Latest news with #GCC-wide
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Asyad Express' reverse logistics platform to drive e-commerce
MUSCAT: Asyad Express, part of Asyad Group, has launched a strategic, technology driven 'Reverse Logistics Platform' that redefines how businesses in Oman and the GCC manage product returns, exchanges, and refunds. The service is designed to give e-commerce businesses a competitive edge by turning complexity into simplicity, helping them streamline returns while reinforcing trust at every touchpoint. Addressing the increasing demand from retailers and digital-first brands for agile, transparent, and consumer-centric return processes, Asyad Express' new offering delivers a seamless 'end to end' reverse logistics experience. With comprehensive GCC-wide coverage, this service encompasses convenient doorstep pickup, quality checks, and efficient reintegration of returned goods into inventory, all supported by complete visibility and tracking throughout the entire lifecycle. Engineered for effortless integration into current e-commerce and retail workflows, Asyad Express's reverse logistics solution supports businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises. This enables businesses to adopt more flexible return policies, significantly shorten turnaround times, and ultimately boost customer satisfaction. This launch underscores Asyad Express' commitment to e-commerce logistics excellence in the region, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse customer needs. With a strong focus on express delivery, e-commerce solutions, and warehousing, Asyad Express utilises an extensive global network to efficiently process, package, and ship thousands of deliveries across 220 destinations and territories. This is complemented by a variety of convenient customer-centric services and the ability to ensure rapid deliveries, and in-house customs clearance for international shipments.
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Asyad Express launches reverse logistics platform
Muscat - Asyad Express, part of Asyad Group, has launched a strategic, technology-driven 'Reverse Logistics Platform' that redefines how businesses in Oman and the GCC manage product returns, exchanges, and refunds. The service is designed to give e-commerce businesses a competitive edge by turning complexity into simplicity, helping them streamline returns while reinforcing trust at every touchpoint. Addressing the increasing demand from retailers and digital-first brands for agile, transparent, and consumer-centric return processes, Asyad Express's new offering delivers a seamless 'end-to-end' reverse logistics experience. With comprehensive GCC-wide coverage, this service encompasses convenient doorstep pickup, quality checks, and efficient reintegration of returned goods into inventory, all supported by complete visibility and tracking throughout the entire lifecycle. Engineered for effortless integration into current e-commerce and retail workflows, Asyad Express's reverse logistics solution supports businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises. This enables businesses to adopt more flexible return policies, significantly shorten turnaround times, and ultimately boost customer satisfaction. With a strong focus on express delivery, e-commerce solutions, and warehousing, Asyad Express utilizes an extensive global network to efficiently process, package, and ship thousands of deliveries across 220 destinations and territories. This is complemented by a variety of convenient customer-centric services and the ability to ensure rapid deliveries and in-house customs clearance for international shipments.
TECHx
5 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
What AI Appreciation Day Should Really Remind Us
Home » Editor's pick » What AI Appreciation Day Reminds Us As we mark AI Appreciation Day, it's not just about celebrating innovation, it's about remembering that AI must be human-led, ethically grounded, and built with purpose. In 2025, Artificial Intelligence is powering daily life, reshaping industries, and challenging global norms. From healthcare to energy, cities to classrooms, AI in 2025 is not just a tool. It is an ecosystem. The Middle East is leading this shift. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are making bold moves. Their investments in AI infrastructure and ethical governance are reshaping how nations approach AI at scale. Let's look at what's really happening beneath the surface of AI in 2025. Data Is the New Backbone AI needs fuel. That fuel is data. And to manage that data, nations need infrastructure that is scalable, secure, and sovereign. Mohit Pandey, Head of Sales for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Seagate Technology, explains the scale of growth: 'In 2025, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of digital infrastructure, with Saudi Arabia's data center market growing at a 21.87% CAGR and the UAE hosting advanced facilities. This growth drives a GCC-wide boom, projected to reach $9.49 billion by 2030. In this landscape, infrastructure reliability and scalability are essential to provide the resilience, scalability, and energy efficiency needed to support AI factories in Riyadh and sovereign cloud platforms in Abu Dhabi. As governments push for data sovereignty and AI leadership, Seagate is ready to partner in building the future's regional premium infrastructure.' These data centers are more than just buildings. They are AI factories that train models, store vast datasets, and serve as the digital backbone of national transformation. The demand for energy-efficient, high-speed storage is rising. And with AI