The Technology Express Magazine | Edition: March–April 2026

AI-in-a-Box Government

LivAI and the Rise of City-Scale Digital Twins

GCC Governments as Product Managers: New Models of Digital Public Services

The New Rules of AI: How Global Regulation in 2025–26 Will Hit GCC Tech Roadmaps

March - April 2026 thetechnologyexpress.com

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The March–April 2026 edition of The Technology

Express arrives at a moment of significant technological

acceleration across the United Arab Emirates. As the

nation moves toward becoming the world’s first AI-native

government by 2027, the infrastructure of everyday life

is being rewritten through high-performance computing,

sovereign cloud networks, and city-scale digital twins.

Our cover story, “50 Most Influential Women in the Tech

Ecosystem of UAE 2026,” highlights the visionary leaders

architecting this future. From Latifa Alshehhi’s national AI

strategies at Invest UAE to Hajar Al Maazmi’s digital overhaul

of FAB, these women are driving innovation in AI, fintech,

and climate tech, ensuring the Emirates remains a global

benchmark for excellence.

This edition also provides a deep dive into the essential

components of a modern smart city. We explore Abu

Dhabi’s “AI-in-a-Box” platform, which empowers 50,000

civil servants to build their own AI applications, and the

LivAI digital twin platform that transforms urban planning

through real-time, predictive modeling. Furthermore, we

examine the critical intersection of energy and technology,

as Abu Dhabi aligns its data center expansion with Net Zero

2050 targets.

Beyond government innovation, we spotlight the rapid

evolution of the regional fintech landscape, featuring the

national adoption of UAE PASS as a shared trust layer and

Saudi Arabia’s granting of the first open banking license to

Lean Technologies. In the automotive sector, we review the

2026 Range Rover Electric, a silent flagship that merges

heritage with high-voltage futurism.

From the strategic investments of hyperscalers to the

emergence of localized, vertical AI ecosystems like Lisan

AI, this issue offers a comprehensive look at the revolution

being engineered in the Emirates today. Whether you are

navigating global AI governance frameworks or architecting

smart services, the insights within these pages are designed

to lead you through the next phase of our digital destiny.

TECH

8

20

Artificial Intelligence:

Abu Dhabi’s AI-In-A-Box Goverment

Interview:

The Shift from Collateral-Based

Lending to Data-Based Lending

12

22

Drive to the Future:

Range Rover Electric, A New Silent

Flagship

Smart Cities:

LivAI And The Twin City

26

60

Cover Story:

50 Most Influential Women In The

Tech Ecosystem Of UAE 2026

Launch Express:

Soundcore Boom Go 3i

56 68

Digital Government:

GCC Governments As Product

Teams

Energy:

Powering AI With Clean

Energy

INSIDE

Artificial Intelligence

Abu Dhabi’s AI-In-A-

Box Government

How a no-code platform is turning civil servants into AI builders

and reshaping digital public services

Abu Dhabi’s no-code AI-in-a-box platform signals a

shift from isolated pilots to an AI-native state, where

every civil servant can design solutions, clean energy

powers data centres, and universities anchor applied

research at scale.

Abu Dhabi is positioning artificial

intelligence as a foundational

layer of government,

not a future goal. Its plan to become

the world’s first AI-native government

by 2027 is already in motion,

with more than 100 AI use cases active

across 40 government entities.

Moreover, the launch of a no-code

AI-in-a-box platform at GITEX Global

2025 signals a shift from strategy to

execution.

Rather than limiting AI to specialist

teams, the emirate now enables up

to 50,000 government employees to

build applications directly on existing

systems. Developed with UnifyApps,

the platform removes technical barriers

such as model selection and deployment.

As a result, civil servants

can focus on practical workflows,

from citizen enquiries to inspection

analysis.

At the same time, structured

training with partners like AWS and

Oracle strengthens internal capability

through the Tomouh 2.0 leadership

programme. Together, no-code

tools and skills development create a

8 \ March - April 2026


scalable AI factory.

For enterprises, the lesson is

clear. Instead of chasing isolated

pilots, organizations can empower

domain experts through governed

platforms that balance innovation

with security.

AI Factories Inside Government

The AI-in-a-box platform sits on

top of a wider digital strategy

that treats AI as part of day-today

government mechanics. Abu

Dhabi’s digital architecture already

supports proactive service delivery,

where AI tracks key life events

and can trigger relevant services

without the resident submitting

a form, as well as intelligent

compliance systems that provide

real-time guidance to businesses.

Multilingual natural language interfaces

in more than 15 languages

reduce friction for citizens and

residents, while machine learning

models forecast demand so that

staff can be allocated before

queues build. AI-in-a-box gives

front-line teams a practical way to

extend and adapt these capabilities

without waiting for central IT

change cycles.

From an organisational design

perspective, this is a factory model.

DGE defines common components

such as orchestration, identity,

data access, and monitoring,

then exposes low-code tools at the

edge. That yields a standardised

foundation combined with decentralised

innovation. Enterprise

leaders designing their own AI factories

can take three lessons from

this approach. First, invest in a

centrally managed, reusable stack

that business teams can plug into.

Second, bind that stack to clear

standards for ethics, security,

and explainability, supported by

training rather than only policies.

Third, measure success not just

in model performance but in how

many non-technical employees

are safely building and iterating

on AI-powered services.

The Department of Government

Enablement is also backing its

platform with a strong pipeline

mindset. It has identified more

than 200 AI use cases across

government, over 100 of which are

already live, and is layering new

suites such as the (In)Government

product with Inception to embed

AI into back-office functions like

procurement and human capital.

For enterprises, this mirrors the

shift from opportunistic automation

to a portfolio of AI use cases

mapped against strategic priorities,

shared data assets, and clear

value metrics.

Clean Energy As AI Infrastructure

Abu Dhabi’s AI-in-a-box strategy

connects directly to its broader

energy and sustainability agenda.

At GITEX Global 2025, the Department

of Energy introduced three

collaborations aimed at supporting

AI growth with clean infrastructure.

Among them, a partnership

with Google Cloud focuses on

using AI and machine learning to

optimise renewable energy integration

across the grid. Because

AI workloads demand significant

power, aligning expansion with

Net Zero 2050 targets becomes

essential for long-term scale.

In parallel, a memorandum of

understanding between the Department

of Energy and MBZUAI

strengthens the research dimension

of this effort. Together, they

will explore AI-driven tools for

infrastructure planning, operational

efficiency, and regulatory innovation.

Advanced forecasting and

simulation models will allow regulators

to test tariffs, incentives, and

demand-response frameworks

digitally before applying them to

live systems.

For enterprise leaders, this

highlights a key lesson: AI relies

on energy-aware infrastructure.

CIOs and sustainability leaders

must align data centre strategy,

workload optimisation, and model

efficiency with climate goals.

We’re democratising AI across government.

Every employee will soon have the

tools to build intelligent solutions for their

communities.”

— Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab,

Department of Government Enablement,

Abu Dhabi Government

March - April 2026 / 9

ai News

X to Roll Out Grok

AI Recommendation

Algorithm

X

is set to integrate Grok AI into

its recommendation system,

marking what executives call

the platform’s biggest change yet.

The update would replace traditional

engagement signals with an AI-driven

model. Codenamed Phoenix, the

transformer model will assess posts

and videos in real time. The rollout

faces EU scrutiny over bias, harmful

content, and data requests. Success

depends on user experience and

compliance.

Meta Ray-Ban AI

Glasses Clear FCC

Before Rollout

New FCC filings show two Ray-Ban

Meta AI smart glasses nearing

launch, with an announcement

expected within weeks. The Scriber

and Blazer models appear production

ready and may arrive by April or May.

Updated numbers point to hardware

upgrades, including Wi-Fi 6 support

on the 5.9 GHz band. A charging case

is included, with Blazer expected in

multiple sizes amid rising demand and

privacy scrutiny.

AMD, Nvidia, Meta and

Others Unite for Open

Optical AI Networking

Standard

Six major AI companies, including

AMD, Broadcom, Nvidia, Microsoft,

Meta, and OpenAI, have

formed the OCI MSA to define an open

optical interconnect standard for large

AI data centers. As copper reaches

physical limits, the group is targeting

200 Gbps per direction initially, with a

roadmap scaling to 3.2 Tbps per fiber.

Optical links offer improved range,

efficiency, and power stability compared

to copper systems. The specification

supports silicon centric

architectures and enables pluggable,

on board, and co packaged optics.

By focusing on a shared optical layer,

the initiative allows multiple protocols

to operate over common infrastructure.

This collaborative effort aims to reduce

vendor lock-in and lower deployment

costs across hyperscale AI infrastructure.

The move reflects a broader shift

toward scalable for next gen AI systems.

Bluesky Launches Attie AI App for Personalized

Social Media Feeds

Bluesky has launched Attie, a

standalone AI app that lets users

build custom social media

feeds with simple natural-language

prompts. Built on Anthropic’s Claude

model and the AT Protocol, it can

curate niche topics, music trends, or

technical discussions without coding.

Currently in closed beta, Attie marks

Bluesky’s first product beyond its

core app and signals a shift toward

user-controlled personalization.

Cursor Unveils Composer

2 to Advance

Autonomous Coding

Cursor has introduced Composer 2,

a new AI coding model designed

to improve autonomous software

development within its platform. The

model is positioned as a frontier level

system, offering strong coding performance

at significantly lower cost

compared to competing models. Built

using reinforcement learning and real

world code environments, it can plan,

write, test, and refine code across

complex projects. Composer 2 also

demonstrates improved benchmark

performance and efficiency, rivaling

leading systems from OpenAI and

Anthropic. The release reflects Cursor’s

strategy to reduce reliance on external

models while scaling its own capabilities.

However, its development has drawn

attention due to partial reliance on an

open source foundation, highlighting

ongoing debates around transparency

and model sourcing in AI development

ecosystems today.


Microsoft Launches

MAI Image 2 to

Advance AI Creative

Workflows

Microsoft has introduced MAI

Image 2, its second-generation

AI image model aimed

at improving creative workflows and

visual realism. The system focuses

on photorealistic output, accurate

lighting, and better representation of

human features, addressing common

limitations seen in earlier models. It

also improves image text generation,

enabling consistent creation of posters,

infographics, and detailed visual assets

for real-world use. Designed with input

from photographers and designers, the

model emphasizes practical creative

tasks over experimental outputs. MAI

Image 2 is being integrated into Copilot

and Bing Image Creator, with broader

access planned through APIs. The release

strengthens Microsoft’s position

in generative AI, ranking among top

systems globally while competing with

OpenAI and Google offerings.

Meta Unveils AI Model

That Predicts Human

Brain Activity

Meta has introduced TRIBE v2, a

multimodal AI model designed

to predict how the human

brain responds to images, audio, and

language. Trained on more than 1,000

hours of fMRI data from over 700

participants, the model maps activity

across around 70,000 brain regions.

Its three-stage architecture enables

zero-shot predictions and in-silico

experiments, and Meta has released

it openly to support broader neuroscience

research.


xAI Launches $10

SuperGrok Lite After

Sora

xAI has introduced a $10 Super-

Grok Lite plan to tap into growing

demand for consumer AI video

tools. The subscription expands Grok’s

Imagine feature, offering 480p video

clips up to six seconds with limited

daily usage. This comes as OpenAI

winds down its Sora app and API to

refocus on core AI capabilities. The shift

highlights a growing divide between

enterprise-focused AI development

and consumer-driven creative tools in

the evolving AI landscape.

Mistral AI Raises

€722M for European

AI Data Center

Mistral AI has secured €722

million in debt financing from

a consortium of major banks to

support its first large-scale data center

near Paris. The facility, in Bruyèresle-Châtel,

is designed to strengthen

Europe’s AI infrastructure and reduce

dependence on non-European cloud

providers. It will house 13,800 NVIDIA

GB300 GPUs and is expected to reach

44 MW of capacity when it opens in

the second quarter of 2026. The financing

backs Mistral’s broader cloud

ambitions, including model training and

high-performance inference services.

The company says the investment will

help create more sovereign AI capacity

across Europe, giving governments,

businesses, and research groups greater

control over data and computing

resources while supporting long-term

regional autonomy. The round also

signals strong lender confidence in

Mistral’s expansion strategy.

Apple Hires Ex-Google Executive Ahead of Siri

AI Overhaul

Apple has appointed Lilian Rincon

as vice president of product

marketing for artificial intelligence,

signaling a stronger focus on

AI products across the company. The

former Google executive will oversee

Apple Intelligence and Siri, leading

upcoming upgrades. Rincon previously

led Google Shopping and Google Assistant,

and also worked at Microsoft on

Skype, supporting Apple’s expanding

AI and Siri strategy.


DRIVE TO THE FUTURE

ELECTRIC: A NEW SILENT FLAGSHIP

Where heritage meets high‐voltage futurism

4.5 s

0–100 km/h

550 hp

Horsepower

850 Nm

Torque



The 2026 Range Rover Electric is not merely

an electric adaptation of a legend; it is

the new technological and philosophical

flagship for the brand. Built on the MLA-Flex architecture

and powered by dual in‐house electric

motors, it delivers the effortless, near‐silent thrust

that modern luxury customers now expect, while

preserving the commanding presence that has defined

Range Rover for five decades.

Its figures underscore that intent. A combined

output of about 550 hp and 850 Nm surges

through all four wheels, propelling this substantial

SUV from rest to 100 km/h in roughly 4.5 seconds—numbers

that place it squarely among the

quickest luxury EVs, yet achieved without the

drama of a traditional performance tune. Power is

drawn from a circa‐118 kWh NMC battery, paired

with an 800‐volt electrical architecture that allows

ultra‐rapid DC charging at up to around 350 kW,

cutting long‐distance downtime to a brief intermission.

Range is targeted at roughly 480–530 km on the

WLTP cycle, depending on specification, positioning

the Range Rover Electric competitively against

the BMW iX, Mercedes‐Benz EQS SUV, and Volvo

EX90. Sophisticated thermal management, a standard heat pump, and intelligent energy recuperation

systems all work quietly in the background to preserve that range in real‐world conditions.

Inside, the car leans into the marque’s established strengths: opulent materials, serene acoustics,

and an elevated driving position. The cabin integrates its EV identity with discreet “electric‐first” interfaces

rather than radical gimmickry, while the latest driver‐assistance and connectivity suites are

carefully layered to reduce visual and cognitive clutter.

What truly differentiates the 2026 Range Rover Electric is its ability to combine this hyper‐refined,

zero‐emission experience with authentic all‐terrain capability. With sophisticated air suspension, advanced

traction systems and the inherent low centre of gravity from the battery pack, it promises a

level of calm authority on‐road and off‐road that very few electric SUVs can credibly match.


Digital Identity

Beyond Passwords,

Toward Trust

How UAE PASS is redefining digital identity and reshaping onboarding,

KYC, and service journeys for banks and platforms

UAE PASS has quietly become the UAE’s shared trust

layer, powering millions of logins, signatures and document

exchanges. Its evolution offers CEOs a practical

blueprint for frictionless, compliant onboarding and

unified digital experiences across sectors.


For many residents, UAE PASS

started as a simple way to

avoid juggling multiple usernames

and passwords. However, it

has evolved into a national digital

identity and trust infrastructure that

millions of citizens, residents, and

visitors use to access public and

private services. Behind the app

operates a tightly governed ecosystem

led by the Telecommunications

and Digital Government Regulatory

Authority, supported by biometric

verification, cryptographic security,

and a secure digital document wallet.

Scale now defines its significance.

In 2023, UAE PASS recorded 6.84

million users accessing 15,000

services across 232 providers. By

late 2025, users exceeded 11 million,

while the ecosystem expanded to

more than 350 entities, including

around 140 private organisations.

Moreover, it has enabled over 2.6

billion digital transactions and hundreds

of millions of logins.

UAE PASS has therefore moved

beyond basic authentication. It func-


tions as a national identity and

consent layer, prompting CEOs to

reconsider whether separate identity

systems remain necessary in

a landscape built around shared

digital trust.

UAE PASS As Daily Utility

The policy direction has been

clear for several years. Dubai

made UAE PASS the mandatory

digital identity to access its

government services as early as

2020, eliminating multiple logins

and separate credentials across

departmental portals. Nationally,

UAE PASS now enables single

sign-on, legally recognised digital

signatures, and secure document

storage and sharing, all in one application.

TDRA has also extended

its capabilities with services such

as UAE Verify, which processed

nearly seven million documents in

2023, turning identity into a continuous

verification service rather

than a one-off registration step.

This foundation explains why

customer satisfaction with the

broader digital ID ecosystem

reportedly reaches the mid‐90s

in recent government surveys.

When users can log in once, consent

to share verified data, sign

documents and receive updated

records in a digital wallet, friction

falls without compromising

assurance. Importantly, the same

identity can be used across government

portals, municipal apps,

utility providers and an increasing

number of banks, fintech platforms

and telcos.

For senior digital government

officials, UAE PASS now sits at the

centre of service redesign. Instead

of asking every ministry or emirate

to solve identity, signature and

document verification on its own,

TDRA and partners supply those

capabilities as national enablers.

Service teams can then focus

on policy rules, workflow and

experience, confident that login,

signature and document trust are

handled to a common standard.

That separation of concerns is one

of the clearest lessons for corporate

leaders considering their own

identity foundations.

One Identity, Many Journeys

Financial services illustrate how

a trusted national identity can

rapidly transform onboarding. The

UAE Central Bank permits banks

and financial institutions to use

UAE PASS as a digital gateway for

KYC, which allows online identity

validation instead of photocopies

and manual checks. In practice,

customers grant consent for

banks to access verified personal

data and documents already

stored within UAE PASS, and they

complete agreements with legally

recognised digital signatures.

