logo
Deloitte Middle East advances AI integration with launch of Global Agentic Network

Deloitte Middle East advances AI integration with launch of Global Agentic Network

Arab News7 hours ago

Deloitte has launched its Global Agentic Network, a strategic initiative designed to scale AI-driven digital workforce solutions for organizations around the world, with significant potential to transform business operations across the Middle East.
As AI adoption accelerates in the region, Deloitte's agentic AI offering provides a future-forward solution that combines intelligent automation with human expertise. Through its global network spanning EMEA, Asia Pacific, and North America — and with a growing regional focus in the GCC — Deloitte is bringing AI-powered agents to enterprises looking to drive operational efficiency, accelerate growth, and reimagine how work gets done.
Agentic AI refers to software agents capable of autonomously executing tasks, orchestrating workflows, and adapting based on input from users or other systems. These agents, powered by large language models and machine learning, are designed to learn and evolve — making them ideal for complex, dynamic business environments.
In the Middle East, where government and private sector agendas alike are emphasizing digital transformation, the Global Agentic Network supports national strategies for AI innovation and economic diversification. Deloitte is already supporting regional clients in sectors such as energy, government, and financial services to implement agentic solutions that streamline decision-making, improve efficiency, and unlock value at scale.
'The Middle East is on a rapid trajectory toward AI-led transformation, and Agentic AI is a game-changer for how businesses operate,' said Yousef Barkawie, Deloitte Middle East Gen AI leader.
'At Deloitte, we're helping our clients navigate the world of AI transformation by architecting and building the capabilities and trust needed for them to scale out their AI deployments and transform at the core. Our clients are finding new efficiencies in their ways of working, streamlining their operations, and reimagining their entire value chains. This is an exciting moment to help shape what the future of work looks like in our region, especially as governments and industries double down on innovation and future-readiness.'
The Global Agentic Network includes alliances with leading technology platforms and the launch of solutions like Zora AI, Deloitte's suite of proprietary AI agents that can autonomously perform complex business functions. These tools are already being deployed within Deloitte's own operations, as part of the firm's broader ambition to become an AI-fueled organization by 2030.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Malaysia trade ministry probing reports of Chinese firm's use of Nvidia AI chips
Malaysia trade ministry probing reports of Chinese firm's use of Nvidia AI chips

Arab News

time2 hours ago

  • Arab News

Malaysia trade ministry probing reports of Chinese firm's use of Nvidia AI chips

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's trade ministry is verifying media reports that a Chinese company in the country is using servers equipped with Nvidia and artificial intelligence chips for large language models training, it said on Wednesday. The ministry 'is still in the process of verifying the matter with relevant agencies if any domestic law or regulation has been breached,' it said in a statement. The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported that Chinese engineers had flown into Malaysia in early March carrying suitcases filled with hard drives. It said they sought to build AI models in Malaysian data centers containing servers using Nvidia chips. The Biden administration had put in place curbs on the export of sophisticated AI chips. Malaysia was in a second tier of countries subject to restrictions, with caps on the number of chips that it could receive. The Trump administration has since scrapped the curbs, but it has issued guidance reminding US companies that if they have knowledge that an AI chip used in Chinese AI model training will be used for a weapon of mass destruction then a license may be required.

Former Iranian Minister Calls for Iranian Control over Strait of Hormuz
Former Iranian Minister Calls for Iranian Control over Strait of Hormuz

Asharq Al-Awsat

time5 hours ago

  • Asharq Al-Awsat

Former Iranian Minister Calls for Iranian Control over Strait of Hormuz

Former Iranian Economy Minister Ehsan Khandouzi has said that tankers and LNG cargoes should only transit the Strait of Hormuz with Iranian permission and this policy should be carried out from "tomorrow for a hundred days." It was not immediately clear whether Khandouzi was echoing a plan under the Iranian establishment's consideration or sharing his personal opinion, according to Reuters. Tehran has long used the threat of blocking the narrow waterway as a means to ward off Western pressure, without acting on its threats. The stakes have risen since Israel launched an air war on Iran last week after concluding the latter was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon. Iran maintains its nuclear programme is purely for civilian purposes. "This policy [of controlling maritime transit in the Strait]is decisive if implemented on time. Any delay in carrying it out means prolonging war inside the country," Khandouzi posted on X on Tuesday. Khandouzi was economy minister until the summer of last year in the cabinet of late President Ebrahim Raisi and remains close to the Iranian establishment's hardliners. About 20% of the world's daily oil consumption — around 18 million barrels — passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is only about 33 km (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point.

