MCE Highlights Ethical, Moral Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence at Jakarta Book Fair
As part of its active participation in the 2025 Islamic Book Fair (IBF) in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, the Muslim Council of Elders organized an intellectual seminar titled 'Promoting Digital Awareness and the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence' during the fair's opening day.
The seminar witnessed notable attendance, particularly from youth and individuals interested in the intersection of modern technology with human and religious values.
The seminar began with a keynote address by His Excellency Prof. Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, a renowned exegete of the Quran, former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, and member of the Muslim Council of Elders. In his remarks, Prof. Shihab emphasized that Islam does not separate knowledge from ethics, noting that the first revealed verse—'Read in the name of your Lord'—establishes a foundational link between science and moral responsibility. He warned that without a grounding in spiritual and human values, science and technology, including artificial intelligence, could become tools of misguidance rather than enlightenment. He further cautioned against relying on AI for issuing legal or religious verdicts, as the data it relies on may stem from cultural and religious contexts that do not align with Islamic traditions. Prof. Shihab identified three core ethical principles that must govern the use of modern technology: human dignity, public benefit, and moral accountability.
Dr. Rezzy Eko Caraka, a leading researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency, presented on the practical dimensions of artificial intelligence applications. He stressed that modern technologies should remain tools that serve humanity, not replacements for human decision-making or thought. Dr. Caraka highlighted several ethical challenges associated with AI, including violations of privacy, excessive cognitive reliance on technology, and the environmental impact of server operations. He called for fostering a culture of responsible and mindful technology use and advocated for the development of ethical and intellectual frameworks grounded in religious values.
In a remarkable intervention, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Pratikno, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, underlined the need for comprehensive digital sovereignty to confront the challenges of artificial intelligence—starting with the development of localized content. He warned that the absence of local content in AI datasets could distort religious concepts and erode cultural identity. Prof. Dr. Pratikno urged institutions like the Muslim Council of Elders to lead efforts in developing AI models that reflect the particularity of Islamic values and cultural authenticity.
read more
New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo
Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6
Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series
Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today
Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival
Arts & Culture
Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos
Arts & Culture
"The Flash" to End with Season 9
Arts & Culture
Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival
Arts & Culture
Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha
News
China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Lifestyle
Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt
Business
Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Arts & Culture
Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
News
Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Videos & Features
Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
News
Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Technology
50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
News
3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Mid East Info
ruya Community Islamic Bank Partners with Peko to Support SME Growth in the UAE - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE – 11/08/2025 – ruya Community Islamic Bank, the UAE's purpose-driven Islamic bank, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai-based fintech company Peko, announcing the launch of a new strategic initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country. Through this partnership, ruya will introduce a comprehensive digital platform aimed at simplifying business setup and daily operations for entrepreneurs. Powered by Peko's innovative infrastructure, the platform will offer more than 50 integrated business services—ranging from company formation and license renewals to bill payments, HR tools, eSIM provisioning, travel services, software subscriptions, WhatsApp for Business integration, and automated financial reporting. ruya's business customers will gain seamless access to these services, enabling them to launch and manage their operations efficiently and in full compliance with Islamic values. Christoph Koster – Chief Executive Officer of ruya Community Islamic Bank, commented: 'At ruya, we believe in empowering entrepreneurs by offering more than just financial products—we provide practical solutions that help businesses grow. This partnership with Peko is part of our broader vision to make it easier for SMEs to launch, operate, and succeed in the UAE, all within a Shari'a-compliant framework.' Kashif Khan, Founder and CEO of Peko, added: 'We've built Peko as an all-in-one platform to simplify and supercharge the way SMBs operate. By partnering with visionary institutions like ruya, we're enabling banks to offer not just banking—but an entire suite of essential business services. This collaboration is a glimpse into the future of SME banking—where financial services and day-to-day business tools come together seamlessly' This initiative builds on ruya's growing suite of SME-focused offerings, including business banking accounts, Shari'a-compliant financing, digital invoicing, and innovative tools tailored for modern entrepreneurs. With this partnership, ruya continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for businesses—rooted in values, driven by technology. For more information on how to start investing in virtual assets through ruya, please visit
Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Mid East Info
Tally MSME Honours 2025 recognises Entrepreneurial Excellence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Middle East Business News and Information
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 8, 2025: Tally Solutions, a leading business management software company for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has announced the winners of the fifth edition of Tally MSME Honours 2025 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This flagship annual initiative recognises entrepreneurs and small businesses that have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and excellence across diverse sectors and categories within the Kingdom. As KSA accelerates private sector growth and digital transformation under Vision 2030, the Tally MSME Honours stand as a testament to the country's commitment to nurturing a thriving, innovation-led SME ecosystem. The winners were felicitated at a grand event in the city, across four carefully curated categories- Business Maestro, Wonder Woman, NewGen Icon, and Tech Transformer. This year's edition received over 400 nominations from KSA and over 20,000 nominations globally, further expanding its reach and relevance within the MSME community. Commenting on the occasion, Mohd. Shoaib Akthar, Deputy General Manager – KSA, Tally Solutions, said, 'MSMEs are the backbone of Saudi Arabia's evolving, diversified economy. As the Kingdom propels forward with its Vision 2030 agenda, the role of agile, tech-driven small businesses becomes increasingly vital. With the government taking strong steps to support SMEs through policies and digital initiatives, it's an exciting time for entrepreneurs in the Kingdom. Through Tally MSME Honours, we aim to augment these national efforts, by spotlighting and celebrating the changemakers who are driving transformation across sectors. It's our way of recognising their impact and reaffirming our commitment to supporting their continued success.' The event was graced by the presence of Eng. Ahmed F. Mursi, Startup Hub Manager at Wadi Makkah – Monsha'at. A key contributor to Saudi Arabia's entrepreneurial ecosystem, his presence underscored the event's alignment with the Kingdom's efforts to accelerate SME growth and support early-stage businesses through strategic platforms like Tally MSME Honours. Sharing his thoughts, he said, 'Saudi Arabia today is one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the world, and Monsha'at is proud to be at the forefront of this momentum. Through our various hubs, accelerators, investor networks, and support programs, we are committed to empowering founders from idea to scale. Initiatives like the Tally MSME Honours complement our efforts by celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit and shining a light on the changemakers building the future of the Kingdom.' The initiative recognised standout organisations from Saudi Arabia across four key categories. Under the Business Maestro category, honours were awarded to Mohammed Abdul Kareem Giraud of Mag Computer Trading Company and Othman Rashid Al Othman of Ora Real Estate for their visionary leadership and enterprise growth. The Wonder Woman category celebrated exceptional women-led businesses, with awards going to Fathima Alshubat of GECAT Ltd and Wafa Mohammad of WM Boutique. The NewGen Icon accolade highlighted emerging entrepreneurial talent, with Retal Alkhatabi and Manar Osilan of Pieces, and Ikram Ahmed Khan of IfTab (International Forum for Trade and Business) being recognised for their bold and progressive ventures. In the Tech Transformers category, Deepak Kumar & Shaiju Puthukkat of Zartec Solutions and Saif Almufalhi of Al Marsa Marine Company were honoured for their innovative use of technology to drive business excellence at scale. With each passing year, Tally MSME Honours continues to serve as a platform for recognition, inspiration and growth, bringing unsung entrepreneurial heroes to the forefront and celebrating their contributions to the global economy. About Tally Software Solutions FZCO Tally Software Solutions FZCO is a pioneer in the business management software industry. Accredited by the FTA and the ZATCA, Tally Solutions has been present in the GCC for the last decade and has helped over 70,000 businesses in the country with their accounting, inventory, and compliance needs. Since its inception in 1986, Tally's simple yet powerful products have been revolutionizing the way businesses run. Having delivered path-breaking technology consistently for more than 3 decades, Tally symbolizes unmatched innovation and leadership. With the trust of over 2.6 million businesses worldwide, it caters to more than 7 million users across industries in over 100 countries.