Several institutions adopted this

model early. Emirates NBD integrated

UAE PASS into its website

so new customers can open accounts

using existing credentials,

while forms auto-fill and required

documents transfer directly from

the identity platform. As a result,

errors decline and processing

accelerates. Meanwhile, Dubai’s

blockchain-enabled national KYC

platform enables authorities and

banks to share verified corporate

data once anchored to trusted

sources, which reduces duplication.

Fintech and investment platforms

increasingly pair UAE PASS

with biometric verification to meet

ongoing KYC and AML obligations

while maintaining largely digital

journeys.

Other sectors can apply the

same logic. Telcos, utilities, and

digital platforms can depend on

the national trust layer, request

only necessary attributes, and let

consent flow through the app. At

the ecosystem level, this shared,

collaborative governance framework

strengthens fraud controls,

standardises regulatory oversight,

and improves visibility of identity-linked

risk across regulated

industries.

We aim to offer a secure and seamless digital

experience for entrepreneurs and residents,

simplifying access to essential trade

documents, fostering stronger collaboration

between government and the private

sector.”

— H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar,

Director General,

Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority


Investment News

SoftBank Secures $40

Billion Loan to Fund

OpenAI Investment

Growth Plans

SoftBank has obtained a $40

billion bridge loan to fund additional

OpenAI investments

and cover general corporate needs,

reinforcing its artificial intelligence

strategy. The unsecured loan, arranged

by JPMorgan Chase, Goldman

Sachs, Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui

Banking Corp, and MUFG Bank, is

set to mature in March 2027, reflecting

Masayoshi Son’s renewed global

AI focus.

Nvidia-Backed Nscale

Raises $2 Billion in

Fresh Series C Funding

Nvidia-backed Nscale has raised $2

billion in a Series C round, boosting

the British AI infrastructure

company’s valuation to $14.6 billion.

The round, led by Aker and 8090 Industries,

included Nvidia, Citadel, Dell,

and Jane Street. The investment will

support a potential IPO and expand

Nscale’s data center capacity to meet

soaring demand from Microsoft, OpenAI,

and other global clients in the rapidly

growing AI sector.

Databricks Commits

$850 Million to

Expand UK AI Operations

Further Now

Databricks is committing more than

$850 million to the UK over the

next three years, significantly

expanding its footprint as demand for

enterprise data and AI tools continues

to rise. The company plans to quadruple

its London office space with a new

137,000-square-foot headquarters,

which will serve as its EMEA hub.

This expansion will support a larger

local team, deeper engagement with

customers, and ongoing growth for

Lakebase and Genie. Databricks also

aims to train 100,000 people across

the UK and Ireland in data and AI skills

by 2028, underscoring its long-term

commitment to the region as a center

for talent, product adoption, and AI

investment. London will also become

a stronger base for regional partnerships,

engineering initiatives, executive

briefings, and scaling local hiring to

serve EMEA customers more effectively.

Mastercard Agrees

to Buy BVNK in Major

Stablecoin Infrastructure

Push

Google Backs $5B Texas Data Center Deal for

Anthropic Expansion

Alphabet is nearing a financing

deal worth more than $5

billion for a large Texas data

center leased by Anthropic. Rather

than build it itself, Google is backing

Nexus Data Centers with loans

to speed development. The 2,800

acre project aims for 500 megawatts

by 2026 and could scale to 7.7 gigawatts.

The deal deepens Google’s

ties with Anthropic and reflects rising

demand for energy efficient AI infrastructure

across the next generation

of computing.

Mastercard has agreed to acquire

BVNK for up to $1.8 billion,

including $300 million in

contingent payments, to connect onchain

payments with traditional fiat

rails. BVNK’s stablecoin infrastructure

complements Mastercard’s global payments

network and broadens support

for digital asset use cases. The acquisition

will help financial institutions and

other customers work with stablecoins,

tokenized deposits, and tokenized

assets securely and compliantly. Mastercard

expects the deal to close before

year-end, pending regulatory approval

and standard closing conditions. The

transaction strengthens Mastercard’s

crypto strategy without impacting its

core payment network and advances its

goal of enabling interoperable money

movement across regions and payment

systems, reinforcing its position in both

traditional and digital payments.


Uber to Buy Blacklane

as It Expands Premium

Travel Offerings

Globally

Uber is acquiring Berlin-based

Blacklane as it expands further

into luxury and executive travel.

Blacklane provides on-demand black-car

chauffeur services and has established

a presence across major cities in Europe,

the Middle East, Asia, South America,

and North America. The acquisition

follows Uber’s launch of Uber Elite, a

premium service offering chauffeur

support, in-vehicle amenities, airport

meet-and-greets, and 24/7 phone

assistance. Financial terms were not

disclosed, and the deal remains subject

to regulatory approval, but Uber

expects it to close by the end of the

year. Founded in 2011, Blacklane has

raised more than $100 million to date.

The acquisition gives Uber a deeper

foothold in premium mobility, enabling

it to deliver high-end travel features

for business and affluent riders across

global markets throughout 2026.

Samsung Plans $73

Billion Investment to

Lead AI Chip Market

Globally

Samsung Electronics plans to invest

more than 110 trillion won,

or $73.24 billion, in 2026 on

research, development, and facilities

as it pushes to lead the AI semiconductor

market. The company says it

is pursuing mergers and acquisitions

in robotics, medical technology, auto

electronics, and air conditioning. Last

year, Samsung invested 90.4 trillion

won and pledged 9.8 trillion won in

dividends.


Microsoft Plans One

Billion Dollar Thailand

Investment to Expand

AI Infrastructure

Microsoft plans to invest $1 billion

in Thailand over the next

two years, focusing on cloud

services and AI infrastructure, the Thai

government said. The package also includes

efforts to develop digital skills in

the local workforce. The announcement

follows broader data center investment

across Southeast Asia, as Thailand

moves to accelerate projects tied to

data centers, electronics, and power

generation further.

Nvidia Invests $2 Billion

in Nebius Amid AI

Infrastructure Growth

Drive

Nvidia has announced a $2 billion

investment in Nebius, the

Amsterdam-based AI cloud

company, strengthening its presence

in data center infrastructure and the

broader AI ecosystem. The investment

purchases shares representing roughly

8.3 percent ownership at $94.94 each,

according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange

Commission filing. Nebius, an

Nvidia customer, plans to deploy more

than 5 gigawatts of data center capacity

by 2030. The move reflects Nvidia’s

growing exposure to companies that

rely on its chips, while raising concerns

about circular deals in the AI market.

It also underscores the chipmaker’s

dual role as both supplier and investor,

contributing to the fast-expanding

compute stack for AI deployment and

global infrastructure spending, solidifying

Nvidia’s strategic position across

the AI ecosystem.

Apple Launches $599 MacBook Neo to Challenge

Budget Laptop Market

Apple has launched the MacBook

Neo, a 13-inch laptop starting at

$599, with a $499 education

price for students, signaling a push into

the budget segment. Powered by the

A18 Pro chip, it is designed for everyday

tasks and improved repairability,

including keyboard replacement. The

pricing aims at schools long dominated

by Chromebooks and Windows devices.

Early shipments began in March,

and the launch is generating strong

competitive response in entry-level

computing.


GADGET REVIEWs

APPLE WATCH SERIES 10

FITNESS & HEALTH FEATURES REVIEW

Apple Watch Series 10 builds on Apple’s health-first

strategy with a thinner, lighter design and several

meaningful fitness and wellness upgrades rather

than radical hardware changes. For anyone already in the

Apple ecosystem, it functions as a central health dashboard

on the wrist that ties together everyday activity, structured

training, and long‐term trends.

Core Health Tracking

Series 10 continues to offer optical heart rate monitoring, ECG

for irregular rhythm detection, blood oxygen measurements,

skin temperature trends, and advanced sleep tracking. With

watchOS updates, Apple layers these sensors into clearer

insights rather than just raw data. The new Vitals app aggregates

key overnight metrics like heart rate, respiratory

rate, wrist temperature, and blood oxygen into a simple

overview each morning.

When two or more metrics fall outside your usual range,

the watch can send a notification and suggest possible explanations

such as travel, alcohol intake, illness, or changes

in routine. This turns background monitoring into an early-warning

context instead of isolated numbers.

Fitness & Training Features

On the fitness side, Series 10 introduces Training Load,

which quantifies how the intensity and duration of your

recent workouts are stressing your body over time. Runners

and cyclists can see whether they’re ramping up too

fast or not pushing hard enough, similar to metrics long

offered by dedicated sports brands. Dual-frequency GPS

improves route accuracy in dense cities and rides more reliable.

Apple has also added custom routes and true offline

maps directly on the watch, so you can follow courses and

navigate without your iPhone or a data connection. Daily

Move, Exercise, and Stand rings now support pausing and

per‐day goal adjustments.



8BITDO FLIPPAD

RETRO GAMING MEETS MODERN SMARTPHONE

8BitDo unveiled the FlipPad at CES 2026 in

January, introducing a revolutionary gamepad

specifically engineered for portrait-mode

smartphone gaming. This innovative controller transforms

conventional mobile gaming by delivering

physical button controls optimized for retro games

and emulators, directly addressing the limitations

of on-screen touchscreen gaming interfaces that

plague mobile platforms.

The FlipPad features a unique hinged swivel

mechanism that magnetically clips onto the bottom

half of your smartphone’s display, creating a Game

Boy-inspired form factor. The device connects via a

single USB-C port that plugs directly into the phone’s

charging connector, eliminating Bluetooth connectivity

delays and requiring no separate battery charging.

This wired connection ensures zero-latency transmission

of input signals, providing instantaneous

button responsiveness critical for precision-demanding

emulators and retro platformers.

scratches while providing adequate friction to prevent controller

slippage during intense gaming sessions.The FlipPad directly

addresses a significant gap in mobile gaming input solutions,

bridging the convenience of emulation with ergonomic physical

controls that touchscreen interfaces cannot replicate.

Thoughtfully Designed Button Layout

The controller features a classic black D-pad positioned

on the left, complemented by four burgundy

ABXY face buttons matching the iconic Super Nintendo

color scheme. Additional gray Start and Select

buttons provide traditional retro gaming navigation,

while six customizable white auxiliary buttons enable

screenshot capture, menu access, or remappable

secondary inputs depending on game requirements.

Notably absent are analog thumbsticks, deliberately

positioning the FlipPad as a specialized emulation

device rather than a universal mobile gamepad.

The engineering demonstrates exceptional build

quality for which 8BitDo is renowned. Early hands-on

assessments from CES attendees confirm remarkably

clicky buttons with satisfying travel despite the controller’s

minimal profile of only millimeters above the

smartphone screen. The underside features a protective

rubberized surface that guards the display from


Interview

MANOJ SUREKA

CEO & Managing Partner,

Synergy Fin. Consulting



How Technology is

Safeguarding Business

Growth Amid Global Conflicts

Exclusive Interview

Manoj Sureka, CEO & Managing Partner at Synergy Fin. Consulting, is a seasoned expert in banking, finance,

and business funding advisory. He specializes in structuring debt, private credit, and trade finance solutions for

SMEs and corporates. Known for his deep understanding of the subject, Manoj has been instrumental in helping

businesses navigate complex financial environments and raise capital even in challenging conditions.

Q: How are global conflicts impacting

businesses in the UAE and the wider

region?

Ongoing tensions in the GCC are directly

impacting trade, logistics, and

capital flows.

For UAE-based businesses, we are

seeing fluctuations in freight costs along

key routes such as the Red Sea corridor

and increased insurance premiums for

shipments passing through sensitive

zones. Sectors like industrial metals, oil

derivatives, and food commodities are

experiencing price volatility.

However, the UAE’s strategic positioning

as a global trade hub and strong

connectivity through Emirates and DP

World, has ensured continuity.

Q: In such uncertain times, how is access

to funding changing?

During volatile periods, traditional banks

tend to adopt a more cautious approach.

Credit underwriting becomes stricter,

especially for sectors exposed to global

trade risks. At the same time, alternative

financing channels are gaining traction.

Trade finance instruments like LC discounting,

invoice financing, and supply

chain finance are being increasingly

used to maintain liquidity.

Technology-driven lenders and private

credit funds are also stepping in to

bridge the gap, offering faster approvals

based on real-time data rather than

Capital is always available, but

in uncertain times, it flows to

those who are prepared and

transparent.”

just historical financials.

Capital is always available, but in

uncertain times, it flows only to those

who are prepared and transparent.

Q: How is technology helping businesses

manage risk in a war-influenced

environment?

Technology is no longer optional, it is

central to survival.

Businesses are now using AI-driven

tools to monitor supply chain disruptions,

predict delays, and optimize

procurement strategies. Financial

dashboards provide real-time cash

flow visibility, enabling quicker decision-making.

The winners in today’s

economy are not the biggest businesses,

but the most informed ones.

Q: What role does the UAE play as a

safe financial hub during global instability?

With strong regulatory frameworks, a

stable currency, and investor-friendly

policies, the country attracts both institutional

and private investors. Free

zones like DIFC and ADGM have further

strengthened the financial ecosystem.

Q: Are SMEs more vulnerable in such

scenarios? How can they cope?

SMEs are typically more exposed due

to limited capital reserves and dependency

on specific markets or suppliers.

However, they can build resilience

through smart financial planning. This

includes: Maintaining sufficient working

capital buffers, diversifying supplier and

customer base, and leveraging trade

finance instead of blocking cash in

transactions.

Q: What practical steps should businesses

take immediately?

Businesses must shift from reactive

to proactive planning. Secure funding

lines in advance, even if not immediately

required. Regularly monitor cash flow

and liquidity positions.


Smart Cities

LivAI And The Twin

City

How Abu Dhabi’s city digital twin is reshaping urban planning

and corporate asset strategy across key sectors

Abu Dhabi’s LivAI platform turns the

entire emirate into a living digital

model. Its approach to liveability

scores, 3D mapping and predictive

scenario tests offers CEOs a concrete

blueprint for running twins of their

own networks.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities

and Transport has

moved beyond static maps

toward a living digital model of the

city. Through LivAI, its advanced digital

twin and AI platform, the emirate

now maintains a real-time, three-dimensional

view of how residents live,

move, and work. The system aggregates

data from more than ninety

residential areas, blending physical,

social, and economic indicators to

generate district-level liveability

scores. As a result, planners can

identify, on one unified platform,



where schools face capacity strain,

green spaces fall short, or transport

links lag behind housing growth.

However, LivAI also functions as a

predictive engine. DMT teams simulate

future scenarios such as zoning

changes, new roads, or coastal

upgrades and assess their impact on

congestion, access to services, and

quality-of-life metrics before committing

capital. This approach has

already raised district completion

scores from 67 percent in 2023 to 81

percent in 2025, supported by over

AED 42 billion in approved projects.

Internationally, Abu Dhabi’s rise

in the IMD Smart City Index reflects

this shift. LivAI demonstrates that

city-scale digital twins serve as

governance tools, aligning budgets,

infrastructure, and sustainability

goals with a shared urban reality.

From Planning To Operations

While LivAI began as a planning

tool, it is increasingly positioned

as a central intelligence layer for

daily operations. The platform sits

within a wider smart city stack that

includes DMT’s City Eye framework

and intelligent traffic safety systems

operated by the Integrated Transport

Centre. Together, these tools track

everything from inspections and incident

reports to real time traffic flows,

linking field activity back into the 3D

city model.

A parallel digital twin for Abu Dhabi’s

mobility network, shown by Abu

Dhabi Mobility and technology partners,

maps roads, junctions, public

transport and infrastructure assets,

and now tracks tens of billions of

data points. Historical records and

live feeds are combined to forecast

conditions and stress test options

out to 2050, such as new transit corridors

or changes in freight patterns.

When integrated with LivAI’s district

level liveability data, transport choices

can be judged not only on journey

times, but on how they shift access

to jobs, healthcare and public spaces.

For DMT and its partners, the

real benefit lies in closing the loop

between planning and field action.

Issues flagged in City Eye can be

prioritised according to their impact

on liveability, with crews dispatched

to where interventions will have the

greatest system wide effect. The

Our presence at this

year’s GITEX Global

reflects DMT’s vision

to harness emerging

technologies in

advancing quality of

life,”

— Dr. Omar Al Shaiba,

Executive Director IT Affairs,

Department of Municipalities and

Transport

LivAI team is effectively running a

city control room that is anchored in

a shared model rather than disconnected

dashboards. That approach

reduces duplication, shortens decision

cycles and provides a common

language for urban planners, engineers,

emergency managers and

finance officers.

Building Enterprise Digital Twins

The LivAI case offers practical

lessons for CEOs across real estate,

logistics, utilities, and retail. At its

core, a digital twin is a living model of

assets, networks, and users, continuously

updated by real-time data

and guided by business rules. What

distinguishes Abu Dhabi’s approach

is its shift from isolated pilots to an

integrated operating model.

For real estate leaders, this

reframes portfolios as dynamic

environments rather than static

collections of buildings. Footfall,

comfort, maintenance, and accessibility

can be tracked at unit, building,

and district levels. Developers can

combine BIM models, sensor inputs,

lease information, and retail performance

into a unified digital twin of

a mixed-use district. They can then

simulate how changes in tenant mix,

shading, or micromobility access influence

yield and occupancy. LivAI’s

liveability scores illustrate how

design decisions can translate into

measurable experience outcomes,

enabling proprietary indices that

connect planning choices directly to

performance.

Logistics and transport operators

can apply similar principles within

fleets and depots. A logistics CTO

might build a twin that maps every

route, vehicle, and warehouse rack,

enriched with historical volumes and

seasonal trends. Simulations can optimize

routing, loading, and staffing

before changes reach operations,

mirroring how Abu Dhabi models

congestion and safety risks. Crucially,

the twin becomes the default

environment for “what-if” decisions,

not a side project reserved for data

specialists.

