Latest news with #AlexanderKhanin
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Rise of fintech: A new era of smart innovative services
The UAE is racing towards a fully digital future, transforming how people access government services and reshaping everyday experiences across sectors like banking, telecom, healthcare, and hospitality. Driven by its bold vision for smart governance, the nation is harnessing the power of fintech and cutting-edge technologies to make services faster, simpler, and more accessible. 'For Parkin, this shift meant fully digitising our entire ecosystem — covering everything from payments and fines to permits, subscriptions, and tickets. Today, customers can access our services seamlessly through the Parkin mobile app, our website, and integrated government platforms such as the RTA app, RTA website, and Dubai Now app,' says Engineer Ahmed Al Zaabi, Director of Technology and Innovation at Parkin, in an interview with BTR. 'The goal is to simplify public services, reduce friction, and bring time and convenience back to residents. Parkin's use of cloud-based technology powered by green energy also reflects the country's emphasis on sustainability within digital transformation. This aligns with Dubai's Digital Strategy, which aims to digitalise all aspects of life in Dubai, establishing a reliable and robust digital system that enhances the digital economy and empowers a digitally-driven society.' This evolution is not just about making government services available online — it's about fundamentally rethinking how services are delivered. Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group and Machines Can See Summit, notes: 'The UAE's approach to digitalisation has led to creating a fully integrated proactive ecosystem. Today, digital services are not just reactive; they anticipate citizen needs and personalise interactions across sectors. The shift toward a seamless, service-driven, and user-centered model has made accessing government services faster, more intuitive, and more aligned with daily life. This transformation reflects the UAE's broader ambition to become not only a digital hub, but a global leader in citizen-centric governance powered by AI and emerging technologies.' A prime example of this proactive model is seen in Dubai Electricity and Water Authority's (Dewa) adoption of the 'Services 360' policy. Aysha Al Dhuhoori, Deputy Senior Manager - Artificial Intelligence at Dewa, explains: 'DEWA has adopted Dubai's 'Services 360' policy across all its services in the energy and water sectors to ensure they are seamless, proactive, and integrated, thereby improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The implementation has yielded tangible results, including full automation and a complete transition to self-services that require no physical presence.' 'The policy focuses on digital-first, proactive, and integrated approaches to make government services more efficient and customer-centric. It ensures services are available in real-time through a unified digital identity (UAE Pass), anticipates customer needs, and improves communication. The policy connects databases across government entities, minimising the data required from customers, and provides round-the-clock service channels tailored to their preferences,' she added. Complementing these efforts, Salem Al Shamsi, Director, Shared Services Applications Department, Digital Dubai Government Establishment, highlights another innovation: 'The Smart Employee application, by Digital Dubai, now includes an AI-powered talent acquisition service. The AI analyses the candidates' CVs based on the job description they have applied for, evaluating their skills, education, and overall suitability for the role. Based on this analysis, HR professionals and recruiters can easily assess whether a candidate is a good fit for the position and proceed accordingly. Currently, around 80 government entities are using the Smart Employee application, and this new service is being gradually rolled out to different entities as part of our expansion plan.' Elevating Customer Experience 'Fintech has been a key driver of digital transformation in the UAE,' added Al Zaabi. 'The growing use of contactless payment solutions like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and buy-now-pay-later platforms such as Tabby has reshaped how people engage with public services.' At Parkin, fintech adoption has enabled a critical shift away from legacy systems reliant on physical cash collection, transitioning toward real-time digital payment processing. This not only streamlined financial operations but also elevated the customer experience by making transactions instant and effortless. 'It has empowered us to design smarter services — such as AutoPay and AutoRenewal — easily managed through the Parkin Wallet,' Al Zaabi said. Today, Parkin boasts that over 92% of its transactions are cashless, processing more than 400,000 mobile transactions daily. The tap-to-pay convenience is made possible by integrating smart payment technologies, wallet systems, and contactless infrastructure across multiple platforms, including the Parkin App, RTA channels, and Dubai Now. Users can easily handle dynamic ticket renewals, scheduled bookings, and automatic payments for shared mobility providers like ekar, Udrive, and Yaldi. 