Operations and Technology Officer in February
2025, Mahendra Dhillon has led National Bank of Fujairah’s
transformation from branch-centric services to a fully digital
banking platform. He integrated UAE Pass into the NBF Direct app,
enabling instant biometric authentication for over 100,000 users and
reducing login times from 30 to under five seconds. Dhillon redesigned
the app dashboard, consolidating balances, transactions, and offers,
boosting feature usage by 40% and app adoption by 50% in three
months. He launched a real-time analytics engine for personalized
recommendations, increasing cross-sell conversions by 25%, and
implemented agile and DevOps practices, reducing release cycles
to monthly. Dhillon championed open banking with PSD2-compliant
APIs, introduced a merchant payments platform processing AED 50
million in its first month, and strengthened cybersecurity, cutting
incident response times by 60%, establishing NBF as a digital-led,
customer-focused bank.
August 2025 / 41

MAJID SAIF AL GHURAIR
CEO
Al Ghurair Group
Majid Saif Al Ghurair has transformed Al Ghurair Group from
traditional manufacturing and retail into a digital ecosystem,
leading a conglomerate of over 28,000 employees across 20
countries. As CEO, he has driven initiatives like Aruba’s Edge Services
Platform for unified network infrastructure, enabling Zero Touch
deployments and wireless-first workplaces that cut setup times from
days to hours. His digital retail leadership spans BurJuman Centre
and Reef Mall, while as Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, he established the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy
to accelerate tech adoption.
Al Ghurair has launched innovative projects like CAFU, the region’s
first on-demand fuel delivery platform, and applied AI-powered
production planning at Al Ghurair Iron & Steel, automating 90% of
processes and boosting efficiency by 80%, positioning the group as
a future-ready, technology-driven enterprise.
MAMOUN ALHOMSSEY
Chief Technology Officer
Ajman Bank
Since 2023, Mamoun Alhomssey has transformed Ajman Bank into
a fully digital banking ecosystem, leveraging over 25 years of
technology leadership. As Chief Information Officer, he launched
the Ajman Bank Digital Connect App, enabling account opening in
just five minutes and instant virtual credit cards via advanced digital
onboarding. Alhomssey spearheaded UAE PASS integration, making
banking paperless while ensuring strong security. He implemented
AI-powered identity verification, digital credit card onboarding,
and strategic government partnerships to enhance efficiency. His
customer-centric approach includes advanced data analytics and
conversational AI, boosting the mobile app Net Promoter Score to
4.8/5. Alhomssey’s previous initiatives drove 55% revenue growth
and cut technology operational costs by 10% annually, solidifying
Ajman Bank’s position as a digitally innovative, customer-focused
financial institution.
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thetechnologyexpress.com
MANAL ALLAM
IT Head & Business Partner - Middle East
Merck Group
Manal Allam stands out as a pivotal force in driving digital
transformation across the UAE’s technology landscape. With
extensive experience leading high-impact projects in both
the public and private sectors, she has become known for championing
innovation, operational excellence, and strategic execution.
As a senior executive, Manal has overseen the successful rollout of
nationwide digital infrastructure programs, fostering collaboration
between stakeholders and ensuring technology adoption aligns with
national objectives. Her expertise spans process reengineering, data-driven
decision-making, and managing complex tech integrations
for large organizations. Recognized for her visionary approach, Manal
is committed to enabling the UAE’s evolution into a global technology
hub by focusing on digital inclusivity, talent development, and
sustainable growth. Her leadership continues to empower teams,
elevate organizational performance, and accelerate the nation’s
digital future while setting new industry benchmarks.
MIGUEL RIO TINTO
CIO
Emirates NBD
Miguel Rio Tinto has been the architect behind Emirates NBD’s
award-winning digital transformation journey since joining
as Group Chief Digital and Information Officer in 2017. He
led the bank’s AED1 billion, four-year technology overhaul, which
reimagined core systems and shifted the traditional bank’s infrastructure
to cloud-native operations, enabling rapid innovation and
end-to-end automation. Rio Tinto drove the introduction of advanced
artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics platforms,
underpinning seamless user experiences across Emirates NBD’s
digital channels and dramatically increasing operational efficiency.
Under his leadership, the bank modernized its core to serve over 90
percent of customer requests outside the branch and pioneered new
digital products such as Liv., the world’s first lifestyle digital bank
for millennials. This transformation established Emirates NBD as the
UAE’s digital banking leader and a benchmark for the broader region.
August 2025 / 43

MIRZA BEG
Partner & Co-CIO
Ruya
Mirza Beg is Partner & Co-CIO at Ruya Partners, bringing more
than 28 years of global investing and investment banking
experience across the U.S., UK, Asia and the MENA region.
He was instrumental in transforming Ruya Partners into a digitally
enabled alternative investment platform by implementing cloud-based
portfolio management systems and advanced data analytics for credit
assessment. Before co-founding Ruya Partners, he established and
led the private credit business at Waha Capital in Abu Dhabi, where
he introduced automated deal origination workflows that accelerated
underwriting cycles. Earlier, at HSBC, he served as Head of
Corporate Finance and Head of Commercial Banking Origination for
MENA, where he oversaw the rollout of online lending portals and
integrated digital client dashboards. His leadership in integrating
technology with investment processes has driven scalable growth,
reduced operational risk and positioned Ruya Partners as a modern,
data-driven asset manager.
MOHAMED ABDEL RAZEK
Group Head of Technology, Transformation &
Information
Mashreq Bank
Since his appointment in May 2023, Mohamed Abdel Razek has
led Mashreq Bank’s technology organization to accelerate its
digital transformation. With nearly 30 years in technology
leadership across financial services, he previously served as Chief
Technology and Operations Officer for Africa and Middle East at
Standard Chartered Bank and Global Head of Technology Services
at British American Tobacco. At Mashreq, he spearheaded modernization
of core banking systems through a strategic partnership with
Oracle, deploying open, modular cloud architectures. He introduced
advanced data analytics and AI-driven automation to enhance risk
management, customer personalization and operational resilience.
He also introduced a responsible AI governance framework to safeguard
customer data and ensure ethical use of technology. He drove
rollout of new digital channels and client dashboards, boosting user
engagement. His initiatives improved system availability and boosted
digital adoption, establishing Mashreq as a digital-first institution.
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thetechnologyexpress.com
MOHAMED KHADIRI
CEO
Bank of Sharjah
With over 24 years in corporate and investment banking across
the US, Middle East and North Africa, Mohamed Khadiri
joined Bank of Sharjah as CEO in May 2023. He leveraged
his senior roles at Salomon Smith Barney, Citibank, Barclays and
HSBC to accelerate the bank’s digital transformation. Khadiri spearheaded
migration to a cloud-native core banking platform, integrated
omnichannel digital channels and deployed advanced analytics for
real-time risk management and personalized service. He launched a
user-centric mobile application with AI-driven chatbots and streamlined
e-onboarding processes, reducing customer acquisition time
by 60%. His partnership model brought open API connectivity for
fintech collaboration and introduced data governance frameworks
to ensure compliance and security. Under his leadership, digital
transactions doubled and net promoter scores rose significantly.
His strategic focus on technology innovation has positioned Bank
of Sharjah as a modern, customer-centric institution.
MOHAMMAD BIN ABDULLAH AL
GERGAWI
Managing Director
Dubai Future Foundation
Appointed Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation
(DFF) in 2016, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi has
driven the organization’s mission to explore and shape future
opportunities across government, business and society. A founding
member of DFF, he spearheaded launch of major initiatives including
the Museum of the Future, Dubai Future Accelerators and the Global
Blockchain Council. Al Gergawi fostered collaboration between
government entities, startups and global technology leaders to pilot
AI, blockchain, 3D printing and autonomous mobility solutions
that address urban challenges. He established the DFF’s foresight
platform, Future Innovation, to publish annual “Dubai Futures Reports”
and convene world-renowned experts to inform policy and
strategy. Under his leadership, DFF launched the Dubai Future Labs
and a network of future councils in education, health and energy to
incubate prototypes and scale innovations. His strategic vision has
positioned Dubai as a global testbed for next-generation technologies
and a blueprint for future-ready governance.
August 2025 / 45

MOHAMMED AL MUDHARREB
CEO, Corporate Technology Support Services Sector
RTA
Since his appointment in December 2019, Mohammed Al Mudharreb
has led the Roads and Transport Authority’s Corporate
Technology Support Services Sector through an extensive digital
transformation. Drawing on more than 20 years of IT leadership
within RTA, he has overseen the implementation of 4th Industrial
Revolution technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and
big data. Al Mudharreb introduced a cloud-native infrastructure and
enterprise digital twin platforms to optimize transport planning and
real-time monitoring. He championed the rollout of smart mobility
solutions, integrating IoT sensors and open API frameworks to enhance
interoperability with third-party services. Under his direction,
the sector deployed AI-driven predictive maintenance systems for
rail and bus networks, reducing downtime by 30%, and launched an
automated analytics dashboard that improved decision-making speed.
His strategic vision has established RTA’s technology function as
the backbone of Dubai’s journey toward a fully digital, future-ready
transport ecosystem.
MOHAMMED AL MUHTADI
Chief Information Security Officer
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
An Emirati cybersecurity leader with over 15 years’ expertise,
Mohammed Al Muhtadi joined Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
in February 2024 to spearhead its information security transformation.
He designed and implemented a Zero Trust architecture
across on-premises and cloud environments, integrating a next-generation
Security Operations Center with AI-driven threat detection
that reduced incident response times by 50%. Al Muhtadi introduced a
unified risk management dashboard, automated vulnerability assessments
and a cloud access security broker to secure digital channels
and data flows. He established a comprehensive security governance
framework aligned with ISO 27001 and UAE cybersecurity standards,
enhancing compliance and resilience. Under his leadership, the
bank deployed an automated incident response platform, integrated
threat intelligence feeds and launched organization-wide security
awareness training. His strategic focus on proactive defense and
technology-enabled controls has elevated ADCB’s security posture,
safeguarding digital innovation and customer trust.
46 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
NAIM YAZBECK
CTO
Microsoft Gulf
Naim Yazbeck joined Microsoft in 2009 and became President,
Middle East and Africa in July 2025. Previously he served as
General Manager for UAE since 2022, where he advanced digital
ambitions by driving cloud adoption and AI initiatives. He led the
landmark partnership between Microsoft and G42 to accelerate cloud
and AI deployment across the region. Yazbeck launched large-scale
digital literacy and skilling programs empowering thousands with
future-ready capabilities and deepened collaboration with government
bodies, enterprises, startups and academic institutions. In his new
capacity he oversees strategic initiatives to expand cloud infrastructure,
scale AI skills training, strengthen the partner ecosystem and
enhance digital resilience in regional markets. His strategic vision
and execution have positioned Microsoft as a catalyst for inclusive
economic growth and technological innovation.
OMAR SULTAN AL OLAMA
Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy
and Remote Work Applications
AI Office
Since his appointment as the world’s first Minister of State for
Artificial Intelligence in October 2017, Omar Sultan Al Olama
has positioned the UAE as a global leader in digital transformation.
His expanded portfolio to include Digital Economy and
Remote Work Applications in July 2020 reflects his strategic vision
to accelerate technology adoption across government services. Al
Olama spearheaded the UAE National AI Strategy 2031, implementing
AI-driven solutions across airports, healthcare and education sectors
that enhanced efficiency and citizen experience. He launched
comprehensive digital literacy programs, established the National
Program for Coders and created governance frameworks for ethical
AI deployment. Under his leadership, the UAE achieved fifth place
globally in AI readiness. Al Olama integrated advanced technologies
including blockchain, IoT and automation into government operations,
reducing processing times and improving service delivery. His
initiatives position the digital economy to contribute 20% of GDP,
transforming UAE through strategic digital modernization.
August 2025 / 47

PETER OGANESEAN
Managing Director - MEA
HP
With more than 25 years in technology sales and leadership,
Peter Oganesean was appointed Managing Director for the
Middle East and Africa at HP in January 2023. He has driven
HP’s shift from hardware-centric offerings to comprehensive hybrid
IT and as-a-service solutions, aligning strategy with customers’
digital transformation roadmaps. Oganesean led the rollout of HP
GreenLake consumption-based services across major government
and enterprise accounts, enabling scalable on-premises cloud deployments
and flexible financing models. He introduced industry-specific
solutions, including retail edge computing and healthcare pointof-care
printing platforms, and established a regional partner-led
ecosystem to accelerate service delivery. Under his leadership, HP
MEA launched skills-enablement programs for channel partners and
end users, certifying over 3,000 professionals in hybrid cloud and
cyberresilience. His strategic focus on outcome-based models and
sustainable IT practices has positioned HP as a trusted advisor in
the region’s digital economy.
RAGHU MALHOTRA
President - Global Enterprise Growth
Mastercard
Raghu Malhotra joined Mastercard in 2019 to lead Global Enterprise
Growth, driving the company’s transformation from a
payments network into a digital commerce and data analytics
powerhouse. He developed and executed a growth strategy centered
on embedded finance, partnerships with technology platforms and
expansion of Mastercard’s Open Banking and Data & Services units.
Malhotra spearheaded the launch of Mastercard Track Business Payment
Service, connecting buyers, suppliers and banks on a unified
blockchain-enabled platform that improved transaction transparency
and reduced payment friction. He introduced AI-driven insights
products for fraud prevention, customer segmentation and loyalty
optimization, which contributed to a 25% increase in enterprise
customer adoption. Under his leadership, Mastercard expanded its
digital identity solutions and tokenization services across e-commerce
and IoT channels, enabling secure transactions at scale. His strategic
focus on platform-driven business models and data monetization has
positioned Mastercard as a leader in digital payments innovation.
48 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
RONALDO MOUCHAWAR
Vice President, MENA
Amazon
Ronaldo Mouchawar co-founded Souq.com in 2005 and transformed
it from an auction platform to the Arab world’s largest
e-commerce retailer, achieving unicorn status with a $1 billion
valuation in 2016. His digital transformation strategy focused on
mobile-first experiences, localized Arabic content and region-specific
payment solutions tailored for Middle Eastern markets. After
Amazon acquired Souq.com for $580 million in 2017, Mouchawar
became Vice President of Amazon MENA, overseeing the seamless
integration of operations and launching Amazon.ae, Amazon.sa and
Amazon.eg. He introduced groundbreaking initiatives such as White
Friday sales events, which generated over $275 million in their first
year, and established PayFort (now Amazon Payment Services) as
the region’s leading online payment platform. Under his leadership,
Amazon MENA opened advanced fulfillment centers, boosting storage
capacity by 70%. His strategic vision positioned the company to host
products from 100,000 SMEs by 2026, fundamentally transforming
the region’s traditional retail landscape.
SABINE HOLL
CTO
IBM Middle East
With over two decades of technology leadership, Sabine Holl
has driven IBM Middle East’s evolution into a digital-first
innovator. Since her appointment as CTO in 2021, she has
overseen the modernization of IBM’s regional services by championing
hybrid cloud and AI adoption across government, finance and
healthcare sectors. Holl led the deployment of Red Hat OpenShift and
IBM Watson solutions on IBM Cloud, enabling clients to accelerate
application development and extract predictive insights from data.
She established the IBM Skills Academy in partnership with regional
universities, upskilling thousands in cloud architecture, data science
and cybersecurity. Holl introduced a managed services framework
that standardized DevOps practices and automated infrastructure
provisioning, reducing time-to-market by 40%. Under her direction,
IBM Middle East launched AI-driven supply chain platforms and
blockchain-based trade finance solutions, enhancing transparency
and operational efficiency. Her strategic initiatives have positioned
IBM as a trusted partner in the region’s digital transformation journey.
August 2025 / 49