Utilities and retail networks also

stand to gain. Power and water

providers can align asset maintenance

with demand forecasts,

environmental constraints, and

regulatory requirements, reducing

outages and capital inefficiencies.

Meanwhile, retailers with large

footprints can integrate store layouts

and catchment data with payment

and loyalty insights, testing how

redesigns, localized assortments, or

click-and-collect points affect sales

and dwell time. In every case, the

LivAI philosophy applies: define clear

outcomes, connect them to measurable

indicators, and use the twin as a

shared space where teams negotiate

trade-offs. For UAE enterprises, an

additional advantage lies in Abu

Dhabi’s policy environment, which

promotes data sharing, AI adoption,

and sustainability. Strategic partnerships

with government platforms,

leading universities, and expert specialist

vendors can greatly accelerate

corporate digital twin initiatives,

provided governance matches technological

ambition.


Fintech News

RAKBANK, Network

International Finalize

UAE Digital Payments

Deal

RAKBANK and Network International

have finalized their

strategic partnership following

approval from the Central Bank of the

UAE. The collaboration provides advanced

payment solutions to SMEs

and large corporates, particularly in

Ras Al Khaimah. Aligned with the

UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy, the

alliance enhances digital commerce

and supports regional business

growth.

Fuze Partners Miden

to Build Privacy-Focused

Blockchain for

Finance

Fuze and Miden have partnered

to develop regulated digital asset

solutions, combining Fuze’s

banking network with Miden’s privacy-focused

blockchain. The collaboration

focuses on payments and wealth

services, protecting sensitive data while

ensuring KYC and AML compliance. By

balancing transparency with confidentiality,

the alliance enables practical

blockchain deployment across emerging

Middle Eastern markets.

Tabby Card Adds Apple

Store to UAE Partner

Network

Tabby has integrated the Apple

Store into its UAE partner

network, allowing Tabby Card

users to access interest-free payment

flexibility across all physical locations,

the online store, and the mobile app.

To celebrate the launch, customers can

split their Apple purchases into six interest-free

installments until March 30,

with standard options for four or eight

months also available. This strategic

partnership enhances the shopping

experience for over one million active

Tabby Card holders, providing them

with greater control over their finances

when purchasing premium electronics

and lifestyle products. According

to CEO Hosam Arab, this expansion

underscores Tabby’s commitment to

delivering versatile financial solutions.

By adding a global giant like Apple to

its extensive merchant ecosystem,

Tabby further solidifies its position

as a leading payment provider within

the Middle East.

Saudi Central Bank Issues First Open Banking

License to Lean Technologies

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)

granted Lean Technologies its

first Major Payment Institution

license for open banking, transitioning

the firm from sandbox testing to

live operations. This milestone aligns

with Vision 2030, following successful

trials with fintechs like Tabby and

Tamara. Having secured $67.5 million

in 2024 and UAE approval in 2025,

Lean is poised for regional expansion.

CEO Hisham Al-Falih emphasized

that this regulatory shift significantly

broadens the company’s reach.

Presight Backs First

Six AI Startups via

$100M Fund

Presight has announced its first

six AI investments through the

US$100 million Presight-Shorooq

Fund I, targeting early-stage startups in

the UAE and USA. The cohort focuses

on applied AI for regulated industries,

including AMI, founded by Yann LeCun to

develop world model architectures, and

NodeShift, providing secure on-premises

AI deployment. Other recipients—Hebbia,

Candid Intelligence, Crunched, and

Blue—specialize in financial intelligence,

procurement, and edge systems. By

integrating these firms into the G42

ecosystem, Presight offers mentorship

and government networking to move

AI from theory into infrastructure and

industrial applications. Chief Growth

Officer Magzhan Kenesbai highlighted

the fund’s focus on technologies

for complex, real-world systems. The

initiative strengthens the region’s AI

innovation ecosystem, bridging research

and commercial applications across

global markets.


Fawry and Erada

Finance Partner to

Digitise SME Financing

in Egypt

Fawry and Erada Finance have

launched a strategic partnership

to streamline microfinance and

SME lending across Egypt. Leveraging

Fawry’s extensive nationwide branch

network, beneficiaries can now access

real-time digital fund transfers, reducing

cash-handling risks and easing branch

congestion. The collaboration supports

Egypt’s Vision 2030 and financial inclusion

objectives by providing underserved

MSMEs with efficient, secure, and accessible

financing through integrated

service centers. Hossam Ezz, Fawry’s

Chief Commercial Officer, noted that the

initiative reinforces the company’s role

as a technology enabler in the financial

sector. CEO Amr Abou El Azm added that

using this broad distribution network

allows Erada to reach more people. The

partnership promotes a more inclusive

and sustainable financial ecosystem

for the nation.

UAE Central Bank

Approves Resilience

Package Backed by

Over AED 1 Trillion

The Central Bank of the UAE

(CBUAE) has approved a Financial

Institution Resilience Package

to strengthen the banking sector

amid global volatility. The initiative

provides enhanced liquidity access,

temporary relief on capital buffers,

credit risk flexibility, and monetary

support, backed by over AED 1 trillion.

The board reaffirmed its commitment to

maintaining national financial stability

and supporting economic growth.


Elon Musk’s Starlink

Launches in UAE for

Consumers and Businesses

Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet

service has officially launched

in the UAE, providing residents

high-speed connectivity starting at

Dh230 monthly. Utilizing low-Earth

orbit satellites, the service delivers

low-latency internet to areas where

traditional fiber or mobile networks are

limited. Already available on Emirates

and flydubai flights, Starlink offers

specialized packages for residential

users throughout the UAE.

India’s ICICI Prudential

AMC Expands to

DIFC for GCC and Africa

Investors

ICICI Prudential AMC, one of India’s

largest asset managers, has expanded

its global presence by opening

a branch in the Dubai International

Financial Centre (DIFC). The hub serves

institutional and wealth investors across

the GCC and Africa, providing access

to Indian equities, fixed income, and

multi-asset strategies. By combining

India-based expertise with DIFC’s strong

regulatory framework, the firm aims to

build long-term partnerships with sovereign

institutions, family offices, and

private banks seeking diversification into

India’s resilient capital markets. Managing

Director Nimesh Shah highlighted

growing interest from Middle Eastern

investors in markets beyond developed

economies. Supported by a dedicated

local team, the office strengthens ICICI

Prudential’s institutional-grade portfolio

management and domestic market

participation.

Muzinich Launches Abu Dhabi Office to

Strengthen Middle East Expansion

Muzinich & Co., a New York-based

corporate credit specialist, has

officially expanded its regional

footprint by opening an office in the

Abu Dhabi Global Market. Led by Filomena

Cocco, this move formalizes

years of engagement within the GCC

and enables closer collaboration with

local partners. The expansion highlights

the firm’s commitment to the region’s

innovative landscape and underscores

ADGM’s status as a premier financial

hub defined by global connectivity and

regulatory maturity.


Cover Story

COVER

STORY



Across the UAE’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, women

leaders are driving innovation, shaping policy, and leading transformative

digital initiatives. Their leadership spans artificial intelligence,

fintech, smart infrastructure, climate technology, and entrepreneurship,

contributing to sustainable growth and strengthening

the nation’s global competitiveness. Through strategic vision and

measurable impact, these leaders continue to advance the UAE’s

position as a forward-looking technology and innovation hub.


Adele Trombetta

Senior Vice President & GM CX, EMEA

Cisco

Latifa Alshehhi is Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at

Invest UAE by the Ministry of Investment and Ambassador

for Women in AI UAE, where she leads the

design and execution of national AI and data strategies that

underpin the country’s investment priorities. With more

than a decade of public-sector leadership across entities

including the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center

and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, she has driven

data governance, analytics and ethical AI frameworks that

enable smart‐city services, real‐time decision‐making and

large‐scale digital transformation. Her work has been central

to initiatives such as the UAE Open Data Portal, the Emirates

Data Network and the regional hub of the UN Global

Platform for Big Data and Data Science, strengthening the

UAE’s role in global data collaboration. Internationally, she

has contributed as a member of United Nations expert

groups on big data and data science, while also championing

inclusive AI ecosystems through leadership roles

within Women in AI UAE. She has received multiple regional

honours, including recognition among the Top 30 Women

in Tech in MENA, reflecting her impact on AI‐driven public

policy and innovation. Her work continues to bridge global

expertise with regional impact, shaping more inclusive and

forward-looking AI ecosystems. Through her leadership,

she remains committed to advancing ethical innovation

and empowering diverse talent in the digital economy.

Ambareen Musa

CEO GCC

Revolut

Ambareen Musa is a pioneering fintech entrepreneur and

leader, renowned for founding the personal finance

comparison and education platform Souqalmal, and

subsequently launching Yabi, a financial wellbeing solution,

before taking on leadership of Revolut’s GCC operations.

Through Souqalmal, she transformed the way consumers

access and compare banking, insurance, and education

products, providing transparent, technology-driven tools

that empower informed financial decision-making. Yabi

builds on this mission by improving financial literacy and

behavior through digital journeys, data analytics, and

personalized guidance, enabling users to take control of

their financial wellbeing in a practical, measurable way.

At Revolut GCC, Ambareen applies her extensive experience

to expand the reach of a global financial super

app in the region, overseeing local product adaptation,

regulatory engagement, and strategic partnerships

with regional institutions. Her leadership bridges global

fintech innovation with local market insights, ensuring

that cutting-edge financial solutions are accessible, relevant,

and responsible for Middle Eastern consumers.

Across her ventures, she consistently emphasizes responsible

innovation that make financial services more transparent,

equitable, and accessible. Beyond entrepreneurship,

Ambareen is also an advocate and mentor in the regional

tech ecosystem.



Amel Chadli

President, Gulf Cluster

Schneider Electric

As President of the Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric,

Amel Chadli oversees the company’s operations

across Gulf markets, driving strategies in energy

management, automation, and digital transformation for

buildings, industries, data centres, and critical infrastructure.

With a strong engineering background and a career

spanning technical, commercial, and leadership roles within

Schneider Electric and the broader technology sector, she

champions the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled

platforms, advanced analytics, and intelligent software

solutions to enhance energy efficiency, operational

reliability, and sustainability outcomes for customers.

Her leadership extends to close collaboration with governments,

utilities, and private-sector partners on smart-city

initiatives, renewable-energy projects, and industrial digitalisation

programs, helping shape sustainable urban development

and the region’s energy transition. She is known for

integrating innovative technologies with practical business

solutions, ensuring that projects deliver measurable value

while aligning with environmental and regulatory standards.

Amel’s commitment to driving systemic change is complemented

by her advocacy for women in science, technology,

engineering, and leadership. She has received professional

awards recognising her contributions to technological

innovation, energy sustainability, and gender diversity in

leadership across the Middle East and Africa.

Amira Sajwani

Founder & CEO

PRYPCO

Amira Sajwani is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer

of PRYPCO, a property investment and management

platform that leverages technology to simplify real

estate ownership, rental, and investment for both individual

and institutional clients. Drawing on extensive experience in

leadership roles within prominent real estate groups in the

United Arab Emirates, she founded PRYPCO with a vision

to digitise property discovery, due diligence, and portfolio

management, providing customers with transparent data,

streamlined processes, and technology-enabled services.

Under her leadership, PRYPCO has introduced innovative

digital solutions that integrate data analytics, automation,

and customer-centric product design to make property

investment more accessible, efficient, and secure. Her

approach balances technological innovation with strong

governance and risk management practices, ensuring

that clients benefit from both convenience and reliability.

Beyond platform development, Amira is shaping the evolution

of the region’s property sector by fostering a shift

toward technology-supported models of ownership, asset

management, and investment. Through PRYPCO, she not

only transforms how real estate is bought, sold, and managed

in the Gulf but also contributes to broader innovation

trends that are redefining the regional property market and

setting new standards for transparency, accessibility, and

customer experience.


Anuscha Iqbal

CEO & Co-Founder

Qanooni

Anuscha Iqbal is the CEO and Co-Founder of Qanooni,

an AI-powered legal platform transforming access

to legal services across the MENA region.

Founded with the mission to bridge critical gaps in access

to justice, Qanooni leverages advanced machine learning

and natural language processing to deliver fast, reliable

legal support in both Arabic and English. Under Iqbal’s

leadership, the platform has emerged as a key innovator

in legal tech, enabling users to navigate complex legal

processes with greater speed and confidence.

She has led the development of Qanooni’s core AI engine,

capable of analysing legal documents with high accuracy

and significantly reducing consultation timelines from

weeks to hours. The platform provides automated legal

insights across a wide range of areas, including family

law, commercial contracts, and regulatory compliance,

making professional-grade legal tools accessible to both

individuals and SMEs. Iqbal has also secured early-stage

investment from regional venture capital firms, supporting

the expansion of Qanooni’s legal database, which now

spans 12 jurisdictions across the MENA region. Strategic

partnerships with law firms and regulatory bodies have

further strengthened the platform’s credibility and alignment

with local legal frameworks. With a background spanning

legal tech, and AI ethics, Iqbal combines expertise in both

law and computer science to drive innovation in the sector.

Augusta Spinelli

Regional President, EMEA

SAP

Augusta Spinelli serves as Regional President for SAP

EMEA, leading the company’s operations across

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with a focus on

accelerating cloud transformation for enterprise customers.

Spinelli oversees SAP’s S/4HANA Cloud adoption across

the region, driving large-scale migration to real-time ERP

systems for thousands of enterprise customers. Her strategy

has delivered measurable improvements in business

process automation, helping organisations move away

from legacy infrastructure and into cloud-native operations.

Her leadership has advanced SAP’s intelligent enterprise

agenda, integrating AI capabilities into core business workflows.

SAP’s Joule AI copilot, deployed under her regional

direction, brings natural language processing to complex

enterprise processes, reducing manual effort and accelerating

decision-making across the EMEA customer base.

Spinelli has also expanded SAP’s sustainability platform

offering, enabling enterprises to track Scope 1 through 3

carbon emissions and meet growing ESG reporting requirements

through embedded analytics. She spearheaded

industry cloud solutions tailored to manufacturing and

supply chain clients, incorporating digital twin technology

and predictive AI forecasting to strengthen operational

resilience — delivering consistent and strong cloud revenue

growth year-on-year through strategic hyperscale cloud

partnerships.



Dana Baki

Chief Commercial & MENA Officer

The Exploration Company (TEC)

Dana Baki is Chief Commercial and People Officer at

The Exploration Company, one of the fastest-growing

space companies globally, building reusable

and in-orbit refillable space capsules and lunar landers.

In her role, she leads the company’s commercial strategy

and people function, supporting its mission to make space

logistics more accessible and affordable. The company’s

Nyx capsule is designed to be launched by any heavy

launcher and fly to any space station at a fraction of the

cost of current global alternatives, with its first mission to

the International Space Station targeted for early 2028.

Prior to joining The Exploration Company, Baki was

co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of MUNCH:ON, a food

technology platform based in the Middle East, which was

acquired by Careem, Uber’s subsidiary in the region. Before

that, she served as a Partner of Business Development at

AlJal Capital, a financing and venture capital firm in the UAE.

Earlier in her career, she spent over seven years at Procter

and Gamble in the United States, where she held a wide

range of assignments, gaining expertise across corporate

strategy, marketing, and consumer insights across global

markets. She holds an MBA from Georgetown University

and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and English Literature

from the University of Michigan.

Dee Deu

Director of Information Security

Chalhoub Group

Dee Deu serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Chalhoub

Group, the Middle East’s leading luxury retail

conglomerate, driving technology-led transformation

across an extensive portfolio of premium brands.

Deu oversees digital commerce platforms where AI-powered

personalisation serves millions of customers annually,

delivering significant e-commerce revenue growth under

her strategy. She launched omnichannel retail ecosystems,

leveraging machine learning to unify online and offline

experiences, while intelligent inventory optimisation has

meaningfully reduced stock inefficiencies across the business.

Her leadership implemented blockchain supply chain tracking,

enabling instantaneous luxury goods authenticity verification

and dramatically reducing counterfeit losses across fourteen

countries. She also spearheaded data platforms that consolidate

customer insights, using predictive analytics to strengthen

customer lifetime value and deepen brand loyalty at scale.

Under her guidance, Chalhoub deployed AR virtual

try-on technology that has significantly improved

conversion rates across hundreds of stores, and piloted

metaverse retail experiences tailored for premium

clients seeking immersive brand engagement.

Previously, Deu led strategy at global luxury conglomerates,

bringing deep expertise in digital transformation and

consumer AI. Her initiatives have earned multiple retail

innovation awards.


Dena Almansoori

Group Chief Technology & Innovation

Officer

ADNOC

Dena Almansoori is the Group Chief Technology and

Innovation Officer at ADNOC, where she leads the

organisation’s AI and technology strategy, driving

the integration of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and

advanced technologies across the entire organisation. With

over 20 years of experience, she is recognised for driving

data-led transformation across large-scale organisations

and embedding advanced technologies into core business

functions.

Almansoori has been instrumental in integrating AI into

human resources and organisational design, enabling data-driven

workforce planning, performance management,

and talent development at scale. Previously, she held successive

C-suite roles at e& Group as Group Chief Human

Resources Officer and Group Chief AI and Data Officer, and

led HR operations at the Central Bank of the UAE.

She is also the founder and CEO of WhiteBox HR, a platform

dedicated to transforming human capital management

through technology. Actively engaged in the regional

innovation ecosystem, she mentors startups at the DIFC

FinTech Hive and Hub71. Almansoori holds a BSc in Management

Information Systems and Finance from Boston

University, an MBA from the University of Strathclyde,

and an AI certification from the Massachusetts Institute

of Technology.