Strengthening Kingdom's global partnerships to shape the future of work
Strengthening Kingdom's global partnerships to shape the future of work

Arab News

time6 hours ago

  • Arab News

Strengthening Kingdom's global partnerships to shape the future of work

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development recently represented Saudi Arabia at the International Labour Conference in Geneva. In meetings with representatives of governments, employers and workers from around the world, we reaffirmed our belief that international collaboration and the sharing of best practices are critical drivers of sustainable labor market development in the Kingdom. This commitment was strengthened during the conference with the signing of the third phase of technical cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the International Labour Organization. The renewed agreement — signed by Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad Al-Rajhi and ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo — reflects our shared ambition to promote decent work and build a more resilient and inclusive labor market, prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. Saudi Arabia has implemented wide-ranging reforms to transform the labor market in line with Vision 2030. This partnership has contributed to significant progress in key areas of the Kingdom's labor market — from occupational safety to skills development — and has supported greater participation across all segments of society, especially among women and young people. This renewed collaboration builds on another important milestone: the signing of a memorandum of understanding last month to enable Saudi nationals to participate in the junior professional officers and secondment programs at the ILO, providing them with opportunities to gain international experience. These initiatives will equip the next generation of Saudi professionals with direct experience in multilateral labor governance, fostering expertise across our institutions. At the core of these efforts is our belief that labor markets must be built on fairness, safety and shared prosperity. Reforms introduced under Vision 2030 have already produced measurable results. Between 2019 and the end of last year, more than 700,000 Saudis entered private sector employment, taking the total to about 2.4 million. Today, the country's overall unemployment is 3.5 percent, with unemployment among Saudi citizens at 7 percent at the end of 2024. The labor force participation rate among Saudi women now exceeds 36 percent, up from 17.7 percent in 2016, while young Saudis are increasingly benefiting from vocational education, digital skills training and tailored employment services. At the same time, Saudi Arabia recognizes the global challenges reshaping the world of work — from technological disruption to shifting demographics — and is preparing its workforce through targeted reforms. More than 4 million people have already benefited from such initiatives. As well as expanding access to the labor market, the country has introduced robust measures to protect all workers, including expatriates. These include improvements to recruitment practices, grievance mechanisms, wage protection and occupational health and safety standards. Furthermore, digital platforms such as Musaned and Qiwa are driving transparency and streamlining key labor processes to promote fair treatment and accountability. Saudi Arabia's alignment with international labor standards is central to this transformation. It has ratified core conventions, including the ILO's Convention No. 95 on the Protection of Wages and the 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labor Convention No. 29, and last year strengthened its commitment to worker well-being by ratifying ILO Convention No. 187 on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health. The Kingdom recently became the first Arab country to introduce a national policy for the elimination of forced labor, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding rights in the world of work. Our collaboration with the ILO demonstrates what can be achieved when international partnerships are rooted in shared values and leveraged as part of a transformative agenda. Looking ahead, we remain committed to deepening international cooperation, including through emerging regional and global platforms. One example is the Global Labor Market Conference, held annually in Riyadh, with its third edition scheduled for Jan. 29-30, 2026. With the participation of leading policymakers, researchers and international organizations, including the ILO, the conference provides a forum to shape labor policies that are inclusive and globally coordinated. In parallel with these reforms, Saudi Arabia is intensifying efforts to attract highly skilled individuals in critical sectors such as artificial intelligence, entertainment, mining, biotechnology and renewable energy. Initiatives like the premium residency program and specialized visa pathways for professionals support this ambition, helping position the Kingdom as a leading regional and global hub for innovation, creativity and expertise. Our commitment to international collaboration through forums such as the International Labor Conference and Global Labor Market Conference, as well as through bilateral engagement, remains steadfast and continues to support our efforts to build a labor market that benefits all: at home, in the region and beyond. As we shape this future, we welcome continued partnership with governments, employers and international institutions to ensure the world of work is built on fairness, resilience and shared progress. • Dr. Tariq bin Abdulaziz Al-Hamad is deputy minister for international affairs at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store