SABRI ALBREIKI
CTO
e& International (Etisalat Group)
Since his appointment as CTO of e& International in 2022, Sabri
Albreiki has led the company’s shift from traditional telecommunications
to a global digital services provider. He spearheaded the
creation of a unified digital operations platform based on cloud-native
microservices and Kubernetes, consolidating legacy systems and reducing
infrastructure costs by 30%. Albreiki championed the rollout
of 5G standalone networks and edge computing nodes to support
enterprise IoT applications across smart cities, manufacturing and
logistics. He introduced AI-driven network optimization tools that
improved throughput and reduced latency, and implemented a zero
trust security model to safeguard data across hybrid environments.
Under his leadership, e& International launched new digital offerings,
including a blockchain-enabled roaming settlement service and an API
ecosystem earning over 2,000 developer registrations. His strategic
focus on programmable networks and platform-as-a-service solutions
has positioned e& as a leading innovator in the digital economy.
SAKET SAITH
CTO
RAKBank
With over 25 years of banking and technology experience,
Saket Saith joined RAKBank as Group Chief Technology
and Data Officer in July 2023. He leads the bank’s shift from
legacy systems to a digital-first architecture, unifying platforms on
cloud-native microservices and adopting Kubernetes to streamline
operations. Saith introduced a data mesh framework and enterprise
data governance, enabling real-time analytics and personalized customer
experiences. He championed the rollout of an AI-driven fraud
detection engine and robotic process automation in lending and
payments, reducing manual processing by 60%. Under his leadership,
RAKBank launched a modern mobile banking app with open API
connectivity for fintech partners and implemented DevOps practices
that cut release cycles by half. His initiatives have driven a 35%
increase in digital transactions and elevated customer satisfaction,
positioning RAKBank as an agile, technology-driven institution.
50 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
SALEEM ALBLOOSHI
CTO
du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications)
Since joining du in 2008 and being appointed CTO in November
2017, Saleem Alblooshi has led the company’s transformation
from a traditional telecom operator into a digital services innovator
across the UAE. He spearheaded deployment of 5G-Advanced
networks and edge computing infrastructure, launching the du
Innovation Center to pilot next-generation use cases in smart city,
industry and healthcare verticals. Alblooshi oversaw migration of
radio access network functions to a cloud-native architecture in partnership
with AWS and Nokia, enhancing network agility and reducing
time-to-market for new services. He introduced AI-driven resource
allocation and predictive maintenance systems across mobile, fiber
and fixed networks, cutting downtime by 30 percent. Alblooshi also
established an open API framework to foster third-party ecosystem
integration and led rollout of IoT-enabled smart mobility and energy
management solutions. Under his leadership, du’s network capacity
expanded by over 700 percent in four years, while customer data
traffic grew more than sevenfold.
SVEN HERZING
CTO
Talabat
Since becoming CTO in 2018, Sven Herzing has overseen Talabat’s
technology evolution into a leading on-demand delivery platform
across the Middle East and North Africa. He guided migration
from monolithic systems to a fully containerized microservices architecture
on Kubernetes, enabling independent service scaling and
faster deployments. Herzing introduced a regionally distributed cloud
infrastructure to reduce latency and enhance resilience, and implemented
a continuous integration and delivery pipeline that halved
release cycles. He led development of AI-powered recommendation
engines and real-time route optimization algorithms, improving
customer satisfaction and delivery efficiency. Under his leadership,
Talabat launched proprietary payment gateways and integrated local
wallet solutions to streamline transactions. He also established a
centralized data platform that delivers actionable insights for marketing
and operations teams. His strategic focus on modular design,
automation and data-driven innovation has positioned Talabat as a
digital-first pioneer in the regional foodtech sector.
August 2025 / 51

SERGE TERENTYEV
Chief Technology Officer
WIO
Since joining Wio Bank as Chief Technology Officer in June 2022,
Serge Terentyev has driven the launch of the all-in-one digital
financial platform that reboots banking for everyone. Drawing
on CTO roles at Vivid Money and Tinkoff Bank, he implemented a
cloud-native microservices architecture that consolidated legacy
systems and accelerated feature delivery. Terentyev led development
of an API-first banking-as-a-service framework, enabling seamless
fintech integrations and white-label solutions for corporate clients.
He introduced event-driven data pipelines and real-time analytics to
power personalized financial insights and automated risk monitoring.
Under his leadership, multinational development teams grew from
zero to over 200 engineers across Abu Dhabi, Berlin and Moscow,
delivering tens of services and millions of lines of code. His strategic
focus on modular design, continuous delivery and robust governance
has positioned Wio Bank as a modern, developer-friendly fintech
innovator.
SIRAJ PATEL
Chief Technology Officer
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
With over 20 years in financial technology, Siraj Patel joined
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank as Chief Technology Officer in
January 2021. He led the bank’s transition from monolithic
legacy systems to a cloud-native, microservices architecture that
accelerated digital product delivery and reduced infrastructure costs
by 35%. Patel spearheaded deployment of an AI-powered risk and
compliance platform, automating Shariah governance checks and
real-time fraud detection. He introduced a customer-centric mobile
banking app featuring biometric authentication, personalized spend
analytics and instant financing approvals, boosting active digital users
by 80%. Under his direction, the bank implemented API-driven open
banking capabilities that facilitated partnerships with fintechs and
enabled over 50 new value-added services. Patel also established an
agile delivery framework and a DevSecOps pipeline, cutting release
cycles from quarterly to biweekly. His strategic focus on innovation
and operational resilience has positioned Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
as a leader in digital Islamic finance.
52 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
SOPHIE HILDEBRAND
CTO
ADNOC
Appointed CTO in February 2023, Sophie Hildebrand leads
ADNOC’s technology agenda to transform the oil and gas
giant into a digital-first energy company. With more than 20
years of global experience, she previously served as VP of Digital
Transformation at Shell, where she implemented cloud-based production
monitoring and digital twin platforms. At ADNOC, Hildebrand
spearheaded deployment of a hybrid cloud architecture and advanced
analytics to optimize upstream operations, reducing well downtime
by 25%. She introduced AI-driven reservoir modeling and predictive
maintenance systems across refining and distribution assets, enhancing
uptime and safety. Hildebrand championed the rollout of a unified
digital platform that integrates IoT sensors, edge computing and
blockchain-enabled supply chain tracking. She also established the
ADNOC Digital Academy to upskill thousands of employees in data
science and cybersecurity. Her strategic initiatives have positioned
ADNOC as a pioneer in the energy sector’s digital transformation.
SUJIT KRISHNAN UNNI
Group CTO
Network International
Since his appointment in 2021, Sujit Krishnan Unni has led Network
International’s transformation into a cloud-native, data-driven
payments and commerce platform across the Middle East and
Africa. He designed and implemented a global microservices architecture
on Kubernetes, migrating legacy payment switches to a hybrid
cloud environment that improved scalability and reduced latency by
50%. Unni introduced an API-first open banking framework, enabling
seamless integration with fintech partners and accelerating timeto-market
for value-added services. He deployed AI-powered fraud
detection and real-time transaction monitoring, cutting fraud losses
by 40%. He also established a centralized data lake and advanced
analytics capabilities to deliver personalized merchant insights and
optimize authorization rates. Under his leadership, Network International
launched a next-generation payment gateway and a digital
wallet solution, driving 60% growth in digital transactions. His strategic
focus on platform innovation and cybersecurity has positioned
the company as a leading enabler of the region’s digital economy.
August 2025 / 53

TAREQ MUHMOOD
Regional President - CEMEA
Visa
Since his appointment in 2021, Tareq Muhmood has led Visa’s
expansion across over 100 markets in Central Europe, the Middle
East and Africa, transforming the company from a traditional
card network into a digital payments platform provider. He championed
the rollout of Visa’s cloud-based tokenization services and
Visa Direct real-time push payments, enabling banks and fintechs to
offer instant settlement and remittance solutions. Muhmood forged
strategic partnerships with regional mobile wallets and super apps,
integrating Visa credentials and enabling secure tap-to-phone acceptance
for small merchants. He introduced Visa’s innovation labs in
Dubai and Nairobi, accelerating the development of AI-driven fraud
detection and commerce optimization tools. Under his leadership,
Visa launched open API programs that onboarded hundreds of fintech
partners and expanded cross-border e-commerce support. His
focus on digital identity, inclusive finance and sustainable payment
solutions has strengthened Visa’s role as a catalyst for regional
economic digitization.
TAREK SOUBRA
Chief Technology Officer
MBank
With over 22 years in banking technology, Tarek Soubra
joined MBank as CTO in March 2022 to lead its digital
transformation. He orchestrated migration from legacy
core banking systems to a cloud-native, microservices architecture,
reducing deployment times by 60%. Soubra introduced an AI-driven
loan origination platform that automated credit scoring and fostered
real-time decisioning, decreasing approval times from days to
minutes. He spearheaded the launch of a customer-centric mobile
app featuring biometric login, personalized financial insights and
instant peer-to-peer payments, boosting digital engagement by 75%.
Soubra implemented an enterprise data governance framework and
built a centralized analytics lake to power predictive marketing and
risk management. Under his leadership, MBank rolled out an open
banking API portal that enabled fintech collaborations and supported
over 30 third-party services. His strategic focus on innovation, agility
and data-driven operations has positioned MBank as a leading digital
bank in the region.
54 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
TOUFIC DERBASS
Managing Director for the Middle East,
Türkiye, and Africa (META) region
Kaspersky
With over 20 years in cybersecurity leadership, Toufic Derbass
joined Kaspersky in 2017 to oversee operations across the
META region. He led a comprehensive shift from traditional
antivirus solutions to a managed security services model, deploying
cloud-based threat intelligence platforms and extended detection
and response capabilities. Derbass established regional security
operation centers that leverage machine learning and behavioral
analytics to detect and neutralize advanced threats in real time.
He introduced a partner enablement program that certified over
500 managed service providers in cybersecurity best practices and
Kaspersky solutions. Under his leadership, Kaspersky expanded its
regional footprint by opening new offices in Riyadh, Lagos and Istanbul
and launched industry-specific threat research units to support
critical infrastructure and financial sectors. His strategic focus on
proactive defense, localization and partner ecosystems has driven
double-digit revenue growth and positioned Kaspersky as a trusted
security advisor in the META region.
VARUN SOOD
Chief Transformation Officer
Dubai Islamic Bank
Since his appointment in 2022, Varun Sood has led Dubai Islamic
Bank’s enterprise transformation by embedding digital innovation
into all aspects of banking operations. Drawing on two
decades of experience at global financial institutions, he redesigned
the bank’s operating model around agile principles and cross-functional
squads. Sood oversaw migration of core banking platforms to a
cloud-native microservices architecture that reduced time to market
for new products by 50 percent. He launched an end-to-end digital
customer journey, introducing a mobile app with instant account
opening, AI-driven personalization and automated Shariah compliance
checks. Under his direction, the bank implemented robotic process
automation in retail and corporate operations, cutting manual tasks
by 60 percent, and established a data governance framework that
powers real-time analytics for risk management and marketing. His
strategic focus on people, processes and technology has positioned
Dubai Islamic Bank as a leader in digital Islamic finance.
August 2025 / 55