Dina Sam’an

Founder & Managing Director

CoinMENA

Dina Sam’an is the Co-Founder and Managing Director

of CoinMENA, the leading regulated crypto assets

exchange in the MENA region. CoinMENA enables

users to seamlessly buy, sell, transfer, and store digital

assets in local currencies. As one of the region’s early pioneers

in crypto and blockchain, Dina is focused on providing

compliant access to digital assets, educating both retail and

institutional investors, and positioning virtual assets as the

foundation of a more inclusive and borderless financial system.

Under her leadership, CoinMENA emerged as a fintech

powerhouse by securing landmark licenses in Bahrain and

the UAE, becoming one of the first dual-licensed exchanges

in the region. The platform scaled to serve over 1.5 million

users and surpassed $5 billion in trading volume. This exceptional

growth trajectory led to its landmark acquisition

by Paribu in a deal valued at up to $240 million, marking

a historic milestone in the international fintech landscape.

Dina’s influence is equally profound within the broader tech

ecosystem. A recipient of multiple global awards, she sits

on the board of Princess Sumaya University for Tech and

serves as an Ambassador for Women Changing the World.

Whether advising Women in Tech Bahrain or mentoring

emerging founders through Ignyte, Dina is actively architecting

the infrastructure of the Middle East’s digital future,

driving the global conversation on financial inclusion, and

empowering the next generation of regional innovators.



Ebru Pakcan

CEO Middle East & Africa Cluster

Citi

Ebru Pakcan is the Chief Executive Officer at Citi, where

she plays a pivotal role in driving large-scale technology

transformation across one of the world’s most expansive

financial institutions, operating in over 160 countries. She

oversees the bank’s Treasury and Trade Solutions division, a

cornerstone of Citi’s global operations, managing trillions in

client balances and enabling critical financial infrastructure

for multinational corporations. Under her leadership, the

division has advanced AI-powered liquidity management

solutions, helping organisations optimise working capital

and enhance financial efficiency in real time.

Pakcan has been at the forefront of Citi’s digital innovation

agenda, accelerating the adoption of blockchain technologies

to streamline transaction processing and significantly

reduce settlement times. She has also championed the development

of digital asset custody capabilities, positioning

Citi to support the evolving needs of institutional clients

in a rapidly changing financial landscape. Her strategic

focus on modernising payment infrastructure has led to

the expansion of secure, cloud-based platforms capable of

handling high transaction volumes, enhanced by machine

learning-driven fraud detection and risk management

systems. In parallel, she has strengthened Citi’s integration

with the broader fintech ecosystem through API-led

partnerships, extending the bank’s capabilities to a global

network of enterprise clients and developers.

Eman Al Awadhi

VP - Network & Cyber Security

Expo City Dubai

As Vice President of Network and Cyber Security at

Expo City Dubai, Eman Al Awadhi is responsible

for safeguarding one of the region’s most complex

smart city environments, integrating physical, operational

and information technology into a coherent security architecture.

She leads programmes that strengthen cyber

resilience across critical infrastructure, visitor services and

corporate systems, using advanced monitoring, incident

response frameworks and security by design principles to

protect data and ensure continuity of operations. Having

previously held senior cybersecurity roles supporting large

government and semi‐government entities, she brings

deep experience in building security operations centres,

embedding security governance, and raising awareness

among business stakeholders. Her work at Expo City Dubai

showcases how carefully orchestrated security strategy can

enable large-scale digital innovation, new urban services,

and sustainable development without compromising trust,

safety, or regulatory compliance in a high-profile global

destination. She continues to advocate for the integration

of cybersecurity by design in smart city initiatives, ensuring

that emerging technologies are deployed responsibly.

Through mentoring, coaching, guidance, support, and

thought leadership, she empowers the next generation

of security professionals to tackle complex challenges in

the digital economy.


Fatima Al Khajah

Chief AI Officer

Dubai Health Authority

Fatima Al Khajah is the Chief AI Officer and Director

of the Customer Happiness Department at the Dubai

Health Authority, where she leads the integration of

artificial intelligence and digital transformation to enhance

patient experience and service delivery across the healthcare

ecosystem. With over 18 years of experience in public sector

innovation, Al Khajah has spearheaded initiatives that set

global benchmarks for customer-centric excellence. Since

2018, her leadership has driven the Authority to become

the first entity worldwide to receive the International Customer

Experience Standard Certificate. She transformed

the contact centre into a leading government service hub,

ranking first among Dubai Government entities in 2019,

and played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic

by establishing a unified contact platform that accelerated

telehealth adoption. Her focus on digital enablement, and

data-driven decision-making has delivered measurable

impact, elevating customer happiness rankings from 18th

in 2017 to third among 33 government entities by 2019,

a position maintained into 2020. Earlier in her career, Al

Khajah led national digital education initiatives at the UAE

Ministry of Education, implementing a unified student

record system, developing the award-winning ‘Abnaee’

mobile application, and contributing to the Mohammed

bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme, strengthening the

country’s digital education infrastructure.

Feryal Ahmadi

Deputy CEO & Chief Operating Officer

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

Feryal Ahmadi, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer

of DMCC, is a driving force shaping the future of trade

from Dubai to the world. With over two decades of

strategic leadership, Feryal has been the chief architect

behind DMCC’s record-breaking growth and its contribution

to Dubai’s FDI, while leading major initiatives like Uptown

Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), DMCC’s Smart and

Sustainable District Strategy and the Future of Trade report

series that positions Dubai as a global thought leader in

international trade and commerce. A champion of inclusive

growth, Feryal chairs the UAE chapter of the BRICS

Women’s Business Alliance – promoting inclusive economic

growth and women’s participation across BRICS nations

– and actively advances women’s empowerment through

platforms like the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles.

Feryal is a recognised voice on the international stage

and serves on the boards of several UAE government and

semi-government entities. Her vision for sustainable and

diversified economic development has proven instrumental

in reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a leading international

business hub. Through her unwavering commitment to

excellence, innovation, and diversity, Feryal continues to

inspire the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs

throughout the region.



Fionnuala Morris

Global Senior Partner, AI & Public Sector

Kyndryl

Fionnuala Morris serves as Global Senior Partner for AI

and Public Sector at Kyndryl, leading the company’s

strategy to bring enterprise-grade artificial intelligence

to government institutions and public agencies worldwide.

Morris drives Kyndryl’s sovereign AI platform offering,

enabling governments to process sensitive public data

within their own jurisdictions while accessing advanced

analytics capabilities. Her work addresses one of the central

challenges in public sector AI adoption — maintaining

full data sovereignty without sacrificing the performance

benefits of modern machine learning infrastructure.

Her leadership has advanced AI workload optimisation

across Kyndryl’s public sector engagements, improving the

efficiency of mission-critical government applications and

reducing the compute overhead associated with large-scale

AI deployments. She has also spearheaded the development

of hybrid cloud AI factories, providing public agencies with

pre-built deployment pipelines that significantly accelerate

the time from model development to citizen-facing service.

Morris established AI governance frameworks that guide

ethical and accountable deployment of AI across Kyndryl’s

government clients. These standards have been applied

across multiple national jurisdictions, with Kyndryl now

providing AI auditing capability to government institutions

seeking independent oversight — securing its position as a

trusted partner for public sector AI modernisation at scale.

Gracy Chen

Chief Executive Officer

Bitget

Gracy Chen serves as Chief Executive Officer of Bitget,

a leading global cryptocurrency exchange and

trading platform. In her role, she leads the company’s

strategic vision, overseeing operations, product

development, and international expansion while ensuring

that the platform remains secure, innovative, and customer-focused.

Under her leadership, Bitget has strengthened

its position in spot and derivatives trading, leveraged

advanced technologies to enhance trading experiences,

and expanded its presence across multiple global markets.

Gracy brings extensive experience in fintech, digital assets,

and technology-driven business growth, with a focus on

building platforms that prioritize transparency, risk management,

and user empowerment. She drives initiatives

to integrate blockchain innovation, decentralized finance

(DeFi) solutions, and data analytics into Bitget’s ecosystem,

ensuring the company stays at the forefront of a rapidly

evolving industry. Her leadership emphasizes regulatory

compliance, responsible innovation, and global collaboration,

helping Bitget navigate diverse regulatory environments

while promoting the adoption of digital financial solutions.

Beyond her operational role, Gracy is recognized for her

thought leadership in the cryptocurrency space, advocating

for wider financial inclusion, investor education, and

the development of secure, technology-enabled financial

infrastructure.


Hajar Al Maazmi

Head of Technology - International

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

Hajar Al Maazmi serves as Head of Technology

– International at FAB, the Middle East’s

largest bank by assets, leading digital transformation

across the bank’s global operations.

Al Maazmi oversees core banking modernisation, implementing

cloud-native platforms that serve tens of

millions of customers while significantly expanding

transaction processing capacity. She deployed AI-powered

customer analytics, enabling personalised services

across fifteen countries and driving substantial

digital adoption growth within a condensed timeframe.

Her leadership launched real-time payment ecosystems connecting

regional clearing houses, with cross-border transfers

now settling in seconds. She established DevSecOps frameworks,

integrating security across development pipelines and

accelerating deployment cycles from monthly to daily releases.

Under her guidance, FAB pioneered blockchain trade finance,

using smart contracts to automate billions of dollars

in annual transactions and dramatically reducing reliance

on paper-based processes across international operations.

Previously, Al Maazmi led technology strategy at

global financial institutions, bringing expertise in agile

transformation and digital ecosystems. Her initiatives

have earned multiple banking technology awards.

Her vision positions FAB as a regional technology leader.

Al Maazmi transforms international banking operations.

Hoda A. Alkhzaim

Co-Chair, Global Future Council for Cyber

Security

World Economic Forum

Hoda A. Alkhzaim serves as Co-Chair of the Global

Future Council for Cyber Security at the World

Economic Forum, shaping global cybersecurity

policy and advising governments and industry leaders

on building resilient digital defences worldwide.

Alkhzaim drives AI-powered threat intelligence frameworks,

processing billions of indicators daily to predict and

neutralise cyberattacks across national infrastructures.

She established quantum-safe encryption standards

to protect critical systems against future computing

threats and coordinates public-private partnerships that

enable rapid, coordinated incident response at scale.

Her leadership pioneered blockchain-based identity verification

solutions that have significantly reduced phishing

vulnerabilities, and developed global cyber defence simulations

orchestrated with AI to sharpen multi-nation response

capabilities. Under her guidance, the WEF launched cybersecurity

trust frameworks that now govern trillions of dollars in

digital transactions across interconnected global economies.

Previously, Alkhzaim led national cybersecurity operations

and brings deep expertise in AI ethics, digital sovereignty,

and strategic technology leadership. Her initiatives have

earned multiple international security innovation awards.

Her vision positions cybersecurity as foundational infrastructure

for the modern world. Alkhzaim transforms the

global threat landscape through cross-sector collaboration.



Jessica Constantinidi

Innovation Officer for EMEA

ServiceNow

Jessica Constantinidis is Field Innovation Officer for EMEA

in the Chief Strategy Office at ServiceNow, where she

helps enterprise leaders across the region reimagine

the future of work through AI, digital transformation,

and co-innovation. Recognised as a visionary strategist

and sought-after public speaker, she bridges technology,

strategy, and culture, translating foresight into measurable

business impact and shaping the workplaces of tomorrow.

With over two decades of experience spanning engineering,

consulting, and strategy, she has guided Fortune 500

companies, governments, and industries through complex

transformations. She identifies challenges and delivers

meaningful outcomes for customers through in-depth

knowledge of business drivers and technical capabilities,

and has been involved in co-creation and co-innovation

with some of the largest global customers at ServiceNow.

Her approach is rooted in challenging senior executives

to think beyond conventional boundaries and embrace

out-of-the-box applications of technology.

A pioneering female engineer at VMware in its early

EMEA days, Constantinidis brings deep expertise in aligning

technology innovation with business outcomes. She serves

as a board director for the BeNeLux Business Council in the

UAE and is consistently recognised as one of the leading

women shaping the technology future of the Middle East.

Isha Aljasmi

Chief Consultant - Technology & Customs

Development

Dubai Customs

Isha Aljasmi serves as IT Director and Chief Consultant

for Technology and Customs Development, working

across the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and

Dubai Customs to guide major government digital transformation

initiatives. In her role, she provides strategic

direction on enterprise architecture, modern applications,

and data platforms that underpin customs operations,

trade facilitation, and infrastructure planning, while

ensuring that systems are secure, interoperable, and

fully aligned with federal and emirate-level strategies.

With extensive experience in designing and implementing

large-scale government technology programs, Isha has

played a pivotal role in creating integrated platforms that

streamline administrative and operational processes for

businesses and citizens alike. Her initiatives support the

advancement of smart government services, optimize

logistics and supply chain efficiency, and reinforce the

United Arab Emirates’ position as a leading global hub for

technology-enabled trade and infrastructure development.

Beyond technical oversight, she is recognized for her

ability to bridge policy and implementation, translating

strategic objectives into practical, scalable solutions. Isha

has led numerous cross-entity projects, bringing together

stakeholders from customs, infrastructure, and digital innovation

sectors to foster collaboration, drive innovation,

and achieve measurable impact.


Katharine Budd

Co-Founder

NOW Money

Katharine Budd is the Co-Founder of NOW Money, a

fintech platform dedicated to advancing financial

inclusion for low-income and unbanked workers

across the Middle East and Asia.

Since co-founding the company in 2015, Budd has led its

mission to provide accessible, mobile-first banking solutions

for migrant workers, an often underserved segment of the

financial system. Through seamless smartphone-based

onboarding, NOW Money enables users to open accounts

instantly, access savings tools, and send remittances with

ease.

Under her leadership, the platform has introduced innovative

technologies to lower barriers to financial access,

including a blockchain-enabled remittance infrastructure

designed to reduce transfer costs and improve transaction

efficiency. The integration of AI-driven credit assessment

models has further expanded access to financial services,

allowing users without traditional credit histories to qualify

for micro-loans and build financial stability.

Budd has also driven strategic partnerships with major

employers across the UAE and Qatar, enabling automated

payroll solutions that streamline salary disbursement for

hundreds of thousands of workers. Today, NOW Money

operates across multiple markets, supported by regulatory

approvals from central banks and a growing user base that

reflects its strong social impact.

Latifa Alshehhi

Chief AI Officer

Invest UAE by the Ministry of Investment

Latifa Alshehhi is Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at

Invest UAE by the Ministry of Investment and Ambassador

for Women in AI UAE, where she leads the

design and execution of national AI and data strategies that

underpin the country’s investment priorities. With more

than a decade of public-sector leadership across entities

including the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center

and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, she has driven

data governance, analytics and ethical AI frameworks that

enable smart‐city services, real‐time decision‐making and

large‐scale digital transformation. Her work has contributed

to national open data initiatives and international collaborations,

including engagement with United Nations efforts

on big data and data science, strengthening the UAE’s

role in global data ecosystems. She has played a key role

in advancing data governance, interoperability, and the

adoption of AI to support evidence-based decision-making

across government. Internationally, she contributes to expert

discussions on responsible data use, while advocating for

inclusive and ethical AI ecosystems. Through her leadership

with Women in AI UAE, she continues to support the growth

and representation of women in the region’s AI landscape,

and has been regionally recognized for her contributions to

AI-driven public policy and innovation. She is committed to

fostering future talent by supporting initiatives that build

AI capabilities across the region.



Madiha Sattar

Managing Director & Growth Ventures Partner

BNY

Madiha Sattar serves as Managing Director

at BNY, where she leads technology-driven

initiatives transforming global custody

and post-trade operations for institutional investors.

Sattar oversees the bank’s digital asset platform, which

manages trillions in securities daily, and has spearheaded

blockchain adoption to accelerate settlement finality from

traditional T+2 timelines to near real-time execution. She has

also implemented AI-powered data reconciliation systems,

processing billions of data points annually with unprecedented

accuracy while significantly reducing operational costs.

Her leadership extends to cloud-native analytics

platforms that provide clients with real-time portfolio

insights and predictive risk analytics. Machine

learning models under her direction forecast market

liquidity trends, empowering institutional investors to

make informed decisions with speed and confidence.

Sattar has forged partnerships with leading tokenisation

platforms, enabling BNY to custody alternative

digital assets for thousands of institutions. She

has also overseen the deployment of quantum-safe

encryption technologies, safeguarding client assets

and earning recognition for cybersecurity excellence.

With a career spanning digital transformation and capital

markets technology, Sattar has consistently advanced BNY’s

position across critical financial infrastructure.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri

Vice Chair and Managing Director

2PointZero

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri serves as Vice

Chair and Managing Director of 2PointZero. She

is involved in setting the company’s strategic direction

across technology, sustainability, and investment

priorities. Almheiri works on initiatives focused on food

security, climate technology, and digital transformation.

Her role includes supporting the development of solutions

aimed at addressing long-term resource and environmental

challenges. She oversees projects in areas such as AI, agritech,

and clean energy. These initiatives are designed to

improve supply chain resilience and support broader infrastructure

development aligned with diversification goals.

Almheiri engages with public and private sector stakeholders

to support collaboration across innovation ecosystems. This

includes facilitating partnerships that enable knowledge

exchange and technology adoption. Prior to 2PointZero,

Almheiri held senior roles in the UAE government, where

she contributed to national strategies on food security and

environmental sustainability. Her work included policy

development in agriculture and climate-related sectors.

She has been involved in promoting data-led approaches

to planning and decision-making. This includes exploring

the use of digital tools and analytics to improve efficiency

across systems. At 2PointZero, Almheiri’s focus remains

on guiding initiatives that connect sustainability objectives

with technology and investment frameworks.