workloads growing, the region is building a premium infrastructure to support it. Ethics Is Not Optional AI brings great power. But it also raises questions. How do we keep it fair? Who decides what is right? AI in 2025 is not just about what technology can do. It is also about how it is used and who governs it. Dr. Shabbir Nalwala, Executive Advisor for Group Digital Governance and Transformation at ADNOC Group, puts it clearly: 'AI presents a powerful tool for enhancing digital governance in the oil and gas sector. AI's success depends not solely on the technology used but also critically on how responsibly AI is governed. In UAE, ethical AI is not only a regulatory checkbox but a national priority. Oil and gas companies that adopt this vision will not only improve their digital operations but also contribute meaningfully to the UAE's vision as a global leader in ethical and impactful AI.' Ethical AI is now a core part of national strategies. In the UAE, it guides how AI is designed, deployed, and monitored. Sectors like oil and gas are using AI to boost efficiency. But they are also leading the charge in AI governance. Responsible use is becoming a competitive advantage. AI as a Reflection of Us Technology reflects the intentions of its creators. AI in 2025 is no different. It amplifies human strengths. But it also exposes human flaws. Tolga Ozdil, Regional Commercial Director, Middle East, Turkey & Africa (META) at ASUS, shares a deeper view: 'AI has become a mirror to humanity, reflecting our values, intentions, and vulnerabilities while showing the scale of our technological progress. While AI started as an experiment, it has now found its way into our daily lives, changing the way we learn, work, and create. Even with that growth, AI's path is not defined since its evolution will still be dictated by human decisions, responsibility, and oversight. We should not just recognize AI with the amazing things that it can do but also remind ourselves that how we build and use AI also matters.' This reminder is important. AI is not just a celebration of innovation. It is a call for accountability. We are shaping AI. And in return, it is shaping us. A National Priority In 2025, AI is a matter of sovereignty. Saudi Arabia is building AI factories in Riyadh. The UAE is expanding sovereign cloud platforms in Abu Dhabi. These aren't just tech projects. They are strategic tools for economic independence. According to analysts, the GCC's data center market will reach $9.49 billion by 2030. That growth is directly tied to AI demand. With each AI application, health diagnostics, smart cities, energy forecasting, comes a deeper need for fast, secure data handling. The focus is clear. Nations are working to own their data, control their compute power, and reduce reliance on foreign cloud services. Challenges on the Path Ahead While the momentum is strong, challenges persist. AI still struggles with: Bias in algorithms Lack of explainability Energy consumption Talent shortages Uneven access to tools and data The rise of generative AI has made some of these issues more visible. Misinformation, deepfakes, and intellectual property concerns are shaping new debates. In this context, AI in 2025 is a balancing act between innovation and oversight, scale and sensitivity, ambition and caution. A Day to Reflect, Not Just Celebrate AI Appreciation Day is not just about what we've built. It is also about how we build from here. AI in 2025 is no longer an experiment. It is a daily influence, visible in homes, hospitals, classrooms, and control rooms. The real power of AI lies not only in algorithms or infrastructure. It lies in intent. And the Middle East, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is proving that with the right vision and values, AI can be both powerful and principled. As we reflect today, the message is clear. AI can amplify progress. But it must be human-led, ethically grounded, and purpose-driven.
Daily Tribune
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Call for GCC-Wide Rules on Sign Language Interpreters
A GCC-wide push to regulate sign language interpreting has been floated following a visit by the Bahrain Deaf Society to Kuwait, where delegates called for formal contracts, rights protections, and unified training for interpreters. The chairman of the society, Sayed Hassan Al Ghuraifi, led the delegation during meetings at the Center of Community Service and Continuing Education. He said the visit aimed to explore ways institutions across the GCC might agree on shared rules for supporting deaf people and those who work with them. Talks focused on creating standard forms for managing interpreter work, formalising contracts, and securing legal protections for those in the profession. Al Ghuraifi said these steps would help improve service quality while giving interpreters proper standing in both public and private sectors. Challenges and Cooperation The two sides also discussed the difficulties faced by deaf communities, as well as by interpreters who often work without clear structures or guarantees. Training, job pathways, and recognition of qualifications all came up. The Bahraini delegation also visited the Maastricht School of Business in Kuwait, where conversations turned to young people with hearing impairments and how to prepare them for work through academic and hands-on schemes. Al Ghuraifi said the Center of Community Service and Continuing Education plays a strong role in community learning and training, and he welcomed the opportunity to lay the groundwork for deeper regional cooperation. He added that the society is looking to build on this visit to support the deaf more effectively across Gulf countries.
