Dubai moves from importing innovation to exporting it, says Future Solutions Head
Dubai’s innovation ecosystem is entering a new phase, argues Amer Abdulraoof, Head of Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity,...
Interview
Startups need more than funding: they need an ecosystem
Drew Propson, Head of Technology and Innovation in Financial Services at the World Economic Forum, explains how sustainable growth, AI...
Interview
Interview
UAE is converting talent, trust, and technology into a Knowledge Nation
Dr. Lolowa AlMarzooqi, Associate Vice Provost at New York University Abu Dhabi, tells TRENDS that the UAE’s real competitive edge...
- At the early childhood level, today’s learners are growing up in an environment that encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and bilingual fluency.
- By university and early-career stages, Emirati youth are more globally aware, digitally confident, and purpose-oriented than ever before.
Business
The new knowledge economy belongs to super users: Michael Wolf
Activate Consulting CEO Michael Wolf tells TRENDS how AI, media and shifting consumer behaviour are driving the next knowledge economy.
- The next knowledge economy will be built on AI working alongside journalists, analysts, creators and storytellers whose critical thinking remain irreplaceable, Wolf tells TRENDS
- From cost-efficient film and TV production to streamlining legal, accounting and other B2B workflows, AI will boost productivity rather than eliminate most jobs, he adds
Interview
A hospitality trailblazer talks resilience in a shifting global landscape
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO, Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific at Accor, spells out the...
- The CEO stressed that Accor’s robust development pipeline and ambitious growth across Saudi will deliver 44 additional hotels by 2030.
- Accor's lifestyle division, Ennismore, is now the world’s largest and most innovative lifestyle hospitality player in the industry.
Business
Blending AI with a Human Touch: Al Rais Travel Eyes the Future of Tourism
Executive Director Mohamed Al Rais unveils a tech-human hybrid approach to personalize travel experiences — and announces a strategic India...
- We’re adopting a hybrid model that blends AI-driven data analysis with human interaction to deliver personalized and authentic travel experiences, Mohamed Al Rais tells TRENDS
- Dubai has evolved from a regional hub to a global one, offering a complete tourism ecosystem—from leisure and business to medical and MICE travel, he adds
Interview
A dirham and a dream: Matthews Southwest’s Jay French on future of UAE real estate
From an institutional investor-based viewpoint, it is becoming of interest more now than it ever has been. And that's a...
- From a trading location, it's always had a great history. Now it's just multiplying and multiplying and multiplying and building success on success, he said.
- the Future was a really bold statement by the Prime Minister's office to show locally and regionally as well as globally the world, what it stood for, French said.
Economy
GCC is rewriting the narrative on cultural diplomacy
Partnerships with institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum, Venice Biennale, and Hollywood productions elevate the GCC’s cultural landscape.
- Events like Art Dubai, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi solidify the UAE’s role as a global cultural hub
- AlUla, Red Sea Film Festival, and Jeddah’s Hayy Jameel are transforming the Kingdom into a creative powerhouse
Geostrategy
The Transformative Power of Travel
The framework for future-proofing tourism revolves around three core pillars: People, Planet, and Purpose. This vision is particularly evident in...
- The UAE’s We the UAE 2031 national development blueprint positions tourism as a key driver of economic growth, targeting a $123 billion contribution to GDP.
- Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places tourism at the core of its diversification efforts.
World Economic Forum
Art and culture retain power to humanize the Intelligent Age, says WEF’s Fowler
Davos, Switzerland -- In an age where artificial intelligence is reshaping our lives, the World Economic Forum's Arts and Culture...
- I see talent emerging in the MENA region, UAE especially. Saudi Arabia is extremely exciting at the moment with the focus they're placing on culture, Fowler said.
- The UAE is extremely forward-thinking. They absolutely have a finger on the pulse when it comes to technology and how technology can be integrated into everyday life.
Exclusive: Green investments lead to tangible returns, says WEF’s Philips
Public-private partnerships are essential for advancing sustainable urban development and meeting net-zero targets, Vivian Brady Phillips, Head of Strategic Initiatives,...
- Public-private partnerships are essential for advancing sustainable urban development and meeting net-zero targets, Vivian Brady Phillips tells TRENDS
- Technology plays a crucial role in sustainability, enabling energy-efficient operations, smart city connectivity, and digital waste tracking
World Economic Forum
Tech Mahindra’s Ram Ramachandran: MEA, India key to shaping future in multipolar world
Davos, Switzerland -- The Middle East, Africa, and India have an important role and influence in shaping the evolving world order...
- The representation accorded to the Middle East, Africa, and India at Davos shows the growing promise of the region towards global world order, he said.
- We are going to see innovation happening from the Middle East outwards, which has never happened earlier, Ramachandran said.
Most Read
Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030KSA, UAE play well as e-gaming trends across GCCExclusive: Middle East’s retail sector rides on AR and hybrid shopping to become $600bn digital economyTECOM Group profit soars 13%UAE startups eye Saudi Arabia for growth, expansionSaudi Arabia leads GCC AI healthcare raceDisparity remains as Saudis, Emiratis see wealth gains
Dubai moves from importing innovation to exporting it, says Future Solutions Head
Dubai’s innovation ecosystem is entering a new phase, argues Amer Abdulraoof, Head of Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity,...
Interview
Company News
Latest News
AI is changing how financial systems understand and serve people
As AI reshapes boardrooms worldwide, Cozmo AI CTO Nuha Hashem explains how responsible, accountable systems—powered by MENA talent—can drive sustainable...
Business
How To Enhance Human Potential? The answer: Cognitive Cities, AI, and Leadership in MENA
Joseph Bradley, former CEO of Tonomus, shares with TRENDS his views on how AI and leadership can help MENA build...
Economy
Dubai Media City bets on AI to cement its global creative hub status
Dubai Media City has moved decisively beyond real estate into intellectual and digital value creation to support the next generation...
Interview
Most Read
Interview
The Middle East has become our living lab for digital reinvention
In the MENA region, we see an extraordinary opportunity to shape a digitally empowered workforce aligned with national transformation agendas,...
- The Middle East has become our living lab for digital reinvention, where ideas rapidly evolve into impactful, real-world solutions.
- AI, cloud, and IoT are no longer enablers but strategic levers reshaping productivity, resilience, and value creation across MENA.
Interview
UAE is converting talent, trust, and technology into a Knowledge Nation
Dr. Lolowa AlMarzooqi, Associate Vice Provost at New York University Abu Dhabi, tells TRENDS that the UAE’s real competitive edge...
- At the early childhood level, today’s learners are growing up in an environment that encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and bilingual fluency.
- By university and early-career stages, Emirati youth are more globally aware, digitally confident, and purpose-oriented than ever before.
Business
The new knowledge economy belongs to super users: Michael Wolf
Activate Consulting CEO Michael Wolf tells TRENDS how AI, media and shifting consumer behaviour are driving the next knowledge economy.
- The next knowledge economy will be built on AI working alongside journalists, analysts, creators and storytellers whose critical thinking remain irreplaceable, Wolf tells TRENDS
- From cost-efficient film and TV production to streamlining legal, accounting and other B2B workflows, AI will boost productivity rather than eliminate most jobs, he adds