Melike Kara


e& money

Melike Kara serves as Chief Executive Officer of e&

money, a leading digital financial services platform

operating across the UAE and emerging markets.

Kara leads the development of e& money’s mobile

wallet ecosystem, delivering instant payments to

millions of users, with transaction volumes growing

substantially over three years. She launched AI-powered

financial inclusion tools, using machine learning

to assess creditworthiness without collateral, enabling

unbanked populations to access micro-loans instantly.

Her leadership implemented blockchain-based remittance

corridors, allowing cross-border transfers to settle

in seconds and dramatically reducing traditional fees for

migrant workers. She also deployed real-time fraud detection

systems using behavioural biometrics, reducing false

positives while effectively blocking sophisticated attacks.

Under Kara’s guidance, e& money achieved full regulatory

compliance, integrating seamlessly with national payment

switches and processing millions of transactions daily.

Previously, Kara built fintech platforms at global

telcos, bringing deep expertise in digital payments

and regulatory technology. Her initiatives have

earned multiple mobile money innovation awards.

Her vision positions e& money as the region’s digital wallet

leader. Kara transforms financial access through technology

and exemplifies CEO leadership at scale.

Mila Semeshkina


Lectera

Mila Semeshkina is the Founder and CEO of Lectera,

a global digital education platform that accelerates

professional skills development and career

advancement through multilingual, technology-enabled

learning solutions. Since launching Lectera in 2020,

Semeshkina has scaled the platform to serve millions of

users across 60+ countries. She introduced Lectera Corp., a

corporate training solution that helps organisations upskill

employees digitally, and expanded offerings to include

programmes tailored for younger learners. Her approach

prioritises accessibility, efficiency, and measurable outcomes,

with strong course completion rates reflecting the

platform’s impact. In addition to her EdTech leadership,

Semeshkina is the founder and president of the Women’s

Empowerment Council, a global initiative supporting female

entrepreneurship and leadership. Through mentorship,

investment opportunities, and large-scale international

events, she has connected aspiring women leaders with

business networks and resources that foster growth and

innovation. Semeshkina leverages data-driven methodologies

to democratise education and enable continuous

professional development. She is also an author of books

on career growth and market competitiveness. Her achievements

have earned widespread recognition as one of the

leading global EdTech founders and a top influencer in

professional education.



Mona Ataya

Founder & CEO

Mumzworld

Mona Ataya is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer

of Mumzworld, a leading e-commerce platform

dedicated to serving mothers, babies, and children

across the Middle East, providing a comprehensive range of

products supported by a data-driven, customer-centric digital

experience. Drawing on her extensive experience in senior

roles within regional consumer goods and marketing, she

identified a significant gap in the market for a specialised,

technology-enabled platform catering to parents, and built

Mumzworld into a pioneer of vertical e-commerce in the region.

Under her leadership, Mumzworld has invested heavily in

logistics, content creation, data analytics, and customer support

capabilities, enabling seamless cross-country delivery,

personalized shopping experiences, and trusted guidance

for parents. The company has developed innovative tools

that allow parents to compare products, access reliable

information, and make informed purchasing decisions, redefining

the digital parenting ecosystem in the Middle East.

Mona’s vision extends beyond business growth: she is a

strong advocate for women’s participation in the workforce

and entrepreneurship, using her platform to create

opportunities and inspire the next generation of female

leaders. Her contributions to the digital economy and entrepreneurship

ecosystem have been widely recognised

through numerous awards for innovation, leadership, and

social impact.

Mouza Al Romaithi

Executive Director - Information & Cybersecurity

ADQ

Mouza Al Romaithi is Director of Information and Cybersecurity

at ADQ, where she leads the group’s cyber

strategy, governance and operations, strengthening

resilience across a diverse portfolio of critical and regulated

sectors. With more than 16 years of experience in information

and cyber security, she has designed and implemented

enterprise-wide frameworks that align risk management,

incident response and vulnerability management with

business priorities and evolving threat landscapes. Her

leadership extends to multiple board roles in the energy,

healthcare and nuclear sectors, where she provides strategic

oversight on information and cybersecurity, helping

organisations embed robust defences and sustainable risk

practices at board level. A specialist in cyber security with

advanced academic training in information technology, she

champions a business‐aligned, people‐centred approach

that combines technical controls, clear governance and

continuous awareness to reduce human‐factor risk. She

shares her expertise through speaking at regional security

conferences and leadership forums, where she advocates

continuous learning and greater female representation in

technology and cyber security. She has been recognised

among the UAE’s most influential cybersecurity leaders,

underscoring her contribution to safeguarding digital infrastructure

and developing the next generation of security

professionals.


Mubaraka Ibrahim

Chief Information Officer

Emirates Health Services

Mubaraka Ibrahim serves as Acting Chief Information

Officer of the Information Sector and Director of

Health Information Systems at Emirates Health

Services, where she leads the integration of advanced

technologies to strengthen the UAE’s digital healthcare

infrastructure. She drives data-led transformation with

a focus on interoperability, patient-centric systems,

and emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain.

Ibrahim has been instrumental in delivering national healthcare

platforms, including the National Unified Medical Record

system (Riayati) and the Track and Trace platform (Tatmeen),

enhancing data exchange, supply chain transparency, and

clinical decision-making across the country. Her work supports

the development of a connected, efficient, and future-ready

healthcare ecosystem aligned with national priorities.

She contributes extensively to government innovation

and smart city initiatives, serving on strategic committees

focused on digital services in Dubai, and has

chaired electronic medical records projects. Ibrahim was

an early member of the HIMSS Middle East Committee,

highlighting her longstanding influence in healthcare IT.

Her leadership has been recognised through multiple

accolades, including ranking among the top 50 CIOs and

leading female executives in the Middle East, as well as

receiving a healthcare IT leadership award. She continues

to advance digital health transformation.

Nadine Mezher

Co-Founder

Sarwa

Nadine Mezher is the Co-Founder and Executive Board

Member of Sarwa, a pioneering hybrid fintech investment

platform established in 2017 that has redefined

access to wealth management across the Middle East.

Under her leadership, Sarwa has evolved into a leading

digital investment platform, democratising financial services

for a new generation of investors. By leveraging advanced

technology, the platform enables automated investing across

stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, offering low-cost, personalised

portfolios backed by prominent investors including

Mubadala. Today, Sarwa manages billions in assets under

administration, supported by AI-driven tools that optimise

portfolio performance and enhance risk assessment. Mezher

has been instrumental in driving financial inclusion

in a region historically dominated by high-net-worth-focused

advisory models. Her strategic vision has simplified

complex investment processes, empowering individuals to

build long-term financial independence through seamless

digital onboarding and real-time analytics. With over two

decades of executive leadership experience across Europe

and the Middle East, Mezher has held senior roles spanning

marketing, retail, and technology. Beyond Sarwa, she is the

CEO and Co-Founder of NAWA, and serves as a Venture

Partner at Antler. A strong advocate for women’s financial

representation, she is championing greater inclusion across

the financial ecosystem.



Najla Al‐Midfa


Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)

Najla Al-Midfa is the Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, the

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, an initiative established

under the patronage of the Sharjah government

to foster a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem

within the emirate. Sheraa provides end-to-end support

to founders, startups, and small and medium enterprises,

helping them establish, scale, and succeed. Al-Midfa has

been instrumental in building Sheraa into one of the region’s

most recognised platforms for entrepreneurship and

innovation. Under her guidance, the centre has nurtured

hundreds of startups, created strategic partnerships with

accelerators, investors, and corporate entities, and developed

programmes that support ventures at every stage of

their growth journey. Before her leadership role at Sheraa,

Al-Midfa held positions across the technology and innovation

sectors, where she developed a deep understanding of

how ecosystem building, mentorship, and access to capital

can transform entrepreneurial outcomes. Her approach

places community at the heart of innovation, creating environments

where founders can connect, learn, and build

together. Recognised with awards for her contributions to

entrepreneurship development and innovation leadership,

Al-Midfa has become a respected advocate for Sharjah’s

ambition to establish itself as a leading destination. Her

work continues to shape the emirates reputation as a forward-thinking

environment across all sectors.

Najwa Aaraj


Technology Innovation Institute

Dr. Najwa Aaraj serves as Chief Executive Officer of

Technology Innovation Institute, Abu Dhabi’s advanced

technology research institute dedicated to developing

sovereign capabilities across quantum computing, artificial

intelligence, cryptography, and autonomous systems.

Aaraj leads TII’s quantum computing programme, overseeing

the development and deployment of Abu Dhabi’s

first quantum computer. Under her direction, the institute’s

quantum systems have achieved logical qubit performance

benchmarks relevant to regional defence and scientific

applications, positioning the UAE among a small group

of nations with operational quantum infrastructure.

Her leadership launched large-scale AI supercomputing

initiatives, with TII platforms processing petabytes

of multimodal data daily. Machine learning models

developed under her oversight serve applied use

cases across national security and healthcare, translating

research into operational capability at scale.

Aaraj spearheaded TII’s cryptography research division, delivering

post-quantum algorithms. These frameworks resist

threats from current and next-generation computing systems,

providing long-term protection for national digital assets.

Under her guidance, TII established autonomous systems

programmes deploying AI-coordinated drone technology

for defence applications. She also built a global research

network.


Nishu Mittal

Senior Director, Head of Technology Regulations

& Business Management

Emirates NBD Group

As Senior Director and Head of Technology Regulations

and Business Management at Emirates NBD

Group, Nishu Mittal oversees the alignment of

complex technology landscapes with evolving regulatory

frameworks across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring that

innovation proceeds with strong governance, regulatory

compliance, and structured oversight. Her work connects

regulatory strategy with business and technology oversight,

supporting the bank in meeting regulatory and compliance

requirements across technology, cybersecurity, outsourcing,

resilience, and privacy domains, while strengthening governance,

assurance, and regulatory readiness. Drawing on

prior leadership roles in technology governance, regulatory

compliance, and GRC practices within large financial institutions,

she has built teams and processes that translate

regulatory requirements into clear operating models, giving

senior management visibility of regulatory requirements,

compliance posture, and strategic priorities. She also actively

mentors’ technology and compliance professionals,

advocating for continuous learning and knowledge sharing

across the banking ecosystem. Her leadership has been

instrumental in advancing Emirates NBD Group’s ambition

to remain at the forefront of customer centric, technology

enabled banking in the region. She contributes to industry

forums and advisory groups, influencing best practices in

technology regulation and governance.

Noor Sweid

Founder & Managing Partner

Global Ventures

Noor Sweid is the Founder and Managing Partner

of Global Ventures, a venture capital firm investing

in growth-stage technology companies across the

Middle East, Africa, and adjacent markets, with a portfolio

spanning digital health, fintech, logistics, and enterprise

software. Previously holding leadership roles at Dubai

Future Foundation and in the private equity and construction

sectors, she has combined operational experience

with investment expertise, backing founders who use

technology to address structural challenges in healthcare,

education, supply chains, and financial inclusion.

Under her leadership, Global Ventures has supported

regional companies in scaling internationally, institutionalising

governance, strengthening their data and technology

platforms, and fostering sustainable business models that

generate long-term social and economic impact. She has

also served on corporate and non-profit boards that focus on

entrepreneurship, innovation, and policy advocacy, helping

shape frameworks that enable startups to thrive. Noor is a

vocal advocate for diversity in leadership and investment

decision-making, mentoring female entrepreneurs and

investors, and actively promoting inclusive practices across

the venture ecosystem. Her work has earned multiple

regional and international awards, recognising her role in

building a vibrant technology ecosystem and empowering

a new generation of leaders in the Middle East and beyond.



Nour Al Hassan

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Tarjama AI

Nour Al Hassan serves as Chief Executive Officer

of Tarjama AI, a leading force in Arabic

language technology delivering advanced

AI-driven translation and localisation solutions.

Having founded Tarjama in 2013, Al Hassan has transformed

the company into the Middle East’s largest language service

provider, serving Fortune 500 clients across more than eighty

languages. Under her leadership, the company has evolved

from a traditional localisation business into a cutting-edge

AI platform addressing one of the most complex challenges

in global technology — Arabic language processing.

She has spearheaded the development of Tarjama’s

proprietary AI platform, capable of processing nuanced

Arabic dialects with exceptional accuracy across technical,

legal, and creative content. By integrating neural machine

translation with human linguistic expertise, she has pioneered

a hybrid model that significantly enhances quality

while meaningfully reducing turnaround times at scale.

Al Hassan has also driven strategic collaborations with global

technology leaders such as Microsoft, strengthening AI

model training on Arabic datasets and scaling the platform

to process millions of words daily. Today, Tarjama operates

across key regional and international hubs, supported

by a team of over five hundred linguists and engineers.

Her broader vision has positioned Tarjama at the forefront

of AI innovation in the MENA region.

Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi

Minister of State for Government Development

and the Future

United Arab Emirates

Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi is the Minister of State

for Government Development and the Future,

leading the UAE’s efforts to advance future-ready

governance through innovation, strategic planning, and

performance excellence. She oversees national initiatives

that enhance public sector efficiency, embed innovation,

and strengthen the country’s global competitiveness.

Al Roumi’s leadership spans flagship programmes such as

UAE Centennial 2071, UAE Vision 2021, the National Agenda,

and the UAE Government Strategy, alongside global

platforms including the World Government Summit. She

supervises key systems such as the Government Performance

Management System “Adaa”, the Mohammed Bin Rashid

Centre for Government Innovation, and the Mohammed Bin

Rashid Government Excellence Award, driving measurable

improvements in service delivery, institutional performance,

and innovation adoption across government entities.

She has also shaped national policy frameworks,

leading task forces for the Dubai Strategic Plan, the

Federal Government Strategy, and the National Innovation

Strategy. Her work integrates forward-looking

policy design with technology-enabled governance

models to ensure sustainable growth and resilience.

Previously, Al Roumi held senior positions across the UAE

Federal Government and Dubai Government, bringing deep

expertise in economic policy and business research.


Ola Doudin

CEO & Co-Founder

BitOasis

Ola Doudin is Co‐Founder and Chief Executive Officer

of BitOasis, the first and largest regional digital asset

platform in the Middle East, enabling retail and professional

users to buy, hold and sell a broad range of virtual

assets through a secure, locally focused infrastructure. Since

launching BitOasis in Dubai in 2015, she has played a central

role in building the region’s virtual asset ecosystem, driving

the platform’s expansion across multiple MENA markets

and stewarding substantial trading volumes and funding

rounds. Under her leadership, BitOasis has pioneered

regulatory engagement, becoming an early virtual asset

service provider to register with national authorities and

later secure a full operating licence, helping to establish

standards for compliance, consumer protection and market

integrity. She has also led the company through its strategic

acquisition by CoinDCX, maintaining the BitOasis brand and

regional focus while leveraging a broader product suite and

technology base. An engineer by training, with experience

in technology and security advisory in London, she brings

a rigorous, risk‐aware approach to product development,

governance and cyber resilience. She continues to guide

the company’s evolution with a strong emphasis on trust,

transparency and regulatory alignment across the region.

By combining technical expertise with strategic vision, she

is positioning the platform to scale sustainably in a rapidly

changing digital asset landscape.

Priscila Bossi

Vice President, Information Technology –

SSEA, CIS & MEA

Philip Morris International

Priscila Bossi is Vice President of IT for SSEA, CIS

& MEA at Philip Morris International, overseeing

digital transformation across 96 markets. She leads

technology strategy across complex and highly regulated

environments spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa,

and Asia. Bossi is responsible for scaling digital capabilities,

including AI, ERP, CRM, and consumer engagement

platforms. Her focus includes enabling commercial and

operational performance through large-scale technology

programs across multiple regions. She has over 24 years of

international experience in digital and IT leadership roles.

Her career has included positions from SAP analyst to VP

level, with responsibilities across Italy, Eastern Europe,

Latin America, and other global markets. Bossi has led

major transformation initiatives linked to M&A integration

and enterprise system modernization. These programs

have supported the alignment of business operations

with digital infrastructure across diverse markets. She

has served on regional leadership boards, contributing to

strategic decision-making and ensuring IT functions as a

core enabler of business priorities. Her board experience

spans cross-functional and multi-market governance

structures. Bossi is a certified PMP and Scrum Master. She

actively chairs the Women in Technology employee group,

focusing on inclusion and representation in tech. Her work

centers on aligning large-scale technology programs with

business transformation objectives across global markets.



Prakriti Singh

EVP - Head of Core Payments, EEMEA

Mastercard

As Executive Vice President and Head of Core Payments

for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa

at Mastercard, Prakriti Singh leads the strategy

and execution for the company’s foundational payment

products across a diverse set of developed and emerging

markets. Her remit covers the evolution of card-based and

account-to-account payment rails, the modernisation of processing

platforms, and the deployment of secure, digital-first

solutions that enable banks, governments, and fintechs to

expand financial access and improve customer experience.

Drawing on earlier senior roles within Mastercard and the

wider payments industry, she has championed the use of

data, tokenisation, contactless technology, and real-time

payments to support national payment infrastructure projects

and private sector innovation. Under her leadership,

partner institutions have accelerated the shift from cash to

electronic payments, strengthened digital financial inclusion,

and enhanced operational resilience, while maintaining the

highest standards of security, compliance, and customer trust.

Prakriti also actively advocates for innovation in emerging

markets, mentoring fintech leaders and fostering cross-industry

collaboration to build scalable, sustainable payment

ecosystems. She actively contributes to regional and global

forums on digital finance, shaping policy frameworks and

industry best practices that support responsible technology

adoption.