VIBHOR MUNDHADA
Chief Executive Officer
NeoPay
With over 15 years in digital payments and fintech, Vibhor
Mundhada became CEO of NeoPay in 2021, steering its
evolution from a payments gateway into a full-service digital
banking platform. He led development of a cloud-native architecture
that unified merchant acquiring, card issuance and digital wallet
services, reducing integration time for partners by 70%. Mundhada
introduced an API-first developer portal and sandbox environment,
attracting more than 250 fintech and SME partners. He launched
AI-driven transaction analytics that provided real-time insights for
fraud prevention and customer segmentation. Under his leadership,
NeoPay rolled out instant cross-border remittances and loyalty
management solutions, increasing transaction volumes by 150%.
He also established a centralized compliance and risk management
framework aligned with global standards, enabling rapid expansion
into new markets. His strategic focus on technology innovation
and partner ecosystems has positioned NeoPay as a leading fintech
enabler in the region.
VENKATASUBRAMANIAN
HARIHARAN
Managing Director,
Canon Middle East FZ-LLC
With 27 years of industry experience and 15 years at Canon,
Venkatasubramanian (Subbu) Hariharan became Managing
Director of Canon Middle East and Turkey in July 2021. He
transformed Canon’s regional operations from a traditional shipping
company into a comprehensive imaging solutions provider by implementing
customer-centric digital platforms and channel expansion
strategies. Hariharan led the integration of Canon Turkey operations
and spearheaded geographical expansion into key emerging markets
across the GCC. He introduced data-driven inventory management
systems, streamlined supply chain operations and established regional
partnerships that strengthened Canon’s market leadership position.
Under his direction, Canon Middle East launched AI-powered imaging
solutions for enterprise clients and expanded its business-to-consumer
digital platforms, driving double-digit growth. His commitment to
Canon’s Kyosei philosophy working together for the common good
has fostered employee engagement and positioned Canon as an
authentic brand in the digital transformation era.
56 \ August 2025

27 - 29 October 2025
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Smart City
SMART CITY
CHAMPIONS:
DUBAI RANKS 4TH GLOBALLY
AS $1.6B DIGITAL INVESTMENT
TRANSFORMS URBAN LIVING
Dubai has achieved a remarkable milestone in its digital
transformation journey, securing the 4th position globally
in the prestigious IMD Smart City Index 2025. This significant
leap of eight positions from its previous 12th place
ranking underscores the emirate’s strategic commitment
to becoming the world’s smartest and most technologically
advanced city. The achievement places Dubai at
the forefront of global smart city development, leading
all cities in the GCC, Arab world, and Asia.
Central to Dubai’s smart city success
is its substantial $1.6 billion
investment in digital infrastructure,
a comprehensive initiative that spans
multiple sectors and government entities.
This strategic funding has enabled the
emirate to build a robust technological
foundation that supports advanced urban
services, enhances citizen experiences,
and positions Dubai as a global leader
in digital innovation.
58 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
The investment encompasses a wide
range of cutting-edge technologies including
artificial intelligence, Internet of
Things (IoT), blockchain, and 5G networks.
These technologies work synergistically
to create an interconnected
urban ecosystem that responds intelligently
to citizen needs while optimizing
resource utilization and improving
operational efficiency.
Outstanding Citizen Satisfaction Metrics
Dubai’s smart city initiatives have generated
impressive satisfaction rates
This is a testament to
the collective efforts of
government entities and
private sector partners
in transforming Dubai
into the world’s smartest
city.”
— His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer,
Director-General, RTA
across key urban services. Citizens
report 86.5% satisfaction with internet
speed, 85.4% satisfaction with online
ID processing, and 84.5% satisfaction
with online medical appointment booking.
These metrics demonstrate the tangible
impact of Dubai’s digital transformation
on daily life, with residents experiencing
seamless access to essential services
through digital platforms.
The city has achieved remarkable
progress across multiple service cate-
gories, including 82.8% satisfaction with
healthcare services, 83.4% satisfaction
with access to green spaces, and 86.5%
satisfaction with cultural activities. These
scores reflect Dubai’s holistic approach
to smart city development, addressing
not only technological infrastructure but
also quality of life indicators that matter
most to residents.
Technology Partnerships Driving Innovation
Dubai’s smart city transformation is
powered by strategic partnerships with
leading global technology companies.
Cisco has been instrumental in providing
smart city infrastructure, IoT sensors, and
connectivity solutions that enable seamless
data collection and analysis across
the urban environment. The company’s
Smart+Connected Communities platform
has helped Dubai implement intelligent
traffic management, environmental monitoring,
and public safety systems.
IBM has contributed significantly to
Dubai’s AI integration and data analytics
capabilities, helping the city process
vast amounts of urban data to generate
actionable insights for decision-making.
Siemens has supported smart infrastructure
development, particularly in mobility
solutions and building automation systems.
Schneider Electric has provided
energy management solutions and smart
grid technologies that enhance Dubai’s
sustainability efforts, while Huawei has
delivered 5G networks and digital infrastructure
that form the backbone of the
city’s connectivity.
Government Entity Collaboration
The success of Dubai’s smart city initiative
stems from unprecedented collaboration
between key government entities.
Smart Dubai serves as the central
coordination body, orchestrating digital
transformation strategies across all sectors
and ensuring seamless integration
of smart technologies.
The Roads and Transport Authority
(RTA) has implemented a comprehensive
Digital Strategy 2023-2030, encompassing
82 projects with a budget
of AED 1.6 billion. RTA’s initiatives include
smart mobility solutions, autonomous
vehicle testing, and AI-powered traffic
management systems that have reduced
journey times by up to 20%.
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has revolutionized
healthcare delivery through
the NABIDH platform, which now connects
over 9.47 million patient records
across 1,300 healthcare facilities. The
authority has achieved a 98.55% digital
completion rate and 98.91% automation
of internal processes.
Dubai Police has integrated AI-powered
systems for predictive policing,
smart surveillance, and emergency response
coordination. Dubai Municipality
has implemented smart environmental
monitoring systems and digital urban
planning tools that support sustainable
development initiatives.
Transformative Real-World Applications
Dubai’s smart city initiatives have produced
tangible improvements across
multiple sectors. In transportation, the
city has deployed AI-powered traffic
signal optimization that reduces journey
times by up to 20%, smart parking
systems providing real-time availability
information, and integrated public transport
with seamless digital payments.
Healthcare transformation includes
the comprehensive NABIDH platform
connecting millions of patient records,
telemedicine services with exceptional
digital completion rates, and AI-powered
diagnostic tools that enhance medical
outcomes. The system has facilitated the
exchange of over 352 million healthcare
messages since its launch.
Public safety has been enhanced
through predictive policing algorithms,
AI-powered surveillance systems, and
smart emergency response coordination
that improves incident detection and
response times. Governance services
have achieved 99.5% digitization, with
blockchain-based document verification,
AI chatbots for citizen services, and comprehensive
digital identity management
systems.
The emirate’s commitment to continuous
innovation, evidenced by its ambitious
goals of achieving 95% digital
adoption of services and converting
25% of mobility trips to autonomous
modes by 2030, positions Dubai as a
leader in future-ready urban development.
Through substantial investment,
strategic partnerships, and unwavering
leadership commitment, Dubai has created
a smart city ecosystem achieving
16 out of 20 technology indicator improvements
while advancing across all
four pillars of technology governance
that enhances quality of life.
August 2025 / 59

APP EXPRESS
CARVANA – BUY & SELL CARS ONLINE
4.7 STAR | 1M+ DOWNLOADS
Carvana transforms the traditional car buying and selling
process into a seamless digital experience. The app
allows users to browse a large inventory of certified
used cars, view detailed specifications, access 360-degree
images, and review vehicle history reports from the comfort of
their phone. It eliminates dealership visits by enabling online
car purchases, trade-ins, and financing approvals. Users can
have their vehicle delivered directly to their home or opt for
pick-up from one of Carvana’s car vending machines available
in select US cities.
A seven-day return policy ensures confidence and flexibility,
offering customers time to decide if the vehicle suits their
needs. Carvana also provides instant trade-in offers and loan
calculators to streamline decision-making. The platform is
designed for transparency, speed, and convenience, particularly
for digitally-savvy buyers seeking a stress-free car
shopping experience.
Its intuitive interface guides users through each step with
minimal friction. Whether purchasing a car for the first time
or upgrading an existing vehicle, Carvana delivers a reliable
and modern alternative to conventional auto dealerships.
The app combines innovation with customer-first service,
making it a standout option for online vehicle transactions
across the United States.
KENO – CAR WASH & DETAILING APP
4.2 STAR | 100K+ DOWNLOADS
Keno is a UAE-based car wash and detailing app designed
for convenience, sustainability, and quality service. It
enables users to book eco-friendly, waterless car cleaning
services from trained professionals who come directly
to their location, whether at home, the office, or in a public
parking area. The app offers a variety of cleaning packages
that range from quick exterior washes to full interior detailing,
engine cleaning, and waxing.
The booking process is straightforward, with real-time tracking
and secure online payment. Customers can schedule single
services or choose recurring options for regular maintenance.
Keno’s use of biodegradable cleaning products aligns with
the region’s growing environmental awareness, making it a
sustainable choice for vehicle owners.
With a reputation for punctual service and consistent quality,
Keno appeals to busy professionals, families, and anyone
looking to maintain their car without spending time at service
stations. The app eliminates the hassle of queues and waiting
times while offering premium results. As car care continues
to evolve in the UAE, Keno stands out by integrating technology,
customer service, and eco-conscious practices into
one reliable and accessible solution.
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DUBAINOW – DUBAI’S SMART SERVICES APP
4.5 STAR | 1M+ DOWNLOADS
DubaiNow is the official smart city application developed
to centralise government and private sector services
across Dubai. Featuring over 130 services from more
than 35 entities, the app allows users to complete everyday
tasks quickly and efficiently. From paying DEWA and Etisalat
bills to renewing vehicle registrations, managing Salik
accounts, and booking medical appointments, DubaiNow
simplifies urban living through one unified digital interface.
The app is designed for both residents and visitors, supporting
multiple languages and secure authentication for personal
data. Users can also track visa applications, monitor school
fees, and report violations, removing the need to navigate
different platforms or make in-person visits.
DubaiNow reflects the city’s commitment to digital transformation
and smart governance. With real-time notifications,
biometric login, and seamless integration across departments,
it ensures convenience and transparency.
Whether managing finances, health, education, or mobility,
DubaiNow offers one-click access to the city’s essential
services. As Dubai continues its journey to becoming one of
the world’s smartest cities, this app serves as a vital digital
companion for anyone living in or interacting with the emirate.
EKAR – SELF-DRIVE MOBILITY APP
4.3 STAR | 500K+ DOWNLOADS
ekar is the Middle East’s leading self-drive mobility app,
offering flexible car rentals, long-term subscriptions,
and corporate fleet solutions. Designed for residents,
visitors, and professionals, ekar allows users to rent vehicles
by the minute, hour, day, or month, depending on their
mobility needs. Bookings are managed entirely through the
app, from locating nearby cars and unlocking the vehicle to
starting the engine and ending the trip.
Each rental includes fuel, insurance, and maintenance,
making it a cost-effective and hassle-free alternative to car
ownership. The platform supports a wide range of vehicles,
from compact cars to SUVs, with options tailored to individual
or business use.
ekar’s intuitive interface, real-time tracking, and transparent
pricing make it easy to plan short errands or extended
travel. Subscriptions can be paused or resumed at any time,
offering added flexibility. Ideal for urban mobility and reducing
traffic congestion, ekar supports smart city goals by promoting
shared, efficient transportation. Its growing network
across the UAE and Saudi Arabia positions it as a key player
in the region’s transportation ecosystem. For users seeking
convenience without long-term commitment, ekar offers a
practical, tech-driven mobility solution.
August 2025 / 61

Smart Mobility
MASDAR’S SMART
MOBILITY CLUSTER:
SAVI’S ROLE IN FUTURE-
PROOFING TRANSPORTATION
In the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, a global pioneer in
sustainable urban development, an ambitious initiative is
accelerating the future of transportation. The Sustainable
Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (SAVI) cluster, launched
in October 2023 within the Masdar City Free Zone, is
rapidly shaping the UAE’s smart mobility landscape by
fostering a vibrant ecosystem dedicated to the development,
testing, and scaling of autonomous and sustainable
vehicle technologies.
SAVI is not just a cluster; it is a
comprehensive smart mobility
zone designed to catalyse innovation
across air, land, and sea transport
sectors. Launched by the Abu Dhabi
Department of Economic Development
(ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment
Office (ADIO), SAVI aims to establish
Abu Dhabi as a global industrial mobility
hub. The cluster spans autonomous vehicles,
electric vertical takeoff and landing
(eVTOL) aircraft, maritime systems, and
robotics, creating a multi-modal platform
for integrated smart mobility solutions.
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Located within Masdar City, a sustainable
development known for its clean
technology and innovation ecosystem,
SAVI offers state-of-the-art facilities including
R&D labs, testing and certification
centers, large-scale workshops, manufacturing
hangars, and dedicated test
zones. These are seamlessly connected
through Abu Dhabi’s global logistics network,
enabling companies to develop
and scale cutting-edge technologies
efficiently.
Enabling Innovation through Strategic
Partnerships
Central to SAVI’s success is its network
of strategic partnerships with major technology
players, financial institutions, and
global autonomous vehicle innovators.
Collaborations with companies like Amazon
Web Services (AWS) provide the
digital infrastructure crucial for handling
vast data streams generated by
autonomous systems. This cloud-based
backbone supports advanced simulation
platforms and data-sharing environments,
allowing innovators to test algorithms
and vehicle behavior in realistic virtual
scenarios before real-world deployment.
Financial institutions and investment
bodies play a pivotal role by facilitating
access to funding and investment opportunities,
helping early-stage startups
and SMEs accelerate commercialization.
Meanwhile, partnerships with global AV
leaders bring expertise, technology transfer,
and market insights, enriching the
cluster’s innovation ecosystem.
Regulatory Sandboxes and Data-Sharing:
Accelerating Development
A unique feature of SAVI is its regulatory
sandbox framework, designed to
support early-stage companies by providing
a controlled environment where
new autonomous and sustainable mobility
technologies can be tested under
real-world conditions without the
full burden of regulatory compliance.
This accelerates innovation cycles by
allowing rapid iteration and refinement
while ensuring safety and compliance.
Additionally, SAVI fosters a collaborative
data-sharing environment where
anonymized operational data from test
vehicles and infrastructure is shared
among cluster members. This open-data
approach enables developers to improve
AI models, enhance sensor fusion, and
optimize vehicle decision-making processes,
driving faster progress toward
reliable autonomous systems.
Real-World Testing and Simulation in
Masdar City
Masdar City itself serves as a living
laboratory for SAVI’s ambitions. The
city’s integrated urban ecosystem offers
a geofenced environment where
level 4 autonomous vehicles capable
of fully independent operation within
defined zones are tested extensively.
A 2.4-kilometer test route connects key
landmarks such as the Siemens building,
My City Centre Masdar mall, and the
International Renewable Energy Agency
headquarters, providing a complex urban
setting for validating AV performance.
Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar
City, highlights the significance of this
initiative: “The announcement of level
4 testing marks a substantial leap forward
in AV capabilities and we are proud
that Masdar City is once again leading
the field in the development of such a
critical future technology. The initiative
also aligns perfectly with our vision to
shape the cities of the future through
innovation, digital integration and environmental
responsibility. By collaborating
with partners like Solutions+, we are
not only advancing autonomous vehicle
technology but also contributing to a
more sustainable and efficient urban
landscape for all.”
This real-world testbed complements
SAVI’s advanced simulation platforms,
enabling developers to validate their
technologies in both virtual and physical
environments, ensuring robustness
before wider deployment.
Aligning with National Goals for Sustainability
and Urban Transformation
SAVI’s mission dovetails with the UAE’s
ambitious national goals for clean energy,
decarbonization, and smart urban transformation.
The cluster supports the UAE’s
Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative
by promoting electric and autonomous
vehicles that reduce carbon emissions
and improve urban air quality.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General
of the Integrated Transport
Centre (ITC), emphasizes the broader
impact: “This initiative marks a key milestone
in Abu Dhabi’s vision to embrace
future transport technologies and reaffirms
our commitment to providing an
integrated regulatory environment that
SAVI is projected to
contribute AED 90-120
billion to the UAE economy
and generate 30,000-
50,000 jobs, creating a
ripple effect that will
elevate our smart, diversified,
and sustainable
Falcon Economy to new
heights.”
– Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi,
Chairman, ADDED
supports innovation and accelerates the
adoption of smart mobility solutions. We
are working to enable a sustainable and
flexible transport model that enhances
the emirate’s competitiveness and supports
its ambition to become a global hub
for smart cities and sustainable mobility.”
Through SAVI, Masdar City is positioned
as a global hub where innovation
meets regulation and sustainability,
fostering technologies that will redefine
urban transport systems not only in the
UAE but worldwide. As the UAE continues
to pioneer innovations in clean technology
and smart cities, SAVI stands at the
forefront, future-proofing transportation
systems to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
August 2025 / 63