Observer
30-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
GCC economic integration through connectivity
Oman stands at a pivotal crossroads, where global energy dynamics, regional instability, and long-term economic aspirations intersect. As geopolitical risks in the Strait of Hormuz amplify uncertainties, Oman emerges not only as a neutral mediator but also as a proactive architect of future-ready economic solutions—anchored by Duqm's development and strengthened by Vision 2040. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global energy, with over 20% of the world's petroleum and one-fifth of global LNG transiting its waters. While recent diplomatic efforts have helped to ease tensions, the vulnerabilities of this chokepoint persist. Oman's strategic response is Duqm—a secure and stable alternative that mitigates geopolitical risk while ensuring efficient, uninterrupted energy and trade flows. Duqm's location outside the Strait of Hormuz is more than strategic—it is economically transformative. It shortens shipping times by up to three days, significantly reduces freight and insurance costs, and shields trade routes from geopolitical tensions. These features provide Oman and its partners with a dependable, cost-effective trade gateway via the Arabian Sea. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), spanning 2,000 square kilometres, is the largest of its kind in the MENA region. It is home to the 230,000 bpd Duqm Refinery and the Ras Markaz Oil Terminal, with a storage capacity of 26 million barrels. These facilities position Duqm as a vital energy hub, supporting both conventional and clean energy ambitions. Connectivity is at the heart of Oman's national strategy. Modern highways, upgraded airports, and a planned regional railway will further integrate Duqm into regional and global logistics networks. These efforts aim to establish a seamless, multimodal economic corridor linking Oman with its GCC neighbours and beyond. This is the time for GCC-wide cooperation. Oman cannot shoulder the burden alone. Shared infrastructure—such as road corridors, pipelines, and port linkages—must be a collective effort among GCC members. Collaboration with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait is essential to building resilient economic corridors that bolster regional energy security and trade diversification. Oman's policy of neutrality and balanced diplomacy reinforces its role as a trusted regional partner. This credibility attracts investment, reduces perceived risks, and enables Oman to engage constructively with all stakeholders. Partnerships such as the Duqm Refinery with Kuwait, road connectivity with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and discussions around regional rail demonstrate the viability of cross-border collaboration. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), spanning 2,000 square kilometres, is the largest of its kind in the MENA region. From a diplomatic and economic standpoint, Oman's neutrality remains one of its most powerful strategic assets. This stance uniquely facilitates consensus-building among diverse regional actors, fostering an environment conducive to investment and significantly lowering the perceived risk premium for major long-term infrastructure projects. This role is particularly important for neighbouring Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, which are actively seeking diversified export routes and secure logistics solutions amidst evolving regional dynamics. For instance, Qatar's ambitious LNG expansion could significantly benefit from Duqm's strategic redundancy in storage and export, enhancing market access and reliability. Likewise, Oman's transparent collaboration with the UAE and Saudi Arabia on critical energy and logistics initiatives directly supports the ambitious goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE's Energy Strategy 2050. Collaborative projects such as the strategic Ibri-Duqm road connecting Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, along with future railway initiatives, are designed to create seamless economic corridors for mutual benefit. The successful partnership in the Duqm Refinery with Kuwait exemplifies Oman's capacity for effective cross-border industrial integration. For major energy-importing nations in Asia and Europe, Oman offers a dual advantage: stable, secure delivery points for conventional energy, and promising new partnerships in the clean energy sector—especially as Oman scales up its green hydrogen exports. Duqm, in particular, presents highly attractive investor incentives, including 100% foreign ownership, multi-year tax exemptions, and robust regulatory support that streamlines business operations. These conditions create an exceptionally welcoming landscape for global investors and sustainable private sector growth. These comprehensive strategic efforts are intricately aligned with Vision 2040—Oman's overarching national blueprint for economic diversification and long-term sustainability. The Vision aims to significantly increase non-oil GDP, attract private investment, and foster innovation-led growth across multiple sectors. The role of the private sector in this transformation is not only encouraged but considered essential. Oman is actively nurturing a vibrant local SME ecosystem, integrating it into industrial supply chains within the Special Economic Zone. Oman's developmental path is uniquely defined by pragmatism, strategic foresight, and a firm commitment to inclusive growth. By reducing regional dependencies, embracing clean energy, and promoting integrated logistics, Oman is crafting a sustainable development model that offers valuable lessons for the world. Under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman is not merely responding to today's challenges—it is shaping solutions for the future. In a world seeking certainty and innovation, Oman stands ready. The message to global partners is clear: Oman is a gateway to the future, and Duqm is open for business. The time to engage is now.
