Qatar Economic Forum 2025: Tech Titans and Policy Makers Chart Path for Digital-First Global Economy
May 20, 2025
Qatar Economic Forum 2025: Tech Titans and Policy Makers Chart Path for Digital-First Global Economy
Doha, Qatar — This week in Doha, Qatar, the 5th Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, is kicking off under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The focus this year is on how technology is reshaping the global economy. More than 2,500 leaders from government, finance, and tech industries will gather from May 20 to 22 to talk about the big challenges and opportunities brought by digital change, energy security, and cross-border innovation. The theme this year is “The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy,” which means there will be a lot of discussions around AI, blockchain technology, and sustainable tech infrastructure. Some key emphasizes include: Let’s dive into AI & Geopolitics, where experts like Turkey’s Finance Minister H.E. Mehmet Şimşek and Blackstone’s Farhad Karim will chat about how to find the right balance between AI rules and global competition. Then, there’s Blockchain in Emerging Markets. Ola Doudin from BitOasis and Jenny Johnson from Franklin Templeton will share their thoughts on decentralised finance (DeFi) and what’s happening with startups in Africa, plus Bloomberg’s new Africa Startups to Watch list. Lastly, we’ll have discussions on Energy-Tech Cooperation with leaders like Ryan Lance from ConocoPhillips and Markus Krebber from RWE, focusing on mixing renewable energy with smart grid technology. There will also be virtual appearances by Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., discussing innovation in the private sector. Meanwhile, Qatar’s own tech initiatives, led by the QRDI Council and Edaa, will emphasize advances in fintech and regulatory sandboxes. To read more on Press Releases, head to the link.
Pearson Unveils AI-Driven Brand Overhaul to Pioneer Lifelong Learning Tech
May 8, 2025
Pearson Unveils AI-Driven Brand Overhaul to Pioneer Lifelong Learning Tech
Dubai, UAE — Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), established in 1844, a well-known name in education services, has changed its brand identity with a fresh new look for its brand. This move puts a much needed focus on bringing the latest technology into lifelong learning, especially through tools that use AI and data to make education more personalized. The goal is to meet the evolving needs of digital education. So the new branding showcases the message about Pearson’s commitment to adaptive learning. This includes AI powered platforms that automatically adjust content based on what learners are doing, helping to fill skill gaps and track progress. By bringing neuroscience insights into their approach, Pearson aims to cater to different learning styles, especially as many sectors go through automation and digital change. Recent research from Pearson shows that people using their skill-building tools tend to stay more engaged and adapt better to their careers, even when learning gets tough. These insights have helped develop smarter algorithms that boost user retention and ensure skills are practical and useful. Ginny Cartwright Ziegler, Pearson’s Chief Marketing Officer, explained that this new look emphasises how technology can make learning both more accessible and more emotionally engaging. She pointed out tools that combine interactive content with real-world applications, like virtual simulations for hands-on vocational training. Omar Abbosh, the CEO, shared plans to grow partnerships with tech companies working on virtual reality (VR) and micro-credentials. He emphasised that Pearson wants to keep its offerings aligned with the latest labour market trends, using predictive analytics to regularly update curricula based on which skills are in demand. To read more on Press Releases, head to the link.
Dubai Airport Show 2025 sets the stage for $1 Trillion in Aviation Transformation
May 6, 2025
Dubai Airport Show 2025 sets the stage for $1 Trillion in Aviation Transformation
The Dubai Airport Show 2025 kicked off this week and is shaping up to be a major event in aviation, with projections suggesting a $1 trillion boost in the industry’s future. Held at Dubai’s World Trade Centre, this is the 24th edition of the show, and it brought together thousands of leaders from around the globe. Over 6,000 people—from government officials and airport operators to tech innovators—from more than 30 countries gathered to discuss the future of air travel. The focus was on creating smarter airports, accepting sustainability, and using artificial intelligence to improve infrastructure across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, known as the MEASA region. Dubai’s role in the huge airport development market was a major emphasis, especially as passenger numbers in the region are expected to reach around 1.1 billion by 2040. Big projects like the $35 billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which aims to serve 260 million flyers, and Saudi Arabia’s $50 billion Riyadh mega-hub, show how the Gulf countries are aiming to lead global aviation growth. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasised that “Dubai’s airports are gateways to economic progress,” emphasising their importance in connecting the UAE to the world. Innovation and sustainability took centre stage this year. Schneider Electric introduced energy-efficient systems designed to lower airports’ carbon emissions, while WAISL displayed AI-powered tools like AEROWISE that help manage airport operations in real-time. Amel Chadli from Schneider Electric pointed out that “The future of aviation lies in balancing growth with environmental responsibility,” reflecting how the industry is shifting toward greener solutions. The event also put a spotlight on Africa’s growing aviation scene, with investments of around $2.3 billion going into upgrades such as Rwanda’s $650 million Kigali Airport and a new $60 million hub in Ethiopia. Meanwhile, India plans to build more than 220 new airports by 2035, with over $12 billion in investments, displaying the region’s fast development. Looking ahead, innovations like urban air mobility (UAM) and using AI in airport operations are expected to become more common. Experts predict that by 2040, the MEASA region could account for about 58% of new global air passengers. As the show previewed its 25th anniversary in 2026, forecasts indicate that the region will need around $151 billion in airport investments to keep up with growing travel demands. May Ismail from RX Middle East noted that “This is where innovation meets execution,” emphasising how the show connects stakeholders with exciting investment opportunities in Middle Eastern airports. Supported by major players like Emirates, dnata, and global tech firms such as Amadeus, the Dubai Airport Show 2025 is cementing its reputation as a leader in shaping the future of aviation, combining sustainability, technology, and incredible growth. (Source: Zawya) To read more on Aviation, head to the link.
