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
UAE authorities announced on Sunday evening that the Dhu Al Hijjah moon was successfully sighted through reports submitted by specialised committees, astronomers, and observatories operating across the country using advanced space and astronomy technologies.
As a result, Monday, May 18, has been declared the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH.
The announcement officially sets the timeline for the upcoming Hajj season and the celebration of Eid Al Adha across the country.
Muslims around the world observe Dhu Al Hijjah as one of the holiest months in Islam, with Eid Al Adha expected to follow after the annual pilgrimage rituals.
Advanced moon-sighting system
Officials said the confirmation was made after reviewing data from experts and astronomical centres working under a coordinated national system, highlighting the UAE’s growing use of technology in religious observations.
Residents await holiday details
With the moon sighting now confirmed, attention is turning to the official Eid Al Adha holiday announcement, which is expected to bring an extended break for residents across the UAE.
For many families, the announcement signals the start of travel plans, gatherings, and preparations for one of the year’s biggest celebrations.
Dubai has just unveiled another futuristic landmard, and this one could redefine sustainable government buildings worldwide.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated Al Sheraa, the new headquarters of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in Al Jaddaf.
Mind-blowing numbers
Dubbed the tallest, largest, and smartest energy-positive government building in the world, Al Sheraa is designed to produce more energy than it consumes, making it a major milestone in Dubai’s sustainability journey.
دشَّنا مبنى "الشراع" المقر الرئيسي الجديد لهيئة كهرباء ومياه دبي في منطقة الجداف… أعلى وأكبر وأذكى مبنى حكومي إيجابي الطاقة في العالم…
110 آلاف مستشعر ذكي وأكثر من 1500 نقطة وصول لاسلكية و3200 جهاز شبكي لإنتاج أكثر من 1.9 مليون أمر تحكم آلي يومياً.. بقدرة إنتاجية للكهرباء… pic.twitter.com/kJSxilwqzr
The building features: • 110,000 smart sensors • 1,500+ wireless access points • 3,200 connected smart devices • Over 1.9 million automated control commands daily • Solar energy systems generating up to 5 MW of electricity
The building combines cutting-edge AI, automation, and renewable energy technologies to create a next-generation workspace focused on efficiency and sustainability.
Calling it a “global architectural icon,” Sheikh Mohammed said the project reflects Dubai’s leadership in innovation, smart technology, and green energy.
From AI-powered systems to solar-powered operations, Dubai is once again showing the world what the cities of the future could look like
The iconic Burj Khalifa has added another global title to its long list of records, this time as the world’s most Instagrammable landmark.
According to the latest Instagram Attraction Index, Dubai’s famous skyscraper secured the top spot globally with more than 10 million tagged Instagram posts and approximately 1.1 million monthly searches, reinforcing its status as one of the most photographed destinations in the world.
Developed by Emaar Properties and officially completed in 2010, the Burj Khalifa rises 828 metres into the Dubai skyline with more than 160 floors, making it the tallest building on the planet.
Designed by architect Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower has become one of the UAE’s most recognisable landmarks, attracting millions of visitors every year for its observation decks, fountain shows and skyline views.
Among the countless images shared online, some of the most visually striking photographs of the Burj Khalifa have come from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose social media posts frequently capture Dubai from dramatic perspectives.
From lightning storms illuminating the tower to sunrise scenes above the clouds, Sheikh Hamdan’s photography has played a major role in showcasing the landmark’s cinematic appeal to audiences worldwide.
The Burj Khalifa’s popularity on Instagram reflects Dubai’s broader rise as a global tourism and lifestyle destination, where architecture, luxury experiences and futuristic cityscapes continue to attract international attention.
For many visitors, photographing the tower has become almost a mandatory Dubai experience, whether from the Dubai Fountain promenade, a rooftop overlooking Downtown Dubai or even from inside the clouds during winter fog season.