INVESTMENT NEWS
Apple Eyes $14B Deal for Perplexity AI to Boost
Search and Challenge Google
Reports revealed Apple is in early
talks to acquire Perplexity AI
for $14 billion, its largest potential
deal to date. The move aims to
strengthen Apple’s AI capabilities and
reduce reliance on Google Search. If
successful, the acquisition would integrate
Perplexity’s conversational AI
into Apple’s ecosystem, signaling a
major strategic shift toward AI ownership
amid growing market and regulatory
pressures.
Grammarly Acquires
Email Startup Superhuman
for AI Leap
Grammarly announced its acquisition
of Superhuman, a premium
AI-powered email startup. This
move supports Grammarly’s shift beyond
grammar tools into a broader AI
productivity platform. Superhuman will
retain its brand and team, with CEO Rahul
Vohra joining Grammarly. The integration
aims to enhance email, calendar,
and collaboration features, positioning
Grammarly as a strong competitor in the
AI productivity market.
Elon Musk’s xAI
Secures $10B to
Expand AI Infrastructure
Elon Musk’s xAI secured $10 billion
split between debt and equity
funding to expand its AI infrastructure.
Led by Morgan Stanley, the
oversubscribed deal will support projects
like the Grok platform and one
of the world’s largest AI data centers.
As xAI eyes a $120–200 billion valuation,
the funding marks a major step in
Musk’s bid to lead the global AI race.
ElevenLabs Expands
Globally While Preparing
for IPO
AI voice startup ElevenLabs announced
plans for global expansion
and an IPO within five years.
CEO Mati Staniszewski revealed new
hubs are planned in Paris, Singapore,
Brazil, and Mexico, adding to existing
offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Valued at $3.3 billion, the company aims
to scale responsibly while considering
London or other global markets for its
future public listing.
Google Hires Windsurf
Execs in $2.4B Deal to
Boost AI Coding
Google announced a $2.4 billion licensing
deal with AI coding startup
Windsurf, hiring several of its top
executives. Rather than acquiring the
company, Google secured non-exclusive
rights to its technology while bringing
in key talent to boost AI development.
This strategic “acquihire” strengthens
Google’s position in the competitive AI
coding space without disrupting Windsurf’s
ownership structure.
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Apple Places Bid
for Formula 1 U.S.
Streaming Rights
Apple reportedly placed a $150
million annual bid for exclusive
U.S. streaming rights to Formula
1 races starting in 2026. The bid, outpacing
competitors, reflects Apple’s
growing investment in live sports and
motorsports content. With ESPN’s
renegotiation window closed, Apple
could soon become F1’s primary U.S.
distributor, marking a major shift toward
tech-led sports streaming.
Google Strikes $3B Hydropower Deal in Landmark
Clean Energy Agreement
Google signed a $3 billion deal
with Brookfield Asset Management
to secure up to 3 gigawatts
of U.S. hydropower, marking
the largest corporate hydroelectric
agreement globally. The 20-year pact
supports Google’s AI-driven ener-
gy demands and includes $25 billion
in planned data center expansions.
This move reinforces Google’s commitment
to sustainable infrastructure
amid surging tech sector power consumption.
This move has changed the
lanscape of clean energy in the UAE.
Wittify.ai Secures
$1.5M Pre-Seed to
Expand Arabic AI
Across MENA
Riyadh-based Wittify.ai raised $1.5
million in pre-seed funding from
top Saudi angel investors. The
startup builds Arabic AI agents using
proprietary ASR and TTS technologies
trained on over 25 dialects. Operating
in Riyadh, Dubai, and Cairo, Wittify offers
a no-code platform for businesses,
aiming to lead Arabic AI innovation
across MENA with localized, culturally
aware voice and language solutions.
Saudi Arabia Kicks
Off Esports World Cup
with £51.5M Record
Prize Pool
Saudi Arabia launched the Esports
World Cup in Riyadh with
a record £51.5 million prize pool.
Spanning 25 tournaments and featuring
2,000 players, the event runs
through August 24 and aligns with
Saudi Vision 2030. Blending gaming
with cultural experiences, EWC
attracts global teams and millions of
fans, showcasing esports as a major
force in global entertainment.
Meta Expands AI Push
with Acquisition of
Voice Startup Play AI
Google announced a $2.4 billion
licensing deal with AI coding
startup Windsurf, hiring several
of its top executives. Rather than acquiring
the company, Google secured
non-exclusive rights to its technology
while bringing in key talent to boost AI
development. This strategic “acquihire”
strengthens Google’s position in
the competitive AI coding space without
disrupting Windsurf’s ownership
structure.
August 2025 / 65

Autonomous Cars
NEOM’S $100M BET:
SAUDI ARABIA’S AUTONOMOUS
VEHICLE MANUFACTURING HUB
CHALLENGES GLOBAL ORDER
Saudi Arabia’s NEOM is reimagining the future of mobility
with a USD 100 million investment in Pony.ai. This bold
move marks a pivotal step in transforming the Kingdom
into a hub for autonomous innovation, where vision meets
execution, and where the region positions itself to lead
the next era of intelligent transport.
Saudi Arabia’s push towards technological
diversification and industrial
self-sufficiency has taken a decisive
leap with NEOM’s USD 100 million
investment into Pony.ai, a global leader
in autonomous driving technology. This
strategic collaboration will establish an
autonomous vehicle (AV) manufacturing
and research hub within NEOM, reinforcing
the city’s ambition to become a
global nucleus for sustainable, AI-driven
transport.
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As part of this joint venture, a fully integrated
production facility will be set
up within NEOM’s bounds, focusing on
electric and autonomous vehicle manufacturing
powered entirely by renewable
energy. This move positions the Kingdom
not only as a consumer of mobility
technologies but as a formidable player
in the global AV supply chain.
The decision to partner with Pony.
ai reflects the trust in its proven capabilities.
Having successfully deployed
fully driverless robotaxis across several
Chinese Tier-1 cities, Pony.ai brings a robust
combination of hardware integration
and AI expertise to NEOM’s emerging
transport ecosystem. The project aligns
closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which
emphasises economic diversification
and digital innovation. NEOM, with its
26,500 square kilometre expanse and
futuristic city plan, offers a unique, infrastructure-free
canvas to trial, test, and
scale autonomous mobility solutions.
Unlike conventional urban centres,
NEOM’s design deliberately removes
legacy transport systems, creating an
optimal environment for new-age mobility
experimentation.
Strategic Catalyst for Saudi Vision 2030
More than just a local initiative, the implications
of this partnership extend across
the GCC. With the joint venture’s scope
extending beyond NEOM, it is expected
to introduce autonomous vehicle services
throughout Saudi Arabia and neighbouring
Gulf states. The localisation of AV
manufacturing will reduce dependence
on global automotive giants and elevate
the Kingdom’s role as a technology
exporter rather than a mere importer.
Furthermore, the facility is expected to
create specialised employment opportunities,
contributing to the development
of domestic engineering and research
talent. It also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s
geopolitical narrative of becoming
a regional innovation powerhouse while
fostering knowledge transfer within its
industrial ecosystem.
NEOM’s AV strategy is not isolated
from its broader smart mobility goals.
This initiative is part of a larger mobility
framework that includes electric vertical
take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft
through partnerships such as the one
with Volocopter. Integrating land, air, and
maritime mobility, NEOM aspires to be a
global exemplar for multimodal transport
Autonomous mobility
is no longer a future
concept, it is an essential
pillar of our smart
city vision and economic
transformation.”
– H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama,
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence,
Digital Economy and Remote
Work Applications
networks powered by clean energy. The
AV joint venture with Pony.ai serves as a
cornerstone for this ambition, laying the
groundwork for sustainable, AI-powered
movement of people and goods. The use
of NEOM as a “living lab” allows real-time
deployment of these technologies in
a controlled yet scalable environment,
advancing regulatory adaptation and
commercial feasibility across the region.
Autonomous vehicle adoption in Saudi
Arabia is not an isolated trend but part
of a rising regional tide. According to
Bonafide Research, the Saudi AV market
is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of
over 25 per cent through 2030. NEOM’s
venture with Pony.ai places the Kingdom
at the forefront of this trajectory. The
GCC region, including the UAE, stands
to benefit from such developments as
cross-border standards, shared infrastructure,
and policy harmonisation become
increasingly vital. In this context,
NEOM’s pioneering steps may accelerate
a wave of AV deployment and ecosystem
growth throughout the region, potentially
influencing UAE-based innovation hubs
to deepen their AV capabilities or form
new partnerships to maintain competitive
parity.
Regional Ripple Effects Across the GCC
For businesses in the UAE and across the
Gulf, NEOM’s AV joint venture represents
a dual opportunity. It opens avenues for
collaboration in manufacturing, software
development, and smart infrastructure,
while also raising the bar for competitiveness.
UAE firms specialising in AI,
edge computing, sensor technology,
and mobility platforms may find in NEOM
a complementary partner or a strategic
competitor. Additionally, regional
investors may look to similar models,
leveraging public-private partnerships
to stimulate innovation in next-gen mobility.
The interplay of cooperation and
competition will likely determine how
AV leadership is distributed across the
Gulf in the coming decade.
From a policy perspective, the project
aligns with broader state-driven initiatives
across the GCC aimed at reducing carbon
emissions, fostering clean energy
usage, and building high-tech employment
pathways. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry
of Investment (MISA), the Public Investment
Fund (PIF), and Saudi Aramco’s
investment arms have all played roles in
building this innovation ecosystem. These
government stakeholders are focused
on positioning the Kingdom as a global
AV testing ground while also anchoring
its place in the long-term supply chain
for electric and autonomous vehicles.
NEOM’s USD 100 million partnership
with Pony.ai is more than a strategic
investment, it is a declaration of intent
to shape the future of autonomous mobility
from the ground up. By embedding
cutting-edge technology, manufacturing
capacity, and regulatory foresight within
its infrastructure, NEOM sets a high
benchmark for the region. NEOM’s momentum
may spur greater urgency around
home-grown innovation and international
partnerships in the AV space. This development
signals a key moment to join
the autonomous revolution at scale.
August 2025 / 67

