Latest news with #AhmedAkaak
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: SEZAD opens Duqm Summer Series with AI focus
AL DUQ - The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) launches its Duqm Summer Series on August 5 with a focus on AI and automation, targeting the zone's growing business community. The opening session features Saeed Abdul Ghafoor, whose company Star Drones built TARIQ – Oman's first domestically manufactured drone using local materials. Star Drones has deployed their AI-powered drones over 19,000 acres of agricultural projects while developing applications spanning environmental monitoring to manufacturing. Ghafoor's experience is relevant to SEZAD-based companies who are implementing AI solutions throughout their operations but need practical guidance on expanding these initiatives. 'SEZAD-based companies are already successfully deploying AI solutions, but the real challenge lies in scaling these initiatives effectively,' explains Eng Ahmed Akaak, CEO, SEZAD. 'The Duqm Summer Series connects our tenant community with practitioners who've successfully made this transition - people who can share what worked, how they achieved it and what obstacles they overcame.' The potential for greater impact is substantial. The World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network - 189 production facilities that have implemented AI - shows what systematic deployment can achieve: network members report 53% higher productivity and 26% lower costs. Beyond operational efficiency, AI implementation delivered 50% reductions in new product introduction times and substantial environmental benefits including 30% to 50% reduction in emissions and an average 30% reduction in material waste. For SEZAD, positioned between Europe, Asia and Africa such results create both opportunity and urgency. UNIDO research indicates that every manufacturing job generates more than two additional positions in other sectors, making technology adoption about broader economic development, not just efficiency. This focus on broader economic development shapes the Duqm Summer Series format. 'When a logistics manager learns supply chain strategies from someone in fisheries, or a renewable energy company shares workforce solutions with manufacturing executives, that's when real innovation happens,' notes Eng. Akaak. Each session runs for an hour starting at 1:00pm, combining presentations with discussions. Other sessions in the series continue this practical approach: workforce development with Development Bank's Auf Al Aufi (August 12), supply chain resilience featuring the Ministry of Transport, Communications & Information Technology's Nabeel Al Balushi (August 19) and workplace culture and wellbeing with Sultan Qaboos University's Dr. Aziza Al Sawafi (August 26). With SEZAD attracting RO 6 billion (US$15.5 billion) in cumulative investment commitments - a 55% increase on 2023 - the Duqm Summer Series addresses the day-to-day practical challenges facing the zone's businesses. 'Our tenants aren't just seeking cost advantages, they're tackling the key questions facing modern industry today: How do you move beyond AI pilots to systematic deployment? What does workforce development look like when technology changes rapidly? How do you build supply chain resilience in a fragmented world?' explains the SEZAD CEO. For SEZAD companies already implementing AI but seeking guidance on expansion, Ghafour's template could potentially provide the roadmap they need to unlock the productivity gains seen globally. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SEZAD launches Duqm Summer Series for Tenant Community
Duqm: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is launching four focused sessions throughout August that tackle questions its tenant community is grappling with - how to implement AI effectively, build resilient supply chains, develop adaptive workforces and create workplace cultures where people want to stay and grow. The Duqm Summer Series (DSS) recognizes that 2025 demands something more substantive than the usual business event formula. Rather than generic presentations that promise transformation but deliver little you can use, these sessions bring together people who've done the work to share strategies they've actually implemented. 'Our tenant community operates in a fast-moving business environment where practical experience matters more than theoretical frameworks,' said Eng. Ahmed Akaak, CEO, SEZAD. 'The four DSS sessions feature speakers who've successfully navigated the challenges they're discussing – people who can share not just what worked, but how they made it work and what obstacles they encountered along the way.' The opening session on 5 August tackles artificial intelligence and automation. Rather than another presentation on ChatGPT's potential, attendees will hear from those who've moved beyond experimentation to actual deployment, complete with the messy realities of workforce transitions and the ethical considerations that emerge when algorithms start making decisions previously reserved for humans. The second session on 12 August explores workforce development through the lens of organizations that have successfully balanced talent growth with cultural continuity. Rather than broad leadership theories, the discussion centres on practical approaches to developing people while maintaining the elements that make them want to stay and advance – particularly important in a region where retaining skilled professionals can determine an operation's success. By 19 August, the conversation turns to global trade and supply chains. Duqm's strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa means little if businesses can't effectively navigate the complexities of modern logistics. This session brings together those who've learned to manage risk and diversify suppliers through the hard-won experience of keeping operations running during disruptions. The final session on 26 August addresses workplace culture and well-being, topics that might have seemed soft five years ago but now represent fundamental business imperatives. The discussion moves beyond wellness buzzwords to examine how companies are creating genuine connection and supporting mental health in ways that actually improve both performance and retention. Each session starts at 1:00pm and runs for an hour at SEZAD's headquarters, respecting the reality that busy professionals need events that deliver value within clear time constraints. The format combines expert presentations with interactive discussions, creating an environment for meaningful exchanges between industries. 'Duqm's strength lies in the diversity of industries operating here, from renewables and manufacturing to fisheries and logistics,' remarked Eng. Akaak. 'When a logistics manager learns supply chain strategies from someone in fisheries, or a renewable energy company shares workforce solutions with manufacturing executives, that's when real innovation happens. DSS sessions are designed to make these connections happen. We're bringing together professionals who have practical experience to share and real challenges to solve.'