Qatar’s Islamic Finance Sector Is Expanding with Sukuk and Fintech Innovation Growth
May 5, 2025
Qatar’s Islamic Finance Sector Is Expanding with Sukuk and Fintech Innovation Growth
Doha, Qatar — Based on Qatar’s Islamic Finance Report 2025, the Islamic finance scene in Qatar kept on expanding in 2024, with assets hitting QAR 694 billion—a solid 6.4% increase annually since 2020. Thanks to new regulations and a push towards digital solutions, the sector’s growth is becoming more important in the region’s financial system. Islamic banks control about 29% of Qatar’s banking assets, growing at nearly 7% each year since 2020. Mergers like the one between Al Rayan Bank and Al Khalij Commercial Bank, along with increased borrowing after the World Cup in areas like construction, have helped fuel this expansion. Houssam Itani, Group Chief Transformation Officer at Al Rayan Bank, pointed out, “Shariah-compliant financing fits well with Qatar’s goals to diversify its economy.” New rules from the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), including aligning with Basel III standards and creating AI safety standards, are meant to keep the financial system stable. Also, partnerships with fintech companies like QPay are pushing digital services forward, including automated compliance tools and blockchain transactions. Qatar’s takaful (Islamic insurance) market brought in around $1.9 billion in 2024, growing quickly at 13.5% annually. Mandatory health insurance for expatriates and AI-based underwriting are helping family and health takaful make up over half of the market, led by companies like Qatar Islamic Insurance and Al Khaleej Takaful. Abdulrahman Al-Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, commented, “We support projects that combine Shariah principles with sustainability.” Islamic FinTech transactions hit nearly QAR 10 billion in 2024, triple what they were in 2020, according to the Global Islamic FinTech Index. Companies like Wahed, which opened a regional office in Doha after receiving funding from QDB, and blockchain platforms like Wethaq, which focus on small and medium businesses, are making waves. The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) kicked off initiatives like its Digital Assets Lab and Metaverse projects to promote tokenisation and smart contracts. Yousuf Al-Jaida, the CEO of QFC, shared, “Our frameworks help Qatar stay competitive in emerging technological areas.” Sukuk issuance, also known as Islamic bonds, has jumped to a staggering 35% in 2024, reaching QAR 30.4 billion, driven by government deals and environmentally sustainable bonds. Notable developments include Qatar’s first sovereign green bond of $2.5 billion, Estithmar Holding’s QAR 645 million sukuk—the first Qatari Riyal-denominated corporate bond abroad—and QIIB’s $500 million sustainability sukuk attracting investors from around the world. Michael Grifferty of the Gulf Capital Market Association noted, “Qatar is strengthening its capital markets to meet changing investor needs.” Non-oil sectors now make up 64% of Qatar’s economy, up from 39% in 2013, supported by the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan focused on technology and international partnerships. The Qatar Investment Authority’s $1 billion Fund of Funds has brought firms like B Capital and Rasmal Ventures into the startup scene. Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, Chairman of Malaysia’s MIFC, observed, “Qatar’s way of combining Shariah compliance with digital innovation shows a clear strategic vision for growth.” (Source: Qatar Islamic Finance Report 2025 by QFC & LSEG, Zawya.) To read more on Finance, head to the link.
AI in Finance: A Double-Edged Algorithm
April 30, 2025
AI in Finance: A Double-Edged Algorithm
LONDON — As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms accounting, banking, and financial services, business leaders are urging international common standards to prevent bias, privacy breaches, and out-of-control automation. Aaron Harris, Sage’s chief technology officer, warns that the “move fast and break things” culture of tech development can come back to bite in finance, where flawed AI tools can destabilise firms and increase inequalities. A record 28% of VC in Q2 2024 was invested in AI startups, and by 2030, 90% of small and medium-sized enterprises are expected to employ AI for tasks like real-time anomaly detection. But Harris emphasises that ethics cannot lag behind adoption. “The Wild West era of AI has to be behind us. Without regulation, technologies like AI-based credit scoring or candidate screening could amplify bias or cripple struggling companies.”. A Sage poll finds that 72% of finance directors will have AI-specific policies in place, and 71% will mandate ethics training for users. But gaps exist: Only 22% of AI professionals are female, and 25% are ethnic minorities, creating concerns about skewed development. “Jurassic Park’s warning is relevant here,” Harris said. “Just because AI can do it doesn’t mean it should.”. The demand for “AI detectors” — programs to inspect algorithms for bias or tainted data — is increasing as companies use AI to account for work such as invoice automation and in banking to detect fraud. Harris stresses training models on tidy datasets and creating diverse development teams. “Transparency isn’t optional when AI makes financial decisions,” he stated. Global regulation is haphazard. The G7’s ethics code and the EU’s AI Act are welcome, but Harris is adamant that incremental bit-by-bit regulation will be inadequate for technology with no borders. He backed the Bletchley Declaration’s appeal for shared principles but demanded faster harmonisation: “Scattergun ethics will breed distrust. We need a ‘high watermark’ for AI — now.” Open-source development and advisory boards could democratize development, Harris said, noting the accounting profession’s willingness to lead. Responsible AI demands policymakers, developers, and businesses rowing together. To read more on Artificial Intelligence, head to the link.
