Snowflake Unveils AI Data Cloud Innovations at Summit 2025
Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), the AI Data Cloud company, announced major product innovations at its annual user conference, Snowflake Summit 2025. These updates are set to transform how enterprises manage, analyze, and activate data in the AI era.
The company revealed enhancements across data engineering, compute performance, analytics, and agentic AI. These innovations aim to eliminate data silos and connect enterprise data to business action. At the same time, they maintain control, simplicity, and governance.
James Petter, Vice President, Snowflake EMEA, stated that the new updates redefine what organizations can expect from a modern data platform. He emphasized that the company's goal is to make AI and machine learning workflows more accessible, trusted, and efficient.
Snowflake introduced Snowflake Openflow, a multi-modal data ingestion service now generally available on AWS. It enables users to connect to nearly any data source and drive value from any architecture. Openflow removes data fragmentation by unifying formats and systems.
The service is powered by Apache NiFi™, automating data flow between systems. It allows data engineers to create custom connectors in minutes, running them on Snowflake's managed platform. It supports a wide range of sources like Box, Google Ads, Proofpoint, ServiceNow, Workday, and Zendesk, among others.
Key capabilities include: Hundreds of ready-to-use connectors
Integration with cloud object stores and messaging platforms
Snowflake also revealed new compute innovations. These include Standard Warehouse Generation 2 (Gen2), now generally available, which offers 2.1x faster performance. Another addition, Adaptive Compute, is now in private preview. This feature automatically sizes and shares resources for better performance and lower costs.
The company reported the upcoming release of Snowflake Intelligence and Cortex Agents, both in public preview soon. These tools enable users to ask natural language questions and get insights from structured and unstructured data. Powered by models from Anthropic and OpenAI, they run securely within Snowflake.
Another announcement was the Data Science Agent, now in private preview. It helps data scientists by automating tasks like data preparation, feature engineering, and model training using Anthropic's Claude.
According to Snowflake, more than 5,200 customers, including BlackRock, Luminate, and Penske Logistics, are already using Cortex AI to transform their operations.
The company also introduced SnowConvert AI and Cortex AISQL. These tools support fast and cost-effective migration from legacy systems and enable generative AI-powered SQL analytics. Both are designed for high performance and efficiency.
Additionally, Snowflake revealed updates to its Marketplace. New agentic products like Cortex Knowledge Extensions will soon be available. These allow enterprises to enrich AI agents with third-party data while ensuring data protection and attribution. Users can access content from The Associated Press and other providers.
Through these developments, Snowflake aims to empower global organizations to modernize their data strategies with enterprise-ready AI.
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Khaleej Times
33 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Travel, transformed: How the UAE Is leading smart and AI-powered travel
In a country that's synonymous with futuristic skylines and hyper-connected infrastructure, it's no surprise that the UAE is redefining what it means to travel. From the moment a trip is planned to the final post-travel review, artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics, and automation are increasingly at the heart of the experience. Airports are becoming smarter, travel planning is more personalised than ever, and reliability is being re-engineered by the minute. A New Era of Intelligent Travel Dubai International Airport (DXB) is leading the charge when it comes to next-gen travel experiences powered by AI. As the world's busiest international hub, the pressure to deliver smooth, secure, and swift passenger journeys is immense and technology is rising to the occasion. 'AI is revolutionising the UAE travel journey from start to finish,' says Omar Bin Adai, Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer of Dubai Airports. 'At DXB, biometric smart gates offer seamless passport control with facial verification, eliminating manual checks. Our new 'Unlimited Smart Travel' takes this further, enabling up to 10 guests to complete immigration in just 14 seconds using facial recognition alone.' Beyond passenger flow, AI is working hard behind the scenes. According to Adai, predictive maintenance and AI-driven baggage systems are ensuring near-perfect operations. 'In Q1 2025 alone, DXB processed over 21 million bags with a 99.8% accuracy rate and one of the world's lowest mishandling rates – 1.95 per 1,000 passengers.' These numbers aren't just impressive—they represent a growing commitment to using data and intelligence to deliver exceptional guest experiences. 'This strategic integration of AI across every touchpoint exemplifies how the UAE is setting a global standard for intelligent, customer-centric travel infrastructure,' Adai adds. While airports are getting smarter, so too is the way travellers plan their trips. Platforms powered by generative AI such as ChatGPT and Gemini are transforming the discovery phase of travel, giving users the ability to explore destinations, craft itineraries, and make informed decisions faster than ever before. 