Purvi Munot

Co-Founder & CEO

Sav

Purvi Munot is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sav, an

AI-powered platform transforming how retail investors

save and invest. She launched Sav to simplify

micro-investing, allowing users to round up everyday

purchases and automatically channel spare change into

diversified ETF portfolios. Under her leadership, the company

has developed an intelligent savings engine that

leverages machine learning to predict optimal investment

timing and maximise compound growth. Munot has integrated

behavioural science into the platform, using AI to

personalise savings goals based on individual spending

patterns. This approach enables users to reach financial

targets up to three times faster than traditional methods.

Strategic partnerships with major payment networks

ensure seamless transaction data flows, supporting over

one million active users today. She has also expanded

Sav’s capabilities to include automated tax optimisation,

efficiently calculating capital gains while maintaining full

regulatory compliance. Her prior experience building fintech

products at global firms underpins her expertise in consumer

AI and wealthtech, earning recognition for innovation

in the financial technology sector. Through Sav, Munot is

democratising wealth-building tools, empowering everyday

earners with institutional-grade investment solutions. Her

work exemplifies the use of technology to transform the

retail wealth management landscape.


Raja Al Mazrouei

CEO

Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI)

As Chief Executive Officer Raja Al Mazrouei leads

the UAE’ federal export credit company in deploying

digital tools and advanced analytics to

strengthen trade finance, export protection, and support

for national exporters. Building on her previous tenure

as a senior executive at Dubai International Financial

Centre, where she played a visible role in developing

the region’s fintech and innovation ecosystem, she now

focuses on modernising ECI’s technology backbone, including

customer platforms, risk assessment engines, and

data sharing with financial and governmental partners.

Her leadership has emphasised agile delivery, digital customer

journeys, and the use of data to enhance underwriting

decisions, while also fostering a culture of innovation and

collaboration across teams. She has championed initiatives

to integrate ESG considerations into export finance, positioning

ECI as a forward-looking institution that balances

commercial growth with sustainable development. Through

her advisory roles across the financial and technology sectors,

she reflects a sustained commitment to nurturing Emirati

talent, encouraging entrepreneurship to the UAE’s position

as a global centre for digitally enabled trade and finance.

In addition to her strategic and operational contributions, she

is a sought-after thought leader on trade finance, fintech,

and digital transformation, frequently sharing insights at

regional and international forums.

Rena Baba

Director of Innovation & Customer

Experience

Serco

Rena Baba serves as Director of Innovation & Experience

at Serco, leading the organisation’s efforts to redesign

and modernise public service delivery through technology,

human-centred design, and emerging digital capabilities.

Baba leads Serco’s digital service platform development,

deploying AI-powered tools that have significantly reduced

citizen response times across government contracts. Her

teams have implemented conversational AI systems

serving millions of citizens annually, shifting interactions

that previously took hours into near-instant resolutions.

Her leadership introduced predictive service analytics

across Serco’s healthcare and transport contracts, using

machine learning to forecast demand and improve resource

allocation. This capability enables service operators to

anticipate pressure points before they materialise, improving

outcomes for both citizens and delivery teams.

Baba has embedded immersive VR training systems

into Serco’s frontline workforce programmes, allowing

staff to master complex procedures remotely without

the cost and logistical constraints of traditional

training environments. Completion rates have improved

while overall training costs have decreased.

She spearheaded the adoption of design thinking across

Serco’s project methodology, establishing human-centred

design as the governing approach for new service

development.



Rita Huang

Founder & CEO

iMile Delivery Service

Rita Huang Zhen is the Founder and Chief Executive

Officer of iMile Delivery, a technology-driven logistics

company that focuses on last-mile delivery across

the Middle East and other emerging markets, particularly

serving cross-border and e-commerce clients. With a background

in senior technology and product leadership roles at

major Chinese technology and e-commerce companies and

experience connected with Alibaba’s Middle East operations,

she has built iMile around data-driven routing, real-time

tracking, and optimised fulfilment centres that improve

delivery speed and reliability for merchants and consumers.

Her leadership combines engineering expertise with a deep

understanding of regional market dynamics, enabling the

company to introduce innovations such as smart address

mapping, mobile driver applications, integrated merchant

platforms, and automated warehouse solutions. Under her

guidance, iMile has expanded its footprint across multiple

countries, strengthened partnerships with global e-commerce

players, and delivered operational efficiencies that

enhance customer experience while reducing environmental

impact. She actively fosters a culture of continuous learning

and technology adoption within her teams, encouraging

innovation and agile problem-solving. She continues to

advocate for sustainable and tech-enabled logistics solutions,

and the integration of smart technologies to address

complex challenges in urban mobility and global trade.

Rola Abu Manneh

CEO of UAE, Middle East & Pakistan

Standard Chartered

Rola Abu Manneh serves as Chief Executive Officer

of Standard Chartered in the UAE, where she

has led the bank since August 2018, becoming

the first Emirati woman to head a bank in the country.

Under her leadership, the UAE business has emerged as one

of the group’s top five global markets, driven by a focus on

digital innovation, client-centric banking, and operational

excellence. Abu Manneh has accelerated the adoption of

advanced financial technologies and data-driven strategies

to enhance corporate and investment banking services,

strengthen client engagement, and expand the bank’s

footprint across key sectors. Her strategic vision reinforces

the UAE’s role as a global financial hub and strengthens

institutional capabilities within the group’s network.

A champion of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship,

Abu Manneh leads mentorship programmes and initiatives

that support greater female participation in finance. She

collaborates with partners to equip university students

with skills for success in a digital and competitive economy.

Her leadership has been recognised through multiple accolades,

including Banking Leader of the Year, and she is

consistently named among the region’s most influential

business leaders. She serves on the Board of Directors of

Dubai International Chamber, contributing to the growth

of Dubai’s global business ecosystem.


Saeeda Jaffar

Managing Director, Middle East & Africa

Circle

Dr Saeeda Jaffar is Managing Director for Circle in the

Middle East and Africa, leading regional strategy to

expand the use of fully reserved digital dollars and

on‐chain payment infrastructure across banks, payment

providers, corporates and fintech innovators. She focuses

on building trusted, compliant stablecoin payment rails

that support cross‐border commerce, treasury efficiency

and financial inclusion across key markets. Previously, she

served as Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager

for the GCC at Visa, and earlier as Managing Director and

Head of Middle East at Alvarez and Marsal, following senior

roles at McKinsey & Company & Bain and Company. She

also contributes to regional policy and innovation agendas

through governance and advisory roles with organisations

such as Kuwait University, Dubai International Chamber,

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center and Bahrain FinTech

Bay. Recognised among the region’s leading business

and fintech figures, she is a prominent voice on digital

payments, stablecoins and the modernisation of financial

services, highlighting how technology can drive resilience,

efficiency and inclusion.Her leadership combines strategic

vision, rigorous execution and a collaborative approach with

regulators, enabling responsible innovation and reinforcing

trust in digital assets across the region today and beyond,

while inspiring the next generation of fintech leaders.

Sara Al Hosani

Cyber Threat Intelligence Director

Department of Government Enablement, Abu Dhabi

Sara Al Hosani is Cyber Threat Intelligence Director

at the Department of Government Enablement in

Abu Dhabi, leading intelligence‐led cyber defence

for government entities and the wider digital ecosystem.

She oversees the design and operation of AI‐enabled

threat‐intelligence capabilities that provide early detection

of emerging attacks, faster incident response and proactive

mitigation of risks to critical services and infrastructure.

Previously serving as Chief Information Security Officer

at Abu Dhabi Digital Authority and holding earlier roles

in information security, compliance and defence, she has

helped build end‐to‐end security architectures, governance

frameworks and incident‐management practices across

the emirate’s government landscape. Her leadership

emphasises collaboration between security operations

centres, policy teams and business owners, ensuring that

cyber threat intelligence translates into practical controls,

resilient digital services and continuous improvement of

cyber posture. A recognised public speaker and advocate

for women in cybersecurity, she regularly contributes to

executive panels, summits and industry events on AI‐driven

threats, critical‐infrastructure resilience and intelligence‐led

security. Her work demonstrates how strategic cyber threat

intelligence can strengthen national resilience, protect

citizen‐facing services and build long‐term trust in Abu

Dhabi’s digital government vision.



Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri

Minister of Education

United Arab Emirates

Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri is the Minister

of Education and Chairwoman of the United Arab

Emirates Council of Scientists, playing a central role

in shaping the UAE’s strategic agenda for advanced technology,

space exploration, and education. She previously

served as Chairperson of the UAE Space Agency and is a

key leader of the Emirates Mars Mission “Hope,” which

successfully placed the first Arab interplanetary probe

into Martian orbit—a historic achievement symbolizing the

UAE’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and

the development of indigenous engineering capabilities.

In her ministerial capacity, Her Excellency Al Amiri oversees

initiatives that drive the industrial adoption of advanced technologies,

including artificial intelligence, robotics, automation,

and space-based applications, fostering an environment

where innovation translates into tangible economic and

societal benefits. Her work in public education is focused

on equipping future generations with strong foundations in

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),

nurturing talent to support the UAE’s long-term vision for

knowledge-driven development and technological leadership.

Beyond her technical roles, she is recognized for her visionary

leadership in national transformation, promoting policies

and programmes that integrate advanced technology with

sustainable development and strategic innovation.

Seema Sharma

Chief Information Security Officer

WIO Bank

Seema Sharma serves as Chief Information Security

Officer at WIO Bank, a pioneer in digital

banking in the UAE, where she safeguards

the institution’s cutting-edge fintech operations.

Sharma leads the implementation of zero-trust architecture,

securing real-time transactions across mobile platforms.

AI-driven threat detection blocks the vast majority of cyberattacks

proactively. She has deployed quantum-resistant

encryption and integrated blockchain for immutable

transaction ledgers, ensuring future-ready data protection.

Her leadership built WIO’s AI-powered fraud prevention

system, leveraging machine learning to analyse behavioural

patterns continuously. False positives dropped significantly,

enabling seamless transaction flows. She also established

automated compliance monitoring, delivering instant regulatory

reporting aligned with UAE Central Bank requirements.

Under her guidance, WIO achieved ISO 27001 certification,

scaling security infrastructure substantially without breaches

while processing millions of daily transactions securely.

Sharma previously held senior cybersecurity roles at

global financial institutions. She holds CISSP and CISM

certifications and brings expertise spanning cloud security,

digital transformation, and risk management.

Her vision positions WIO Bank as the region’s most secure

digital bank. Sharma exemplifies technology-driven leadership

in financial security.


Sheeba Sultan Hasnain

Chairwoman & CIO

Sentiente

Sheeba Sultan Hasnain serves as Chairwoman

and Chief Investment Officer at Sentiente,

a global platform delivering AI-powered

investment analytics to institutional investors.

Hasnain founded Sentiente to revolutionise portfolio management,

developing proprietary algorithms that process

market data in real time and generate alpha signals across

asset classes. Her leadership introduced quantum-enhanced

risk models that predict market volatility with

significantly greater accuracy than traditional methods,

redefining the standard for institutional risk assessment.

The platform integrates natural language processing to

analyse earnings calls, geopolitical events, and market trends

instantly, enhancing investment decisions through rich contextual

insights. Hasnain also expanded Sentiente’s ESG analytics

capabilities, providing AI-driven sustainability scores across

thousands of companies and enabling investors to construct

compliant, high-performance portfolios with greater efficiency.

She secured strategic partnerships with sovereign wealth

funds, validating Sentiente’s technology at scale and

cementing the platform’s position as a trusted partner

for some of the world’s most sophisticated investors.

Previously, Hasnain led quantitative strategies at major

hedge funds and brings deep expertise in machine learning

for finance. Her frameworks have earned multiple

innovation awards.

Vasudha Khandeparkar

Vice President

Value Based Management

Vasudha Khandeparkar is a data and AI leader focused

on turning analytics into measurable business value.

Her work centres on embedding data-led decision

making into core strategy, with a clear focus on profitability,

capital efficiency and sustainable growth. She has led

the development of AI-driven pricing and portfolio strategies

that improve risk-adjusted returns and strengthen

competitiveness across customer segments. By replacing

static decision models with adaptive, data-driven systems,

she has enabled organisations such as RAK Bank, Grant

Thornton and Barclays to respond dynamically to customer

behaviour and market conditions. She has established

experimentation as a core business capability, building

structured test-and-learn frameworks that accelerate

decision making and improve the effectiveness of commercial

investments. She has also led the identification and

activation of high-value growth opportunities, translating

data insights into targeted actions that deliver tangible revenue

outcomes. Her work spans customer and commercial

strategy, including the deployment of predictive lifetime

value models and trigger-based engagement frameworks

that improve targeting, increase conversion and enhance

customer experience, while reducing unnecessary contact.

She has also introduced data-driven approaches to capital

allocation, ensuring investment decisions are anchored in

expected returns and aligned with financial and regulatory

priorities.


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2

0

2

6

ACURA RSX EV

Precision Power, Coupe-Like Agility



4 s

0-100 km/h

450 hp

Horsepower

600 Nm

Torque

Acura breathes new life into the legendary RSX

badge with this all-electric crossover-coupe, fusing

sporty heritage and modern EV innovation.

Launching late 2026 on Honda’s dedicated e:Architecture

platform, it promises agile dynamics in a premium

package starting around $55,000, targeting enthusiasts

who demand more than basic utility.

Dual electric motors power Super Handling All-Wheel

Drive (SH-AWD), vectoring torque for corner-carving

precision unmatched in most EVs. A sport-tuned double-wishbone

front suspension paired with Brembo

brakes delivers sharp handling and flat cornering, evoking

the original RSX’s tuner spirit. Range hits approximately

500 km WLTP, with 350 kW DC fast-charging

(10-80% in 30 minutes) and NACS compatibility for

Tesla Superchargers. Adaptive regen and a low battery

placement ensure confident, planted performance

from urban twists to open highways.

Sculpted lines and an illuminated diamond-pentagon

grille give it coupe-esque flair, optimizing aerodynamics

for efficiency and stability. The cabin blends sustainable

luxury—Alcantara-like materials, Type S sport

seats, with Acura’s ASIMO OS: an AI-driven interface

that learns habits, personalizes settings, and supports

OTA updates for Level 3 autonomy potential. Augmented-reality

HUD and bidirectional charging add home

backup power, elevating daily usability.

Unlike appliance-like EV rivals, the RSX EV prioritizes

driver engagement with analog-inspired thrills

and Honda/Acura reliability. No half-measures here:

it’s Ohio-built, software-defined, and electrified from

the ground up for superior space and safety via

AcuraWatch 360 Plus (night vision, predictive aids). In a

crowded field, it stands out by reviving emotional driving

joy with zero-emissions precision perfect for those

who refuse to let EVs feel soulless.


Digital Government

GCC Governments As

Product Teams

How Gulf states are redesigning digital public services and what

it means for enterprise collaboration and co‐innovation

Across the GCC, governments are acting like product

organisations, shipping AI‐enabled services, publishing

ethics frameworks and climate models, and inviting

banks, telcos and platforms to plug into shared digital

and data foundations.


Across the Gulf, digital government

now extends far

beyond portals and standalone

apps. In 2025, GCC ministers

adopted a shared Digital Government

Strategy for 2024–2030 and

a unified digital access framework,

alongside AI blueprints covering

ethics, public services, and climate

prediction. As a result, member

states now operate more like coordinated

product teams than isolated IT

buyers. Citizens are responding.

Boston Consulting Group reports

81 percent net satisfaction with

GCC digital services, with usage 22

percent above the global average

and the UAE among global leaders.

Ministries increasingly design

around user journeys, test AI in

production, and track adoption. For

enterprises, the challenge now lies

in aligning product roadmaps with

these increasingly sophisticated

public platforms.

From UAE Portals To AI Charters

The UAE offers one of the clearest

examples of government operating


We have taken another important step towards

the digital future, through embracing

the latest technologies to facilitate the

lives of customers and enhance the concept

of interactive government.”


Director General,


as a disciplined product organisation.

TDRA’s unified portal, u.ae,

now serves as the country’s primary

digital storefront, attracting

around 20 million users annually

and providing a single entry point

to federal and local services. In

2023, TDRA introduced a generative-AI–enabled

version with

conversational search, while maintaining

a consistent user experience.

Importantly, performance

is measured. In the UN E-Government

Survey, the UAE ranks first in

the Arab region and among global

leaders, and TDRA uses these

benchmarks to inform continuous

improvement.

Behind the interface sits a

structured framework that resembles

product guardrails. The

UAE AI Ethics Guide (2022), the AI

Charter (2024), and Government

AI Adoption Guidelines (2023)

define expectations for safety,

transparency, data protection,

procurement, and impact assessment.

Meanwhile, Dubai’s AI ethics

toolkit adds practical guidance on

fairness and accountability.

For enterprises, this blend of UX

discipline and ethical scaffolding

matters. Public APIs and data services

now operate within a deliberate

design for citizen journeys and

trust. Organisations that align with

these standards will experience

smoother integration and more

predictable collaboration with UAE

digital teams.

Climate Models As Public Products

The GCC’s emerging climate and

disaster programmes reflect the

same product-led mindset now

shaping digital government. The

GCC General Secretariat highlights

its Climate Prediction and Disaster

Management Initiative using AI

as a shared regional framework,

alongside AI ethics and public-service

AI standards. Instead of

isolated experiments by national

weather agencies, the initiative

defines common expectations for

how AI models are built, tested,

and applied to decisions on floods,

heatwaves, and dust storms.

In the UAE, the National Center

of Meteorology has strengthened

this approach through the Atmosphere

supercomputer, built on

HPE Cray EX systems, to support

advanced modelling and AI-driven

forecasting. The platform enables

deeper regional simulations and

faster predictions of extreme

weather. Meanwhile, NCM will

host a World Meteorological

Organization–supported workshop

in Abu Dhabi during 2025,

bringing government, industry,

and academia together to refine

operational AI use in environmental

services.