'Our systems are underpinned by a secure, scalable cloud infrastructure that ensures speed, reliability, and a seamless user experience,' Al Zaabi said, highlighting the critical role technology plays behind the scenes. Similarly, Khanin added, 'Behind the everyday simplicity of 'tap-and-go' payments lies a sophisticated ecosystem. Digital identity platforms like UAE PASS, combined with a robust network of payment systems — such as Apple Pay, Noqodi, and others — create a unified, secure environment for transactions. Importantly, this entire framework is underpinned by strong cybersecurity standards, continuous monitoring, and multi-level redundancy systems to ensure resilience against threats.' Across other sectors, digital transformation is equally profound. Al Dhuhoori explained how the authority has leveraged digital technologies and integrated systems to raise the bar for quality and reliability in service delivery. This effort has birthed initiatives such as the Actual Load Profiles Simulator (ALPS), an AI-driven platform that uses weather data to accurately simulate solar energy generation without needing individual meters. 'This improves efficiency, reduces losses, and supports renewable energy integration,' Al Dhuhoori said. Building on this, Al Dhuhoori highlighted how digital innovation is also empowering customers. 'Dewa provides many digital services and smart tools to help customers better understand and manage their electricity and water consumption. Dewa's 'Smart Living' dashboard enables customers to monitor their daily, monthly, and yearly consumption, while the 'My Sustainable Living Programme' allows them to compare their consumption with similar homes with a high degree of energy efficiency. It also provides customised tips for customers to manage their consumption efficiently,' she added. Customer engagement has also been transformed with the help of Dewa's virtual assistant, 'Rammas for You'. Powered by AI and enhanced with ChatGPT capabilities, Rammas provides multilingual support across Dewa's website and smart app. 'Rammas simulates a live agent, learning from every interaction to better understand and address customer needs,' Al Dhuhoori noted. Customers can either select from menu options or ask direct questions, with Rammas offering transactional services, linking users to complete procedures, and even incorporating a self-evaluation system to continuously enhance its learning. Highlighting the success of these digital efforts, Al Dhuhoori shared, 'Providing all our services through the website and smart app enabled customers to complete more than 14 million digital transactions in 2024, marking a 12% increase compared to 2023. The digital transactions conducted by Dewa customers included over two million transactions via the website, more than 4.8 million through its smart app and over 7.2 million via various digital channels that Dewa provides in collaboration with its partners.' In line with these achievements, Dewa scored 98.6% in the Dubai Government Instant Happiness Index by the Dubai Digital Authority, while customer satisfaction, as measured by the Dubai Government Excellence Programme, stood at an impressive 97.01%. Furthermore, Dewa has scored 100% in the International Digital Customer Experience Standard (IDCXS:2022) certificate since its first assessment in 2022. Beyond customer service, Dewa is deploying AI across internal operations. Initiatives such as Distribution Automation support smart grid operations, while AI agents manage material insights, billing, HR services, legislation guidance, and employee learning. 'We are using artificial intelligence to not only enhance service provision but also improve government efficiency at every level,' Al Dhuhoori emphasised. A Unified Vision for a Digital Future The UAE is quickly establishing itself as a global benchmark for public payment digitisation, driven by a forward-thinking, integrated approach. 'The UAE is well on its way to becoming a global benchmark in public payment digitisation. What makes its model unique is the whole-of-government approach — aligning policy, technology, and execution under a unified vision,' according to Al Zaabi. Government initiatives such as the Paperless Government Mandate, unified platforms like Dubai Now, and integrated mobility solutions — particularly the model used by Parkin — all highlight the UAE's unwavering commitment to innovation. Al Zaabi emphasised the country's emphasis on providing a seamless, customer-centric experience: 'Our ability to offer multi-service functionality — from parking and car washing to EV charging and valet — within a single app delivers a seamless user experience. The UAE's emphasis on innovation, customer-centric design, and sustainability is what truly sets its approach apart globally,' Al Zaabi added. Looking ahead, the UAE's digital transformation journey shows no signs of slowing down. The next wave will see an increased focus on personalisation, AI-driven automation, and deeper ecosystem integration. For Parkin, this future includes 'smarter mobility features like predictive parking availability, enhanced integration with shared mobility providers, and real-time decision-making dashboards,' Al Zaabi revealed. Moreover, the company is expanding its offerings to create a true one-stop-shop experience. 'We're also expanding our service offering to allow users to manage everything from parking and valet bookings to vehicle maintenance, EV charging, and car washing — all within a single app.'
