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The National
18-07-2025
- Business
- The National
The Muslim world should develop halal AI ecosystems
The Islamic world, home to nearly two billion people, represents not only one of the largest global communities, but one of the youngest. In many Muslim-majority countries, more than 60 per cent of the population is under 30 years of age. By 2030, Muslims could make up nearly a third of the global youth population, according to estimates by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. That demographic future is now colliding with another unstoppable force: artificial intelligence. AI is not simply a new technology – it is the new language of power. As it rapidly transforms how we work, learn, govern and live, Muslim societies face a stark choice: shape the system or be shaped by it. Muslim societies must not repeat the mistake of being passive adopters of technological innovations such as smart phones and social media designed elsewhere. We must participate in the architectural design of the digital world and ensure that our cultural, legal and ethical DNA is encoded into its foundations. And yet, we are already falling behind. More than 89 per cent of AI training data today comes from English-language sources. Islamic perspectives on ethics, finance, governance, gender and education are practically absent from the datasets feeding today's most powerful AI models. The consequence is not just cultural erasure, it is algorithmic bias with real-world impact. Hijab-wearing women are likely to be misidentified by facial recognition tools. Islamic financial institutions can find it difficult to adopt credit-scoring models trained on interest-based frameworks. Generative AI platforms routinely exclude, misinterpret or marginalise Islamic content in education and the media. This is not merely a technical issue. It is a strategic risk for the Islamic world – and a historic opportunity. There needs to be an AI Fatwa Council – a multidisciplinary body of scholars, technologists and ethicists that can provide authoritative guidance on how to govern, apply and develop artificial intelligence in accordance with Islamic values. This is not to limit innovation but to accelerate it responsibly. Islamic jurisprudence has always embraced the intersection of ethics and technology, from rulings on in vitro fertilisation, and organ transplants to blockchain and digital currencies. It is now time to do the same for AI. The council's scope would be broad and future-facing. Should AI be allowed to lead prayer in remote areas where no imam is available? How does AI-generated Quran recitation or digital fatwa services be regulated? Can generative AI models be certified for use in Islamic education, finance or media? What does a halal algorithm look like for dating apps, zakat distribution or even environmental monitoring? Islamic perspectives on ethics, finance, governance, gender and education are practically absent from the datasets feeding today's most powerful AI models This is not theoretical. Around the world, AI is already making decisions – in hospitals, banks, courts and classrooms. Without proactive guidance, Muslim communities risk becoming consumers of values embedded by others. If we do not build our own models, we will inherit the blind spots of someone else's code. The GCC is ideally positioned to lead this initiative. Consider the momentum – the UAE has established the world's first graduate university dedicated to AI, launched national AI strategies and invested heavily in AI-native firms like G42. The country has appointed AI advisers to public entities and integrated AI in national planning across sectors from justice to education. Saudi Arabia is using AI at scale in Neom, through its National Data Management Office, and through initiatives such as the Global AI Summit. Qatar has incorporated AI into its 2030 National Vision, created an AI Policy Framework through the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and is investing in Arabic-language large language models for regional relevance. Together, these nations possess the credibility, capital and computational capacity to build the world's first halal AI ecosystem, one that is rooted in Islamic values but designed for global relevance. The AI Fatwa Council could serve as a global benchmark for digital ethics, working in parallel with international bodies such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and Unesco while addressing the unique jurisprudential questions of the Muslim world. It could incubate Arabic-language datasets, provide ethical certifications, train scholars in AI fluency, and launch AI educational platforms blending religious knowledge with data science. This is not about nostalgia or conservatism. It is about building a future that reflects our values. If we want tomorrow's AI to respect the Islamic worldview, we must engage today, not just with scripture, but with source code. The Prophet Mohammed urged us to 'seek knowledge, even if it be in China'. In 2025, that knowledge is encoded in neural networks and algorithms. And if we do not write ourselves into the architecture of the digital age, we will find ourselves written out. If we don't define the values of AI, others will.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GEMS School of Research and Innovation launches The SRI Club: on a mission to build the world's most influential parent network