These developments matter for

regulated sectors. Energy firms,

logistics providers, and insurers

now gain access to AI-enhanced

climate data treated as public

infrastructure. However, while advanced

models improve scenario

planning, organisations must also

account for uncertainty and bias,

mirroring the safeguards public

agencies now embed.

Saudi Arabia’s Platform Playbook

Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government

Authority offers a complementary

model of government as product

manager. The national Digital

Government Strategy 2023–2030

aims to place the Kingdom in the

global top ten for digital government

by 2030, with pillars

spanning citizen satisfaction,

enabled business, open data and

green digital services. To reach

that goal, DGA is consolidating a

fragmented landscape of more

than 800 government platforms

into a smaller number of unified,

journey‐based ecosystems. By

mid‐2025, 267 platforms had

already been merged or closed,

while a Digital Experience Maturity

Index showed an “advanced” score

of 86.71 percent across 50 major

platforms.


UAE NEWS

Presight and

NodeShift Partner to

Accelerate Sovereign

AI Expansion

Presight has partnered with

NodeShift to accelerate global

adoption of sovereign AI solutions.

The collaboration includes joint

market initiatives and investment

support through Presight–Shorooq

Fund I, which plans to invest $100

million in AI innovation. Combining

expertise and infrastructure, the

partnership aims to deliver secure,

compliant AI solutions across international

markets.

ADNEC and Presight

Launch AI-Powered

Smart Event Venues

ADNEC Group has partnered

with Presight to implement

AI-powered solutions across

its venues, enhancing operations,

visitor management, and safety

through real-time insights. With Intelli

integration, the platform improves

efficiency and decision-making. This

collaboration creates smarter, more

sustainable venues and establishes

new benchmarks for data-driven event

management, reinforcing innovation

and operational excellence across the

global events industry.

Blackstone Invests

$250 Million in UAE

Payments Infrastructure

Platform ADGT

A

$250 million fintech investment

in the UAE has been described

as a “strategic masterstroke,”

especially as regional markets face

uncertainty linked to the 2026 Iran

conflict. The deal marks the first major

private equity investment in the UAE

since the conflict began, signaling strong

investor confidence. Moreover, the

investment targets Abu Dhabi-based

Advanced Digital Gaming Technology

(ADGT), a newly launched payments

and data intelligence platform.

Dr. Bu Abdullah said the deal highlights

the UAE’s growing importance

in global fintech. “I view Blackstone’s

$250m investment as a strategic

masterstroke, leveraging the UAE’s

forward-thinking regulatory framework

and burgeoning tech ecosystem,” he

said. “This synergy of institutional

capital and cutting-edge technology

heralds a new era of growth”.

WHOOP Raises $575M

at $10.1B Valuation

for Global Health

Expansion

Saudia Introduces Google’s Find Hub to

Improve Baggage Recovery

Saudia has introduced Google’s

Find Hub to improve tracking

and recovery of lost or delayed

baggage. The feature lets passengers

share real time luggage location

data with airline staff, enabling faster

retrieval. Travelers can create secure

temporary links tied to compatible

trackers and attach them to claims.

Links expire after seven days, with

privacy safeguards limiting data use

to recovery purposes. Saudia positions

itself among early adopters of

smarter connected travel systems.

WHOOP has raised $575 million

in Series G funding, reaching

a valuation of $10.1 billion.

The round, led by Collaborative Fund,

included participation from major global

investors such as Qatar Investment

Authority and Mubadala Investment

Company, alongside prominent athletes

including Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron

James. This funding comes amid rising

demand for preventive and personalized

healthcare solutions, as AI and biometric

data continue to transform how individuals

manage health. CEO Will Ahmed

stated that the raise brings together the

world’s most sophisticated investors,

leading health institutions, and iconic

athletes to support WHOOP’s mission

of unlocking human performance and

extending healthspan. The funding will

drive further innovation in wearable

technology and personalized health

solutions globally.


Astra Tech Launches

Botim AI to Enhance

Experience for 150M

Users

Astra Tech has launched Botim

AI within its Botim Ultra App,

introducing advanced artificial

intelligence features to over 150

million users worldwide. Moreover,

the AI-powered assistant enhances

digital interactions by offering tools

for productivity, education, research,

and everyday problem-solving.

Currently, Botim AI supports chatbased

interactions, while future updates

will include web search and action-based

integrations. In addition, the platform is

evolving toward executional AI, enabling

users to complete tasks in their native

language. Dr Tariq Bin Hendi said, “The

launch of Botim AI marks a significant

milestone in our journey to revolutionise

digital communication in the MENA

region. By integrating advanced AI

capabilities, we are enhancing user

experiences and setting new standards

for intelligent, seamless interactions.

Union Properties

Partners With MIT to

Advance Real Estate

Innovation

Union Properties has joined the

Massachusetts Institute of

Technology Industrial Liaison

Program to drive real estate innovation.

The collaboration provides access to

research, startups, and advanced technologies.

Through training and applied

learning, teams enhance capabilities,

supporting smarter development, urban

transformation, and long-term growth

in an increasingly technology-driven

real estate sector.


SalamAir and Arcube

Launch eSIM and eVisa

Travel Services

SalamAir has partnered with Arcube

to launch integrated eSIM and

e-Visa services, enabling passengers

to manage connectivity and visa

processing through a single platform.

The AI-enabled system simplifies

applications, increases transparency,

and enhances efficiency. This initiative

improves travel convenience, offering

a seamless, technology-driven digital

experience while supporting a more

connected and streamlined travel

ecosystem for passengers across the

region.

Investopia Announces

2026 Partners, Fifth

Edition Launch in Abu

Dhabi March 31

The fifth edition of Investopia will

take place in Abu Dhabi from

March 31 to April 2, 2026, extending

to three days due to increasing

global interest. The event aims to bring

together leaders, investors, and policymakers

to explore emerging economic

opportunities and innovation across

multiple sectors. Abdulla bin Touq Al

Marri noted that the fourth edition

successfully opened new investment

avenues in areas such as Fintech, AI,

circular economy, e-commerce, space,

and healthcare. Investopia 2026 will

feature interactive panels, forums, and

SME-focused discussions, strengthening

partnerships, highlighting global

investment trends, and reinforcing the

UAE’s position as a leading economic

hub. The platform also promotes

cross-border collaboration, sustainable

growth, and technological innovation

across diverse industries worldwide.

Solana Unveils Banking Platform with Mastercard

and Western Union

The Solana Foundation has

launched a Developer Platform to

help institutions build blockchain

products with less technical complexity.

The API driven system unifies services

from over 20 partners. Mastercard,

Western Union, and Worldpay are

testing it, showing rising interest. It

includes issuance and payments modules,

with trading planned for 2026.

AI coding tools aid development. The

rollout will expand gradually this year,

aiming to connect traditional finance

with blockchain infrastructure.


Launch express

Soundcore Boom Go 3i:

The Ultimate Palm-Sized

Rugged Outdoor Speaker

Unveiled at CES 2026, the Soundcore Boom Go 3i packs 15W of sound, a 22-hour battery, and

a digital display into an IP68-rated palm-sized body. Launched March 2026 for $79.99, it is the

ideal adventure companion.



Key Specifications & Tech Specs

+ +

Soundcore App

Design

Compact, IP68 Waterproof/

Dustproof, LED light strips,

dual-mode strap

Processor

N/A (Custom Audio DSP)

Battery

4,800 mAh, 22h Eco, doubles

as power bank

Main Display

Built-in digital display for

battery and volume levels

RAM

N/A

Software

Storage

N/A

Cameras

N/A

Cameras

50MP main sensor

12MP ultra-wide

10MP telephoto (3x zoom)

Pros

Exceptional Battery Life: Delivers up

to 22 hours of playback in Eco mode

and features a 4,800 mAh battery that

doubles as an emergency power bank

for your phone.

Highly Durable & Mountable: The IP68

rating ensures it survives submersion

and dust, while the dual-mode strap

system allows for easy attachment to

backpacks, bikes, or tent poles.

Useful Display & Lighting: Diagonal LED

strips add flair, while the digital display

shows exact volume and battery levels.

Cons

Moderate Output Power : With only

15W of audio output, it might not be loud

enough to fill large, noisy outdoor party

spaces compared to bigger models.

Release Wait Time: Announced at CES

in January 2026, eager buyers had to

wait until early March 2026 to actually

purchase the device.

Form Factor Limitations: Given its compact,

palm-sized design, the physical bass

response will naturally be constrained

compared to larger, dedicated outdoor

speakers.

The Verdict

Announced at CES 2026, the Soundcore Boom Go 3i redefines what a micro-sized outdoor speaker can do. Released in

March for $79.99, it cleverly bridges the gap between ultra-portable convenience and rugged utility. The inclusion of a

4,800 mAh battery that doubles as a power bank is a massive win for campers, while the 22-hour playtime ensures the

music rarely stops. The IP68 rating and versatile strap mount make it virtually indestructible and endlessly adaptable for

any adventure. While its 15W output won’t rattle windows, the added digital display and LED strips make it an incredibly

premium package for the price. It is arguably the best compact backpack speaker for the 2026 summer season. Rating:

8.5/10.


Regulation

The New Emerging

Rules of AI

Why fast shifting AI laws from Europe, America and Asia are

reshaping how GCC leaders build and deploy intelligent systems

Over the next three years, the EU AI Act, changing US

policy and new Asian frameworks will harden expectations

on transparency, testing and oversight. GCC

CIOs will need stricter governance for data, vendors

and cross border AI operations.


Artificial intelligence is rapidly

shifting from a largely

self-regulated space to one

shaped by formal oversight. The

European Union now leads with its

AI Act, in force since August 2024

and rolling out in stages through

2027. The framework categorises

systems by risk, prohibits a narrow

set of harmful uses, and imposes

strict documentation, risk management

and human-oversight duties on

high-risk applications such as credit,

hiring and access to essential services.

General-purpose models face

added transparency and training-data

requirements, with key obligations

for new models beginning in August

2025.

In contrast, the United States

remains fragmented. President

Biden’s 2023 Executive Order 14110

introduced safety reporting and

federal AI inventories, but its repeal

in January 2025 signalled a shift

toward deregulation and competitiveness.

As a result, oversight now

rests mainly with sector regulators,

state privacy laws and procurement


By introducing AI into the mechanisms of

UAE, we have taken an important step towards

the digital future, embracing the

latest technologies and enhance interactive

government.”


Director General,


rules rather than a single national

statute.

The United Kingdom has

adopted a lighter approach. Its

pro-innovation framework asks

existing regulators to apply shared

principles, including safety and

accountability, while keeping

legislation largely non-statutory

for now. Across Asia, strategies

vary. Singapore has expanded

voluntary tools such as AI Verify,

updated in 2025 for generative

models. Japan continues to rely on

guidance and soft law. Meanwhile,

China enforces detailed rules on

generative AI and algorithms,

covering content labelling, security

reviews and training data controls.

GCC As Rule Taker And Shaper

Gulf organisations operating

across borders now face concrete

extraterritorial rules for AI

and data. The EU AI Act, China’s

generative AI measures and Saudi

Arabia’s Personal Data Protection

Law can apply when systems

process overseas users’ data or

target those markets. At the same

time, regional regimes add their

own duties. The UAE PDPL and

DIFC free zone rules require lawful

grounds, purpose limitation and

risk controls for profiling. DIFC

Regulation 10 explicitly covers AI

and autonomous systems within

data protection law.

Overlaying these laws, the UAE

Charter for the Development and

Use of Artificial Intelligence sets

twelve human-centred principles

on safety, bias mitigation, privacy,

transparency, human oversight

and accountability. Although

non-binding, the Charter guides

regulators, public buyers and enterprises

and signals the direction

of future legislation. Saudi Arabia

has adopted a comparable layered

approach. Its PDPL became enforceable

in 2024, with cross-border

transfer rules aligned with

European norms, while national AI

ethics guidance sets expectations

for fairness and human-in-theloop

controls.

Regional coordination is also

picking up pace. The GCC has

produced an AI ethics manual

and joint frameworks for public

services and climate prediction.

Bahrain’s 2025 adoption of the

GCC manual shows how these soft

instruments shape national practice.

For CIOs based in the UAE, AI

governance is therefore not merely

domestic. Models, data pipelines

and vendor arrangements must

meet both home charters and the

more prescriptive standards of

export markets.

Rebuilding Enterprise AI Gover-

nance

Taken together, these developments

require GCC technology

leaders to rethink AI roadmaps for

2025 and beyond.

For GCC enterprises, the most

resilient strategy is to design for

the strictest plausible baseline

rather than minimal local requirements.

That means treating EU

expectations on documentation,

testing and user rights as the

default, while layering local duties

such as sectoral data localisation

and alignment with national ethics

charters. Vendor contracts should

be strengthened to address

training data use, model update

governance, incident reporting and

audit rights, because regulatory

obligations frequently rest with

the deploying organisation.

These regulatory shifts do more

than raise compliance costs. They

define what export ready, responsible

AI looks like. GCC firms that

demonstrate alignment with EU

rules abroad and with UAE and

regional ethics principles at home

will win trust with customers and

supervisors. Those that treat AI

governance as an afterthought

risk constraining growth precisely

when the technology becomes

central to competitive advantage.

Strong governance also unlocks

new market opportunities.


GLOBAL NEWS

Nvidia Announces

Plans to Unveil Its

New N1 Laptop Chip

at Computex 2026

Nvidia is expected to unveil its

N1 and N1X laptop chips at

Computex 2026. These Armbased

processors are designed for

high performance and energy efficiency,

developed in collaboration

with MediaTek, and feature integrated

AI capabilities. The launch positions

Nvidia to compete directly with

major global chipmakers in the laptop

market while advancing AI-enabled

computing.

Apple Launches Free

Business Platform to

Compete With Google

and Microsoft

Apple has launched Apple Business,

a free enterprise platform

unifying device management,

email, and collaboration tools. Moreover,

it offers a cost-effective alternative to

competitors. The system integrates

existing services into one dashboard

while also simplifying setup through

new features. As a result, businesses

can manage operations efficiently while

expanding digital capabilities across

global markets.

Vietnam Records

$14.2B Semiconductor

FDI, Targets Big

Tech Investment

Vietnam has recorded $14.2 billion

in semiconductor foreign

direct investment across 241

projects and aims to attract more global

technology companies. Moreover, the

government highlighted progress in

chip design, with 50 businesses and

7,000 engineers involved. At the same

time, 166 universities now offer semiconductor-related

courses, enrolling

134,000 students annually.

However, challenges remain, including

a shortage of highly skilled workers

and gaps in infrastructure. Therefore,

authorities are prioritizing international

cooperation, technology transfer, and

workforce development. In addition,

ministries have been tasked with supporting

research labs, tax incentives,

and domestic innovation. Meanwhile,

Viettel Group has begun building the

country’s first chip fabrication plant,

targeting trial production by 2027.

Australian Scientists Create World’s First

Quantum Battery

Australian researchers have

developed the first proof-ofconcept

quantum battery,

advancing next-generation energy

storage. Unlike chemical batteries,

it uses quantum mechanics to store

and transfer energy. Super absorption

enables a single, highly efficient

charging event, confirmed in laboratory

tests. While challenges remain in

energy retention, the breakthrough

offers new possibilities for faster-charging

electronics and future

infrastructure applications.

Nvidia-Backed Ayar

Labs Secures $500M

Funding at $3.75B

Valuation

Ayar Labs has raised $500 million

in a Series E funding round,

reaching a $3.75 billion valuation.

The round, backed by Nvidia and led

by Neuberger Berman, demonstrates

strong investor confidence in AI infrastructure,

with additional participation

from Qatar Investment Authority and

Advanced Micro Devices. The company

develops optical interconnect chips that

use light instead of electrical signals to

improve data transmission, boosting

performance between AI processors

and memory systems. Rising demand

for AI infrastructure continues to drive

investment in advanced chip solutions.

The funding will support scaling production,

global expansion, and faster

deployment of next-generation optical

technologies. This initiative reinforces

Ayar Labs’ position as a key innovator

in high-performance AI hardware and

interconnect solutions worldwide.


Kleiner Perkins

Invests $3.5B to

Accelerate AI Innovation

Kleiner Perkins has raised $3.5

billion across two new funds,

significantly increasing its capital

from previous rounds. The firm secured

$1 billion for early-stage investments

and $2.5 billion for late-stage growth

opportunities, reflecting strong confidence

in its investment strategy. In

recent years, Kleiner Perkins has backed

fast-growing AI startups, including Anthropic

and SpaceX, strengthening its

presence in the evolving AI ecosystem.

Successful exits, such as the Figma

IPO, have delivered substantial returns,

further enhancing investor confidence.

As a result, the firm continues to attract

significant interest while competing

with other major global venture capital

funds raising billions. This capital

infusion positions Kleiner Perkins to

expand its portfolio, support innovative

companies, and maintain a leading role

in shaping the future of AI.

Microsoft Reveals

Project Helix Xbox

with PC Gaming Support

Microsoft has unveiled Project

Helix, its next-generation Xbox

console supporting both PC and

console games. Powered by AMD, the

device combines high performance with

platform flexibility, running Windows

and multiple digital storefronts. Players

can access broader game libraries,

enjoy cross-platform functionality,

and maintain full compatibility with

existing Xbox titles for a seamless

gaming experience.


Shield AI Reaches

$12.7 Billion Valuation

in Its Latest Funding

Round

Shield AI is raising $2 billion in a

Series G funding round, bringing

its valuation to $12.7 billion. The

round, supported by investors including

Blackstone, will fund the company’s

expansion in autonomous defense

technology. Its AI software enables

drones to operate without GPS, meeting

rising demand as autonomous systems

play an increasing role in modern military

operations and advanced defense

applications globally.