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE launches Artificial Intelligence Academy with short programmes in multiple languages
UAE has launched the Artificial Intelligence Academy, an initiative that aims to develop a new generation of AI leaders. The academy combines advanced research with real-world industry insights, strengthening the Middle East's position in global AI innovation. The AI Academy, launched by the Polynom Group in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi School of Management, offers a series of short programmes specifically designed for executives, senior government officials, and technical professionals. These programmes will cover the fundamental concepts of AI, national AI strategies, generative AI tools, and executive-level applications that facilitate leaders' access to various sectors. These short programmes will be available in multiple languages and will form the basis for broader AI capacity building efforts. The strategic partnership agreement was officially signed in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, during the annual professional AI summit, "The Machines Can See Summit." Following the initial launch, the Academy will also launch the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) Program, a pioneering 3-4-month leadership programme designed to empower a new generation of AI decision-makers. Comprising eight advanced modules, the programme provides participants with a comprehensive foundation in AI strategies, governance, and deployment across multiple industries such as finance, healthcare, and public administration. Participants will attend exclusive seminars led by leading scientists and global industry leaders, providing them with firsthand insight into the latest research and innovations in areas such as computer vision, large language models, sovereign AI, and AI ethics. These sessions will foster fruitful dialogue and provide practical and strategic insights for those shaping the future of AI in the region. The academy will also integrate NVIDIA's expertise and technologies into select programmes, contributing to the shared mission of accelerating AI readiness and real-world application across the region. Alexander Khanin, founder of the Polynom Group, emphasised the group's commitment to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and commercial applications of artificial intelligence. He noted that through its collaboration with the Abu Dhabi School of Management and NVIDIA, the group is poised to deliver a unique educational experience that fosters innovation and responsible technical leadership. Dr Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi School of Management, emphasised that the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Academy, which focuses on providing leaders in the region with the tools and insights needed to harness the transformative potential of AI, reflects the ongoing commitment to innovation in management education and positions the UAE as a global center for leadership in AI in business. He explained that the goal of this partnership is to empower the next generation of changemakers to lead future trends in a world increasingly dependent on technology and data. The AI Academy serves as a catalyst for collaborative research projects, networking opportunities, and startup incubation.
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi School of Management, Polinum Group launch ‘AI Academy'
DUBAI - Polynome Group announceD the launch of The AI Academy, an AI-focused educational initiative in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi School of Management. The Academy aims to foster a new generation of AI leaders by blending cutting-edge research with real-world industry insights, further strengthening the Middle East's position in global AI innovation. The official signing of strategic partnership agreement was carried out In the Presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, at the annual professional AI summit 'Machines Can See'. AI Academy will first roll out a series of short-format programmes tailored for executives, high-level government officials, and technical specialists. These highly curated sessions will cover core AI concepts, national strategies, generative AI tools, and executive-level applications—making AI more accessible to leaders across sectors. These short-term offerings will be available in multiple languages and will serve as a foundation for broader AI capacity-building efforts. Following the initial rollout, the Academy will launch the Chief AI Officer Programme (CAIO)—a 3–4 month flagship leadership journey designed to empower a new wave of AI decision-makers. Structured into eight advanced modules, the CAIO programme will provide participants with a comprehensive foundation in AI strategy, governance, and deployment across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration. As part of the programme, participants will engage in exclusive seminars led by top-tier scientists and global industry leaders, gaining firsthand exposure to the latest research and innovations in areas such as computer vision, large language models, sovereign AI, and AI ethics. These sessions will foster meaningful dialogue, practical insight, and strategic foresight for those shaping the region's AI future. As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing practical AI education, Polynome-AI Academy is proud to collaborate with NVIDIA. This initiative will support the Academy's vision by integrating NVIDIA's expertise and technologies into select programmes—reinforcing our shared mission to accelerate AI readiness and real-world deployment across the region. Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group, commented, 'We're committed to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and commercial applications of AI. By teaming up with Abu Dhabi School of Management and NVIDIA, we're poised to provide an unparalleled educational experience that nurtures both innovation and responsible tech leadership.' Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of the Board at Abu Dhabi School of Management, stated, 'We are delighted to join hands with Polynome Group in launching the AI Academy that is focused on equipping leaders across the region with the tools and insights needed to harness the transformative potential of AI. This initiative reflects our enduring commitment to innovation in management education and our vision to position the UAE as a global hub for forward-looking AI in Business leadership. Through this partnership, we aim to empower the next generation of changemakers to lead with purpose in an increasingly technology and data-driven world.' AI Academy will serve as a catalyst for collaborative research projects, networking opportunities, and startup incubation. The programme underscores Polynome Group's broader mission to foster ethical AI progress, empower entrepreneurs, and drive sustainable growth in AI-driven industries throughout the UAE and beyond.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Polynome Group in partnership with Abu Dhabi School of Management launches 'The AI Academy'
Abu Dhabi, UAE — Polynome Group is proud to announce the launch of The AI Academy, an AI-focused educational initiative in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi School of Management. The Academy aims to foster a new generation of AI leaders by blending cutting-edge research with real-world industry insights, further strengthening the Middle East's position in global AI innovation. Academy & AI Education Executive Seminars and Specialized Short-Term Programs AI Academy will first roll out a series of short-format programs tailored for executives, high-level government officials, and technical specialists. These highly curated sessions will cover core AI concepts, national strategies, generative AI tools, and executive-level applications—making AI more accessible to leaders across sectors. These short-term offerings will be available in multiple languages and will serve as a foundation for broader AI capacity-building efforts. Chief AI Officer (CAIO) Program Following the initial rollout, the Academy will launch the Chief AI Officer Program (CAIO)—a 3–4 month flagship leadership journey designed to empower a new wave of AI decision-makers. Structured into eight advanced modules, the CAIO program will provide participants with a comprehensive foundation in AI strategy, governance, and deployment across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration. As part of the program, participants will engage in exclusive seminars led by top-tier scientists and global industry leaders, gaining firsthand exposure to the latest research and innovations in areas such as computer vision, large language models, sovereign AI, and AI ethics. These sessions will foster meaningful dialogue, practical insight, and strategic foresight for those shaping the region's AI future. Strategic Collaboration with NVIDIA As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing practical AI education, Polynome-AI Academy is proud to collaborate with NVIDIA. This initiative will support the Academy's vision by integrating NVIDIA's expertise and technologies into select programs—reinforcing our shared mission to accelerate AI readiness and real-world deployment across the region. Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group, commented: 'We're committed to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and commercial applications of AI. By teaming up with Abu Dhabi School of Management and NVIDIA, we're poised to provide an unparalleled educational experience that nurtures both innovation and responsible tech leadership.' Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of the Board at Abu Dhabi School of Management, stated: ' We are delighted to join hands with Polynome Group in launching the AI Academy that is focused on equipping leaders across the region with the tools and insights needed to harness the transformative potential of AI. This initiative reflects our enduring commitment to innovation in management education and our vision to position the UAE as a global hub for forward-looking AI in Business leadership. Through this partnership, we aim to empower the next generation of changemakers to lead with purpose in an increasingly technology and data-driven world.' Driving Innovation & Collaboration AI Academy will serve as a catalyst for collaborative research projects, networking opportunities, and startup incubation. The program underscores Polynome Group's broader mission to foster ethical AI progress, empower entrepreneurs, and drive sustainable growth in AI-driven industries throughout the UAE and beyond. Building on a Strong Legacy Polynome Group is known for organizing the 'Machines Can See' summit, a global think tank that brings together government officials, leading AI experts, and major investors. The launch of AI Academy aligns with this legacy, offering hands-on educational programs that further support AI commercialization, research, and ethical deployment. About Polynome Group Polynome Group is dedicated to accelerating AI innovation through events, educational programs, and investment opportunities. Its flagship event, the ' Machines Can See' summit, has become a premier platform where breakthroughs are revealed and future partnerships are forged — empowering businesses and governments to harness the transformative power of AI. About Abu Dhabi School of Management Established by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) is committed to developing future leaders through innovative management education. ADSM provides a full range of fully accredited graduate and undergraduate programs and executive education courses designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to excel in a dynamic and competitive global business environment.
