News

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

Crime

Dubai Police warn against fake news, urge public to rely only on official sources

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6 mins ago

April 1, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Police have issued a public advisory warning residents against the spread of misinformation, stressing that relying on unverified sources can threaten community safety and stability.

In a statement shared on social media, authorities highlighted how the speed of modern communication has made it easier for inaccurate information to circulate, sometimes deliberately to create panic and anxiety.

Officials emphasised that individuals play a critical role in maintaining public order, noting that sharing unverified content can have serious consequences. “What we share matters,” the statement said, adding that misinformation can undermine public safety.

Residents have been urged to act responsibly online by verifying information before sharing and relying only on official sources for updates.

The advisory also referenced warnings from UAE Public Prosecution, which confirmed that individuals who repost or circulate rumours—even if they are not the original creators—can face legal action under the country’s cybercrime laws.

Authorities reiterated that responsible digital behaviour is essential to protecting both individual and community well-being.

News

Abu Dhabi moves to 100% digital payments from April 1 at all customer service centres

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20 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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In a major step toward digital transformation, the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced it will stop accepting cash payments across all its customer service centres starting April 1, 2026.

Residents will now be required to pay all service fees through approved digital platforms such as TAMM, DARI, and Smarthub, or via credit cards at service centres.

The move marks a significant shift towards a fully cashless system across all entities under DMT, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing processing times, and enhancing the overall customer experience.

While cash payments will no longer be accepted, authorities noted that in exceptional cases, payments may still be made via direct bank deposits or secure digital payment links sent to customers’ phones.

The transition is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader push to adopt smart, seamless government services and accelerate its digital economy.

Business

Dubai announces a Dh1 billion boost: Here’s how it could change your job, business, and daily life

Published

21 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Big changes are coming to Dubai, and they could directly affect your wallet, job opportunities, and even living conditions.

At a key meeting led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the Executive Council of Dubai approved a range of major initiatives aimed at supporting residents, businesses, and workers across the emirate.

Boost for businesses and residents

Dubai is rolling out a Dh1 billion support package starting April 2026. The goal? To ease financial pressure.

What does that mean in real life:

Businesses can delay paying some government fees
Hotels get more time to pay tourism-related charges
Companies get longer deadlines for customs payments
Residency processes will be made simpler

Dubai’s economy is still growing strong

Dubai’s economy grew by 5.4% in 2025, showing steady progress. Officials have also updated how this growth is measured to give a clearer, more accurate picture of the economy.

Easier trade, especially for high-value goods

A new initiative by Dubai Customs will make it much easier to bring goods—especially expensive items like artwork—into Dubai.

No customs duties on certain art imports
Fewer restrictions and faster processes
High-tech tracking systems

This move is aimed at attracting global investors and collectors.

More support for local families

The new Dubai Empowerment Strategy, led by Community Development Authority, focuses on:

Creating job opportunities
Supporting small businesses and home ventures
Improving financial stability for families

Better living conditions for workers

A new plan will improve worker housing across Dubai:

100% access to essential services by 2033
Strict health and safety standards for accommodations

Whether you’re an employee, business owner, or investor, these changes are designed to make life easier, boost opportunities, and keep Dubai’s growth on track.