WEF24: Unified approach key to resolve challenges

• Unified global solutions are crucial to tackle issues like climate change, AI norms, and economic fragmentation, Khalfan Belhoul of Dubai Future Foundation tells TRENDS.
• During interview, Belhoul emphasizes the role of technology as a unifying force and discusses the Foundation's plans for research, development, and international partnerships.

Government, financial sectors top cyberattack targets

• The Middle East's oil and gas sector is a key target for cyberattacks, Trellix CEO Bryan Palma tells TRENDS, stressing the need for widespread cybersecurity investments.
• He emphasizes the critical risks faced by the public sector and financial services, and discusses how XDR and AI technologies are advancing cybersecurity in the region.

‘Business-based peace initiatives to ease tensions’

• The Ukraine-Russia conflict and Gaza crisis are impacting investor confidence and economies in Jordan, Egypt, and Israel, Iyad Malas, CEO of Al Ghurair Group, tells TRENDS.
• Iyad Malas highlights the need for digital transformation and the importance of public-private partnerships in digital investments, notably in infrastructure and healthcare.

‘Digitization, AI reshape sports and health investments’

• AI will play a major role in improving sports performance and health sector advancements, Thomas H. Rudy of leAD Sports & Health Tech Partners tells TRENDS.
• Rudy envisions Saudi Arabia as a major player in health and sports investments, citing examples from golf and football and predicts substantial growth in team values.

‘ESG, AI and robotics remain FII’s investment focus’

• FII Institute remains committed to innovative and sustainable technology investments, Anthony Berkley, ACT Director and Head of Investments, tells TRENDS.
• Its portfolio includes pioneering firms in AI and robotics, reflecting a focus on impactful solutions in critical areas like sustainability, health, and education.

‘Strategic position makes UAE key blockchain, Web 3 player’

• There is a need for more regulations in the cryptocurrency industry to prevent immoral and aberrant behavior, says Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Communications head
• The blockchain and Web 3 are the future, and UAE's well-designed cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi make them critical players in the industry, adds SkyBridge Capital founder Scaramucci

Conflict may get us before climate, warns Professor Rangan

• A multi-plural world that embraces diversity and contradictions is crucial for peaceful coexistence free of conflicts, Subramanian Rangan of INSEAD tells TRENDS in an interview
• Businesses need to revise their models to integrate income and impact, market and society, and humanity and nature. Also, education is key in using technology responsibly, he adds

‘European Space Agency to intensify cooperation with UAE’

• Aschbacher says ESA's plan is to establish navigation and communication around the moon and on the moon surface, just like having a mobile phone on Earth
• He believes unifying people is one of the beauties of space exploration, besides developing technology, attracting young talents, fostering stem education, and economic growth

Fusion energy will be game-changing viable energy source

• Private sector partners can leverage the scientific work done in public laboratories to develop the technology needed for fusion power plant applications, says top US physicist
• The recent discovery in inertial confinement fusion marks a significant milestone in the development of fusion energy as a viable energy source, highlights Kimberly Budil

‘AI, blockchain complementary, must be used responsibly’