Zawya
06-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Machines Can See Summit unveils global speakers, premier partnerships, and exclusive SAP workshop
Dubai: In its third edition, the Machines Can See Summit—recognized as the largest computer vision event and a leading AI gathering in the Gulf region—has garnered support from several prominent organizations, including Digital Dubai, Yango Group (known for its Arabic voice assistant and delivery robots), Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Mastercard, and Adia Lab. Organized by Polynome Events, the summit will take place on April 23-24, offering a unique platform for thought leaders and innovators to explore and discuss groundbreaking advancements in AI and computer vision. The Machines Can See summit is part of the inaugural Dubai AI Week, organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence to explore the future impact of AI across sectors. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation – the Week brings together global experts, innovators, and policymakers. 'In our partnerships and panels, we strive to reflect the major trends impacting the AI industry,' said Alexander Khanin, Head of Polynome Events. 'Among these are robotics, agentic AI, and attacks on large language models (LLMs). With the support of Dubai Police, we will host a unique panel on safe cities and AI.' The Machines Can See Summit will feature the attendance of key local government officials, including H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai. A significant highlight of the event will be the Ministerial Session, which will bring together international government leaders to discuss the role of national IT development in shaping the future of AI. Among the distinguished speakers will be H.E. Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, and the Minister of Digital of Malaysia, Gobind Singh Deo. Adding depth to the event, SAP will host an exclusive workshop titled "Turning AI into Real-World Results." This interactive session will allow business leaders to design custom AI assistants specifically tailored to their organizations. Attendees will explore how AI can significantly enhance product innovation, optimize supply chains, and transform customer experiences. 'Driven and executed by visionary leadership, Dubai and the UAE continue to set the regional benchmark for AI innovation. At SAP, we're excited to showcase our Business AI solutions at Machines Can See, empowering organizations to accelerate digital transformation, sharpen their competitive edge, and contribute to the UAE's vision of becoming a global technology powerhouse,' said Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director, SAP UAE. Among the summit participants is Yango Group, a tech company that transforms global technologies into everyday services tailored for local communities. The company will showcase its human-like AI assistant, Yasmina, its autonomous last-mile delivery robots, and its AI-powered automation solutions for warehouses. Exploring the Frontiers of AI Innovation and Application During the "AI for a Better and Safer World: Navigating Tomorrow's Challenges" session, experts will discuss how AI can enhance global security and prosperity while addressing ethical considerations. Participants include Major General Khalid Nasser Alrazooqi from Dubai Police, Dena Almansoori from e&, and Marwan Zeineddine from SAP UAE. Another panel, "Byte-Sized Profits: Navigating ROI in the AI Revolution," will explore investment opportunities and strategies for maximizing returns in the AI market. The panel will feature speakers like Omar Almajdouie from Raed Ventures, Eddy Farhat from e& capital, and Faris Al Mazrui from Mubadala. The "Good AI: Between Hype and Mediocrity" session offers a critical examination of distinguishing transformative AI innovations from fleeting trends. Insights will be provided by Dr. Najwa Aaraj of TIl, Namik Hrle of IBM, and Adeniyi Adebayo from Yango. The"Computer Vision: What's On" panel will feature leaders in the field, including Michal Irani from the Weizmann Institute and Marc Pollefeys from ETH Zurich, who will discuss breakthroughs in image recognition and real-time processing. The "Robots: Are We Ready?" panel will host discussions on the future of autonomous delivery and humanoid robotics. Panelists include Sami Haddadin from MBZUAI and Judah Longgrear from KiwiBot. The summit will also feature keynotes from notable experts such as Michael Bronstein from the University of Oxford, Gerard Medioni from Amazon Prime Video, and Andrea Vedaldi from the University of Oxford, as well as Pavlos Panagiotidis, EMEA Head of AI and Platform Architecture at SAP, and Daniele Iacovelli, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Digital, AI and Operational Excellence at Roche Pharma.