'Power of Connection' fuels new global community where families come together to spark ventures, investments, philanthropy, and ideas – creating lasting impact beyond the classroom The Rt Hon Lord Hague, Honorary Patron of GEMS School of Research and Innovation, welcomes guests at exclusive inaugural dinner event Robert Rosen, former Head of Philanthropic Partnerships, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, announced as Senior Advisor to SRI Club LONDON, United Kingdom: GEMS School of Research and Innovation today announced the launch of The SRI Club – a first-of-its-kind global network of parents, partners, and advisors designed to unlock 'The Power of Connection' and become the world's most influential parent network. Rooted in the belief that extraordinary things happen when families connect – not only with one another but with leaders, thinkers, and changemakers beyond the school gates – The SRI Club empowers parents to collaborate, co-invest, launch ventures, share expertise, and drive philanthropy. Together, they form a powerful ecosystem with the potential to transform lives and shape the future. The community will serve as a cornerstone of GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI), GEMS Education's flagship campus opening in August 2025 in Dubai Sports City. Designed to be a global benchmark for future-focused education, SRI blends an enhanced English curriculum with cutting-edge AI integration, values-driven leadership, and world-class facilities. While the school delivers next-generation learning in the classroom, The SRI Club provides the human engine that powers opportunity, linking families with innovators, investors, subject matter experts, and changemakers across the globe. Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education, said: 'The SRI Club is a catalyst for possibility. By tapping into the power of connection, we are creating a network where families can pool talent, capital, and ideas to do great things together – whether that's launching ventures, driving philanthropic projects, or building future-ready mindsets for their own children.' The inaugural SRI Club gathering took place in London, UK, and was attended by distinguished guests from across the worlds of education, philanthropy, business, and public service. The event featured a keynote welcome address from The Rt Hon Lord Hague of Richmond, former UK Foreign Secretary and leader of the Conservative Party, who has been appointed as Honorary Patron of GEMS School of Research and Innovation. Lord Hague praised the initiative as 'an inspiring model of how schools and families can come together to forge deep, lasting partnerships in support of young people and their futures.' He added: 'This landmark school is designed from the ground up to equip young people with the skills and mindset needed to face the challenges of a fast-changing, tech-driven world. And it builds on an incredible legacy. GEMS Education is the oldest and one of the largest private K-12 education providers globally. It is widely recognised for its impact, having educated over half a million children since its founding more than 65 years ago. 'I'm also very much looking forward to working with Sunny Varkey. As the founder of GEMS Education, he is a visionary leader whose legacy in education continues to shape learning across generations. I'm honoured to contribute to SRI's ambitious vision and to help place innovation and global competitiveness at the heart of the educational experience.' Guests also heard from Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education; Robert Rosen, former Head of Philanthropic Partnerships at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Senior Advisor to the SRI Club; Azar Saliba, General Manager of Jumeirah Al Naseem and Senior Advisor to the SRI Club; and James Monaghan, CEO and Founding Principal of SRI. Key benefits of SRI Club membership include: Exclusive events and salons – such as the SRI Vanguard Forum, an off-the-record summit of parent thought leaders; an evening with an award-winning musician; and Future Feast, co-curated with a Michelin star chef Curated industry dinners – offering the chance to meet global changemakers at invitation-only events focused on tech, policy, finance, health, arts, and more, with each event gathering select changemakers to exchange insights and reimagine what's possible Philanthropy and legacy projects – meaningful opportunities to contribute to the school's long-term vision Student enrichment – opportunities to mentor students or partner on programmes to benefit pupils Digital platform – a secure space for dialogue, insights, and parent-driven collaboration James Monaghan, CEO and Founding Principal of SRI, noted: 'The SRI Club represents a unique opportunity to build something extraordinary – not just a school, but a community of influence and purpose that can contribute unique strengths to a shared journey of discovery and impact.' About GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI) Opening in August 2025, SRI will set a global benchmark for future-focused education. The campus features an enhanced English curriculum integrated with