STARTUP Spotlight
SEEZ
CO-FOUNDERS: TAREK KABRIT AND
ANDREW KABRIT
YEAR STARTED: 2015
Seez, a Dubai-based automotive
technology startup, has rapidly
emerged as a key innovator in
the regional mobility sector. Founded
with the vision to streamline and digitise
the car buying experience, Seez offers
a suite of advanced solutions, combining
artificial intelligence, blockchain, and
cloud-based technologies. The company’s
AI-powered image recognition tool
enables users to identify car models
through photos, simplifying search and
comparison across online marketplaces.
Additionally, its GPT-powered virtual
assistant provides real-time, intelligent
customer support, assisting buyers and
dealers through every step of the vehicle
acquisition process.
Seez also integrates blockchain
technology to support secure and tamper-proof
digital car registrations, offering
greater transparency and efficiency for
both end users and government entities.
On the B2B front, the startup delivers
SaaS platforms tailored for dealerships,
empowering them with smart inventory
management, pricing tools, and customer
engagement solutions. With over
USD 21 million raised in funding, Seez is
scaling its operations beyond the UAE,
targeting wider GCC and international markets.
Its growth reflects strong investor
confidence in its disruptive model and
the increasing demand for innovative,
customer-centric, and truly digital-first
automotive services. As the UAE continues
its push towards smart mobility,
Seez is strategically positioned at the
forefront of transforming the modern car
buying and selling ecosystem.
DERQ
CO-FOUNDERS: DR. GEORGES
AOUDE AND DR. KARL
JEANBART
YEAR STARTED: 2016
Derq is a UAE-based deep-tech
startup focused on improving road
safety through advanced Artificial
Intelligence and Vehicle-to-Everything
(V2X) communication technologies. The
company develops intelligent systems
that use real-time data to predict and
prevent traffic accidents, aiming to
create safer roads for both drivers and
pedestrians. Its platforms gather and
analyse data from traffic signals, road
infrastructure, and connected vehicles
to identify risks and issue early warnings
that can help avoid collisions.
Derq’s technology has been successfully
tested in smart city environments
across the UAE, including Dubai and Abu
Dhabi. These deployments support the
country’s long-term vision for zero road
68 \ August 2025
fatalities and the integration of autonomous
vehicles into its transport networks.
The company’s systems are capable of
detecting behaviours such as red-light
violations, speeding, and near misses
within milliseconds, providing valuable
insights for city planners and traffic
authorities.
In addition to real-time safety alerts,
Derq offers a V2X edge computing
platform that enables communication
between vehicles and infrastructure.
This enhances traffic efficiency, reduces
congestion, and supports safer
intersections. Through partnerships with
government entities and international
mobility firms, Derq continues to scale
its impact globally, positioning itself as
a key player in the future of smart, connected
transportation.

thetechnologyexpress.com
UDRIVE
CO-FOUNDERS: HASIB KHAN
YEAR STARTED: 2016
Udrive is a leading pay-per-minute
car rental service headquartered
in the UAE, offering a flexible and
affordable alternative to traditional car
ownership. Designed for urban commuters
and residents seeking shortterm
mobility solutions, Udrive allows
users to book, unlock, and drive cars
through a mobile app, paying only for
the time and distance they use. The
service is available 24/7 and includes
fuel, insurance, and parking, providing
a seamless and hassle-free experience
for customers.
Since its launch, Udrive has facilitated
over two million trips across major
cities in the UAE, including Dubai, Abu
Dhabi, and Sharjah. The platform caters
to a growing demand for convenient,
tech-enabled transport options that align
with the region’s push towards smart
mobility and sustainable urban living.
With a strong user base and rising popularity,
Udrive has attracted significant
investor interest, raising USD 17.3 million
in funding to expand its fleet, enhance
technology, and explore regional growth
opportunities.
By combining digital innovation with
practical mobility needs, Udrive is helping
reshape how people move within
cities. Its model supports reduced traffic
congestion, lower emissions, and improved
access to transport, ultimately
promoting smarter, greener, safer, and
more sustainable journeys while contributing
significantly to the UAE’s rapidly
evolving and globally recognised smart
city ecosystem, empowering residents,
inspiring innovation, and paving the way
for a more connected future.
FENIX
CO-FOUNDERS: JAIDEEP DHANOA
AND IQ SAYED
YEAR STARTED: 2020
Fenix is a UAE-based electric micro-mobility
platform offering shared
e-scooters and e-bikes across major
cities in the GCC. Since securing USD
5 million in seed funding, the company
has grown rapidly, deploying the region’s
largest fleet of electric vehicles
and operating in over 13 cities across
five countries. Designed to reduce traffic
congestion and carbon emissions,
Fenix provides affordable, app-based
access to lightweight, zero-emission
transport options tailored for short urban
commutes.
Fenix has introduced several innovations,
including MyFENIX, the Middle
East’s first private e-scooter subscription
service. This model allows users to
lease their own e-scooters on a weekly
or monthly basis, with inclusive maintenance,
insurance, and an option for
ownership after a fixed period. To expand
its service offering, the company has
also rolled out pedal-assist e-bikes and
launched FENIX Pay, a proprietary digital
wallet supporting cashless payments for
rides and related services.
In a strategic move to enhance its
regional footprint and technical capabilities,
Fenix recently acquired a Turkish
e-scooter operator and established a
research and development centre in
Istanbul. Building stronger mobility ecosystems
through partnerships, advanced
software integration, and data-driven
innovation, the company remains focused
on sustainability, convenience,
and digital transformation. With this holistic
strategy, Fenix is actively shaping
the future of connected, efficient, and
sustainable urban mobility in the Gulf.
August 2025 / 69

EV Charging
CHARGING FORWARD:
UAE’S NEW EV TARIFFS AND
1,000‐STATION ROLLOUT
The United Arab Emirates has entered a transformative
phase in its electric vehicle journey, implementing groundbreaking
tariff reforms and infrastructure expansion that
signal a decisive shift toward sustainable transportation.
With the introduction of standardized EV charging tariffs
AED 1.2 per kWh for DC fast charging and AED 0.70 per
kWh for AC charging the nation is reshaping its mobility
landscape while advancing toward its ambitious 2030
sustainability targets.
The UAE’s transition from free EV
charging to a structured pricing
model represents a critical milestone
in the country’s electric mobility
evolution. Starting January 2025,
UAEV (United Arab Emirates Vehicle),
the country’s first government-owned
charging network, implemented these
standardized tariffs after months of free
charging that supported early adoption.
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
(DEWA) has aligned its pricing structure
with these federal standards, offering
AC charging at AED 0.70 per kWh and
DC charging at AED 1.2 per kWh, both
plus VAT.
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The new tariff structure benefits both
individual consumers and businesses
by providing pricing transparency and
predictability. For consumers, the standardized
rates eliminate confusion previously
caused by varying pricing across
different charging networks. Businesses,
particularly fleet operators, can now
accurately calculate operational costs
and make informed decisions about EV
adoption.
Infrastructure Expansion: Building the
Foundation
The UAE’s infrastructure rollout is equally
impressive, with over 1,000 charging
stations planned nationwide by 2030.
Dubai alone aims to expand its network
from 370 stations in 2023 to 1,000 by
2025, a 170% increase. Currently, Dubai’s
EV charging infrastructure includes over
1,100 charging points across DEWA’s
network and licensed charge point
operators.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD &
CEO of DEWA, emphasized the strategic
importance of this expansion:
“We support the transition towards
green mobility and net zero by reducing
the carbon footprint in the transport
sector, enhancing the competitiveness
of the UAE and Dubai in the electric vehicle
sector, in line with the UAE’s Net
Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Green
Mobility Strategy 2030”
This infrastructure development extends
beyond Dubai, with Abu Dhabi
planning 70,000 EV charging points
by 2030 through partnerships between
ADNOC Distribution and TAQA. The national
approach ensures comprehensive
coverage across emirates, addressing
range anxiety a primary concern for potential
EV buyers.
Aligning with National Targets
The UAE’s EV penetration target of 10%
by 2030 is supported by a comprehensive
policy framework. The National Electric
Vehicles Policy, developed by the
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure,
aims to increase the share of electric
and hybrid vehicles to 50% of total vehicles
by 2050.
Minister Suhail bin Mohammed Al
Mazrouei emphasized that
“the policy will create a conducive
environment for green mobility through
regulating the local market and creating
balanced economic, environmental, and
social incentives that promote the use
of electric vehicles”
Current adoption rates are promising,
with Dubai registering over 39,000 EVs
by Q1 2025, representing a 5.41% increase
compared to Q1 2024. The UAE
ranked first in the Middle East in 2024
for the highest share of electric and
hybrid vehicle sales, reaching almost
26% of total car sales.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Strategic
Vision
Key industry players have embraced
the reforms with strategic optimism.
Tesla, which received one of the first
independent EV charging licenses in
Dubai, sees alignment with the UAE’s
sustainability goals. “Tesla’s mission
The implementation of
standardised charging
tariffs, coupled with the
launch of the UAEV app
and around-the-clock
customer support, underscores
our commitment
to improving the EV
driver experience.”
— Sharif Al Olama,
Chairman, UAEV
to accelerate the world’s transition to
sustainable energy aligns with the UAE’s
Net Zero 2050 strategy,” said Mottie
Benhamou, Tesla UAE’s market leader.
EV Lab, the Middle East’s first multibrand
electric mobility platform, has
established an Electric Mobility Experience
Center in Dubai, demonstrating
the growing private sector confidence
in the market. Kevin Chalhoub, Founder
and CEO of EV Lab, noted that “about
20% of world emissions come from the
transportation industry. We aim to reduce
our carbon emissions in the UAE,
km by km.”
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The environmental impact of the UAE’s
EV transition is substantial. As Sharif Al
Olama noted, “We project a reduction
of over 400 kilotons of carbon emissions
from the transport sector alone
by 2050”. EVs produce zero tailpipe
emissions, significantly improving air
quality in urban areas.
Economically, the transition offers
compelling benefits. EV owners can
save thousands of dirhams annually,
with electricity costs approximately
88% lower than conventional fuel. The
cost per kilometer for EVs is around 5
fils compared to 25-30 fils for gasoline
vehicles.
Addressing Implementation Challenges
Despite the positive trajectory, challenges
remain. Range anxiety continues
to be a significant concern, with infrastructure
gaps in some areas. The UAE
government is addressing this through
strategic partnerships and accelerated
deployment of charging stations along
major highways and urban centers.
The transition from free to paid
charging has raised questions about
continued adoption rates. However,
government incentives including free
parking, toll exemptions, and reduced
registration fees help offset these costs.
The UAE’s EV tariff reforms and infrastructure
expansion represent a fundamental
shift toward sustainable mobility.
With strong government support,
strategic private sector partnerships,
and comprehensive infrastructure development,
the nation is well-positioned
to achieve its 2030 targets while establishing
itself as a regional leader in
clean transportation, clean energy and
the future of electric vehicle disruption.
August 2025 / 71

CRYPTO NEWS
Bitcoin Hits $120K
Ahead of U.S. Crypto
Legislation Week
Bitcoin surged past $120,000,
reaching $121,921 amid record
ETF inflows and growing institutional
interest. The rally coincides
with “Crypto Week” in the U.S. House,
where lawmakers will debate key
crypto regulations, including the Genius
Act. While retail investors remain
cautious, institutional momentum continues,
with forecasts placing Bitcoin
between $140K–$160K by year-end,
barring major rate hikes.
Emirates Teams Up with Crypto.com to Launch
Cryptocurrency Payments for Air Travel
Emirates signed an MoU with Crypto.
com to explore integrating cryptocurrency
payments via Crypto.
com Pay. Set to launch in 2026, the
partnership aims to enhance customer
flexibility and aligns with Dubai’s fintech
vision. The move supports broader
crypto adoption across sectors, with
Emirates joining a growing list of UAE
firms embracing digital assets in response
to the Gulf region’s evolving consumer
preferences.
Trump Signs Stablecoin
Law as Crypto
Industry Eyes Mainstream
Adoption
On July 18, U.S. President Donald
Trump signed the GENIUS Act,
the country’s first major law
regulating stablecoins. The law requires
dollar-pegged tokens to be backed by
liquid assets, aiming to legitimize their
use for everyday payments. While some
crypto firms may seek bank licenses,
critics warn that legal loopholes could
make the U.S. a safe haven for illicit
financial activity.
Ripple Applies for U.S.
National Bank Charter
as Crypto Pushes into
Traditional Finance
On July 2, Ripple announced plans to
apply for a national bank charter in
the U.S., following a similar move
by Circle. The step reflects crypto firms’
push for regulatory clarity and closer
ties to the traditional financial system.
A charter would help Ripple reduce
reliance on intermediary banks, lower
costs, and gain legitimacy amid ongoing
calls for clearer crypto oversight.
Ether.fi Expands to
HyperLiquid, Launches
‘beHYPE’ Staking
Token
Ether.fi is expanding into the HyperLiquid
ecosystem in partnership
with DeFi protocol HyperBeat.
It will launch a liquid staking
token called beHYPE, starting with
preHYPE, a multisig-secured vault for
early deposits. Ether.fi will manage
security and infrastructure, while HyperBeat
handles integration and yield
strategies. The vault will shift to smart
contracts within six weeks. Early users
will earn staking yields and incentive
points called “hearts.”
72 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
ETH Breaks $3,800
Mark on Whale Accumulation
and Rising
Institutional Interest
Ethereum’s ether (ETH) rose nearly
6% in 24 hours, crossing $3,800
amid strong institutional interest
and whale accumulation. A reported
$50 million ETH purchase and $2.18
billion inflows into U.S. spot ETFs fueled
momentum. Analysts, including
Tom Lee, project ETH could reach
$15,000. The rally reflects growing
confidence in ETH as major financial
players increasingly allocate capital to
the digital asset.
Coinbase, Robinhood
Hit Record Highs as
U.S. House Passes
Landmark Crypto Legislation
Crypto-linked stocks surged
Thursday as the U.S. House
passed the GENIUS Act and
CLARITY Act, advancing stablecoin
and market structure regulation. Coinbase
hit a record close above $410,
Robinhood and Galaxy Digital also
posted strong gains, and Circle closed
at a three-week high. While equities
rallied on optimism, crypto prices remained
stable, with XRP rising 8%,
and Bitcoin and Ether showing minimal
movement.
Semler Scientific
Becomes 14th-Largest
Public Bitcoin Holder
After $25M Purchase
The U.S. Department of Defense
has awarded contracts worth up
to $200 million each to OpenAI,
Google, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI
to integrate advanced AI into national
defense systems. The initiative focuses
on developing autonomous AI agents
for combat and enterprise tasks. These
partnerships aim to enhance security,
promote ethical AI use, and maintain
U.S. leadership in cutting-edge defense
technologies.
Ripple Proposes Token Metadata Standard to
Advance XRPL Ecosystem
RippleX developers proposed
XLS-0089d, a draft standard
to structure metadata for multipurpose
tokens (MPTs) on the XRP
Ledger. It defines key fields like ticker,
name, icon, asset class, and issuer
to improve token discoverability and
interoperability across wallets and explorers.
The opt-in, flexible schema
supports better indexing and integration
without disrupting tokens that
don’t adopt it, enhancing the XRPL
ecosystem’s usability, viability and
visibility.
Indian Crypto
Exchange CoinDCX Hit
by $44M Hack
Indian crypto exchange CoinDCX
suffered a $44 million breach, targeting
an internal liquidity account,
but customer assets in cold wallets remain
safe. CEO Sumit Gupta called it a
“sophisticated server breach” quickly
contained and absorbed by the company’s
treasury. The attack, revealed
by blockchain sleuth ZachXBT, coincided
with the one-year anniversary
of WazirX’s $235 million hack. Investigations
and asset recovery efforts are
ongoing.
August 2025 / 73