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Sezad launches Duqm Summer Series for tenant community
Duqm: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad) is launching four focused sessions throughout August that tackle questions its tenant community is grappling with - how to implement AI effectively, build resilient supply chains, develop adaptive workforces and create workplace cultures where people want to stay and grow. The Duqm Summer Series (DSS) recognises that 2025 demands something more substantive than the usual business event formula. Rather than generic presentations that promise transformation but deliver little you can use, these sessions bring together people who've done the work to share strategies they've actually implemented. 'Our tenant community operates in a fast-moving business environment where practical experience matters more than theoretical frameworks,' said Eng. Ahmed Akaak, CEO, Sezad. 'The four DSS sessions feature speakers who've successfully navigated the challenges they're discussing – people who can share not just what worked, but how they made it work and what obstacles they encountered along the way.' The opening session on 5 August tackles artificial intelligence and automation. Rather than another presentation on ChatGPT's potential, attendees will hear from those who've moved beyond experimentation to actual deployment, complete with the messy realities of workforce transitions and the ethical considerations that emerge when algorithms start making decisions previously reserved for humans. The second session on 12 August explores workforce development through the lens of organisations that have successfully balanced talent growth with cultural continuity. Rather than broad leadership theories, the discussion centres on practical approaches to developing people while maintaining the elements that make them want to stay and advance – particularly important in a region where retaining skilled professionals can determine an operation's success. By 19 August, the conversation turns to global trade and supply chains. Duqm's strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa means little if businesses can't effectively navigate the complexities of modern logistics. This session brings together those who've learned to manage risk and diversify suppliers through the hard-won experience of keeping operations running during disruptions. The final session on 26 August addresses workplace culture and well-being, topics that might have seemed soft five years ago but now represent fundamental business imperatives. The discussion moves beyond wellness buzzwords to examine how companies are creating genuine connection and supporting mental health in ways that actually improve both performance and retention. Each session starts at 1:00pm and runs for an hour at Sezad's headquarters, respecting the reality that busy professionals need events that deliver value within clear time constraints. The format combines expert presentations with interactive discussions, creating an environment for meaningful exchanges between industries. 'Duqm's strength lies in the diversity of industries operating here, from renewables and manufacturing to fisheries and logistics,' remarked Eng. Akaak. 'When a logistics manager learns supply chain strategies from someone in fisheries, or a renewable energy company shares workforce solutions with manufacturing executives, that's when real innovation happens. DSS sessions are designed to make these connections happen. We're bringing together professionals who have practical experience to share and real challenges to solve.' © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
15-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
SEZAD launches Duqm Summer Series for tenant community
DUQM: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is launching four focused sessions throughout August that tackle questions its tenant community is grappling with - how to implement AI effectively, build resilient supply chains, develop adaptive workforces and create workplace cultures where people want to stay and grow. The Duqm Summer Series (DSS) recognises that 2025 demands something more substantive than the usual business event formula. Rather than generic presentations that promise transformation but deliver little you can use, these sessions bring together people who've done the work to share strategies they've actually implemented. 'Our tenant community operates in a fast-moving business environment where practical experience matters more than theoretical frameworks,' said Eng Ahmed Akaak, CEO, SEZAD. 'The four DSS sessions feature speakers who've successfully navigated the challenges they're discussing – people who can share not just what worked, but how they made it work and what obstacles they encountered along the way.' The opening session on August 5 tackles artificial intelligence and automation. Rather than another presentation on ChatGPT's potential, attendees will hear from those who've moved beyond experimentation to actual deployment, complete with the messy realities of workforce transitions and the ethical considerations that emerge when algorithms start making decisions previously reserved for humans. The second session on August 12 explores workforce development through the lens of organisations that have successfully balanced talent growth with cultural continuity. Rather than broad leadership theories, the discussion centres on practical approaches to developing people while maintaining the elements