'We're seeing strong uptake of AI-powered tools that support travellers, particularly during the research and planning phases of a trip,' says John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group. 'Platforms like ChatGPT have made travel information more accessible, helping users generate ideas and structure itineraries in seconds.' Still, the technology has room to grow. 'These platforms can struggle with the complex logistics of a full travel journey – managing bookings across multiple suppliers, handling real-time availability, and dynamic pricing. But the potential is enormous, especially in hyper-personalisation,' Bevan notes. At dnata, the focus is on using AI to augment human expertise, not replace it. 'We're excited about this future. We're integrating AI not just for efficiency, but to amplify the knowledge of our travel consultants – making it faster and smarter to deliver relevant, high-quality advice at scale.' Technology is reshaping customer service like never before. Mobile apps, chatbots, and virtual assistants have become vital touchpoints, offering travellers personalised, real-time support that transforms uncertainty into confidence. Bin Adai highlights the profound impact: 'In today's travel landscape, the real game-changer has been placing instant, personalised support directly into passengers' hands. Mobile apps and virtual assistants, particularly intuitive tools like DXB's wayfinding app, have reshaped how travellers interact with airports.' Among these innovations is DXB Express Maps, a dedicated app for Dubai International Airport that provides travellers with interactive 3D maps and a user-friendly interface to easily find gates, dining options, and other facilities. 'Instead of uncertainty, travellers now effortlessly navigate complex terminals, access timely flight information, and manage their journeys seamlessly,' Bin Adai adds. Complementing this is Pocket Flights, an app that gives instant access to real-time flight updates by simply scanning a QR code on flight status screens. Available in both English and Arabic across DXB and DWC airports, it delivers comprehensive information including gate changes, walking distances, wait times, and departure details — all at travellers' fingertips. The Airport Community App, affectionately dubbed the 'mini-AOCC in your pocket,' supports over 59,000 users across 170+ entities in the oneDXB community. It merges user-driven features with operational tools designed to enhance guest experience and streamline airport efficiency. 'This initiative strengthens internal communication and positions the app as an essential daily platform for the entire airport community,' Bin Adai explains. Looking ahead, AI-driven recommendation engines are set to raise the bar even higher. 'These systems are increasingly sophisticated, anticipating traveller preferences with precision and offering tailored, trusted suggestions,' says Bin Adai. 'Ultimately, it's about empowering the traveller with technology that feels human and intuitive, ensuring they always feel supported, understood, and confident at every step.' Bevan echoes this sentiment but underscores the balance between speed and reliability: 'Customer service today is increasingly being defined by immediacy and availability, especially in the travel sector where support is expected instantaneously – whether a person is booking a flight at midnight or making last-minute changes during a layover.' While dnata is exploring consumer-facing chatbots as part of its future roadmap, its current AI investments focus on backend operations. 'We're already using AI to support training and quality assurance, including automated call listening capabilities that help us monitor service levels, identify pain points, and continuously improve our customer experience,' Bevan explains. He adds that AI is also automating time-consuming manual processes, freeing teams to engage in higher-value interactions. 'As we continue evaluating advanced communications technologies, accuracy and reliability remain key considerations. It's not just about speed – it's about ensuring the tools can provide relevant, context-aware support.' Smart Journeys Ahead No longer content with just convenience and punctuality, today's traveller expects more — more control, more personalisation, and a more immersive experience from the moment a trip is imagined to the moment it ends. According to Bin Adai, the shift is unmistakable. 'Travellers in the UAE are increasingly expecting journeys that are not just seamless, but also smart, personalised, and immersive,' he says. 'There's a clear shift from traditional travel touchpoints to tech-enabled experiences that feel intuitive and engaging.' This evolution is powered by technologies like facial recognition for smoother immigration, AI-generated travel suggestions, and mobile-first tools that allow real-time support and bookings at the swipe of a screen. Airports like DXB have already embraced wayfinding apps and digital integration to deliver convenience with minimal friction. But the transformation doesn't end at the airport gates. 'Travellers want digital convenience from planning to post-travel feedback,' Bin Adai notes. 'Mobile-first platforms, immersive booking tools, and real-time support are no longer luxuries; they're the baseline.' This growing appetite for tech-forward travel solutions is not without its caveats. While AI and automation are streamlining the experience, the demand for human-centric service remains strong. 'Technology is elevating convenience and efficiency, but the human touch remains essential,' he adds. 'Dubai Airports continues to prioritise hospitality and in-person support, ensuring that travellers receive empathetic, culturally attuned service alongside advanced digital solutions.' While echoing the sentiment, Bevan highlights an important distinction: modern travellers aren't only looking for fast and easy experiences, they're looking for assurance and options. 'Travellers in the UAE today expect more than just convenience – they want control, flexibility, and confidence throughout their journey,' he explains. 'What we're seeing is a shift toward multi-channel and tech-enabled planning, where people want the freedom to engage with travel brands on their own terms — whether that's online, in-store, through an app, or over the phone.' For providers like dnata, that means maintaining consistency across all platforms and understanding that one solution won't fit all. 'Different age groups and lifestyles require different touchpoints, and it's our responsibility to meet those needs with consistency, safety, and reliability,' says Bevan. 'That means offering a seamless, secure experience whether a customer is booking through a chatbot at midnight or sitting down with an agent in one of our retail shops.' He also underscores a key concern in this new era of digital interaction: trust. 'As travellers share more information to receive personalised recommendations, they also expect us to handle that data with the highest levels of security,' Bevan notes. 'Ultimately, it's about building confidence, combining immersive and tech-integrated tools with the trust and assurance people need to feel good about their travel choices.' What's Next? Over the next five to ten years, the country is poised to lead a radical shift toward intelligent, hyper-connected travel experiences that prioritise both ease and personalisation. 'Over the next decade, the UAE is poised to lead a global shift toward smarter, fully connected travel,' says Bin Adai. 'Biometric and contactless journeys will soon become the norm, enabling passengers to move through airports without ever presenting a document.' This vision is being woven into the very blueprint of the UAE's next aviation mega-project — the expansion of Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC). 'The new airport will set a new benchmark for efficiency, capacity, and traveller-centric design,' Bin Adai adds. From personalised service delivery and proactive customer support to predictive maintenance and operational efficiency, AI will touch every corner of the travel experience. 'Our new digital experience project will cater to the latest AI technologies, helping elevate guest services to an entirely new level,' says Bin Adai. Looking further ahead, he sees the seamless integration of autonomous air taxis, high-speed ground transit, and eco-conscious infrastructure as part of a broader mobility ecosystem cementing the UAE's place as a global hub for future-ready travel. Bevan shares a similarly bold outlook. 'Looking ahead, we see technologies like AI-generated itineraries, biometric-enabled travel, and predictive pricing engines becoming standard across the UAE's travel landscape,' he says. 'These tools are already beginning to take shape and in a region as digitally advanced and globally connected as the UAE, adoption will only accelerate.'
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
AI video tool that creates 'original series' in minutes sparks fear of replacing scriptwriters and creatives
Filmmakers, industry experts and students in the UAE are voicing concerns that artificial intelligence could strip cinema of its human touch and threaten creative careers. The warnings come after Fable, a company backed by Amazon, unveiled Showrunner, an AI platform described as the 'Netflix of AI' that allows users to generate fully animated series using simple text prompts. Users can create episodes by writing dialogue, prompting scenes and developing characters, with the AI handling everything from animation to voiceovers. In the UAE, filmmakers and students are divided, with some seeing AI as a valuable creative assistant, while others warn it risks producing generic, soulless content and undermining career paths for young storytellers. Currently on limited release, Showrunner is expected to become widely available in the coming months The launch has reignited debate over whether AI will democratise storytelling by removing production barriers or disrupt the collaborative craft that has defined filmmaking for more than a century. Prof Peter Bentley, computer scientist and AI creativity expert at University College London, said the latest platform makes it 'remarkably quick and easy' to create new works, provided they closely resemble existing ones. 'Creative and highly innovative outputs are not going to be so easy,' he told The National. How it works Showrunner works by letting users input short text prompts, from a few sentences describing characters and setting to more detailed scene-by-scene scripts. The AI then generates storyboards, animates characters, voices dialogue and stitches it all together into watchable episodes. Users can either create original series or customise templates of existing shows such as Exit Valley, a Silicon Valley satire, or South Park -style animations. Access is currently restricted to a select group of creators testing the platform, with only a small library of prebuilt series available to modify. While the AI can quickly generate plotlines and character arcs, it works best when those stories resemble familiar formats and genres, a limitation Professor Bentley says still keeps it far from replacing traditional filmmaking. Fable has said broader access is expected in the coming months, prompting debate over whether these tools are already capable of producing watchable, formula-driven seasons or if they remain in their early experimental phase. Filmmakers' fears Faisal Hashmi, a UAE-based director and co-writer of the upcoming City of Life 2, said platforms such as Showrunner risk removing human vision from the filmmaking process. 'These tools are designed to undermine traditional narrative craftsmanship,' he told The National. 'What is film if not the vision of a storyteller using their own experiences to make you feel something? If you remove that process, is it really a film any more?' Some experiments, such as the AI-generated short film The Ghost in My Machine, showcase the technology's potential for speed and visual novelty, though critics say such pieces often lack emotional subtlety. Mr Hashmi believes audiences will eventually reject AI-only content, though he sees potential for AI to support, rather than replace, filmmakers. He has used AI for storyboarding and visual effects. 'If AI aids the process rather than replaces you,' he said, 'it has a place in filmmaking.' Prof Bentley echoed this, saying AI cannot yet match the originality of a human storyteller. 'We need creative people to make the outputs truly watchable,' he said. Will we need filmmakers? Razan Takash, filmmaker and head of film at SAE University, Dubai, said AI shortcuts essential learning for aspiring filmmakers. ''Instead of learning filmmaking, they're learning film prompting,' she told The National. She compared it to weightlifting: 'You can't prompt somebody else to lift the weight for you and expect to become a bodybuilder.' Ms Takash said AI could offer opportunities to those who understand filmmaking but lack resources. However, she warned that as access becomes widespread, originality could be lost. 'Eventually, everybody's going to have the opportunity to make this kind of content,' she said. 'So no one is special, and it is going to be hard to stand out. We can compare this to the early days of streaming and YouTubers.' Prof Bentley also noted that most AI-generated content is derivative, trained on the work of human artists, which raises copyright concerns. 'Artists may need to license their work for use by AIs, or consider legal action against companies that use it without permission,' he said. No humanity Nada Majdalawieh, a UAE-based master's student in TV and screenwriting at Stephens College in Los Angeles, said students are already worried about how AI will affect their careers. 'Storytelling is inherently human and the idea of replacing that with something generated feels like a step backwards rather than forward,' she told The National. She added that if AI tools take over those creative roles, 'we're not just talking about streamlining a process, we're eliminating entire career paths for creatives who've been working years to find themselves in this industry'. Ms Majdalawieh said AI could eventually automate everything from scriptwriting to directing. 'These aren't distant hypotheticals,' she said. 'They're real concerns already looming over us as students. We can all feel it, and honestly, it's scary.' New access for creators Mohammed Mamdouh, filmmaker and assistant professor of film and new media design at the American University of Sharjah, offered a more optimistic view. He said AI can empower voices previously locked out of the industry. 'AI-generated shows and films empower storytellers who might otherwise be sidelined,' he told The National. 'That's a radical shift in access.' Mr Mamdouh described AI as transformative rather than destructive, calling it 'not the death of cinema' but rather 'the rebirth.' However, he cautioned that AI could compromise filmmaking's collaborative spirit. When the director 'becomes the sole engine prompting alone', he said, the rich dynamic of working alongside production designers, cinematographers and sound artists may start to erode. Industry outlook The AI market in the film industry is projected to grow from $1.28 billion in 2024 to $1.6 billion in 2025 and reach approximately $14 billion by 2033, according to The Business Research Company. The wider AI in the media and entertainment sector is expected to rise from $25.98 billion this year to nearly $99.48 billion by 2030. In the Middle East and North Africa, subscription video-on-demand revenue is forecast to hit $1.5 billion by the end of 2025, driven by platforms such as Shahid, Netflix, YouTube Premium and StarzPlay, according to Omdia, a consultancy firm specialising in technology and media. Analysts say AI could lower production costs and accelerate localisation, while Hollywood studios are already testing hybrid models that blend human creativity with AI-generated visuals. Future of storytelling While the technology gains momentum globally, UAE filmmakers and students remain cautious about fully adopting it. Mr Hashmi believes the pendulum will eventually swing back. 'People will crave original stories made by human beings,' he said. Ms Majdalawieh said students face an uncertain path ahead. 'Filmmaking opportunities will still exist for a while,' she said. 'But there's a growing uncertainty about how long that will last.' Mr Mamdouh said filmmakers must help shape AI's role in storytelling rather than resist it. 'We must shape the future,' he said, 'rather than let it shape us.' On whether AI can truly replicate human emotion, Prof Bentley was sceptical: 'If you don't mind unoriginal and rather drab content, then it will be fine for you. Sounds a bit like many Hollywood movies, so maybe there is a place for AI there.' His advice to creatives and educators: 'Reality is always better than imitation, and AI can only imitate us.'
Gulf Business
2 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Reimagining leadership: Why innovation is imperative for the next generation
Image: Supplied In today's volatile, complex, and ambiguous world, traditional leadership models have been fundamentally reshaped by forces that few could have anticipated. The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence, shifts in workforce expectations, global economic uncertainty, and pressing environmental concerns have combined to create a demand for a new kind of leadership. Organisations that want to scale efficiently can no longer rely on the comfort of consistency; success now depends on disruption and innovation, not only in products and services, but also in how an organisation is led. Innovation as a leadership imperative When we think about business innovation, it is usually in the context of start-ups or technological advancements. Still, in this age of disruption, it is innovation in leadership that will inspire, design, and drive purposeful change. Organisations must continuously adapt, and for leaders this means anticipating the future, managing ambiguity, empowering people, and delivering value in new ways. Yet despite the dynamics of modern business, many industries remain entrenched in legacy systems that are resistant to change. In these slow-moving environments, innovative leadership is even more imperative. To transform mindsets and processes, leaders need to engage with stakeholders and align innovation with existing organisational values. Cultivating the innovative-leader mindset Becoming an innovation leader means combining foresight with practical tools to balance long-term vision with short-term realities. As educators, we recognise that building this mindset requires more than simply learning the theoretical concepts. It demands intentional development through reflection, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary exposure to create a decisive shift in how leaders view their role within an organisation. Students are exposed to a systematic innovation process through problem framing, ideation, validation, implementation, and institutionalisation. They apply these steps to real-world challenges, often within their workplaces or in collaboration with local organisations. Innovation, in this context, isn't abstract; it's taught through design thinking, scenario planning, data-informed decision-making, and breakthrough problem-solving techniques. Balancing disruption and stability Innovation leaders need to develop the dual competencies of sustaining performance while steering transformation. On the one hand, organisations must explore new ways of working, while on the other, they need to preserve their core operations, protect stakeholder trust, and maintain strategic clarity. A theme we increasingly see in leadership education is not simply how to innovate, but how to do so without losing the organisational assets that already work. Our approach is to train students to think in terms of both exploration and exploitation. Leaders must have the ability to exploit existing strengths while exploring new possibilities. This balance is critical in a region where organisations are modernising rapidly but often remain deeply rooted in local culture, regulatory environments, and societal expectations. Innovating through resistance Leading innovation in change-resistant sectors demands specialised, human-centric skills. Understanding organisational culture, stakeholder psychology, and group dynamics is crucial for implementing innovation in complex and challenging environments. Leaders need the ability to listen effectively, frame messaging strategically, and build alliances of support throughout their organisation. The idea that Preparing innovation leaders of the future In times of profound change, expectations are moving beyond the basic traditions of stewardship to demand leaders who can combine analytical thinking with emotional intelligence, and foresight with ethical responsibility. This evolution has implications not only for how we lead, but also for how we learn to lead. Graduate programmes in leadership and innovation should reflect this shift, moving beyond case studies and lectures to offer applied, interdisciplinary learning. Through faculty with hands-on, active research and consulting experience, and real-world global perspectives, students can learn the right blend of hard and soft skills, becoming better equipped to lead with purpose in fast-changing environments. Dr Panagiotis Kokkalis is an associate professor of Business and Management and chair of the Business Department at
