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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

News

Dh400 fine for jaywalking in Dubai: What residents must know

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12 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Pedestrians in Dubai are being urged to follow road safety rules, as Dubai Police warns that crossing from non-designated areas remains a leading cause of run-over accidents.

Officials say that despite the availability of pedestrian bridges and safe crossings across major roads, some individuals continue to take risks, especially on high-speed routes where drivers may not be able to stop in time.

The warning follows a recent incident where a pedestrian was injured after attempting to cross from an unsafe location in the city. The individual sustained minor injuries.

According to Brigadier Jumaa Salem Bin Suwaidan, pedestrians who ignore crossing rules not only risk their own safety but also endanger drivers and other road users.

Under UAE traffic laws, crossing outside designated areas or ignoring signals can result in a Dh400 fine, reinforcing the importance of using marked crossings and following traffic lights.

Residents have been urged to use designated crossings and stay alert, particularly on busy roads. With increasing traffic and high vehicle speeds in many areas, even a short shortcut can carry serious risks.

Announcements

New Dubai rule makes investor visas easier for property buyers

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13 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai has made it easier for property buyers to secure residency, after the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced new rules removing the minimum property value requirement for a two-year real estate investor visa.

Previously, investors needed to own property worth at least Dh750,000 to qualify. Under the updated system, buyers can now apply for the visa regardless of property value, as long as they are the sole owner.

For many UAE expats and first-time buyers, the move significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making it possible to invest in more affordable properties while still securing residency benefits.

Officials say the change is part of Dubai’s wider push to expand its investor base, boost property demand, and strengthen its position as a global real estate hub.

There are still some conditions for jointly owned properties. According to DLD’s Cube Centre, if two investors share ownership equally, each person’s stake must be at least Dh400,000 to qualify for the visa.

What it means for expats

For expats looking to put down roots in Dubai, the update creates more flexibility and accessibility, especially for those entering the market at lower price points. It also opens the door for a wider range of investors to benefit from property-linked residency.

The move is expected to increase market activity, encourage long-term investment, and support sustainable growth across Dubai’s real estate sector.

Business

Tourists in UAE can now get instant bank accounts: Here’s how

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13 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Tourists visiting the UAE can now open a bank account within minutes, thanks to a new digital initiative led by the Central Bank of the UAE in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

The service, called ‘Tourist Identity’, allows visitors to set up a fully digital bank account upon arrival, using a secure identity issued at entry and powered by biometric and facial recognition technology.

By linking the system to ADCB’s mobile app, travellers can open an account instantly, receive a digital debit card, and start making payments without paperwork or traditional documents.

For many visitors, especially business travellers, long-stay tourists, and frequent visitors, the move removes a key hurdle: access to local banking. Instead of relying on cash, users can pay digitally, manage expenses easily, and connect directly to the UAE’s financial system from day one.

Officials say the system is designed to deliver a secure and seamless experience, using advanced biometrics and AI to enable access to services without the need for physical documents.

What it means for visitors

For tourists, the new service means faster, safer, and more convenient access to money, making everyday transactions, from shopping to transport, simpler during their stay in the UAE.

The rollout also strengthens the country’s position as a tech-driven global destination, where travel and financial services are increasingly integrated into a seamless digital experience.