Automotive Boom
CHINA’S $3.31B
VEHICLE TRADE
SURGE:
HOW DUBAI BECAME THE
GATEWAY FOR ASIAN AUTOMOTIVE
GIANTS
Dubai is rapidly emerging as a key hub in the booming
UAE-China automotive trade, driven by record vehicle
throughput, rising Chinese car exports, and robust logistics
infrastructure. With support from DP World, Dubai Customs,
and JAFZA, the emirate is reshaping regional supply
chains and accelerating the future of mobility in the GCC.
The UAE’s automotive sector is undergoing
a transformative boom,
fuelled by an upsurge in trade with
China and the rise of Dubai as a pivotal
automotive logistics hub. According to DP
World, its Dubai terminals handled over
1.3 million vehicles in 2024—a record
that highlights the emirate’s growing importance
in regional and global vehicle
trade. This surge is largely driven by
the influx of Chinese automobile brands
that are rapidly scaling their presence
across the GCC and Africa via the UAE.
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Dubai’s integrated trade
ecosystem and advanced
customs infrastructure
are essential enablers
of our economic diversification
and global connectivity
goals.”
– His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin
Sulayem,
Chairman, Ports, Customs and Free
Zone Corporation
Major Chinese carmakers such as Jetour,
MG Motor, BYD, Changan, and Geely
are leveraging Dubai’s strategic location,
modern infrastructure, and streamlined
regulatory environment to distribute vehicles
more efficiently across the Middle
East and North Africa. These brands,
known for their electric and hybrid
models, are finding increased demand
among eco-conscious consumers in the
GCC. With support from DP World and
the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai
has become a central node in managing
imports, storage, and re-exports of
Chinese vehicles, especially as global
automotive supply chains shift toward
Asia.
Supporting this growth is Dubai Trade,
a unified digital platform created by DP
World to streamline trade processes
across ports, free zones, and customs.
By integrating seamlessly with
Dubai Customs and key logistics stakeholders,
the platform enables Chinese
automotive manufacturers to expedite
approvals, track inventory in real time,
and optimise supply chain efficiency.
This digital synergy significantly reduces
operational delays and enhances route
planning, making the movement of vehicles
through Dubai notably faster and
more economical. Compared to other
regional gateways, Dubai offers superior
speed, transparency, and cost-effectiveness—making
it the preferred entry and
re-export hub for Chinese automakers
targeting the GCC and Africa.
Further strengthening this bilateral
trade is the newly launched UAE-China
Service Centre, part of a broader strategic
plan to expand Arab-Chinese trade
to USD 400 billion by 2030. The centre
will offer logistics coordination, customs
clearance support, and after-sales service
facilitation to Chinese automotive
firms entering the region. Backed by
the UAE Federal Customs Authority and
coordinated with JAFZA, this initiative
also aligns with China’s Belt and Road
Initiative and its ambition to make the
UAE a primary trade corridor to Africa
and Europe.
In parallel, Dubai Customs reported a
20% year-on-year increase in vehicle
imports from Asia in 2024, underscoring
the scale and speed at which Chinese
automotive brands are penetrating the
UAE market. The combination of zero
import duties within GCC countries, ease
of re-export from JAFZA, and strong consumer
demand has positioned Dubai as
the de facto hub for automotive re-exports
to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt.
The benefits of this trade expansion
are far-reaching for UAE-based stakeholders.
Logistics providers, warehousing
operators, and service centres are
experiencing rising demand, prompting
further investment in infrastructure and
workforce development. In turn, Chinese
companies are also setting up regional
headquarters and showrooms in Dubai,
contributing to local employment and
innovation in the mobility sector. Notably,
firms like Jetour and MG have already
announced plans for regional assembly
and servicing operations, aimed at reducing
costs and improving customer
support.
Moreover, the influx of electric and
hybrid vehicles is aiding the UAE’s
sustainability agenda. As Chinese EVs
become more mainstream, Dubai’s transport
authorities are ramping up EV infrastructure,
including charging stations,
green insurance incentives, and updated
regulations. These developments are in
sync with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals
and its broader ambition to become a
clean tech and smart mobility leader in
the region.
Looking ahead, the UAE is poised to
deepen its automotive and technology
ties with China, not only through trade
but also via investment and joint innovation.
As Dubai continues to enhance its
smart customs solutions, invest in port
automation, and attract foreign direct
investment (FDI), it is expected to remain
the automotive gateway for the Middle
East and Africa. With strategic backing
from institutions like the UAE Federal
Customs Authority and Dubai Customs,
the outlook for automotive trade in Dubai
remains resilient and forward-looking.
The automotive corridor between China
and the UAE goes beyond transactional
trade, it is actively shaping the region’s
future mobility landscape. Dubai’s unique
combination of world-class logistics, advanced
digital platforms, and transparent
regulatory systems positions it as a longterm
leader in automotive distribution.
For GCC countries pursuing economic
diversification, this partnership highlights
the value of strategic infrastructure and
cross-border collaboration. The UAE-China
alliance in the auto sector is not only
boosting trade volumes but also enabling
technology transfer, job creation, and
sustainable growth. It serves as a model
for how visionary investments can transform
regional economies and strengthen
global economic ties.
Dubai’s strategic rise as the automotive
trade hub between China and the
GCC is redefining regional supply chain
dynamics. With strong infrastructure,
advanced digital systems, world-class
logistics facilities, and supportive regulatory
frameworks, the UAE is set to remain
central to the global automotive industry.
As Chinese brands expand rapidly into
GCC markets, Dubai’s pivotal role will
only grow stronger, economically, strategically,
and competitively, cementing
its leadership in shaping future industry
connections across Asia, Europe, and
beyond.
August 2025 / 75

DRIVE TO THE FUTURE
AUDI A6 E-TRON
The Executive EV That Stretches
Every Mile
The Audi A6 e-tron made its official debut on 9th May at a high-profile launch
event held at the Dubai Autodrome. Attended by automotive enthusiasts and
industry professionals from across the Emirates, the launch signaled Audi’s
progressive step toward electrifying its luxury sedan lineup in the Middle East.
This all-electric model, built on the advanced Premium Platform Electric (PPE),
introduces a new standard of performance and design in the premium EV market.
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5.4 seconds
0-100 kmph
428 lb-ft
Torque
375 hp
Horsepower
Audi’s 94.9 kWh battery pack
delivers an estimated driving
range of up to 756 km on a single
charge, ensuring long-distance
capability. Fast charging technology
further enhances practicality by adding
310 km of range in just 10 minutes.
The vehicle’s exterior maintains Audi’s
refined design language while integrating
futuristic elements. A sloping
sportback silhouette improves aerodynamic
efficiency, while the redesigned
Singleframe grille serves purely
as a visual centerpiece.
Ultra-thin headlights and a continuous
OLED rear light strip enhance
the car’s distinctive lighting signature.
Exterior color options such as
Plasma Blue and Neptune Valley add
depth to its bold appearance. Inside,
the flat floor architecture maximizes
cabin space, offering generous legroom
and a premium seating experience.
Sustainable materials are used
throughout, continuing Audi’s commitment
to quality and environmental
consciousness.
A curved digital display stretches
across the dashboard, merging the
virtual cockpit with the central infotainment
system. Features such as
augmented reality navigation, voice
control, and smartphone connectiv-
ity are included in the latest MMI interface.
An optional Bang & Olufsen
sound system elevates the in-car audio
experience.
Though official pricing in the UAE
has yet to be confirmed, estimates
suggest a starting price of around AED
350,000, with higher-spec variants
potentially reaching AED 450,000.
Positioned to compete with models
like the Mercedes EQE and BMW i5,
the A6 e-tron is expected to play a
key role in Audi’s regional EV strategy.
With its blend of power, technology,
and design, the Audi A6 e-tron reflects
a forward-thinking approach to sustainable
mobility.
August 2025 / 77

Flying Taxis
SKY-SPEED
EVOLUTION:
HOW ABU DHABI’S FLYING
TAXI TESTS SIGNAL THE DAWN
OF URBAN AIR MOBILITY
Abu Dhabi is charting a transformative course in urban
transportation with the recent successful test flights of
autonomous flying taxis over Abu Dhabi Marina. Led by
the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) in collaboration
with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), ASPIRE,
the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and industry
pioneers such as EHang, this initiative marks a defining
moment in the emergence of urban air mobility (UAM) in
the Middle East and beyond.
The flying taxis tested, notably
EHang’s EH216-S, represent cutting-edge
electric vertical take-off
and landing (eVTOL) technology. This
two-seater, fully autonomous aerial
vehicle is powered by 16 propellers
driven by 32 electric motors, offering
zero-emission, near-silent flight. Certified
for passenger use in China, the
EH216-S was put through rigorous trials
in Abu Dhabi’s challenging climate,
validating its hot-weather performance,
airspace coordination, route planning,
and vertiport operations. The test flights,
conducted from the Abu Dhabi Cruise
78 \ August 2025

Terminal helipad and soaring above the
Marina, demonstrated the feasibility of
integrating autonomous air taxis into the
city’s transport ecosystem.
Abu Dhabi’s flying taxi program is
distinguished by its holistic approach,
combining technological innovation
with robust regulatory and infrastructure
frameworks. The GCAA’s oversight
ensures that the autonomous flights meet
stringent safety and operational standards,
positioning Abu Dhabi as a global
leader in regulatory readiness for UAM.
The city is actively developing dedicated
air corridors and vertiports specialized
hubs for take-off, landing, and passenger
transfer that will integrate seamlessly
with existing transport networks. These
corridors and infrastructure are critical to
safely scaling operations from pilot tests
to commercial public services, with a
phased rollout anticipated by early 2026.
Abu Dhabi’s Vision: Leading MENA’s
Next-Generation Transport Revolution
This initiative is a cornerstone of Abu
Dhabi’s ambition to lead the MENA region
in pioneering next-generation transport
technologies. The emirate’s Smart and
Autonomous Systems Council (SASC)
and Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
are fostering an innovation ecosystem
that aligns government, industry, and
academia. Partnerships with global innovators
like EHang and the US-based
Archer Aviation whose own eVTOL test
flights in Abu Dhabi signal a burgeoning
competitive landscape underscore the
emirate’s role as a regional hub for advanced
mobility solutions.
The establishment of local manufacturing
capabilities, such as EHang’s
partnership with UAE-based Monarch
Airplane Manufacturing to set up an
aircraft production plant in Abu Dhabi,
further anchors the emirate’s leadership
in aviation technology and economic
diversification.
Implications for Urban Infrastructure,
Sustainability, and Tourism
The integration of flying taxis into Abu
Dhabi’s urban landscape promises to
revolutionize infrastructure planning. By
utilizing vertical airspace, these eVTOLs
can alleviate ground traffic congestion,
reduce travel times, and enhance connectivity
across the city and its outskirts.
The development of vertiports and air
corridors reflects a forward-thinking urban
design that embraces three-dimensional
mobility.
Sustainability is a core driver of this
transformation. The electric propulsion
systems of eVTOLs produce zero
emissions and operate quietly, aligning
with Abu Dhabi’s environmental goals
and the UAE’s broader commitment to
green energy and climate resilience.
This technology offers a cleaner, quieter
alternative to conventional transport,
enhancing urban livability and supporting
the emirate’s vision of a sustainable
smart city.
Tourism stands to gain significantly
from this innovation. Flying taxis can
provide visitors with unique aerial perspectives
of Abu Dhabi’s iconic skyline,
waterfronts, and cultural landmarks,
creating new, eco-friendly tourism experiences.
The seamless integration of
aerial mobility into the city’s transport
network will make sightseeing more accessible
and efficient, further elevating
Abu Dhabi’s global appeal.
Cultivating a Future-Ready Ecosystem
Abu Dhabi’s flying taxi program is more
than a technological showcase; it is a
catalyst for building a comprehensive
ecosystem. By fostering collaborations
across technology, finance, manufacturing,
and regulation, the emirate is
cultivating homegrown talent and capabilities.
Educational initiatives and
industry partnerships are preparing a
skilled workforce to support the operation,
maintenance, and further innovation
of autonomous aerial vehicles.
The involvement of FinTech companies
like Multi Level Group exemplifies the
integrated approach, combining mobility
innovation with financial and regulatory
frameworks to enable scalable, commercially
viable urban air mobility services.
Abu Dhabi’s autonomous flying taxi
test flights are a landmark in the global
evolution of urban air mobility. Through
visionary leadership, robust regulatory
frameworks, and strategic partnerships,
the emirate is transforming the futuristic
concept of flying taxis into a practical,
sustainable reality. With each successful
test, confidence builds in the safety,
efficiency, and scalability of this breakthrough
mobility solution. Abu Dhabi’s
government is working closely with international
aviation authorities, technology
providers, and infrastructure developers
to create an ecosystem where flying
taxis can operate seamlessly alongside
existing modes of transport.
As Abu Dhabi prepares for phased
public rollout, it is not only enhancing
We are proving that
urban air taxis will be
a part of everyday life,
here in Abu Dhabi and
around the world. This
is how we diversify our
economy, cultivate homegrown
capabilities and
make the emirate a global
leader in next-generation
transport.”
– Badr Al Olama,
Director-General,
ADIO
thetechnologyexpress.com
urban infrastructure and sustainability
but also positioning itself as the MENA
region’s beacon of next-generation transport
innovation. This ambitious initiative
is attracting global investors, entrepreneurs,
and technology pioneers eager
to contribute to the emirate’s pioneering
vision. The project also emphasizes
renewable energy integration, artificial
intelligence-driven traffic management,
and passenger-centric design to ensure
efficiency, comfort, and accessibility. By
embracing innovation while maintaining
rigorous safety standards, Abu Dhabi
demonstrates how forward-looking policy
and bold investment can accelerate the
transition toward a cleaner, smarter, and
more connected urban future. The skies
above Abu Dhabi are set to become
a new frontier of smart, efficient, and
eco-friendly urban mobility, inspiring
cities worldwide to follow suit.
August 2025 / 79

