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35th World AI Show ends with achievers honoured in Dubai

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4 years ago

May 29, 2022

Staff Reporter

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Dubai, May 26, 2022:
The two-day 35th global edition of World AI Show & Awards, the longest running AI series, organized by Trecon, closed on a high note with the inaugural World AI Awards to recognise contributions in various fields on Thursday.

Held under the patronage of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, a member of the royal family of Dubai, the World AI Show and Awards brought together the most powerful voices in the global AI and RPA space.

The second day of the World AI Show kick-started with a panel discussion on Women in AI. The confluence of global AI women leaders equivocally stressed the significance for women to prove their worth and get recognition on merit. There was a broader representation of views with panelists from the UAE, Germany, and Oman on stage.

James Connolly, the regional director of DarkTrace, spoke about using artificial intelligence to surgically respond to fast and furious attacks and the threat landscape in 2022.

Padam Kafle, the Aster Hospitals head of IT and Automation, touched on the growth in enterprise adoption of the 5G network. Kafle took the award for best project implementation under the best AI use-case award in the private sector on behalf of Aster.

Other sessions included topics such as ethical uses of AI, ways for successful rapid implementation, trends, and scaling the adoption of AI to deliver business outcomes.

A special award was handed out to Eng Fahad A Alhamed, the Founder and Chairman of the Saudi Cloud Computing Association, who was given the AI Visionary of the Year award.

Emirates NBD Bank had three innovations shortlisted in the banking category and the team representing faced some nervous moments before knowing that it was the model they created for ensuring compliance with financial regulations using a quantitative scoring system with scorecards to identify bottlenecks.

In addition, they have created a call center analytics that uses AI to predict consumer behavior, as well as a Multiplier effect that gives the next-best action and personalization for a better banking experience.

With his ENBD colleagues, Sachin Chandna received the best AI use case award private sector in the banking segment along with his head of customer intelligence who received the AI proponent of the year award in the private sector as well.

The inaugural World AI Awards winners pose with the jury members at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai. Photo by Trescon

Startup World Cup

The opening day saw the UAE finalist being spotted for the Startup World Cup. Affinsys, a startup running AI solutions for banks, telecom and insurance companies, won after the jury took a live decision based on final pitches from the top contenders and voted for UAE’s representation among 60-plus countries from where the World Cup winner will receive $1 million funding.

The inaugural edition of the World AI Awards was hosted in top glory with many AI visionaries and true flag bearers of the MENA region receiving the award for their contribution in the field of artificial intelligence.

“Dubai has always welcomed talent and we always looking to create a better future, so it was only natural for us to be associated with this event,” said Hisham Al Gurg, CEO at the Private Office. “AI is the future and it is nice to see so many experts and leading companies at World AI Show & Awards.”

Winners of World AI Awards:

Best AI use-case in Private Sector:
Healthcare – Aliasgar Bohari, Zulekha Hospital
Education – Shameed Sait, GEMS Education
Banking – Sachin Chandna, Emirates NBD
Financial Services – Saurav Suman, The Family Office
Manufacturing – Wissam Al Adany, ADES Arabia Holding
Retail – Mustafa Hussein, IKEA, Saudi Arabia
Best Project Implementation – Padam Kafle, Aster Hospitals

Best AI use-case in Public Sector:
Healthcare – Dr Maryam Alsharaf, Emirates Health Services
Best Project Implementation – Dr Maryam Alsharaf, Emirates Health Services
Education – Saud Aldajah, Higher Colleges of Technology
Energy & Utilities – Awad El-Sidiq, Adnoc Distribution

Others
Best Young Role Model – Maya Hiba, Al Ramz Corporation
Best Value Chain – Raman Nathani, Rafed Pure Health
Most Popular Proponent of the Year – Sachin Chandna, Emirates NBD Bank
Visionary of the Year – Fahad Alhamed, Saudi Cloud Computing Association chairman

Staff Reporter

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US Embassy lifts shelter-in-place for UAE staff: What citizens need to know

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31 mins ago

April 15, 2026

Michael Gomes

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After a tense period, the US Embassy in the UAE has officially called off its shelter-in-place advisory for employees. With attacks coming to a halt, staff are back on the move, but the embassy is making it clear: Stay alert.

The Current status?

While the stay indoors order is over, it’s not exactly business as usual. Here’s the breakdown of where things stand right now:

Travel advisory: The UAE remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
Staffing: Non-emergency personnel are still relocated outside the country, meaning the embassy and consulate are on ordered departure status.
Services: Routine visa services are suspended, and consular help is currently limited to emergencies and essential passport services.

Tips for US citizens in the UAE

The embassy is advising everyone to keep their guard up. If you’re a US citizen in the area, here is your checklist:

Get the App: Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme) to get real-time security pings.
Stay prepared: Keep food, water, and medications handy. Whenever the emergency alarm is sounded, stay away from glass windows.
Charge up: Keep your phone charged and save those emergency numbers.
Low profile: Be aware of your surroundings and keep your friends/family posted on where you are.

Emergency contacts

UAE Emergency Services: 999
US Embassy Abu Dhabi: +971-2-414-2200
US Consulate Dubai: +971-4-309-4000
State Dept (Global): +1 202-501-4444

Business

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab is getting a facelift: Inside the iconic hotel’s first major renovation

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58 mins ago

April 15, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The world’s most famous ‘seven-star’ hotel is officially getting some work done. For the first time since its doors swung open in 1999, the Burj Al Arab is undergoing a massive restoration. Don’t worry, though, the sail-shaped structure isn’t going anywhere. Jumeirah Group is just making sure this Dubai luxury property stays looking fresh for the next generation.

What’s the plan

This isn’t just a quick coat of paint. We’re talking about an 18-month phased restoration led by the renowned designer, Tristan Auer. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the mastermind behind the stunning Hotel de Crillon in Paris and a protege of the legendary Philippe Starck.

The hotel will, however, be running during the renovation process, which also includes modernising the interiors.

Why is Burj famous

The Burj Al Arab is more than just a place to sleep, rest and enjoy the luxury comforts, it’s basically the face of Dubai. Here’s a quick refresher on why this building is iconic:

The height: It towers at 321 meters on its own private island.
The bling: The interiors are packed with marble, gold leaf, and Swarovski crystals.
The icon status: From helipad tennis matches with Roger Federer to its massive 450kg crystal chandelier, it put Dubai on the luxury map 27 years ago.

Preserving the icon

As Dubai grows, the city is shifting its focus toward preserving its modern icons. By giving the Burj Al Arab a thoughtful facelift now, they’re ensuring that the ‘Sail of Dubai’ remains the ultimate symbol of global luxury without losing the original character that made it famous in the first place.

According to the Jumeirah Group, the renovation is aimed at preserving one of the emirate’s most famous symbols for future generations.

News

UAE motorist alert: Abu Dhabi announces new toll gates on major highways

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20 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Motorists travelling across Abu Dhabi may soon notice a shift in how road tolls are applied, as the emirate quietly expands its Darb toll system beyond island entry points to major highways.

New toll gates have been installed in strategic locations such as Ghantoot along the busy Dubai–Abu Dhabi corridor and in the Al Qurm area. While the structures are visible and clearly marked, authorities have confirmed they are not yet operational and are currently undergoing testing.

The move signals a broader approach to traffic management, aiming to ease congestion and improve flow on some of the UAE’s busiest routes. Unlike the earlier system focused on bridge access to Abu Dhabi Island, the expansion hints at a more comprehensive, network-wide tolling strategy.

For now, motorists are advised to stay updated through official channels and ensure their vehicles are registered on the TAMM platform to avoid penalties once the system goes live.