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Middle East Edition
12th November 2025
 
 
THE HOT STORY
 
UAE firms embrace AI integration
Arabian Business reports that 92% of companies in the UAE are planning to implement AI agents, with robots expected to work alongside human employees within the next year. This move is part of a broader trend towards integrating advanced technologies in the workplace, as businesses in the region aim to enhance efficiency and productivity. The report highlights the UAE's commitment to becoming a leader in AI adoption, reflecting a significant shift in how companies are approaching workforce management and technological innovation.

 
 
TECHNOLOGY
 
AD Ports leverages AI for logistics
Trade Arabia reports that AD Ports Group has unveiled a blueprint titled 'Building Human-AI Teams: AD Ports Group's Blueprint for Tomorrow's Workforce', which outlines the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance port and logistics operations. The blueprint emphasises the use of agentic AI systems to handle repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on strategic roles. Mohamed Jamal Eddine, the Group's Chief Information Officer, highlights the synergy between humans and AI as the future of the workforce. AI deployments have already shown measurable improvements in efficiency and scalability.
 
Dubai launches AI for green management
Dubai Municipality has introduced the 'Smart Municipality Eye', an AI-driven initiative aimed at enhancing the management of green infrastructure. This system employs drones for aerial and field mapping across 52 million square metres of green areas in Dubai. The initiative is designed to predict and manage the maintenance needs of these areas more efficiently. The use of AI and drones is expected to optimise resource allocation and improve the sustainability of Dubai's green spaces.
 
 
WORKFORCE TRENDS
 
Saudi Arabia's healthcare transformation
Saudi Gazette examines Saudi Arabia's healthcare transformation under Vision 2030, highlighting AstraZeneca's role in advancing research, innovation, and preventive care. AstraZeneca's partnerships with Saudi institutions aim to enhance diagnostics, improve patient outcomes, and support the Kingdom's health agenda. Hatem Werdany, AstraZeneca's Country President, emphasises the importance of biotechnology in economic diversification and healthcare modernisation. The company's initiatives include AI-enabled screening and training programmes, aligning with national priorities in artificial intelligence and digital health to build a sustainable, patient-centred healthcare system.
 
Dubai Airshow introduces Inspiration Zone
The Dubai Airshow 2025 will feature an Inspiration Zone aimed at fostering innovation and empowering youth and women in aviation. The zone will host initiatives such as Vista, a start-up platform for aerospace innovators, and the Future Flight programme, which highlights female leadership. The event will also include wellness activities and a fitness challenge. Key figures like Brian Schettler of AEI HorizonX emphasise the zone's role in accelerating aviation technologies. The UAE's investment in space and high-tech sectors underscores its commitment to innovation.
 
Dubai boosts creative economy initiatives
The Dubai Media Council has initiated new film and gaming committees to enhance the emirate's creative industries and promote media innovation. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Dubai's position as a hub for creative economy, focusing on film and gaming sectors. The initiative aims to attract global talent and investment, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for creative professionals. The council's efforts are expected to contribute significantly to the economic diversification and growth of Dubai's media landscape.
 
Neom worker housing revealed in photos
Dezeen reports that satellite images have uncovered numerous settlements of identical housing blocks constructed for workers involved in the Neom project in northwest Saudi Arabia. The images, sourced from Google Maps, display a series of expansive camps designed to accommodate the workforce required for the ambitious development. Neom, a key component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aims to create a futuristic city that integrates cutting-edge technology and sustainable living. The housing arrangements highlight the scale and logistical planning involved in supporting such a large workforce.
 
 
REGULATORY & LEGAL
 
UAE leads in digital asset regulation
The United Arab Emirates has been recognised as one of the world's most advanced digital-asset markets, according to the Global Digital Assets Report 2025 by the Global Finance & Technology Network and Arthur D. Little. The UAE's regulatory progress is setting international standards for innovation, investor protection, and market integrity. The report highlights the UAE's ranking alongside Singapore and Switzerland in regulatory maturity, with Dubai's VARA and Abu Dhabi's FSRA noted for their activity-based licensing. The study underscores the region's structured approach to digital finance.
 
Dubai licence accelerates bank account setup
Gulf Business reports that the introduction of the Dubai Unified Licence has significantly reduced the time required to open business bank accounts by 90%. Since its implementation, over 3,000 new business bank accounts have been established, and more than 134,000 business profiles have been updated. This initiative aims to streamline business operations and enhance the ease of doing business in Dubai, reflecting the emirate's commitment to fostering a conducive business environment.
 
 
LEADERSHIP
 
Tim Baker leads BPG Arabia expansion
Tim Baker has been appointed as President of BPG Arabia, a leading marketing communications agency in Saudi Arabia. Baker, who has over two decades of experience in communications leadership, will focus on enhancing the agency's digital-first and integrated offerings across the Kingdom. He aims to drive growth and innovation by integrating strategy, creative, content, PR, social, and technology. Avi Bhojani, Group CEO of BPG Group, praised Baker as an entrepreneurial leader who will help contemporise and digitise the agency's operations.
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
DWTC introduces new share classes
The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) has launched a new multiple share class framework for companies in the DWTC Free Zone. This initiative aims to enhance flexibility in capital raising and ownership structuring, allowing for various share types such as preference, founder's, and restricted shares. Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC, describes the move as a 'game-changer' for Dubai's business landscape, aligning with the city's ambition to be a top global urban economy.
 
Dubai Media Council forms new committees
The Dubai Media Council has established new committees to bolster the film and gaming sectors. These committees aim to enhance the institutional framework necessary for the growth of these strategic industries. The initiative is part of a broader effort to position Dubai as a hub for media innovation and creativity. The formation of these committees is expected to facilitate collaboration and development within the film and gaming sectors, contributing to the region's economic diversification and cultural enrichment.
 
Paramount's five-day RTO logistics
Business Insider reveals that a leaked memo from Paramount Skydance outlines the logistics of a five-day return-to-office (RTO) initiative. The memo, sent by Paramount's 'RTO Task Force', details the company's strategy to transition employees back to the office environment. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance collaboration and productivity. The memo highlights the importance of in-person interactions and the logistical considerations involved in implementing this change. David Ellison, a key figure in the company, is reportedly involved in spearheading this initiative.
 
 

 
 
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