GADGET REVIEWs
KINGSTON INTRODUCES IRONKEY D500S
BREAKTHROUGH IN SECURE USB STORAGE
Kingston has just introduced the
IronKey D500S, and it’s turning
heads in the world of secure USB
drives not just with industry-first certifications,
but with real, practical features
that set it apart for anyone who takes
data security seriously.
At first glance, the D500S looks
chunkier than your average flash drive.
That’s because it’s housed in a rugged
zinc alloy body, designed to shrug off
shock, vibration, dust, and even water
rated to IP67, so it will survive drops
and some serious elements without a
hitch. The build quality feels premium
and confidence-inspiring, exactly what
you’d want if you need a secure drive
for rough environments.
What really gives the D500S an edge is
its security pedigree. This is the world’s
first and only TAA-compliant USB drive
to earn FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation,
the gold standard for government and
military-grade encryption. Not only
does it feature XTS-AES 256-bit hardware
encryption, but the internals are
epoxy-sealed against physical tampering,
and it’s guarded against BadUSB and
brute-force attacks.
Another highlight: dual hidden partition
support. This lets an admin create
two custom secure sections, perfect
for segmenting sensitive files, with
one even being invisible without proper
credentials. Alongside, the D500S
supports multi-password authentication
(admin, user, one-time recovery), plus
a crypto-erase function to nuke all data
if security’s ever at risk.
Performance isn’t an afterthought. On
USB 3.2 Gen 1, speeds are impressive,
up to 310 MB/s read and 250 MB/s write
for the largest model (512GB), and solid
numbers down the range. No software is
needed to start using the D500S, which
keeps things smooth for users on Windows,
Mac, or Linux.
Kingston clearly designed the D500S
not just for compliance, but for reliability
in real-world use. Whether for regulated
industries, governments, or anyone
with mission-critical data, this flash drive
offers peace of mind, especially with
a 5-year warranty and free technical
support behind it.
If your top priority is safeguarding critical
files, the IronKey D500S isn’t just
Kingston’s toughest IronKey yet; it’s a
serious contender for the most secure
USB drive you can get your hands on
right now.
80 \ August 2025

WHOOP MG
COMFORT MEETS CUTTING-EDGE PERFORMANCE
thetechnologyexpress.com
The Whoop MG has officially launched, and it’s easily one
of the most impressive health and fitness wearables
we’ve seen this year. Designed for serious athletes
and health-focused users, this new model combines medical-grade
sensors with the same sleek, screenless look that
Whoop is known for.
The biggest headline feature is the addition of an on-demand
ECG. By simply touching the new metallic clasp for
30 seconds, users can record a clinically accurate electrocardiogram
right from their wrist. The recorded data can be
exported and shared with healthcare professionals, making
it more than just a fitness tracker; it’s a legitimate health
monitoring device.
Another standout is blood pressure trend tracking. After
an initial calibration using a traditional cuff, the Whoop MG
can estimate blood pressure trends throughout the day. No
other fitness wearable currently offers this type of handsfree
monitoring, and it’s a major step forward for passive
cardiovascular insights.
Despite these upgrades, the MG doesn’t bulk up. It’s 7%
smaller than previous models, with improved skin sensors
that read data 26 times per second. Battery life has also
seen a major boost up to 14 days, or even 30 days if paired
with the optional SuperKnit PowerPack.
Like past Whoop versions, the MG offers in-depth tracking
on recovery, training strain, sleep quality, HRV, and respiratory
rate. But now it also introduces “Healthspan” tracking
features such as Whoop Age and hormonal phase tracking for
female users, adding another layer of personalized insight.
It’s accurate, comfortable, and brings real medical-grade
monitoring into everyday life. For athletes, biohackers, or
anyone serious about their health, it’s easily a top contender
in 2025.
HUAWEI MATEPAD 11.5
PREMIUM ANDROID TABLET ALTERNATIVE FOR PRODUCTIVITY
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 stands out as a feature-rich
Android tablet that combines productivity, performance,
and affordability. While several variants exist, including
the PaperMatte Edition and a 2025 refresh, each one caters
to users seeking a capable tablet with smart design choices.
At launch, the 2023 model packed a Snapdragon 7 Gen
1 chip, offering reliable performance for multitasking, content
consumption, and light gaming. However, HUAWEI’s
2025 update introduces its in-house Kirin 8020 processor,
which improves efficiency and integrates better with the
HarmonyOS system.
Although HUAWEI tablets do not support Google Play Services,
HarmonyOS delivers a smooth experience with features
like multi-window support, SuperHub sharing, and seamless
cross-device integration. Moreover, while some may find
app availability limited, the AppGallery continues to expand
and now includes several essential apps.
For those focused on productivity, the tablet offers accessories
like the Smart Magnetic Keyboard and the third-gen
M-Pencil. These tools transform the MatePad into a versatile
workspace, enabling students and professionals to write,
draw, and type comfortably.
One of the MatePad’s standout features is its 11.5-inch
LCD, which supports a 120 Hz refresh rate and has an 86%
screen-to-body ratio. Furthermore, the PaperMatte Edition
refines visibility by using nano-etching to reduce glare without
sacrificing clarity. Because of this, the tablet becomes
ideal for extended reading or note-taking, especially in bright
environments. Whether you’re sketching or working on documents,
the display feels smooth and natural.
The MatePad 11.5 continues to offer strong value with real
utility, especially for those looking beyond Apple or Samsung.
August 2025 / 81

Decarbonisation
ZERO‐EMISSION
REVOLUTION:
UAE FIRMS PLEDGE 6000 EVS BY
2030
The UAE’s Road 2.0 Initiative marks a pivotal move in national
climate action, targeting commercial fleet electrification as
a strategic lever to achieve net-zero emissions. Backed
by Emirates Nature: WWF and the Ministry of Energy and
Infrastructure, it unites leading firms to drive large-scale
adoption of electric vehicles across the transport sector.
The UAE’s momentum toward
net-zero emissions has taken a
tangible leap with the launch of
the Road 2.0 initiative, powered by the
UAE Alliance for Climate Action (UACA).
Backed by Emirates Nature: WWF and
endorsed by the Ministry of Energy and
Infrastructure (MoEI), this programme
is uniting key corporate actors behind
a common commitment to decarbonise
transport through large-scale adoption
of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
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As of late 2024, 17 leading firms including
ADNOC Logistics & Services
(L&S), Unilever, and Majid Al Futtaim
have pledged to collectively deploy
6,000 electric vehicles by 2030, expanding
to an anticipated 20,000 by
2040. This commitment forms part of a
broader vision to ensure that 50 percent
of all vehicles in the UAE are electric
by mid-century, in alignment with the
country’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy
and its national Green Mobility goals.
This transformation is already under
way, with the first 90 commercial EVs
being rolled out across key corporate
fleets by the end of 2024. Companies
such as Unilever are at the forefront
of the shift, having introduced electric
vans and a 40-ton electric truck into UAE
operations, showcasing the technical
and operational viability of heavy-duty
electric logistics in a high-temperature
region. Majid Al Futtaim and ADNOC L&S
are taking parallel steps, with the latter
positioned to electrify its auxiliary and
short-haul fleets. The Road 2.0 initiative
has laid out clear interim benchmarks,
calling for 30 percent fleet decarbonisation
by 2030 and full fleet electrification
by 2040. These targets are underpinned
by commitments to fleet-wide emissions
reporting, total cost of ownership (TCO)
analysis, and active participation in EV
infrastructure planning, all of which are
essential to delivering measurable impact.
Electrification Emerges as the Fastest
Route to Transport Decarbonisation
The scale and ambition of Road 2.0
mark a departure from traditional, consumer-focused
EV narratives. By shifting
attention toward commercial fleets
such as logistics, delivery, retail, and
services, the initiative targets the sectors
with the most rapid path to scale. Fleets
present a consolidated opportunity, as
route predictability, depot charging, and
simplified maintenance regimes allow
corporations to extract efficiencies while
driving systemic change. Moreover, the
economic logic is compelling. EV fleets
offer substantial savings on fuel costs
and maintenance, while aligning with investor
ESG mandates and anticipated
carbon taxation frameworks. In a region
where transport accounts for a significant
share of emissions and operating costs,
the business case for fleet electrification
is no longer speculative but grounded
in quantifiable returns.
Public-private coordination is central
to Road 2.0’s structure. The MoEI, in
collaboration with local authorities and
energy utilities, is facilitating the national
rollout of charging infrastructure to support
this transition. This includes fastcharging
corridors, depot-level charging
solutions, and the integration of smart
grid technologies to manage peak loads.
The government’s support is not limited
to infrastructure alone; policy frameworks
are evolving to offer incentives such as
import duty relief on commercial EVs,
fleet-targeted leasing programmes, and
reduced road tolls. These regulatory
shifts are expected to unlock greater
private capital and catalyse second-tier
adoption among SMEs and regional logistics
players. The UAE’s alignment with
broader GCC decarbonisation trends in
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman creates
further momentum for regional harmonisation,
standardised EV platforms, and
scalable EV-financing models.
At a systemic level, Road 2.0 is expected
to generate ripple effects across the
EV value chain. From OEMs and battery
producers to charger manufacturers and
leasing firms, the commercial EV segment
is creating a new industrial sub-sector
tailored to Gulf specifications. Already,
conversations are underway around designing
vehicles capable of withstanding
extreme heat, dust, and long-haul
stress typical of the GCC’s operating
environments. Opportunities for localised
assembly and regional R&D partnerships
are emerging, as corporates
seek bespoke solutions that match their
fleet requirements while reducing import
dependencies. Additionally, the development
of data frameworks for tracking
emissions reductions, vehicle utilisation,
and energy savings is enabling stakeholders
to align their sustainability reporting
with international standards.
Road 2.0 Could Become a GCC Model
for Fleet Decarbonisation
While Road 2.0 is currently a UAE initiative,
its framework could serve as
a blueprint for other GCC economies
seeking to decarbonise their transport
sectors without disrupting industrial productivity.
Unlike passenger EV adoption,
which is slower due to consumer behaviour,
fleet transitions are driven by
cost, regulation, and reputational risk,
all areas where top-down mandates and
bottom-up corporate commitment inter-
Transport is a key pillar
of our climate action
agenda. Through initiatives
like Road 2.0,
we are enabling businesses
to lead the shift
to low-carbon fleets,
backed by infrastructure,
policy, and innovation.”
– H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed
Almheiri,
Former UAE Minister of Climate
Change and Environment
sect. If scaled successfully, the initiative
could evolve into a GCC-wide platform
with interoperable charging networks,
joint procurement frameworks, and
shared data infrastructure. This would
not only create economies of scale but
also position the region as a leader in
climate-aligned logistics, a sector of
growing interest for international investors.
Road 2.0 is redefining the trajectory
of transport decarbonisation in the
UAE, shifting the focus from individual
action to systemic, fleet-driven change.
Its structure, anchored in public-private
collaboration, data transparency, and
region-specific solutions.
August 2025 / 83