Mid East Info
7 days ago
- Mid East Info
As 60% of UAE travellers rely on AI to plan trips, human connection remains vital - Middle East Business News and Information
With the global meetings and events industry projected to exceed USD 2.3 trillion by 2032, demand for intelligent tech solutions is accelerating Experts from the technology, hospitality and events industries met at ATM 2025 to explore the growing impact of digital platforms and AI in travel Companies including Sabre, Expedia TAAP and Cvent highlighted the critical role of human insight in building smarter platforms Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 2025: Travel technology is transforming the industry globally, changing the way travellers plan, book, and experience their journeys. According to a recent report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), 60% of travellers in the UAE trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) to plan every aspect of their trips, compared to 48% of travellers in other countries, with this figure predicted to rise as technology becomes more embedded into consumer habits. According to the report, AI is becoming a key tool for travellers planning trips to the Middle East. Nearly six in ten have used AI for travel planning, with 21% using it before their most recent trip. As AI adoption grows, it is expected to play an increasing role in delivering personalised recommendations and booking experiences for tech-savvy travellers. The research also confirmed that travel firms are harnessing AI to enhance customer service and drive economic impact. In line with the digital transformation within travel and tourism, ATM 2025 provided a platform for experts across the technology, hospitality and events industries to discuss the implications for human connection as AI-powered tools, personalised service platforms, and data-led design become more prevalent. Speaking during the event, Amy Read, VP Innovation at Sabre Hospitality, said: 'It is important to recognise that human connection is at the core of hospitality. When we think about innovation within hospitality, we try to find ways that amplify those key moments, rather than replace them. We want to free up staff time so that they can engage in more meaningful interactions.' Read acknowledged that it is vital for the industry to recognise that technology has changed guests' expectations of hospitality providers as they now seek instant gratification and swift responses. This has led to the development of innovative solutions such as SynXis Concierge AI, which uses generative AI to transform customer service for hoteliers, providing immediate, detailed, and accurate responses to specific queries, reducing the reliance on individual staff knowledge and ensuring consistent, high-quality service around the clock. Other examples include Miral's AI concierge, Majd Al, which is utilised at attractions such as Yas Bay Waterfront and Ferrari World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The service offers tailored suggestions based on individual preferences, helping visitors maximise their experience. Fellow panellists agreed that human-centric innovation begins with understanding consumer behaviour, with organisations like Almosafer adopting a co-creation approach, developing tools based on customer pain points. Similarly, travel agent platform Expedia TAAP builds technology informed by insights from travel agents themselves, ensuring that its tools are aligned with customer needs and are usable. Meanwhile, the rise of AI in the business events (MICE) sector is delivering significant gains in efficiency and insight. With the global meetings and events industry set to reach USD 945 billion in 2025 and projected to exceed USD 2.3 trillion by 2032, the need for scalable, intelligent tools has never been greater. Data-led personalisation is now critical to driving attendee engagement and loyalty, with AI helping to automate sourcing, translate content in real time, and generate tailored event experiences. However, speakers were united in warning against over-reliance on technology at the expense of authenticity. As AI becomes central to personalising travel experiences and improving operational efficiency, it does not replace human roles but rather reshapes them, encouraging organisations to realign talent towards more meaningful, guest-focused interactions. Ultimately, as event planners and travel providers aim to create experiences that resonate, the consensus remains that human connection must stay central to every digital advancement. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market , commented: 'When it comes to travel and tourism innovations, the most effective technologies are those that amplify human interactions, improve efficiency and respond directly to customer needs. The industry has a shared commitment to responsible innovation by placing people at the centre of every technology solution.' Reflecting the travel industry's total convergence with technology and innovation, ATM Travel Tech was larger than ever at the 2025 edition, with an increase of over 26% in the number of products showcased. ATM 2026, which takes place from 4-7 May, will build further on this innovation focus, showcasing the latest technologies that are shaping the future of travel. Now in its 33 rd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading global platform driving growth and innovation across every sector of travel and tourism. Held annually in Dubai – the gateway to global travel and tourism with its unmatched connectivity – ATM is where the energy of opportunity comes to life. More than just an event, ATM is a dynamic hub for industry communities, with forums, experiences, and networking that continue well beyond the show floor over the week. Now in a period of rapid expansion, ATM has grown 16% year on year, attracting over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries. About RX: RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX: RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at World Travel Market WTM portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are: WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes. WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022. WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019. About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology. WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.