that make them want to stay and advance – particularly important in a region where retaining skilled professionals can determine an operation's success. By August 19, the conversation turns to global trade and supply chains. Duqm's strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa means little if businesses can't effectively navigate the complexities of modern logistics. This session brings together those who've learned to manage risk and diversify suppliers through the hard-won experience of keeping operations running during disruptions. The final session on August 26 addresses workplace culture and well-being, topics that might have seemed soft five years ago but now represent fundamental business imperatives. The discussion moves beyond wellness buzzwords to examine how companies are creating genuine connection and supporting mental health in ways that actually improve both performance and retention. Each session starts at 1:00pm and runs for an hour at SEZAD's headquarters, respecting the reality that busy professionals need events that deliver value within clear time constraints. The format combines expert presentations with interactive discussions, creating an environment for meaningful exchanges between industries. 'Duqm's strength lies in the diversity of industries operating here, from renewables and manufacturing to fisheries and logistics,' remarked Eng Akaak. 'When a logistics manager learns supply chain strategies from someone in fisheries, or a renewable energy company shares workforce solutions with manufacturing executives, that's when real innovation happens. DSS sessions are designed to make these connections happen. We're bringing together professionals who have practical experience to share and real challenges to solve.' For more information about the Duqm Summer Series, contact Hanan Al Siyabi, Marketing & Business Development Manager, SEZAD on:
Times of Oman
15-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Sezad launches Duqm Summer Series for tenant community
Duqm: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad) is launching four focused sessions throughout August that tackle questions its tenant community is grappling with - how to implement AI effectively, build resilient supply chains, develop adaptive workforces and create workplace cultures where people want to stay and grow. The Duqm Summer Series (DSS) recognises that 2025 demands something more substantive than the usual business event formula. Rather than generic presentations that promise transformation but deliver little you can use, these sessions bring together people who've done the work to share strategies they've actually implemented. 'Our tenant community operates in a fast-moving business environment where practical experience matters more than theoretical frameworks,' said Eng. Ahmed Akaak, CEO, Sezad. 'The four DSS sessions feature speakers who've successfully navigated the challenges they're discussing – people who can share not just what worked, but how they made it work and what obstacles they encountered along the way.' The opening session on 5 August tackles artificial intelligence and automation. Rather than another presentation on ChatGPT's potential, attendees will hear from those who've moved beyond experimentation to actual deployment, complete with the messy realities of workforce transitions and the ethical considerations that emerge when algorithms start making decisions previously reserved for humans. The second session on 12 August explores workforce development through the lens of organisations that have successfully balanced talent growth with cultural continuity. Rather than broad leadership theories, the discussion centres on practical approaches to developing people while maintaining the elements that make them want to stay and advance – particularly important in a region where retaining skilled professionals can determine an operation's success. By 19 August, the conversation turns to global trade and supply chains. Duqm's strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa means little if businesses can't effectively navigate the complexities of modern logistics. This session brings together those who've learned to manage risk and diversify suppliers through the hard-won experience of keeping operations running during disruptions. The final session on 26 August addresses workplace culture and well-being, topics that might have seemed soft five years ago but now represent fundamental business imperatives. The discussion moves beyond wellness buzzwords to examine how companies are creating genuine connection and supporting mental health in ways that actually improve both performance and retention. Each session starts at 1:00pm and runs for an hour at Sezad's headquarters, respecting the reality that busy professionals need events that deliver value within clear time constraints. The format combines expert presentations with interactive discussions, creating an environment for meaningful exchanges between industries. 'Duqm's strength lies in the diversity of industries operating here, from renewables and manufacturing to fisheries and logistics,' remarked Eng. Akaak. 'When a logistics manager learns supply chain strategies from someone in fisheries, or a renewable energy company shares workforce solutions with manufacturing executives, that's when real innovation happens. DSS sessions are designed to make these connections happen. We're bringing together professionals who have practical experience to share and real challenges to solve.'