E*TRADE Is in Talks

to Lead SpaceX’s

Upcoming Retail IPO

Offering

Morgan Stanley’s E*TRADE is

reportedly in talks with SpaceX

to lead retail share sales in the

company’s highly anticipated IPO. The

move could give ETRADE a competitive

edge over rivals such as Robinhood

and SoFi, as brokerages vie for access

to retail investors. The IPO, expected

to be one of the largest in history,

may allocate up to 30% of shares to

retail participants, driving heightened

competition for smaller-ticket orders.

Leveraging its integration with Morgan

Stanley, ETRADE could secure a

significant portion of this allocation.

Discussions remain ongoing, and

final decisions may change. As the

IPO approaches, trading platforms are

strategically positioning to capture

retail demand, underlining the growing

influence of individual investors and

competitive dynamics in high-profile

public offerings.

China Launches Floating Deep-Sea Research

Island in Shanghai

China has launched the world’s

first floating deep-sea research

facility in Shanghai, representing

a significant leap in ocean exploration.

The platform, designed for extreme

depths and extended missions, was

developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong

University to enable advanced marine

research and comprehensive data collection.

The project enhances scientific

capabilities while also raising strategic

considerations for global maritime

activities and the future of underwater

exploration.


app rankings

THE

Productivity Apps

ChatGPT

4.9/5

Flagship conversational AI for writing help,

coding support, and research.

Pros: Excellent coding help and clear writing

Cons: Paid tiers costly for heavy daily use

Available on: Web, major desktop and mobile

browsers

Google Gemini

4.8/5

Multimodal assistant from Google for reasoning

across text, code, and media.

Pros: Strong for math, logic and multimodal

work

Cons: Features differ widely across regions

Available on: Web via Gemini

Microsoft Copilot

4.7/5

AI assistant integrated across Windows,

Edge, Microsoft 365, and mobile.

Pros: Tight integration with Windows

Cons: Some tools need paid Microsoft plans

Available on: Web, Windows, Mac, and more



CLAUDE

4.8/5

Anthropic’s safety-focused chatbot for analysis,

coding, and complex reasoning.

Pros: Real exchange rates & travel perks

Cons: Customer support can be very slow

Available on: Web, official apps, third-party

integrations

PERPLEXITY AI

4.7/5

Answer-focused chatbot that combines web

search with conversational responses.

Pros: Get paid up to 2 days early

Cons: Mobile check deposit sometimes fails

Available on: Web, browser extensions, mobile

applications

Replika

4.5/5

Companion-style AI chatbot designed for

emotional support and conversation.

Pros: Best free investment tracking tools

Cons: Frequent upselling calls for advisory

Available on: Web and mobile companion

apps

Character.AI

4.4/5

Platform for chatting with user-created characters

and roleplay personalities.

Pros: Huge variety of creative AI personas

Cons: Unreliable facts and frequent waiting

Available on: Web and official mobile applications


Energy

Powering AI With

Clean Energy

How Abu Dhabi is aligning data centre expansion with climate

goals and what that means for corporate AI strategy

Abu Dhabi’s energy authorities are treating AI, cloud

and data centres as part of the Net Zero 2050 portfolio.

Their partnerships with universities and hyperscalers

offer boards a concrete playbook for low‐carbon AI

infrastructure investment.


Artificial intelligence is no longer

a purely digital question.

Training and running modern

models, and hosting the data they

rely on, demands vast amounts

of electricity. Industry estimates

suggest that regional data centre

demand is already around one

gigawatt and could quadruple within

five years as AI and cloud workloads

scale across the Gulf. In the UAE,

that pressure sits on top of steady

growth in population, urban cooling

needs and electrified industry, with

electricity consumption projected

to rise by up to 4 percent annually

through 2035.

At the same time, the federal

government has bound itself to a

long term Net Zero by 2050 strategy,

filed with the UNFCCC, and an

updated Energy Strategy 2050 that

aims to triple the contribution of

renewables and mobilise between

AED 150 and 200 billion in energy

investments by 2030. Abu Dhabi’s

Department of Energy sits at the

centre of this balancing act. It must

enable digital infrastructure that can


compete globally, while steering the

power system towards a far higher

share of clean electricity. For corporate

boards, the message is that AI

and data centre investments are now

inseparable from national decarbonisation

plans, not parallel agendas.

Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Playbook

Abu Dhabi is not relying solely on

market dynamics to align artificial

intelligence with clean energy. The

Department of Energy is embedding

AI and cloud capabilities directly into

how power is generated, managed

and regulated. In October 2025,

the DoE and Google Cloud signed

a memorandum of understanding

at GITEX Global to collaborate

on artificial intelligence, machine

learning and cloud computing across

the emirate’s energy system. The

framework spans data analytics,

AI-driven optimisation, energy and

water efficiency, innovation and

talent development.

The partnership has a clear operational

focus. Google Cloud technologies

will process large energy datasets

to improve grid management,

demand forecasting and renewable

integration. AI models will also support

predictive maintenance across

generation and network assets. This

approach aims to ensure that the

digital tools increasing electricity

demand simultaneously improve

system flexibility and efficiency,

which is critical as solar and wind

capacity expands. It also places a

global hyperscaler within Abu Dhabi’s

Net Zero roadmap under defined

standards for security, resilience and

sustainability.

In parallel, the DoE has partnered

with the Mohamed bin Zayed University

of Artificial Intelligence to

apply AI to infrastructure planning,

operational efficiency and regulatory

design. Together, these collaborations

combine academic research

depth with scalable cloud deployment,

while the Department of Energy

anchors both within a reliability

and decarbonisation mandate.

AI Demand Meets Net Zero

The scale of the challenge makes

the stakes clear. Analysts expect

global electricity demand and data

centre cooling needs to rise sharply

as AI workloads accelerate, while

local forecasts suggest the UAE’s

data centre cooling market alone

could grow at more than 18 percent

annually through 2030. Regional

reporting also warns that meeting

AI-driven power demand, without

expanding nuclear capacity, will

require substantial investment in

renewables and grid upgrades. As

a result, boards can no longer treat

The integration of

AI is essential to

securing a secure,

sustainable energy

and water future for

Abu Dhabi. Together

with MBZUAI,

we are translating

advanced research

and innovation into

real-world applications.”

— H.E. Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al

Rumaithi,

Undersecretary,

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy

energy as a background utility issue.

Decisions on data centre locations,

cooling technologies and long-term

power purchase agreements are fast

becoming strategic variables.

Abu Dhabi’s Energy Strategy 2050

and Net Zero 2050 roadmap provide

a framework for these choices,

outlining a future power mix with

higher shares of renewables and

nuclear, supported by storage and

grid modernisation. For operators,

this creates opportunities to secure

stable, low-carbon energy contracts

in jurisdictions with clear policy

direction. At the same time, energy

authorities are using AI-driven forecasting

and optimisation to manage

a more complex grid while protecting

reliability for industries where downtime

is now a material risk.

This mirrors a broader regulatory

shift in the UAE, where governance

and accountability increasingly

accompany digital innovation across

critical infrastructure.

Boardroom Lessons For Infrastructure

For large UAE enterprises and regional

conglomerates, Abu Dhabi’s

approach offers several practical

lessons.

1. Align AI with clean energy: Require

projects to report power demand,

carbon intensity, and renewable

options. Regulators support plans

within transition pathways.

2. Treat energy and AI as one risk:

Consider grid resilience, availability,

and price volatility. Participate in

AI-driven grid optimisation to reduce

risk.

3. Demand vendor transparency:

Contracts should cover energy efficiency,

renewables, water use, and

decarbonisation. AI deployments

should drive clean-energy integration.

Finally, the coordination between

energy authorities, academia and

hyperscalers shows how Net Zero

goals and AI innovation can share a

single roadmap.


Crypto NEWS

AB Xelerate, Fuze

Partner to Explore

Digital Assets in Jordan

AB Xelerate, Arab Bank’s fintech

accelerator, and Fuze

have signed an MoU to explore

regulated digital asset services

in Jordan. Leveraging Fuze’s Digital

Assets-as-a-Service platform, the

partnership aims to develop secure,

compliant financial products within

Arab Bank’s digital channels. Operating

in the Jordan Regulatory Sandbox,

it supports the nation’s Economic

Modernisation Vision.

Bybit Appoints Derek

Dai as MENA Head to

Drive UAE Expansion

Bybit has appointed Derek Dai as

MENA Country Manager to lead

regional strategy and regulatory

engagement following its recent SCA

licensing. Dai will prioritize strengthening

partnerships with the DIFC and

DMCC, focusing on tokenized real-world

assets and expanding AED fiat access.

Despite regional tensions, Bybit has

implemented continuity protocols to

ensure uninterrupted service, while

emphasizing liquidity, security, and operational

resilience to protect users and

maintain trust across the Gulf region.

Dubai Introduces

New Rules for Crypto

Derivatives Trading

Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority

(VARA) has introduced a

framework regulating derivatives

linked to virtual assets in Dubai. Licensed

providers can offer exchange-traded

derivatives under strict compliance

rules, included in Version 2.1 of the

Exchange Services Rulebook, now effective.

The regulations establish robust

risk management standards, covering

client classification, margin controls,

and leverage limits. Providers must

segregate client assets and enhance

disclosures to reduce systemic risks

and protect investors. This framework

strengthens market transparency, integrity,

and accountability within the

growing virtual asset sector. Ruben

Bombardi stated: “Derivatives are a

natural next step in the evolution of

virtual asset markets, but they demand

a higher standard of governance.” The

initiative reinforces Dubai’s position as

a regulated hub for virtual asset trading

and innovation.

Fuze, Miden Partner to Build Privacy-Focused

Blockchain for Regulated Finance

Fuze and Miden have partnered

to develop regulated digital asset

use cases, combining Fuze’s

banking network with Miden’s privacy-focused

blockchain. Collaboration

focuses on payments and wealth services,

protecting sensitive data while

ensuring compliance through KYC

and AML integration. By overcoming

transparency barriers, partnership

enables secure, practical blockchain

solutions, driving real-world institutional

adoption across the Middle

East’s growing financial ecosystem.

Bitmine Makes Largest

Ether Purchase

of 2026 Amid Market

Pullback

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has

invested $600 million in Polymarket,

advancing its expansion into

event-based trading. This investment

is part of a broader plan to allocate up

to $2 billion to the platform. Prediction

markets have grown rapidly in recent

years, attracting higher user activity

and trading volumes, emerging as a

new frontier within derivatives trading.

Analysts suggest these products can

draw additional retail investors while

boosting overall market participation.

While the investment is not expected

to materially impact ICE’s near-term

financial results, it reflects a strategic

effort to diversify revenue streams amid

rising competition in traditional futures

and options markets. By investing in

Polymarket, ICE positions itself to capitalize

on innovative financial products

and long-term growth in event-based

trading.


Intercontinental

Exchange Invests

$600M in Polymarket

Expansion

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has

invested $600 million in Polymarket

as it expands into the rapidly growing

event-based trading segment. This

funding is part of a broader plan to

invest up to $2 billion in the platform.

Prediction markets have evolved quickly

in recent years, growing from niche

areas into a significant segment of the

trading ecosystem. User activity and

trading volumes have surged, attracting

broader interest from both retail and

institutional investors. Analysts note

that these products can increase retail

participation while boosting overall market

activity. Although the investment is

not expected to materially impact ICE’s

near-term financial results, it reflects

a strategic effort to diversify revenue

streams amid rising competition in

traditional derivatives markets, positioning

ICE to capitalize on innovative,

high-growth financial products.

Better, Coinbase

Launch Token-Backed

Mortgages for Loans

Japan Witnesses

Launch of World’s

First Yen-Pegged Stablecoin

Japan has launched its first yenpegged

stablecoin, JPYC, marking

a significant shift in the nation’s

cash-dominant economy. Backed by

domestic savings and government

bonds, digital asset aims to offer faster,

cheaper transactions with zero initial

fees. While Japan’s megabanks plan

similar issuances, regulators remain

cautious about impacts on traditional

banking systems and global payment

flows amid rising international interest.


SEC, CFTC Issue Joint

Crypto Classification

Guidance

The Securities and Exchange

Commission and Commodity

Futures Trading Commission

issued joint guidance clarifying when

crypto asset transactions fall under

federal securities laws. The release

outlines regulatory interpretations,

asset classifications, and implications

for market participants. It emphasizes

that guidance is nonbinding, highlights

investment contract risks, and signals

evolving oversight as lawmakers and

regulators continue shaping crypto

market rules.

Better Home & Finance Holding

Company and Coinbase have partnered

to introduce token-backed

mortgages, allowing borrowers to use

Bitcoin or USD Coin as collateral. Moreover,

this approach enables homebuyers

to fund down payments without selling

digital assets or triggering taxes.

The loans follow standard conforming

mortgage structures and receive backing

from Fannie Mae. As a result, borrowers

benefit from competitive rates while

maintaining asset ownership.

Vishal Garg said, “Better was founded

to make homeownership more accessible

for all Americans, and this partnership

with Coinbase introduces a new pathway

to realizing the American Dream

for the 52 million Americans who own

digital assets”.

Furthermore, the initiative reflects

growing demand for integrating digital

assets into traditional financial systems.

Utexo Secures $7.5M to Expand Bitcoin-Based

Stablecoin Payments

Utexo, a UAE-based blockchain infrastructure

startup, has closed a

US$7.5 million seed round led by

Tether to advance stablecoin payments

on the Bitcoin network. Utilizing layer-2

protocols like Lightning and RGB, the

platform enables sub-second USDT

transactions for financial institutions. By

providing enterprise APIs that simplify

integration with existing compliance

frameworks, Utexo reduces transaction

friction and costs. This funding will

support global expansion and wider

institutional adoption of stablecoins.


STARTUP Spotlight

IMMENSA

Immensa, a Dubai-based startup,

closed a $20 million Series B in late

2023. Founded in 2016 by Fahmi

Al-Shawwa (CEO) and COO Sary Diab,

the company provides an AI-driven

supply-chain platform for energy-sector

spare parts. Its Immensa360 software

digitizes clients’ parts inventories, enabling

on-demand 3D printing of replacements

and dramatically reducing

lead times. This addresses a ~$91 billion

global energy spare-parts market and

helps oil majors slash inventory and logistics

costs via localized manufacturing.

Immensa also highlights that digitizing

spare-part inventories can free up

cash and reduce warehousing waste

in a sector losing roughly $30 billion

annually to inefficiency.

Key Updates:

• Funding: $20M Series B led by Global

Ventures, with co-investors (Energy

Capital Group, Endeavor Catalyst, etc.),

taking total funding to ~$31.5M.

• Expansion: Serving the UAE, KSA,

Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan;

plans include launches in Oman and

North America within 12–18 months

• Technology: Proprietary end-to-end

platform (“first-of-its-kind” in energy)

with integrated AI, plus on-site additive

manufacturing hubs.

Since its 2021 Series A, Immensa has

scaled quickly. It built a second 3D-printing

center in Saudi Arabia and produced

over 15,000 parts to date. Its customers

include major national oil companies

and equipment OEMs (e.g., Aramco, Adnoc,

Schlumberger). TechCrunch reports

Immensa posted over $10M in revenue

in 2022 and expects to double that by

end-2023. Immensa aims to digitize one

million spare parts by 2027, which it

projects could cut total parts costs by

about 50%. The Series B round underscores

investor confidence in Immensa’s

vision of AI-powered, on-demand supply

chains for the energy sector.

CO-FOUNDERS:

FAHMI AL-SHAWWA,

SARY DIAB

STAGE:

SERIES B ($20M)

FOUNDED:

2016

INDUSTRY:

ADDITIVE MANUFAC-

TURING & DIGITAL

INVENTORY (ENERGY)



LISAN AI

CO-FOUNDERS:

NOOR ALASADI

STAGE:

SERIES A (CLOS-

ING STAGES/EARLY

GROWTH)

FOUNDED:

2021

INDUSTRY:

AI-POWERED SAAS

SOLUTIONS

Lisan AI has rapidly evolved from

a promising Dubai-based startup

into a dominant force in the Middle

East’s artificial intelligence landscape.

Originally founded to bridge the technological

gap in Arabic natural language

processing (NLP), the company has

developed an integrated “X-Suite” of

enterprise productivity tools. These

include WriteX, an advanced writing

assistant that goes beyond simple

grammar checking to offer style preservation

and context-aware corrections,

and MeetriX, an AI-powered meeting

notetaker designed specifically for the

nuances of Arabic dialects.

The company’s growth trajectory has

been marked by significant technical

milestones and strategic validations.

Unlike generic large language models

(LLMs) that often struggle with the complexity

of Arabic morphology and its

many dialects, Lisan’s proprietary models

are trained on a massive, culturally

specific dataset. This “Arabic-first” approach

has secured them partnerships

with major regional players, including

a strategic collaboration with Total

Media Cast to integrate AI into media

workflows and a deep-tech partnership

with DeepVA to deliver industry-leading

speech-to-text capabilities across 32

distinct Arabic dialects.

Most recently, Lisan AI’s momentum

was recognized on the global stage at

LEAP 2025, where they secured the

prestigious “Shooting Star Award.”

This accolade came amidst their transition

from a seed-stage startup to a

growth-phase company, with reports

in late 2025 indicating the finalization

of a significant Series A funding round.

This influx of capital is set to accelerate

their R&D, moving them closer to their

vision of a fully autonomous, AI-driven

ecosystem for Arabic enterprise content.

As of early 2026, Lisan AI firmly,

confidently, and proudly stands as a

testament to the power of specialized,

vertical AI.


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The Technology Express Magazine | Edition: March–April 2026

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