GLOBAL NEWS
NASA Launching
Livestream Service on
Netflix This Summer
NASA is teaming up with Netflix to
stream its NASA+ content globally,
starting this summer. The
ad-free, free-to-access platform will
feature rocket launches, spacewalks,
mission updates, and live ISS views.
By reaching Netflix’s 700 million users,
NASA aims to inspire more people
worldwide. This move aligns with
its mission to share space exploration
with the broadest possible audience
in a modern, engaging format.
China Hosts First-Ever
AI-Powered Robot
Football Match
On June 28, 2025, Beijing hosted
China’s first fully autonomous
3-on-3 AI robot football tournament,
RoBoLeague, as a preview for
the World Humanoid Robot Games.
Tsinghua University’s THU Robotics won
the championship, with robots showcasing
advanced teamwork and agility.
Organizers emphasized the event’s role
in testing frontier technologies with
real-world potential, signaling a major
step forward in robotics and AI-driven
sports innovation.
Pebble Unveils Halo:
India’s First Smart
Ring with Display
Pebble has launched the Halo Smart
Ring, India’s first smart ring with a
digital display. Priced at ₹3,999
(pre-booking), it features heart rate
monitoring, sleep tracking, gesture
controls, and a splashproof stainless
steel build. Available in three colors and
multiple sizes, it supports camera control,
games, and social apps. With up to four
days of battery life, Halo blends fashion
and tech for modern, minimalist users.
YouTube Tightens Monetisation Rules: AI and
Copycat Content Targeted
Starting July 15, 2025, YouTube
will enforce stricter monetisation
rules targeting repetitive,
low-effort, and AI-generated content.
The update emphasizes originality and
human input, warning that simple edits
or synthetic voices won’t suffice. Cre-
ators using mass-produced formats or
automation risk demonetisation. You-
Tube aims to boost content quality
and advertiser trust, rewarding creators
who add real value through storytelling,
commentary, and meaningful
transformation of reused material.
Meet Sabih Khan,
Apple’s New Indian-Origin
COO
Apple has appointed Sabih Khan as
its new Chief Operating Officer,
following Jeff Williams’ retirement.
Khan, of Indian origin, has been with
Apple for nearly 30 years and played a
key role in building its global supply chain.
Reporting to CEO Tim Cook, he will now
oversee operations, sustainability, and
manufacturing. His promotion reflects
Apple’s commitment to continuity and
experienced leadership amid evolving
global demands.
84 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
Linda Yaccarino to
Step Down as X CEO
Linda Yaccarino has resigned as
CEO of X, two years after being
appointed by Elon Musk to stabilize
the company. Her tenure was marked
by advertiser tensions, workforce cuts,
and sweeping platform changes. X’s
recent transfer to Musk’s AI venture,
xAI, valued at $33 billion, signals a shift
toward artificial intelligence. Yaccarino’s
exit closes a turbulent chapter in the
platform’s ongoing transformation.
Microsoft Shuts Down Local Operations in
Pakistan
Microsoft is closing its local
office in Pakistan after 25
years, shifting support to
regional hubs and resellers. The move
affects five employees and follows
global restructuring, including 9,000
layoffs. While service levels will remain
unchanged, the exit raises concerns
about Pakistan’s tech environment.
The government remains hopeful,
but critics view the decision as a
setback amid efforts to expand tech
certifications and attract global tech
investment.
Bentley Unveils EXP
15: A Bold Glimpse
Into the Future of
Design
Bentley has revealed the EXP 15
concept car at its Crewe design
studio, showcasing its future
design direction. Inspired by the 1930
Speed Six “Blue Train,” the EXP 15
blends heritage with modern features
like active aerodynamics, a threeseat
layout, and advanced materials.
Though not for production, it signals
Bentley’s electric future, ahead of its
2026 EV launch. Virtual reality and
sustainable design are central to the
concept.
Range Rover Gets New
Logo After 55 Years
Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled
a new logo for Range Rover, the
model’s first since 1970, featuring
two stacked “R”s. It supports
JLR’s strategy to treat Range Rover,
Defender, and Discovery as separate
brands. The logo is mainly for marketing
use, while the classic wordmark
stays on vehicles. Reception has
been mostly positive, contrasting with
Jaguar’s recent redesign struggles
and market performance.
Lenovo Debuts Yoga
Tab Plus with AI and
3K Display
Lenovo has launched its first
AI-powered tablet, the Yoga Tab
Plus, featuring the on-device AI
agent Lenovo AI Now. Powered by
the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it offers
16GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a
12.7-inch 3K display. With AI tools like
Gemini, AI Note, and AI Transcript, it
boosts productivity. It also features
Harman Kardon-tuned speakers, a
large battery, Wi-Fi 7, and Smart Connect
for seamless multitasking.
August 2025 / 85

VISIONARY Spotlight
CHIRENJ
CHANDRAN
MINISTER OF SPORTS, UAE
Chirenj Chandran is the visionary
co-founder and CEO of MySyara,
a UAE-based auto-tech company
redefining the region’s vehicle servicing
landscape. Raised in Dubai, Chandran
holds a BBA in Marketing from the University
of Kent and began his career in
automotive services in 2014, managing
operations at Amin Auto Care and later
directing ventures such as Tyrecompare.
ae and WINCH Roadside Assistance.
In 2019, he launched MySyara with
the mission of transforming traditional
car maintenance through technology.
The platform offers an end-to-end, appbased
experience, enabling services such
as waterless car washes, diagnostics,
on-demand repairs, and pick-up/dropoff
maintenance—all focused on convenience
and sustainability. Chandran’s
strategic foresight during the COVID-19
lockdown accelerated MySyara’s traction
as users shifted toward digital-first
solutions.
His leadership has been instrumental
in scaling the business across the UAE
and India. Under his direction, MySyara
has secured several funding rounds, acquired
a UAE-based parts distributor for
USD 2.6M, and launched the region’s
first cloud garage network in collaboration
with Mobil UAE. The platform has
amassed over 100,000 users and significantly
reduced environmental impact
through waterless technology.
Chandran continues to champion innovation
in the mobility sector, positioning
MySyara as a benchmark for sustainable
and tech-driven automotive solutions.
Adam Ridgway is a pioneering force
in the UAE’s electric mobility revolution,
best known as the founder
of One Moto and Neo Mobility. With a
deep commitment to sustainability and
innovation, Ridgway has positioned himself
at the forefront of the country’s
transition to cleaner, smarter transport
solutions. Through One Moto, he introduced
a range of electric two-wheelers
tailored for last-mile delivery and personal
urban transport, addressing growing
environmental concerns and operational
inefficiencies in logistics.
Under his leadership, One Moto became
the first company to homologate
electric motorcycles in the UAE, marking
a milestone in regulatory progress for
EV adoption. Expanding on this vision,
Ridgway launched Neo Mobility to tackle
the broader micro-mobility challenge,
offering shared electric scooters and
bikes aimed at reducing traffic congestion
and emissions in urban centres.
Adam’s ventures align closely with
national sustainability goals and smart
city frameworks, supporting the UAE’s
Net Zero 2050 ambitions. By combin-
ing hardware innovation with intelligent
fleet management systems and strategic
partnerships, Ridgway is not only
delivering scalable transport solutions
but also reshaping how urban mobility is
understood in the region. His work continues
to inspire a shift towards greener,
more accessible, and technology-driven
transport ecosystems across the GCC.
ADAM
RIDGWAY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MUSEUM OF THE
FUTURE
86 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
RASHID
AL SALMI
CHAIRMAN, DUBAI SPORTS COUNCIL
Rashid Al Salmi is a visionary Emirati
entrepreneur and the founder of
Sulmi, a pioneering venture credited
with launching the UAE’s first domestically
manufactured electric bike.
His mission is rooted in fostering local
innovation, industrial capability, and sustainable
mobility within the region. By
creating Sulmi, Al Salmi has carved out a
Reem Al Marzouqi is a groundbreaking
Emirati engineer and inventor
who made history as the first UAE
national to secure a U.S. patent for a
car designed to be driven entirely with
foot controls. Her innovation empowers
individuals with upper limb disabilities to
operate a vehicle independently, offering
a new level of mobility and freedom.
With a background in architectural engineering,
Reem applied her skills to address
real-world challenges, combining
technical precision with a deep sense
of social responsibility.
The patented foot-control driving
system allows the driver to steer, accelerate,
and brake using only their feet.
This invention gained international attention
for its inclusivity and practicality,
showcasing the potential of homegrown
solutions in addressing global mobility
issues. Reem’s achievement has made
her a respected figure in both engineering
and innovation circles.
Beyond her technical accomplishments,
Reem advocates for greater
representation of women in STEM and
supports efforts to make technology
more accessible to all segments of sociniche
in the electric mobility market—one
traditionally dominated by imported technologies—bringing
production, design,
and technological development into the
UAE’s own ecosystem.
Sulmi’s electric bikes are engineered
to perform efficiently in the Gulf’s urban
and climatic environments, blending sleek
design with robust, performance-oriented
engineering. Al Salmi’s focus on building
a truly local product has attracted attention
from both government and private
sectors, aligning strongly with the UAE’s
push for industrial diversification and
clean energy solutions.
Through Sulmi, he is not only advancing
the adoption of electric vehicles but
also contributing to the country’s strategic
goals of manufacturing excellence,
environmental sustainability, and youth
empowerment. As the UAE intensifies
its efforts to lead in innovation and sustainability,
Rashid Al Salmi’s visionary
work exemplifies the remarkable rise of
homegrown tech entrepreneurs deeply
committed to building the nation’s transformative
mobility future from within.
ety. Her work reflects the UAE’s broader
goals of innovation, empowerment, and
social inclusion. By reimagining mobility
through the lens of accessibility, Reem
Al Marzouqi continues to inspire a new
generation of inventors and change-makers
across the region.
REEM
AL MARZOUQI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL, DUBAI DIGITAL
AUTHORITY
August 2025 / 87

Autonomous racing
AUTONOMOUS ON
TRACK:
A2RL’S RISE IN DUBAI
TRANSFORMING MOBILITY
THROUGH COMPETITION
As the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) speeds
into its second season, the UAE is solidifying its position
as a global hub for autonomous vehicle (AV) innovation.
Launched under ASPIRE, the technology transition arm
of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council
(ATRC), A2RL is not just a racing league; it is a dynamic
testbed accelerating the future of smart mobility through
high-stakes, data-driven competition.
A2RL debuted in April 2024 at the
iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu
Dhabi, attracting over 10,000
spectators and more than a million global
streaming viewers. The inaugural season
was a milestone, featuring autonomous
races with the Emirates Autonomous
Vehicle (EAV 24) a pioneering Dallara
Super Formula SF23 car autonomized
with advanced sensor arrays, upgraded
computer systems, and refined control
logic. This vehicle exemplifies the UAE’s
growing capabilities in AI and robotics,
designed specifically to master the
demanding conditions of autonomous
racing.
88 \ August 2025

thetechnologyexpress.com
ASPIRE’s vision for A2RL extends beyond
entertainment. As H.E. Faisal Al Bannai,
Secretary General of ATRC, explains, “At
the intersection of science, sports, and
technology, autonomy is set to revolutionize
the future of transportation. The
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League
stands as a testament to Abu Dhabi’s
growing reputation as an international
research and development hub and
a premier test bed for trialling proofof-concept
autonomous solutions. By
bringing together scientists, developers,
and coding gurus from around the world
within an extreme sports arena, we are
actively stress-testing capabilities on
the racetracks, for safety on our roads”.
A Multi-Disciplinary Arena: Cars, Drones,
and Buggies
What sets A2RL apart is its multi-platform
approach to autonomous competition.
Beyond the headline autonomous car
races, the league incorporates drone and
buggy races, creating a comprehensive
ecosystem for testing AI and robotics in
diverse, real-world scenarios. This variety
allows researchers and developers
to refine autonomous systems under
different environmental and operational
challenges, accelerating innovation in
navigation, obstacle avoidance, and
decision-making algorithms.
This multi-disciplinary format not only
pushes technological frontiers but also
engages a broader audience, blending
the thrill of extreme sports with the
promise of future-ready urban mobility
solutions.
Season Two: Scaling New Heights with
Global Collaboration
Building on the success of its inaugural
season, A2RL’s second season is set
for April 26, 2025, at Yas Marina Circuit,
with an expanded international lineup and
enhanced technology. The prize pool
remains a substantial US$2.25 million,
underscoring the league’s commitment
to attracting top talent and fostering
fierce competition.
New entrants this season include AiPEX
Racing from the USA, Aladin Innovation
from France, SEVRUS Japan (TGM Grand
Prix) from Japan, and a team from the
UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute
(TII). These teams join returning contenders
from the USA, Germany, China,
Singapore, Italy, and the UAE, bringing the
total to ten countries represented. This
global diversity highlights A2RL’s growing
influence as a premier platform for
autonomous technology development.
The upgraded EAV-24 vehicle, re-engineered
for enhanced performance,
features state-of-the-art sensor arrays
and compute systems optimized for
the rigors of autonomous racing. This
evolution reflects the UAE’s strategic
investment in developing homegrown
AI and robotics expertise, positioning
the nation at the forefront of the global
AV innovation race
Strategic Vision: The UAE’s Commitment
to Smart Mobility
A2RL is a critical pillar in the UAE’s broader
strategy to lead the future of mobility.
The government’s support through ATRC
and ASPIRE emphasizes the importance
of autonomous technologies in shaping
sustainable, efficient, and safe urban
transport systems. By hosting A2RL,
A2RL is more than just
a race, it’s a platform
for testing and optimising
autonomous vehicle
technologies, enhancing
safety and reliability on
public roads.”
— Stephane Timpano,
CEO, ASPIRE
the UAE provides a unique environment
where innovation meets real-world application,
enabling rapid prototyping and
validation of autonomous solutions under
competitive pressure.
Officials highlight that this initiative is
not just about racing but about building
public trust and accelerating the adoption
of autonomous vehicles on the roads.
The league’s rigorous simulation phases
and real-world trials ensure that technologies
developed here can transition
smoothly from racetrack to city streets,
ultimately enhancing safety and efficiency
in everyday transport.
UAE President Adviser and ATRC
Secretary General, Faisal Al Bannai said,
“By pushing the boundaries of what is
possible with autonomous technology,
we are accelerating innovation across
sectors and positioning the UAE as a
leader in the global AI landscape”
Capturing the Future: The Excitement
and Impact of A2RL
The atmosphere at A2RL events is
electric, combining the adrenaline of
motorsport with the intellectual challenge
of cutting-edge technology. Spectators
witness AI-driven vehicles making
split-second decisions, navigating complex
tracks without human intervention.
This spectacle is a tangible glimpse into
a future where autonomous systems will
transform how people and goods move.
Moreover, the league fosters a vibrant
community of engineers, coders,
and researchers, sparking collaboration
across borders and disciplines. The intense
competition drives continuous improvement,
ensuring that autonomous
technologies evolve rapidly and robustly.
As A2RL enters its second season in
Dubai, it symbolizes more than a race; it
is a beacon of innovation, collaboration,
and strategic foresight. By combining
extreme sports with autonomous technology
challenges, A2RL accelerates
the development of AI-driven mobility
solutions that promise to redefine urban
transport globally. With its international
reach, cutting-edge vehicles, and
multi-platform competitions, A2RL is
transforming the landscape of autonomous
mobility turning ambitious visions
into high-speed realities on the track
and beyond.
This captures the UAE’s ambition
to lead the global AV innovation race
through strategic investment.
August 2025 / 89

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