AI, leadership and entrepreneurship pathways; an Olympic-size pool, FIFA-standard football pitch, 400-metre track and 600-seat performing-arts auditorium, fully equipped music, drama, and visual arts spaces, and specialist labs for robotics, data science and sustainable design. Lord Hague of Richmond serves as the Honorary Patron of SRI, Nile Rodgers serves as the Special Advisor for Music and The Performing Arts, and Lord Coe serves as the Special Advisor for Sport. About GEMS Education Every day, GEMS Education has the privilege of educating more than 200,000 students from over 176 countries through its owned and managed schools around the world. With nearly half a million alumni who have influenced countless lives, GEMS is recognised as one of the most impactful education groups globally. Founded in the UAE in 1959, GEMS Education is the largest and most respected K–12 private education group in the world, with a track record of providing diverse curricula and educational opportunities to families from all socio-economic backgrounds. What began as a single school in a private home in Dubai remains a family business to this day. Its inspiring Chairman and Founder, Sunny Varkey, and his sons, Dino Varkey, the Group Chief Executive Officer, and Jay Varkey, the Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, continue to provide vision, insight, and strategic leadership across the organisation. Through its growing school network and philanthropic initiatives, GEMS is committed to fulfilling its vision of putting a quality education within the reach of every learner, everywhere. Each year, GEMS students graduate to join the world's leading universities. Over the past five years alone, they have been accepted into over 1,050 universities in 53 countries – including all eight Ivy League institutions in the United States and all 24 Russell Group universities in the United Kingdom. GEMS alumni have gone on to successful careers in all sectors around the world, including a large proportion reaching CEO and C-suite status. For further information about GEMS Education, visit or contact: Shilpa Johnson, Senior Account Executive, Four
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
9Yards Communications becomes first Abu Dhabi marcoms agency to join UN Global Compact
Abu Dhabi, UAE: 9Yards Communications, a fully integrated marcoms and production agency, headquartered in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, has today announced that it has joined the United Nations Global Compact initiative – a voluntary initiative for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices. Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 20,000 companies based in over 160 countries, and more than 60 Global Compact Networks. By joining this initiative, 9Yards is demonstrating a clear and proactive step towards adopting and encouraging responsible business actions by aligning their operations and strategies with the 'Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact'. Based around four core themes, the UN Global Compact covers areas in human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. In addition, it also aligns and is in support of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Commenting on today's announcement, Hussam Almulhem, CEO of 9Yards Communications, said: 'Since the company's inception, in 2017, 9Yards Communications has always strived to act and uphold the highest levels of principled business practices. 'Today, we are both proud and honoured to be formally joining a global community of likeminded companies, each doing their part in driving the world towards a working model of principled, sustainable governance.' As a participant of the initiative, 9Yards Communications has further encouraged its clients and others to learn more about the initiative and to stay updated on related activities, via its UN Global Compact page link: About 9Yards Communications 9Yards Communications is a leading marketing and communications agency headquartered in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE, and a participant in the United Nations Global Compact – adhering to its principles-based approach to responsible business. With a broad portfolio of both government and private sector entities and companies in the UAE and MENA region, 9Yards Communications is made up of a 150-strong team of marcoms professionals, across multiple marketing disciplines. These include integrated strategic consultancy, event management, public relations, advertising, multimedia production, media buying and digital media. 9Yards Communications' strategy also aligns with the vision of the UAE leadership's economic goals for diversifying the economy, encouraging innovation, and adopting long-term growth strategies in the business sphere. For more information, please visit About UN Global Compact Initiative As a special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact is a call to companies worldwide to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Our ambition is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 63 Country Networks covering 80 countries and 13 Country Managers establishing Networks in 18 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at For media enquiries: Afaf El-Sharkawy Sr. PR Manager 9Yards Communications E:
