Latest news with #AITour
Al Bawaba
16-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
94% of UAE Enterprises Believe AI Will Enable Long-Term Growth, New SAP Survey Shows
As AI adoption accelerates across the UAE, business leaders are banking on its potential to drive long-term growth. A new YouGov survey commissioned by SAP reveals that 94% of enterprises in the country believe AI will be a key driver of business expansion, with nearly half (49%) expecting significant returns on AI investments within the next one to two years. This optimism was on full display at the SAP NOW AI Tour held in the UAE today, where more than 1,500 industry experts, public sector leaders, and business executives gathered at the Dubai Expo Center to explore AI's transformative potential across industries. 'AI is already delivering tangible business value, and the UAE market is clearly ready to embrace its potential,' said Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director of SAP UAE. 'The SAP survey shows that businesses recognize AI as a key driver of growth, but unlocking its full value requires the right strategies. The SAP NOW AI Tour was designed to help organizations navigate this journey, providing the insights and tools they need to leverage the full power of AI to meet their specific needs.' The SAP survey findings reflect this momentum, with 97% of the UAE IT decision-makers surveyed expressing confidence in using AI-driven insights to guide critical business decisions, and with 72% describing themselves as 'very confident' in doing so. As AI adoption rises, UAE businesses are looking beyond experimentation and focusing on real-world applications that drive measurable impact. Attendees at the SAP event explored the company's latest advancements in business AI, including agentic AI, which enables autonomous decision-making and execution of complex tasks. SAP also showcased its collaboration with Databricks through the SAP Business Data Cloud, highlighting how organizations can eliminate data silos and extract deeper insights from structured and unstructured data. With the survey showing that 58% of UAE enterprises plan to invest in data consolidation and quality improvement programs over the next 12 months, the event underscored the growing need for businesses to refine their data strategies to fully harness AI's potential. This focus on data was of particular interest to businesses that are increasingly looking to use industry-specific AI solutions, with 76% of enterprises in the UAE using AI-driven solutions that have been tailored specifically for their industry, according to the SAP survey. Sharing customer AI successes The SAP AI Tour also saw several signing ceremonies and deployment announcements, including innovative implementations at Al-Futtaim and Al Ghurair Iron & Steel LLC (AGIS) that demonstrate how AI can revolutionize business processes. BS Shetty, General Manager of AGIS, said, 'Our recent collaboration with SAP has enabled us to reimagine how we approach sustainability and operational efficiency. By deploying RISE with SAP Private Cloud edition alongside a tailored SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) solution, we've harnessed the power of AI to automate over 400 calculations, cutting operator time from 20 minutes to just three. Efficient user interfaces have simplified the Planning and Manufacturing functions at the shopfloor. This end-to-end integration, from customers to manufacturing, empowers our teams with real-time insights, supports accurate ESG reporting, and aligns seamlessly with the UAE's National Framework for Sustainable Development. We're proud of what we've achieved and excited to keep pushing boundaries with Business AI and data-driven innovation.' Al-Futtaim Group's Chief Technology Officer, Himanshu Shrivastava, said, 'At Al-Futtaim, we're committed to adopting technologies that enable our people to work more effectively and deliver exceptional employee experience; SAP SuccessFactors with Joule is helping us do just that. As one of the first organizations in the region to go live with this generative AI-powered capability, we've been able to personalize the employee experience like never before. Whether it's helping managers make faster talent decisions or guiding employees through everyday HR tasks with natural, conversational support, Joule is transforming how our people engage with HR — intuitively, intelligently, and at their convenience.' SAP's AI-driven solutions also support the UAE's national AI strategy, which aims to position the country as a global hub for AI innovation. The technology company will also be participating in the 'Machines Can See 2025' event as part of Dubai's AI Week later this month. Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPNews.
Tahawul Tech
24-02-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Microsoft AI Tour showcases groundbreaking AI innovations for Oman
Under the patronage of His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Microsoft's global AI Tour arrived in Muscat recently, bringing together industry leaders, developers, and government officials to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accelerating Oman's digital transformation. The exclusive event spotlighted cutting-edge AI solutions that are enabling organisations across industries to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth. The event featured keynotes by senior Microsoft executives including Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); Charles Nahas, Regional General Manager for Commercial Solutions, Microsoft Middle East; and Harry Kambanis, Business Group Leader, Business Applications, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. In his welcome address, Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), emphasized the pivotal role of AI in shaping Oman's future: 'It is a privilege to be here today in Oman, a nation that has long embraced technological progress as a driver of economic growth and national development. Microsoft's presence in the Sultanate spans over two decades, a testament to our enduring commitment to this nation's growth and prosperity. As Oman advances towards its Vision 2040 aspirations, our mission remains steadfast: to provide world-class cloud and AI solutions that enable Omani organisations to achieve more, fostering a future of sustainable growth and innovation'. Sheikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Country Manager, Microsoft Oman and Bahrain, stated: 'Businesses in Oman are increasingly recognising AI as a critical driver for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. At Microsoft, we are at the forefront of empowering organisations across all industries to effectively leverage the latest advancements in AI to tackle existing challenges and drive real business impact. Our ongoing collaborations with leading Omani organisations reflect our commitment to equipping them with world-class AI and cloud solutions to shape the future of Oman's digital economy'. Al Hosni was joined on the stage by Ahmed Al Habib, Head IT – PMO, Oman Housing Bank, who spotlighted how the organization has adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance productivity and efficiency across the bank's operations. Al Hosni concluded his address by thanking Microsoft's partners supporting the 'Microsoft AI Tour in Muscat' event, especially IITC, Netways, TeKnowledge, Wizard Cyber, Insomea, and Gulf Leaders Circle. He also expressed his hope for continued collaboration in driving AI adoption and innovation within the Sultanate. The AI Tour also highlighted Microsoft's collaborations with key Omani organizations that are leveraging AI to enhance operations and drive innovation: The Ministry of Education leveraged Microsoft AI solutions to deploy an advanced AI-powered chatbot that provides instant access to information. The Ministry is adopting Microsoft Copilot to empower teachers and students to enhance their teaching and learning methods. leveraged Microsoft AI solutions to deploy an advanced AI-powered chatbot that provides instant access to information. The Ministry is adopting Microsoft Copilot to empower teachers and students to enhance their teaching and learning methods. The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) is empowering instructors to easily streamline and create course content with Microsoft Copilot as well as an AI-powered agent in their Learning Management System. is empowering instructors to easily streamline and create course content with Microsoft Copilot as well as an AI-powered agent in their Learning Management System. Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance operations and productivity. Prioritizing security, they chose Microsoft AI-powered Security to protect their environment against cyber threats. adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance operations and productivity. Prioritizing security, they chose Microsoft AI-powered Security to protect their environment against cyber threats. OQ adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, OQ developed AI solutions for candidate screening to support employees, streamlining business and improving work efficiency. The AI Tour in Muscat also celebrated local innovation through the AI Excellence Awards. Recognizing Omani-based organisations that have implemented successful AI solutions, the awards spotlighted the achievements of the Ministry of Education of Oman, National Centre for Statistics and Information of Oman (NCSI), Oman Housing Bank, Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), OQ SAOC, Renaissance Services SAOC, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS). Each organization was acknowledged for their significant contributions to AI deployment, which has led to transformative improvements across their respective sectors. The event also featured in-depth sessions covering Microsoft's flagship AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Agents, designed to revolutionise the workplace and improve productivity. Further discussions delved into Responsible AI practices, underscoring Microsoft's dedication to ethical and transparent AI use. Microsoft experts also showcased the innovative AI capabilities of the Microsoft Surface portfolio. Business leaders and IT professionals experienced firsthand how Surface AI PCs and Microsoft's latest Copilot+ PCs integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Copilot and other AI solutions to drive operational efficiency, productivity, and creativity. The Microsoft AI Tour in Oman underscored the company's unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving digital ecosystem in the country. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, Microsoft remains dedicated to equipping Omani businesses, government entities, and developers with the tools, resources, and expertise needed to harness AI's full potential. The event served as a testament to the transformative power of AI and the limitless possibilities it presents in driving innovation and economic progress across Oman. Image Credit: Microsoft
Observer
23-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
AI can accentuate Oman's developmental plans
Incorporating Oman's developmental plans through the five-year plans as well as the vision 2040 with Artificial Intelligence can accentuate the speed of bringing in results and contributing to the society, according to AI specialists. AI can vehemently contribute to the industrial and business growth thus give a fillip to the economy which will thrive on the growth plans of the country, according to the industry leaders who attended the groundbreaking Microsoft Global AI Tour held under the auspices of Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion on Thursday. Leaders of Artificial Intelligence were explicit on the innovations driving transformation and growth across the Sultanate of Oman at the AI Tour which brought together industry leaders, developers, and government officials to explore the transformative potential of AI in accelerating Oman's digital transformation. A plethora of cutting-edge AI solutions that are enabling organisations across industries to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth were on display. Speaking to the Observer, Sheikh Saif Hilal al Hosni, Country Manager, Microsoft Oman and Bahrain said that businesses in Oman are increasingly recognising AI as a critical driver for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage and the results are quite evident. 'We are at the forefront of empowering organisations across all industries to effectively leverage the latest advancements in AI to tackle existing challenges and drive real business impact and our ongoing collaborations with leading Omani organisations reflect our commitment to equipping them with world-class AI and cloud solutions to shape the future of Oman's digital economy,' Al Hosni said. 'Oman has long embraced technological progress as a driver of economic growth and national development. As Oman advances towards its Vision 2040 aspirations, Omani organizations are poised to achieve more, fostering a future of sustainable growth and innovation,' said Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), who emphasised the pivotal role of AI in shaping Oman's future. Some of the key Omani organisations that have collaborated with Microsoft that are leveraging AI to enhance operations and drive innovation include the Ministry of Education, The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) who have used Microsoft AI-powered Security to protect their environment against cyber threats, besides OQ to enhance productivity and efficiency and National Centre for Statistics and Information of Oman (NCSI), Oman Housing Bank, Renaissance Services SAOC, which have succesfully deployed AI resulting in transformative improvements across their respective sectors. The event featured keynotes by senior Microsoft executives including Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Charles Nahas, Regional General Manager for Commercial Solutions, Microsoft Middle East, and Harry Kambanis, Business Group Leader, Business Applications, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. As AI continues to revolutionise industries, Omani businesses, government entities, and developers are equipping themselves with the necessary AI tools, resources, and expertise and continue to harness AI's full potential and the climate is befitting for a digital ecosystem in the country, according to the AI experts.
Trade Arabia
20-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Microsoft AI Tour showcases innovations in Oman
Microsoft's global AI Tour arrived in Muscat on Thursday, bringing together industry leaders, developers, and government officials to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accelerating Oman's digital transformation. The exclusive event spotlighted cutting-edge AI solutions that are enabling organisations across industries to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth. The event featured keynotes by senior Microsoft executives including Samer Abu-Ltaif, President, Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); Charles Nahas, Regional General Manager for Commercial Solutions, Microsoft Middle East; and Harry Kambanis, Business Group Leader, Business Applications, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. Abu-Ltaif emphasised the pivotal role of AI in shaping Oman's future. 'It is a privilege to be here today in Oman, a nation that has long embraced technological progress as a driver of economic growth and national development. Microsoft's presence in the Sultanate spans over two decades, a testament to our enduring commitment to this nation's growth and prosperity. As Oman advances towards its Vision 2040 aspirations, our mission remains steadfast: to provide world-class cloud and AI solutions that enable Omani organisations to achieve more, fostering a future of sustainable growth and innovation.' Sheikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Country Manager, Microsoft Oman and Bahrain, stated: 'Businesses in Oman are increasingly recognising AI as a critical driver for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. At Microsoft, we are at the forefront of empowering organizations across all industries to effectively leverage the latest advancements in AI to tackle existing challenges and drive real business impact. Our ongoing collaborations with leading Omani organizations reflect our commitment to equipping them with world-class AI and cloud solutions to shape the future of Oman's digital economy.' Al Hosni was joined on the stage by Ahmed Al Habib, Head IT – PMO, Oman Housing Bank, who spotlighted how the organisation has adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance productivity and efficiency across the bank's operations. Al Hosni concluded his address by thanking Microsoft's partners supporting the 'Microsoft AI Tour in Muscat' event, especially IITC, Netways, TeKnowledge, Wizard Cyber, Insomea, and Gulf Leaders Circle. He also expressed his hope for continued collaboration in driving AI adoption and innovation within the Sultanate. The AI Tour also highlighted Microsoft's collaborations with key Omani organisations that are leveraging AI to enhance operations and drive innovation. The AI Tour in Muscat also celebrated local innovation through the AI Excellence Awards. Recognising Omani-based organizations that have implemented successful AI solutions, the awards spotlighted the achievements of the Ministry of Education of Oman, National Centre for Statistics and Information of Oman (NCSI), Oman Housing Bank, Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), OQ SAOC, Renaissance Services SAOC, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS). Each organization was acknowledged for their significant contributions to AI deployment, which has led to transformative improvements across their respective sectors.
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Infinite potential of AI for Oman's developmental plans unveiled at 'Microsoft AI Tour'
Muscat: Groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence innovations driving transformation and growth across the Sultanate of Oman is the highlight of the Microsoft AI Tour held under the auspices of Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion at St Regis on Thursday. The highly anticipated event is curreny showcasing groundbreaking AI applications transforming industries across Oman and is testament to its unwavering commitment to supporting the nation's ambitious digital transformation journey. The global AI Tour has brought together industry leaders, developers, and government officials to explore the transformative potential of AI in accelerating Oman's digital transformation. The exclusive event spotlighted cutting-edge AI solutions that are enabling organisations across industries to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
