Is the UAE winning the global AI race? A conversation with TII"s Dr. Chaouki Kasmi
In this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, Chief Innovation Officer of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). Dr. Kasmi takes us behind the scenes of the UAE's ambitious AI strategy, exploring how cloud partnerships helped develop the country's first homegrown language model. He discusses the Emirates' early adoption of AI technologies, highlights the critical role AWS played in the Falcon LLM's development and deployment on SageMaker, and hints at upcoming releases that will impress the tech community. The conversation examines how regional businesses can benefit from these advancements, touches on quantum computing developments, energy considerations in AI, and the UAE's positioning against traditional tech powerhouses like the US and China. A fascinating look at how the Gulf region is transforming its technological landscape and aiming for global leadership in AI innovation.
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Inside Ras Al Khaimah's economic revolution | A chat with the CEO shaping UAE's next business hub, Ramy Jallad
SPONSORED - In this exclusive episode, Arabian Business Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Ramy Jallad, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). Jallad reveals how this "hidden gem" of the UAE has been strategically positioning itself as a major business destination long before making headlines with its Wynn casino announcement. He discusses RAKEZ's remarkable achievement of doubling its registered companies to 30,000, with 13,000 new businesses joining in just the past year alone. From manufacturing and AI to hospitality and gaming, Jallad shares insights on the emirate's diversified economic strategy, infrastructure challenges, and upcoming mega-projects including Tech Flex Zone and RAK Central. Learn how Ras Al Khaimah is attracting global investment from India, China, Europe and beyond while maintaining its competitive edge through cost-effectiveness, customized business solutions, and exceptional customer experience.
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Dubai real estate's 'Blockbuster' moment? Ainsley Duncombe on why 90% of brokers could vanish in 2 years
In this eye-opening episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa speaks with Ainsley Duncombe, founder of Off Market Listing Dubai and former Property Finder executive. Duncombe delivers a stark prediction: 90% of Dubai real estate brokers will see their roles transformed by AI within 18 months. From his journey watching Dubai's Palm Jumeirah being built on TV to now living there himself, Duncombe shares insights on luxury property trends, wealth migration to the UAE, and how technology is reshaping the industry. The conversation explores opportunities in emerging markets like Ras Al Khaimah and exclusive developments on Dubai's World Islands, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of Gulf real estate from one of the industry's most forward-thinking voices.
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Behind the rankings - Inside Arabian Business' Dubai 100 power list
Join Arabian Business reporters Tala Michel Issa and Nicole Abigael as they take you behind the scenes of the highly anticipated Dubai 100 power list. Discover how Mohamed Alabbar secured the top spot, why cultural figures like Balqees Fathi and Anas Bukhash are reshaping influence, and how the list's sophisticated nine-parameter ranking system captures Dubai's evolution from a business hub to a global centre of innovation. From real estate titans to digital disruptors, this episode reveals the people and trends defining Dubai's future trajectory.
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The Arabic language barrier keeping AI engineers up at night - A chat with Google's Anthony Nakache
SPONSORED - In this episode, host Tala Misha la Issa sits down with Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google MENA, to explore the monumental challenge of developing AI that truly understands Arabic in all its complexity. With 25 distinct dialects across the region, Arabic presents one of the most formidable language barriers in AI development today.Nakache reveals how Google's Gemini AI has already mastered 16 Arabic dialects—an unprecedented achievement—and shares the company's ambitious roadmap for complete Arabic language coverage. The conversation delves into Google's recently announced $15 million AI Opportunity Initiative for the MENA region, aimed at upskilling half a million people in AI over the next two years.From the unique ways young Arabs are using AI for career advancement to the economic potential of $320 billion in AI-driven growth by 2030, this episode offers rare insights into how Google is approaching one of technology's most complex linguistic challenges. Nakache also discusses the transformative impact AI is already having on education and healthcare across the region, providing a fascinating glimpse into a future where technology speaks every Arabic dialect fluently.
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